From left, Hamid Dolikhani, Marilyn Libby, and Jack Newsome
Whew, April was a busy month in DS! This blog has really helped us get the word out about all the things that are happening. Thanks for reading!
You may recall that last week I blogged about the importance of obtaining permits for home improvement projects. Well this post is a great follow-up…
If you follow City of Raleigh news, you may already know that Curt Willis, Deputy Inspections Director, has retired and that Hamid Dolikhani has assumed that role in an interim capacity. You may have also heard about a new program that launched last week. The Permit Notification Program is intended to improve customer service and further ensure that construction in Raleigh is permitted and completed in accordance with the law.
In a nutshell, the program will benefit contractors and property owners because they will be notified approximately 30 days prior to the expiration of a permit, providing ample time for required inspections to be done. This will help all permit holders maintain compliance and prevent permits from expiring before final approval of work. The program applies to building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire alarm/fire protection and other related permits issued by the Inspections Department.
During the first phase of this program, permit holders whose permits expired between July 1, 2012 and June 1, 2015 will receive a letter stating that their permits are no longer valid and replacement permits must be obtained if work is to be continued. Customers will have 90 days to obtain a replacement permit free of charge (regular permit fees will apply thereafter).
Similar letters are being sent to owners of property where the project is located, to keep them apprised of compliance matters. In many cases, a contractor who is hired by a property owner obtains all required permits and secures inspection approvals. Even so, property owners are ultimately responsible for the work being done on their property and may not be aware if a permit has expired.
After the initial letters are sent out, the next phase will begin. Contractors and property owners will be notified by mail one month prior to the expiration of any permit. If the permit is allowed to expire, a second letter will be mailed to the permit holder and the property owner confirming the expiration and explaining next steps, which may include obtaining a new permit.
Jack Newsome, who previously worked in the DSCSC as a Project Coordinator, has been hired as Chief Code Compliance Officer and is responsible for managing the program. He and Marilyn Libby, Administrative Assistant, will be located on the 5th floor at One Exchange Plaza and can answer any related questions (media requests should be directed to Mr. Dolikhani).
If you have questions about the Permit Notification Program, please call 919-996-2705 to speak to Marilyn.
Have a wonderful week and happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!
