Permits, Inspectors, And Headaches
Dec/29/07 11:44 PM
Nearly 2 months later, we have FINALLY received our building permit. I’d swear that we have jumped through more hoops than a Vegas circus act. Kristin, being the one in charge of the administrative part of the renovation, is as happy as can be.
Most people fear the Building inspector. It almost seems that when the inspector shows up, everyone ducks for cover, and braces for the worst. In fact, when the Inspector showed up to inspect the temporary pole, one of the construction crew RAN all the way to my house to alert me that the inspector had arrived, when he could have just called my cell.
I do have to say, it was a bit intimidating. I expected some guy in coveralls and a clipboard. Instead it was 2 guys who looked the part of FBI field agents with matching jackets, hats and all. Kristin and I nervously introduced ourselves. And right off the bat we discovered this wasn’t some guy that was going to make us tear our house down and start over. No. He was, actually, very nice and extremely helpful. He told us a couple of minor things to change but that he would go ahead and approve it upon our promise to do so.
Kristin and I let out a sigh of relief as they started down the driveway. One of them was talking on his cell phone, THEN... They turned around and came back. “Um, Mr. Williams you are aware that your building permit was denied?” All the color drained from my face, as one of the crew squeezed passed us carrying lumber into the house.
I panicked, I looked at Kristin, back to the inspector, back to Kristin. I think my words were. “Uh, I... Um, sh eee, what?” Roughly translated meant “Oh, SH!T” It took every ounce of will-power not to take off running and screaming something to the effect of, “You’ll never take me alive, coppers!” But I didn’t, and Kristin calmly said “Oh, yea, they needed some paperwork that I took to them today.”
“Oh, ok, then come by the office today so we can get you your permit.” The color slowly returned to my face.