BOARD MATTER

December 5, 2005

Permits Task Force

Mr. Chairman,

On average, the County is receiving three permit applications each week for home additions that are actually newly constructed homes on existing foundations. Our current guidelines of what constitutes a new home versus an addition do not adequately address the variety of circumstances encountered in the current building and remodeling climate. Thus, a clear definition is needed to address the discrepancy. Ideally, any such policy would be incorporated into legislation to provide enforcement with sufficient leverage to achieve compliance. In addition, policies need to be established that will ensure proper safety inspections, code compliance requirements, and overcome code enforcement challenges. Present trends indicate an increased number of similar applications each week due to the lack of land availability, economic conditions, and the rising cost for new homes.

Motion:

Therefore, I move for the Board's unanimous consent to establish a cross agency task force in order to clarify the above mentioned definition; determine inspection and code compliance needs including when Residential Use Permits are required; and identify which agency/branch will be responsible for issuing these types of permits. Furthermore, I move that the Permits Division of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to lead and guide the task force process and include the agencies and organizations that are deemed appropriate to this process. Lastly, the Permits Task Force will provide the Board with a written report of the issues that were identified and resultant recommendations within one year from the date of approval of this Board.