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Construction without permits an issue in Hastings
City of Hastings Development Services Department has encountered several active construction projects without permits recently.
Not getting a permit could slow the project down and make it more expensive. The resident or business is ultimately responsible for making sure the permit is received.
Starting a project without a building or applicable trades permit (e.g. electrical or plumbing) is a violation of the City’s Code of Ordinance.
When a construction project is found to have started without a permit, the work must stop immediately until a permit is issued. Sometimes, if the work already done is not up to the building and trades code, that work and materials will need to be altered or removed.
These situations are time consuming and waste hard-earned money that could be avoided by getting a permit before starting work. Also, the automatic penalty for doing work without a permit is having the permit fee being doubled.
The building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire codes are adopted to make sure new buildings, additions, and improvements are done in a way that is safe and that the building systems (e.g. electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems) function properly.
During the permitting process, trained staff will review the building plans to make the plans comply with the codes. Once construction begins, the project is inspected to make sure the builders follow the permitted plans and follow the building and fire codes.
The permitting process also makes sure that the people doing the work are properly licensed and can do the permitted work.
Most homeowners and business insurance will require new buildings, additions and repairs to have a valid and completed permit for it to be insured.
When it comes time to sell the building, many purchasers will want assurance that the work done to the building was permitted.
The building and fire codes are tested to make sure the structure and its systems are as safe as possible. If a building is not done to code, it could fall down, be more easily damaged by a windstorm, not be as energy efficient, which increases utility bills, or could be an increased risk to fire. These risks also apply to the systems being installed incorrectly. Damaged by a poorly installed sewer, water pipe, electrical outlet, or HVAC system could cause a flood or fire in a home or cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Development Services staff members know home and business owners want their construction projects done quickly and time is money for contractors doing the work. Development Service staff work hard to review and turn around building permit applications quickly so that projects and budgets can stay on schedule. It is the staff’s goal to have a complete permit application reviewed and issued within 10 days for most projects.
The city has a simple application process for building permits. The preferred route is to apply online by visiting the Development Services application portal at https://cityofhastings.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/cityofhastings.
Published Date: 08/15/2023