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Building a fence' Get a permit first By SARAH MURPHY MailTribune.com By SARAH MURPHY Posted Jul. 14, 1998 @ 2:00 am Updated Feb 16, 2011 at 7:36 AM By SARAH MURPHY Posted Jul. 14, 1998 @ 2:00 am Updated Feb 16, 2011 at 7:36 AM » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Many small do-it-yourself projects require city's OK Medford is a city with building standards -- lots of them. Building permits are required for new structures, of course, but do-it-yourselfers might not know the city also requires permits for smaller projects, like new fences and ready-made sheds. I'm like anybody else, says Rich Oliveria, who recently received building permits to remodel his Medford home and build a new garage and shop. I get confused about where and when you're supposed to get permits for some of the smaller projects. Oliveria says getting permits to remodel his house was a no-brainer: They're pretty major projects. It would be no question. Some smaller projects, however, are more questionable. If you're planning to build a new deck, for example, you won't need a building permit if the deck is not more than 30 inches above the ground and the edge of the deck is at least — feet away from the property line. If the deck is higher off the ground or closer to the property line, you'll need a permit. Sheds that are larger than 120 square feet will need a foundation and inspection, but even smaller sheds require permits. To be safe, folks planning home-improvement projects should check with the city's Building Safety Department about permits and codes, says Chris Reising, the department's director. Smaller building projects like adding swimming pools and fences require permits, as do many plumbing and electrical projects, Reising says. City engineers and inspectors look over the plans to make sure they seem safe and conform to Oregon building codes. The whole idea of the permit program is to make sure folks aren't creating a hazardous situation for themselves or future occupants (of the house), says Reising. Applications for permits typically require to-scale sketches and/or detailed plans for the project. The permit approval process often takes a week or two, says Reising, explaining that many permits also pass through the city planning and engineering departments for approval. It's a lot cheaper to catch mistakes on paper than out in the field, he says. The cost of the permits varies with the value of the project and type of permit, Reising says. Building permit fees start at $10.50 for work valued at $500 or less, and increase with the value. Some critics of the permit process argue that it's just another way for the government to get at their pocketbooks. But that's not the case, Reising says. It's not really to generate revenue for the city, he says. The amount of revenue we generate isn't enough to pay for the inspections. Contractors account for about 85 to 90 percent of the building department's clients, Reising estimates. That might be because do-it-yourselfers aren't aware of the permit requirements, says John Hanson, who works at Black Bird Center. The best advice I can give people -- whether they try to go code or not -- is to try to get them to find out what the code (requirement) is and why it's that way, he says. Oliveria speculates that some people just don't care about getting building permits and following codes. Some of the old-timers would like to have it where anybody can do whatever they want, he says. Whatever their reasons, the building department knows some folks -- lots of folks -- don't get permits. And sometimes they get caught. When the building inspectors go around town inspecting permit-holders' work, they don't go with blinders on, Reising warns. If they see neighbors working on a project that requires a permit, the inspectors will check for permits. Fences are a pretty easy one because you can see it from the street, Reising says. The department will tell people to get permits if they need one, and fees may double for after-the-fact permits. Reising also has some advice for people who hire contractors: Check to make sure the contractor is registered with the Construction Contractors Board. The board's number is (503) 378-4621. Also, agree in advance -- and in writing -- who will be responsible for getting the permits. By SARAH MURPHY MailTribune.com By SARAH MURPHY Posted Jul. 14, 1998 @ 2:00 am Updated Feb 16, 2011 at 7:36 AM » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. 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