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Draft or Handouts on permits being required

DMartin

DMartin

Registered User
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Messages
96
Location
Newton Kansas
Good Morning,
New to the jurisdiction, and inspections. Town is a little behind, now I'm trying to get it back on track. Looking to see if anyone has drafted a letter or handouts pertaining to permits required (looking for ideas). For years no one truly had to follow the rules everyone here (small town Midwest) in my position was a local. Now I am coming in from a large city looking at it from the prospective of the code, not as friend or long time neighbor. I am catching and seeing guys working without permits. Then they are coming in saying they were unaware they needed them after I issue the stop work (some just BS'ing me I'm sure but some may just be misinformed). Trying to figure out a way to get everyone in the understanding the requirements that need to be followed. Without painting a big target on my back, by stop working everyone or pulling licenses.
Any advise is appreciated
 
DMartin said:
Good Morning,
New to the jurisdiction, and inspections. Town is a little behind, now I'm trying to get it back on track. Looking to see if anyone has drafted a letter or handouts pertaining to permits required (looking for ideas). For years no one truly had to follow the rules everyone here (small town Midwest) in my position was a local. Now I am coming in from a large city looking at it from the prospective of the code, not as friend or long time neighbor. I am catching and seeing guys working without permits. Then they are coming in saying they were unaware they needed them after I issue the stop work (some just BS'ing me I'm sure but some may just be misinformed). Trying to figure out a way to get everyone in the understanding the requirements that need to be followed. Without painting a big target on my back, by stop working everyone or pulling licenses.
Any advise is appreciated
Click to expand...

what codes and year editions
 
Good Luck. If you have a local home builders association - join it an/or give a speech them - by joining them sometimes you can have a booth at a home show ( hated doing that but handed out lots of information). Ask if you can put up signs at the City Limits where it tells people that permits are required (I was never able to get that).
 
I hate to tell you start out slow
Educate

Do a handout

Hand it out when you see a job

Either give them time to get permit, prior to stop work.

Let them know one warning only.

Can you work with water a utilities to get word out, or ask them not to provide any service till a permit is issued
 
New code adoption can be an opportunity to introduce change (even if its not really a change from what should have been happening). It may make it more palatable than the "new sheriff in town" impression.....but don't get your hopes up too much. I went through the EXACT same thing in the past. I found that the good eggs will come to appreciate the regulation more than the bad eggs once they realize that a minimum standard levels the playing field a little but.
 
Sifu said:
New code adoption can be an opportunity to introduce change (even if its not really a change from what should have been happening). It may make it more palatable than the "new sheriff in town" impression.....but don't get your hopes up too much. I went through the EXACT same thing in the past. I found that the good eggs will come to appreciate the regulation more than the bad eggs once they realize that a minimum standard levels the playing field a little but.
Click to expand...
Agreed the good contractors are doing what's required. The shady ones are doing work without permits or inspections and then calling me a hard ass for asking them to comply. Another option I'm exploring is the local newspaper. I am sure some of these guys are charging for permits but not obtaining them. If the public become more aware, maybe the shabby contractors will be on their toes.
 
consider: local newspaper article/column; local TV news item, distribute fliers at construction sites, etc.
 
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