Building Will Be Slightly More Expensive in 2014 With Higher Fees

The cost of building a house or placing a sign will rise in 2014 as the city implements an increase in permit fees.

As of Jan. 1, 2014, the city announced via a press release that permit fees will increase 1.1% versus the 2013 pricing structure. The implementation is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The increase is less than it has been in previous years. Fees went 2.7% in 2013 and 3.2% in 2012.

City Code Administration Manager Joe Caruso says that the method used for the fees create stability for builders and developers. He says that raising the fees annually, "prevents sticker shock that can occur if permit fees are raised after having remained unchanged for years."

Yakima issued permits for valued at $73 million through the end of September.