By Mark Squibb/August 26, 2022
Thinking of building a new shed or doing some exterior renovations? Mount Pearl councillors say get the permit now to save yourself a headache later.
Councillor Isabelle Fry took a moment during this week’s public meeting to remind folks to get their permits in place before getting to work.
“Permits are required for things like building a shed, a driveway, exterior renovations, roofing, practically anything,” said Fry. “And the reason for that is so that the City can ensure that the work is inspected and that it is done within our regulations.”
Fry said that if someone completes a job without a permit, it may not pass a City inspection and they may be forced to tear it down and start back at the beginning.
“So, I just want to remind people, that the reason we have building permits and that type of thing is more so for the protection of residents.”
Director Gerry Antle added the City checks for things like building code compliance in the interest of safety.
Fry admitted that before she was elected to council, she did not understand the importance of permits.
Councillor Jim Locke added that when folks apply for permits up front, it can save them headaches later on.
“By putting the plan before our qualified staff, they get assurances that what we’re doing is within our regulations, so they know it’s built right and it’s in the right location,” said Locke. “So, if they ever decide to sell their property, they can rest assured that everything is compliant, which will allow the sale of the property to go through smoothly.”
He also said that permitting isn’t a ‘money grab.’
“The cost of a permit is not expensive,” said Locke. “So, if your paying $15,000 or $20,000 or $8,000 or $5,000 to do your renovations, the nominal fee that we charge for permits is not going to determine whether or not you proceed with your project, but it’ll certainly give you an assurance that your developing within our regulations and guidelines.”
Council approved 19 such residential construction permits during the meeting, including for fences, decks, accessory buildings, roof and sanitary line repairs, landscaping, and construction of a new family home – a total of about $495,000 worth of work.
