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1. When is an occupancy permit required?

An occupancy permit is required whenever there is a change in occupancy or a change in ownership of a residential or non-residential structure. An inspection of the structure and premises is required prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.

2. How many people can normally reside in a single-family dwelling?

Generally the occupancy is limited by the size of the structure. Simply put, you must have a minimum of fifty (50) sq. ft. per person in a bedroom (minimum bedroom size is 70 sq. ft) and the bedrooms must meet the minimum requirements of the housing code. The other factors are defining a family unit. A family unit is defined as parents and their children or other blood relatives or, for the purpose of regulating occupancy; no more than three (3) unrelated people living together as a household unit.

3. What are the fees for a minimum standards inspection and an occupancy permit? How long are they good for?

Each inspection is fifty($50) dollars which includes one reinspection and an occupancy permit is thirty($30) dollars. The inspection is valid for 120 days. The occupancy permit is good for as long as you reside at that address or there becomes a change in the dwelling occupancy status.

4. How soon can I schedule a residential inspection?

The inspection usually can be scheduled within 24 to 48 hours of the date the application is submitted. The fee for the inspection is required before it can be scheduled.

5. Can I mail in the application along with the payment and schedule it over the phone?

Yes. As long as the payment accompanies the application scheduling over the phone is permitted.

6. What types of payment are accepted for occupancy permits and inspections?

Check, cash or money order are accepted.

7. How do I add or remove someone from an occupancy permit?

To add someone to an existing occupancy permit, a new residential inspection is required,
the fee is $50.00. After the property has been inspected and “passed” a new permit will be
issued for $30.00. The only exceptions are marriage or a birth of a child. In this instance a marriage or birth certificate must be presented and they are added at no charge. To remove someone from a permit the city will need something in writing stating that you wish to remove the individual or individuals from the permit.

8. What are some construction examples that require a building permit?

New and replacement sheds, pools, garages, fences, driveways, porches, decks, gazebos, pergolas and similar structures;and room additions, interior remodeling, basement renovations, structural modifications; moving, eliminating or building walls or similar projects. An example of projects that do not require a permit or painting, roof shingle replacement ( 2 layer maximum), siding window and door replacement (when going with the same size openings), guttering and downspouts and landscaping vegetation. It is alwasy best to call for specific permit information.

9. Are building permits expensive?

The cost of most permits are based upon the construction value of the project. Residential permit fees are ten dollars ($10) for the first one thousand dollars ($1000) of construction value and two dollars ($2) for each additional thousand plus ten dollars ($10) for each inspection required. Some permits are flat fee based. Fence and shed permits are ten dollars ($10) each and most swimming pool permits are thirty-five dollars ($35) each plus an inspection fee. Please call City Hall for specific fee information.

10. What happens if I start a project that requires a permit without first having obtained the permit?

A stop work order will be placed on the work and you must cease all construction until a valid permit is obtained. Work already performed is subject to review and inspection. Construction that is found to be sub-standard or that does not meet minimum code requirements will have to be changed or replaced at the owners expense. It is always best to ask if a permit is required prior to the start of construction.

11. What are some of the most common ordinance violations?

No occupancy permit, construction without a permit, grass and weeds over nine (9) inches high, unlicensed vehicles and trailers, parking on the grass or an unimproved surface,parking of derelict or junk vehicles. Home occupation without proper license, failure to maintain minimum maintenance standards, accumulations of trash, debrish and junk; no trash service or having suspended service, improper outside storage, not have a permit for a garage or yard sale and similar infractions. A complete list of ordinances can be researched at City Hall

12. If I receive an ordinance violation letter from the city and just ignore it will my problems go away?

Probably not. We always recommend making a phone call to the inspector that sent you the letter. The inspectors are more inclined to work with you in granting additional time sing alternative resources when you make an acklowledgement of the problem and your desire to correct it. Ignoring the notice and subsequent correspondence will only result in the issuance of a municipal court summons.

13. So I get the court summons, now what do I do?

At this stage you have to go to court, there are no other options. When you appear before the judge he will ask if you are guilty or innocent of the charge and if the necessary corrective action has been taken. If the problem has been corrected you will most likely receive a fine plus court cost. If the problems still exists, you will probably receive a new court date with instructions from the judge to take care of the problem by the next court date and a range of fines wherein your penalty might be. If you don't appear in court as required, a warrant wlle be issued for your arrest.

14. I want to work outside using power tools and lawn equipment, are there any noice restrictions?

Yes. You can work outside using power tools and engine powered equipment between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM every day of the week. It's a good idea however to be considerate of a neighbor who sleeps during the day because they work nights or those who sleep in on holdidays or weekends once in a while.