Businesses and residents may soon pay more when applying for certain permits if the city of North Bend adjusts its fee methodology on Tuesday evening, during its regular council meeting.

The changes would apply to mechanical, fire suppression system, and structural building permits. The city only issues structural and mechanical permits.

According to a memorandum from David Voss, North Bend’s community development director, the State Building Codes Division developed a statewide methodology for determining permit fees, which the division adopted in June. The new rules gave municipalities until Jan. 1 to comply with the requirements.

The difference in a building permit fee for a 2,500 square-foot wood frame single-family dwelling after the change would be about a $461 increase, equaling $2,688, versus $2,227.  The increase is based on the new International Code Council table, provided by the state, which multiplies the square footage of the proposed structure - in this case 2,500 - with a $96.83 per-square-foot fee. It is now $75.20 per square foot.

Voss said he doesn’t expect permit applicants to be pleased with the change, but said the city has to comply with the new requirements.

“There’s nothing we really can do about it. We have to use that table now,” Voss said. “I don’t think it’s a terrible increase or anything. It could be worse.”

Also during the meeting, the council will review a request from city staff to pay half the tab on repairs to the North Bend Public Library.

In October, the city and the library worked together to fund repairs to the library’s roof. The bids for the work came several thousand dollars under budget. Since there are funds remaining, staff members suggested the city proceed with repairs to the library’s heating-cooling system, broken bollards at its main entrance, install a lighting control box and replace two water heaters for public and staff areas. Repairs are estimated at $23,267 and the staff proposes the cost be shared 50-50 between the library donation fund and the city’s capital project fund.

The North Bend City Council is scheduled to meet at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, in the council chambers at city hall, 835 California St. in North Bend.