Expired permits

[Sol]

We have a discussion going on in our office about expired permits. One person thinks we should keep sending letters out to the applicant to renew the permit and close it out. I believe one letter goes out stating the permit expired and we close the file stating the permit expired. Please let me know how others handle the situation

 

[mtlogcabin]

We did one letter and if no response we would hang a door tag. After that stamp expired.

 

[righter101]

Or.....

You can just ignore them for, say, the better part of 2 decades. Then when new staff comes along, such as myself, we can try to decide what to do.

That's literally the situation I found myself in.

If I had to start over, I would give them a notice about the expiration, allow 30 days to come current, then expire the file.

Also, for projects that have been started and are being expired, I would have Code Enforcement or one of the inspectors keep an eye on the project to see if work is being done without a permit.

It's tough when you let it go too long. We are looking for a legal solution that is fair and resonable, but also one that doesn't reward non compliance.

For instance, we have a number of permits that got up to the final and had a list of items. The people just decided not to correct those items or didn't think they needed something like a guard rail. I don't think it's right to final the permit, rather another solution should be found.

Good luck and let us know what you come up with.

 

[fatboy]

We do two letters, unless it's a simple one like siding or a roof, then we just do it. The first letter goes out at 150 days, letting them know it is getting close, the second at 180. Before expiring we do a door knock also.

 

[mont1230]

We give a phone call when the permit had no activity for 6 months and either leave a message or let the contractor he has until a month to get something started. Then we send a letter to the contractor and homeowner. One to the homeowner letting them aware what is going on. Most of the time they don't know this was going on and they usually make a phone call too. If no response from either one, we send a notice to our legal department and they send out a notice to both too. Stating the violation not getting inspections carries a minimum fine of $165.00 up to a maximum $750.00 per violation per day. If not pursued within a month of the letter, a file of a complaint in the Circuit Court asking for a fine and order to comply with Code is made. The first letter from the legal department gets their attention.

 

[Keystone]

Strictly closing the file due to no response depending on the situation can lead to culpability!

Sol - I would recommend your department implement a written policy and have it approved by the CBO, council or solicitor.

 

[Papio Bldg Dept]

We call the owner and GC to verify status. If no response, we send a letter to the owner. 30 days without a response results in a red tag. Our permits automatically expire within 180 days of no inspection, and require a renewal process to be requested to reactivate. If the permit has remained expired for more than 180 days, the permit will be voided. The owner is again sent a letter of notification and urged to respond so that we do not have to go through the code enforcement procedures for abandoned or unsafe structure.

Not easy...but I guess that is why they use phrases like "due diligence" and 'good faith efforts."