state inspection scams

That's rough Sherpa. I'm guessing that you're gonna need to cut a hole in your roof for the vent hood, and obviously tap into the plumbing for the mop sink. I'm sure local regs vary but the Certificate of Occupancy is probably required as a way of completeing you building permit. We were a new construction, but it seems like we had to get everyone from the fire marshall all the way down to the dog catcher to sign off before we could get our C.O.

You may already be trying this, but I do have a couple of things that MIGHT help. You may be able to negotiate with the architect. We didn't shop around, but we felt that the architect's original bid seem WAY high. With a friendly but firm phone call, we were able to knock off about 30% of the fees.

Another thing to think about... I you use an architect and a contractor that have previous experience with this type of job around your municipality, they might be able to streamline the process. Might not save you money on the front end, but if you have a projected opening date, and that date needs to be delayed due to failed inspections, it will cost you revenue dollars.

I hope it all goes well for you, I know it's no fun dealing with bureaucracies.

Sherpa,

Given the fiscal woes most states are experiencing, I'm not surprized to hear of the Occupancy & Compliance fees in the $1K+ range. As for submitting plans, check to see if they are required to be drawn-up by a licensed architect. Many years ago, I went through the same process in Vermont. A simple schematic, which I drew-up, was enough to suffice.

Darn bureaucrats...they're always the last to get it that SMALL BUSINESSES are the ones which drive our economy...and it always seems like they're trying to put us all OUT OF BUSINESS.

holy smackeral! i feel for ya man! next thing ya know, they are gonna require you to have a fire system over that c.s. hope not!
sure makes me cringe at the thought of moving to the north. we have been thinking of moving to philly, but that means selling our place here in savannah... good luck on the c.o.

In Washington State the Building dept charges $150 for phone calls and $97 to come in and pay your fees. I understand where you are coming from. Total fee here are very similar, you have to wonder if they really want you to open a business.
Jim