Dateline: June 14, 2001

Building permits required in city 

Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Building permits are not often thought about in Clarendon, but they are required for any project costing $250 or more.

City officials brought the issue of permitting to the public’s attention last fall when private encroachments in city alleyways threatened a waterworks improvement grant project. Some recent residential projects around the town of again called attention to the problem.

A 1952 city ordinance requires a permit for any wall, structure, building, or part thereof that is built, enlarged, altered, or repaired. A plan of the proposed work and a list of materials must be provided for approval by the city.

Officials say the purpose of the permitting process is to insure that structures are not build on city property, in city rights of way, or in city streets.

The process also protects people from encroaching on their neighbor’s property and is a way to ensure the safety of the public.

Not obtaining a permit can cause problems for the city as well as for the property owner. This was highlighted last month when the board of aldermen was approached regarding a home in south Clarendon where part of the porch on a residence and a fence were built out into a platted street. Financing for the sale of that house can’t be obtained because of that situation, the board was told. The city was asked to deed over part of the street to clear up the matter. The aldermen took no action at that time.

 The cost of a building permit is $1.25 for the first $1,000 of a project and an additional 25¢ for each additional $1,000. For example, the cost of a permit to build a $50,000 home would be $13.50. 

The ordinance calls for a penalty of up to $100 per day for persons convicted of a violation of the permitting process.