Inspector updates public on building requirements

Just recently, the City of Cassville renewed its efforts to ensure that local builders and contractors were properly applying the minimum basic safety standards in the construction and remodeling of public and private structures. Understandably, this action is not appreciated by those who are not willing to meet such standards and they have spoken their piece on this issue.

As the Building Inspector for Cassville, it is my hope that providing the information to you first hand with your opportunity to respond directly with questions or comments will help us to better communicate the City's true actions in this regard.

I want to begin by publicly thanking the many reputable and capable builders and contractors, large and small, who have contacted me and other officials with their gratitude and support. Quality professional builders and contractors know the minimum safety standards and apply them regularly. Doing the job right and ensuring the safety of the public by meeting (and often exceeding) the basic minimum standards is not foreign to them.

The elected officials who carefully decided many years ago to act to protect the citizens of Cassville by adopting these minimum standards acted out of duty and concern for the public.

For the record, let me address a few of the misrepresentations that have been put forth.

Am I required to build a fence around my 24" high inflatable/temporary swimming pool or do I need a permit for it?

A: No.

Q: Do I need a permit to:

Paint my house? A: No

Paint a room? A: No

Pull up old carpet and lay new carpet? A: No

Pull out cabinets and install new cabinets? A: No.

Change an electrical receptacle? A. No.

Take out a toilet and replace it? A: No.

Put up a 6' fence in my backyard? A: No

Put up new guttering? A: No.

Repair my air conditioner or furnace? A: No.

The changes that we did make to the permit process actually reduced, not only the number of them but, the cost. For instance, a permit to install a canopy (this is an actual case) to a 12,000 sq ft building used to be calculated at $.13 per square feet and would have cost $1,560.00. Today, that permit would cost the builder $75.

I invite every member of the public....resident, builder, contractor or someone planning to become any or all of these....to contact me with your questions and comments, directly. You can reach me at my cell phone, 314-803-2167 or you can email me at jimbushart@hotmail.com. You can also register and comment to this blog.

Thank you.

Jim Bushart

Building Inspector

City of Cassville