Problems with building and safety dept.'s today

As I visit different city's Building and safety departments, I Find it quite interesting how cities are finding several new ways to charge more money to consumers who want to improve their property. More fees, more red tape, more paper, and not to mention your property tax increase. It's like a penalty for improving your property... maybe if you let your property deteriorate you could now qualify for federal aid and be awarded for not caring. Think about it... Could it be that at some point, nobody will own property anymore?!