The Marion County Board of Commissioners today approved an order to waive Marion County building and septic permit fees for primary residences damaged or destroyed by the Sept. 2020 wildfires.
Commissioner Colm Willis, chair, said, "We want Santiam Canyon residents to know we're rooting for you. We are with you, we support you, and we want to help you rebuild."
The value of the waiver, approximately $2,000 dollars per 1,500 square foot home, represents an estimated $1.2 million in permit fees. There are approximately 800 Marion County homes damaged or destroyed by the wildfires; approximately 470 of which are primary homes.
While insurance typically covers permit fees, this waiver will hopefully make more of those insurance funds available to individuals as they rebuild.
Fee waivers will be based on fees for a dwelling of a similar sized footprint as the dwelling being repaired or replaced and apply to Marion County building and septic permit fees. The policy is effective for five years for permits that qualify between Sept. 8, 2020 and Sept. 8, 2025.
For more information on Marion County building and septic permits, contact Marion County Public Works at 503-588-5147 or email building@co.marion.or.us.
