Lawrence builders filed suit Thursday against City Hall, saying building fees are being used illegally to fund “social programs.”

“Defendant unlawfully uses building permit fee revenue … to fund the activities of rental inspectors, environmental inspectors for existing buildings and other initiatives that have no relationship to the regulation of building activity,” attorney Terrence Campbell said in the suit, which was filed in Douglas County District Court.

City officials generally declined comment Thursday. Earlier in the week, however, Assistant City Manager Dave Corliss discussed the possibility of the lawsuit with the Journal-World.

He said the city believes permit fees can be used to support ongoing inspections even after construction is complete.

“Our belief is … the community’s responsibility for a building doesn’t end when the homebuilder sells the house,” Corliss said Wednesday.