The Webster County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to cut building permit fees in half for new single family homes. This 50 percent reduction is in effect through Dec. 31.

”Our goal is to incentivize people to start building in the unincorporated areas,” Supervisor Mark Campbell said.

In a report to the board, Jeff Johnson, the county’s planning and zoning administrator, wrote ”This reduction is to recognize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the residents of Webster County.”

Building permit fees for houses in unincorporated areas of Webster County are based on the size of the structure.

- Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A nearly completed new home on Division Street in Coalville awaits its occupnats. The Webster County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to cut in half the building permit fees for new single family homes in unincorporated areas of the county. The reduction is in effect through the end of this year.

As a result of the newly implemented reduction, the fee for a house of less than 1,500 square feet is $175.

The fee for a house measuring between 1,500 and 2,499 square feet is $375.

The fee for a house of 2,500 square feet and more is $500.

Campbell said last year the county received $20,000 in building permit fee revenue for new houses in the unincorporated areas.

Last year, the Fort Dodge City Council offered a 50 percent reduction of all building permit fees if the permit was obtained by July 31 and work started within 60 days.