02-11-2012, 04:02 AM
I think our new building code needs some work, I particularly don’t like to idea of criminal prosecution for living in an unpermitted home. I feel for our residents that are now worried about becoming criminals for living in their home – that is not permitted.
I grew up in an unpermitted home with an open metal roof, single wall construction, and without a single glass window (all windows were screens). My family was safe and happy; we were also not burdened by a large mortgage. In the early 90’s the county had an amnesty period for getting homes permitted and my family did get the home permitted. At that time is was a reasonable process and we did not need to do any major alterations.
The data does not support such a stringent code. We have homes that were built in the 30’s that are still here. Where is the data to support such a stringent building code on our island?
I am looking forward to helping make the alternative building code an option for our people. I was having a conversation the other day with an acquaintance and he was telling me there is a county in Florida that has an “alternative building code” and it is working. Florida has more issues with natural disasters (hurricanes) than many other states and the building code is working and people are still safe. I am gathering more info on this Florida code to see how it could fit here on our island. I have another potential idea that could work, I am checking into the legal viability of it before I make it public. I will say this it would not be limited to just agriculture lands.
The people of our island should have an option to build a cost effective home in a manner that works for their life style. I do think it’s important that safety is a priority, just not to the point it drives the cost so high the average person cannot afford it or causes them to take on addition debt. As with many issues we need to find a balance.
An issue that I get a lot of comments on is the process of obtaining and finalizing a building permit and the pain the neck it is. I feel it’s crucial for the process to be stream-lined and people actually feel they are being served in the process. Government is supposed to serve the people! When I am elected I will sit down with the department heads and find a way to work together to improve the process. Taking a combative approach is not the answer in my opinion, working with people and finding comprise and cooperation is the key.
I grew up in an unpermitted home with an open metal roof, single wall construction, and without a single glass window (all windows were screens). My family was safe and happy; we were also not burdened by a large mortgage. In the early 90’s the county had an amnesty period for getting homes permitted and my family did get the home permitted. At that time is was a reasonable process and we did not need to do any major alterations.
The data does not support such a stringent code. We have homes that were built in the 30’s that are still here. Where is the data to support such a stringent building code on our island?
I am looking forward to helping make the alternative building code an option for our people. I was having a conversation the other day with an acquaintance and he was telling me there is a county in Florida that has an “alternative building code” and it is working. Florida has more issues with natural disasters (hurricanes) than many other states and the building code is working and people are still safe. I am gathering more info on this Florida code to see how it could fit here on our island. I have another potential idea that could work, I am checking into the legal viability of it before I make it public. I will say this it would not be limited to just agriculture lands.
The people of our island should have an option to build a cost effective home in a manner that works for their life style. I do think it’s important that safety is a priority, just not to the point it drives the cost so high the average person cannot afford it or causes them to take on addition debt. As with many issues we need to find a balance.
An issue that I get a lot of comments on is the process of obtaining and finalizing a building permit and the pain the neck it is. I feel it’s crucial for the process to be stream-lined and people actually feel they are being served in the process. Government is supposed to serve the people! When I am elected I will sit down with the department heads and find a way to work together to improve the process. Taking a combative approach is not the answer in my opinion, working with people and finding comprise and cooperation is the key.