Article
Courtesy of The Palm Beach Daily News
By Andres
David Lopez
Published February 12, 2016
William Bucklew, the town’s building official, compared
people who willfully avoid the construction permit process to victims of
Ursula the Sea Witch in The Little Mermaid, poor unfortunate souls.
“Some of them paid a heavy price,” he said.
Wednesday, Bucklew led a course for
South End condo managers and residents titled “Navigating
your way through the permitting process.” The Palm Beach
Community Managers Association and the Citizens’ Association
of Palm Beach hosted the event at the South Fire Station.
Bucklew cited a case from last fall when contractors nearly
completed a renovation at a South End condo unit without
seeking any permits. Insulation ignited after a plumbing
contractor finished work sweating pipes.
Firefighters struggled for a half-hour searching for the
source of the fire when they could have identified it
quickly had permits been filed.
Two years ago in May, the town received more than 560
building permit applications for condo renovations, Bucklew
said. He designed Wednesday’s class to help condo managers
understand how the other side of the counter works and pass
on the knowledge to residents. |
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Palm Beach Building Official William Bucklew speaks
with South End condo managers and residents about navigating the
permitting process.
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When do you need a building permit? “Permits are not required for
replacements or repairs having a value less than $1,500 providing that the
work does not affect the structural integrity of the building,” he said.
Does a condo owner need a permit and inspection to install tile flooring?
Yes, because the work has to be inspected. The sound barrier placed below a
hard surface is especially important, he said.
Course participants received tips for protecting themselves throughout the
renovation process. Property owners should ask contractors for a certificate
of insurance that shows they have general liability and workers
compensation, Bucklew said.
Owners also should ask contractors for copies of their license and they
should demand an estimate for any proposed work. A contractor’s
unwillingness to provide one should be considered a red flag, Bucklew said.
Cheryl Hoste, education coordinator for the Palm Beach Community Managers
Association, put together the course for members and for those interested in
learning about the permitting process. Attendees received a certificate of
completion, which helps licensed managers fulfill their 16 hour bi-yearly
education requirements.
“This was excellent,” said Paula McClure, the condo manager at 2500 S. Ocean
Boulevard. “It’s very critical that we have this information and keep
referring to it and work closely with all of the officials.
”For more information on the building permit process, visit
townofpalmbeach.com and follow
the “Permits and Licenses” link to the town’s construction permit
application, or email
[email protected]
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