Ordinance change helps repair work

WAUPACA – The Waupaca Common Council voted to change a building ordinance that would alleviate some paperwork for residents that are looking to make minor repairs.
A measure was approved at the Oct. 21 city council meeting to increase the amount a building inspector can authorize in writing for minor repairs.
Prior to Oct. 21 meeting, the city ordinance stated: “The building inspector may authorize, in writing, minor repairs or alterations valued at less than $500.”
The change to the ordinance would increase the market values for material and labor to $2,500, meaning those looking to make minor repairs can now obtain a written authorization for the repairs in lieu of applying for a building permit.
However, if the repairs looking to be made adjust the occupancy, area, structural strength, fire protection of the building, light or ventilation of a building then a building permit will still be required.

This means that if any one of those above items is affected, then the person doing the repairs will still need a building permit regardless of cost.
The amendment to the building inspection ordinance comes in as the cost for repairs has increased, making the previous $500 not fall in line with current inflation numbers.
With the limitation of the building inspector to approve and waive the permit application, staff had to review all building permit applications, according to documentation from the Community and Economic Development Department which is headed by director Julianna Stohs.
As long as the project does not affect safety of a building and poses minimal risk to health then the building inspector can waive those projects whose cost fall in under $2,500.