State employees currently conduct the required code inspections- structural, electrical and plumbing - for new construction in thecounty. The switch would not include incorporated cities in thecounty, which must file separate requests. As well, sending theletter does not commit the county to taking on the program. Itmerely shows interest and the county's intent to better study thecosts (two inspectors, office equipment and vehicles) and revenue(inspection permit fees) associated with the responsibility.

The county can back out if the plan does not pencil out, butofficials predict the numbers would show it would be at least abreakeven proposition. For the last fiscal year, the state issued2,085 permits in Clatsop County and listed total revenue at morethan $277,000. The state approached the county last January, afterSeaside elected to take on the service, but was declined at thattime. The city of Seaside is predicting annual profits in the$30,000 range.