Don't forget to get the necessary permits
Does your house need a new roof? Thinking about building a garage, installing a pool or adding a new family room?
The first thing homeowners should think about is a building permit.
In Washington and in the two-mile area of jurisidiction around the city, homeowners or contractors must apply for building permits before starting construction on new residences, additions to structures, detached and attached garages, manufactured homes, in-ground and above ground pools, pole barns, storage sheds, demolitions, re-roofing and roof-line changes, fences, signs and temporary construction sheds or trailers.
No permits are needed to install siding, windows, doors or interior remodeling, and no permits are required outside the city's jurisdiction because Daviess County is not zoned.
Permits ensure construction meets zoning laws and building codes, said Washington Building Commissioner Chris Wimmenauer.
To apply for a permit, one must bring a site plan to the building commissioner's office at 2113 Memorial Ave., near Eastside Park.
Wimmenauer will inspect the site and the plan to ensure they are safe and legal, then will issue the permit. The process usually takes two days, he said.
Projects that don't meet zoning laws could be issued a variance or conditional use permit pending approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Swimming pools with a depth of 18 inches or greater must be surrounded by a wall or fence at least 5 feet high with lockable latches. Pool and fence permits are required.
In 2008, the building commissioner issued permits for 13 new residences, five new non-residential buildings, 32 other non-residential buildings, 21 residential additions, 20 residential garages and carports, three non-residential additions and 208 other permits and applications for a total of $10,732 in permit fees.
Permits are not required in Odon, Elnora, Plainville or Shoals. However, Loogootee does require permits for new structures or additions, simply to prevent construction over utility lines or on city property. These permits are free and may be obtained at the clerk-treasurer's office in Loogootee. The town is not zoned.