CLINTON — The Clinton Select Board voted 5–0 on Oct. 22, 2025, to approve updates to the town’s building permit and inspection fees, which members noted had not been changed in “quite some time,” following a proposal from Building Commissioner Gary Smith.
“So, you have a pamphlet in front of you,” Smith told the board. Later adding, “I’m looking to go with $12 per $1,000 overall for residential and commercial across the board for the building department.”
He explained that the new schedule simplifies rates and modernizes outdated figures, although the mechanical permit fees have not changed.
Prior to the Oct. 22 vote, Clinton’s building permit fees were calculated by square footage for new residential construction and at $5 per $1,000 plus a $90 fee for renovations and commercial projects.
The change from $5 per $1,000 plus a $90 fee to a flat $12 per $1,000 for building permit fees means smaller projects (i.e. those less than $12,857) will have lower fees, but most larger residential or commercial projects will see a significant fee increase.
“The electrical permit fees — for sake of making it simple — $20 per thousand up to the first $1,000,000 and then $10 per $1,000 after that,” Smith said. “Reinspection fee is $50 and the minimum permit fee is $60.”
Select Board members voiced support for the proposal.
“Good job, Gary, first of all,” Select Board Member Mary Dickhaut said. “I think it’s about time — there’s a lot of development going on, and I think that this is bringing money into the town. It’s about time we started getting in line with what other communities are doing.”
After a brief discussion, the board unanimously approved the changes. “All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? 5-0,” Julie Perusse, the board chair announced. Adding, “Thank you for all this information, too.”
