The Cowboys of Lorain- THE PROCESS- Q and A Part three

Part One
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/the-cowboys-of-lorain-building-standards-part-one/

Part Two

http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/the-cowboys-of-lorain-part-two-the-demo-men/

As Chief Building Inspector Richard Klinar answered a question put to him by yours truly at the Demolition Appeals meeting with:

” Mrs. Ritchey there is a “process” to be followed you can’t inspect the windows unless the walls are up”

Well! I was amazed and dumfounded!!!!! – I really hadn’t realized that would have been necessary ( for those not familiar with me this is pure sarcasm!).

Although my question wasn’t fully answered which dealt with are “all inside inspections based on a request of the property owner?” his mention of “process” did lead me to ask of the Administration – in particular Derek Feuerstein ( Chief of Staff) for the City of Lorain. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his quick responses to the following questions and information ( re PDF files) ( EMPHASIS MINE -TW)

QUESTION THAT WOMAN:
Hypothetically I have an older property that I have purchased which is in dire need of rehab- Can you please answer and or expand on the questions on the “process” I, as the property owner, goes through to bring the property up to “minimum” code?

Firstly: what exactly is the minimum code the City of Lorain follows- re electrical, plumbing, HV , structure etc. where would I find that information . Is asbestos and mold abatement taken into account in the minimum code for Lorain? If, as I was informed this morning, the state decides our codes why is it surrounding communities such as Lakewood seem to have a higher standard of what is acceptable in their communities?

CITY ANSWERS:
The City of Lorain follows the Ohio Residential Code 2012 for their minimum standards. No asbestos and mold abatement is conducted. In speaking with a rep from the city’s health department, he indicated no policy in the State of Ohio dictates mold levels within a home. Our inspections, for construction, are based on the Ohio Residential Code 2012, but not for maintenance. Every city adopts their own type of maintenance codes; Lorain chose to adopt the International Property Maintenance Code.

QUESTION – THAT WOMAN:

Assuming I am rehabbing a property for possible rental- I am NOT a licensed and bonded contractor just a property owner who plans on acting as my own contractor – I pull a building permit to do the work – Is this a blanket permit or do I pull permits for electrical, plumbing structure separately? What is the cost of such a permit and how long is the permit good for.

CITY ANSWERS:

The City of Lorain does not issue blanket permits. Each permit is for a specific job. Every permit is separate, no blanket permits are given. All permits are a percentage of the overall cost of the project. I have included a fee structure sheet for you.
NOTE THE PDF FILE FOR THE FEES CAN BE FOUND HERE
20130118151839773.pdf

( also you will need to rotate the pdf view)

QUESTION – THAT WOMAN:
If the permit is good for a specified period of time and I have been unable (for various reasons) to accomplish any of the proposed work on the property can I pull another permit after the aforesaid permit expires – how many times am I able to do this- Is there any documentation given to the city the property owner has the funds to complete the project?

CITY ANSWERS:

The permit is valid for one year. However, you must start the work within 6 months of being issued the permit. An individual with a valid permit can request for an extension for up to 6 months. If after this extension, the individual must apply for a brand new permit. The Building Department does not require proof of funds for repair in order to receive a permit.

Follow Up – QUESTION- THAT WOMAN:
How many times can a property owner apply for the permit can he/she just keep applying for a new permit into infinity or is there a limit to the number of times a permit can be pulled for the same property and job of work?

CITY ANSWERS:

I have attached “Permit Approval code section” for your review on permits. According to section 105.4, two extensions can be granted. After those extensions, the code does not restrict anyone from filing a brand new application for a permit.

PDF File – Permit Approval Code found here
Permit Extension code section

NOTE: TW- I feel a little voice in my head saying “infinity and beyond” -

to be CONTINUED

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