| Did my building inspection pass? |
| | For your convenience, inspection results for new dwellings are posted on the jobsite normally located on the stud wall to the bathroom or in a conspicuous place. Inspection results for most projects are usually available the day following the inspection by calling the Department of Neighborhood Services and Inspections at 653-4263. |
| Why do I have to follow building code requirements? |
| | The State Department of Commerce, as well as local ordinances, mandates these minimum health and safety requirements for the protection of the public. |
| Can I get a variance from a code requirement? |
| | All building code requirements are mandatory. The only body that can provide relief is the State Department of Commerce. Local authority cannot waive any code requirement. |
| How much does a permit cost? |
| | Permit costs can vary greatly. A complete list of permit fees is available at this Web Site. |
| What is my property zoned? |
| | Refer to Zoning Ordinance and zoning map |
| May I do my own electric work? plumbing work? heating work? |
| | In most cases a State license is required to perform this type of work. In some cases, a homeowner may be allowed to perform certain work in a dwelling that he/she owns and occupies. Contact the Department of Neighborhood Services and Inspections at 653-4263 for further information. |
| May I act as my own general contractor? |
| | As of April 1, 1995, the State Department of Commerce instituted the requirement of mandatory State Certification for residential contractors who take out Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) and erosion control permits. Exempt from this requirement are persons constructing a home which they intend to occupy immediately after construction. Also, exempt are owner/occupied single-family homes. Owners of commercial projects may act as their own general contractor, however, in most cases would be required to retain the services of a licensed supervising professional (Architect or Design Engineer). |
| Is the property buildable? |
| | Minimum zoning requirements relative to permitted use and setbacks will usually dictate whether or not a property is buildable. Contact the Department of Neighborhood Services and Inspections for specific information. |
| Do my commercial construction plans require State approval? |
| | If a proposed building or addition exceeds 5,000 square feet, or 50,000 cubic feet, it is required to be submitted to the State for review and approval. Alterations of existing areas exceeding 10,000 square feet are also subject to State review. All other plans are reviewed locally. |
| Are the inspectors qualified? |
| | Inspectors are required by State law to be certified in their respective disciplines. Most inspectors on staff have multiple certifications which require annual continuing education. |
| What authority does the City have to inspect private property? |
| | The City's authority to inspect private property is contained in its General Code of Ordinances. Those ordinances are based on State statutes, legal precedent, and federal law dating back to the Housing Act of 1949. |
| Why would my property be inspected by the City? |
| | The City inspects property based on complaints received, as part of its Targeted Inspection Program, and in connection with occupancy permits or lodging house licenses. |
| What happens if I do not make the repairs required by the City? |
| | If a property owner absolutely refuses to make repairs to his/her property, the City may issue a municipal citation for $164 for each violation. If the owner continues to refuse to make the repairs, the City Attorney's Office may issue a long-form summons and complaint to the owner for $1000 per violation per day for each day the violation exists. |
| Do I have to make repairs required by the City? |
| | Generally speaking - YES. However, every property owner does have the right to appeal an Order to Repair to the Board of Housing Appeals. More information on appeals and the Board of Housing Appeals is available at this Web Site. |
| Can I get an extension to complete the repairs? |
| | If a property owner has made progress in completing the repairs, has had legal or medical problems that prevented him from completing the repairs, or can demonstrate the weather prevented him from completing the repairs, he may be eligible for an extension in accordance with Department and program policies. |
| What should I do if I receive an Order To Repair? |
| | You should start making the repairs. If you have questions, contact the Property Maintenance Inspector who wrote the orders. The most important thing a property owner can do is stay in contact with the inspector. |
| When does my landlord have to turn on the heat? |
| | When the landlord has to turn on the heat is determined by the inside and outside temperatures. The landlord or responsible person shall supply heat to maintain a temperature of not less than 68 degrees F in all habitable rooms and bathrooms when the outside temperature is at or above 0 degrees F and 60 degrees F when the outside temperature is below 0 degrees F. |
| Do I have to pay my rent if the landlord does not make repairs to my unit? |
| | Yes, unless advised otherwise by an attorney who has reviewed your particular circumstances. Another option is participation in the City's Rent Withholding Program. If a landlord fails to make City-required repairs, the tenant may apply to participate in the program. Eligible tenants pay their rent directly to the City who holds the funds in escrow until the landlord completes the repairs. |
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