Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Bellevue cracks down on do-it-yourselfers

Building permits required for most home improvements


By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

Do-it-your-self home renovators in Bellevue had better follow the rules. If their improvements are substantial enough, they will need building permits.

If they don't have a permit, the project will be shut down.

"With the recession we are seeing more and more do-it-yourselfers," said Planning Director Craig Eckles. "I've had to red flag several that should have had building permits."

Bellevue requires building permits for re-roofing, siding, installation of windows, decking, construction of storage sheds over 200 square feet in size, fences over 6 feet high and interior remodels.

Eckles said a common oversight is expansion of a building into the minimum required setbacks or non-buildable areas, or across a property line.

In a letter sent to residents in utility bills this month, Eckles warned those seeking to remodel that they should first obtain a building permit from the Planning and Zoning Department.

"Without one, your lending institution and insurance company may not be able to fund, re-finance or insure your investment," the letter states.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com




 Local Weather 
Search archives:


Copyright © 2024 Express Publishing Inc.   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy
All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Express Publishing Inc. is prohibited. 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.