Administrative Brief
COMMISSION INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
VOL. 30 NO. 31
September 11 , 2008
ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEF FROM GARY HOBBIE
BUILDING SERVICES DIVISON - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Did you know that a building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building
project in accordance with approved drawings and speci'flcations? Building permits are very
beneficial to you and our community, initially these properly built buildings aid multiple factors
including keeping our insurance rating low and reducing insurance costs on every building in the
community. By working with our Building Services Division, you will benefit from their knowledge
of the building codes to ensure your construction project is built according to the most recent code
adopted by the jurisdiction, and it will be safe. Safe construction practices help protect you, your
family, your friends and your investment.
Why do I need a building permit? Increased Value -- Your home or business is an investment. If
your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by our community, the value of
your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits
and inspections, and some insurance companies will not write a policy until the Certificate of
Occupancy is completed. Protection -- A property owner who can show that code requirements
were strictly and consistently met, as demonstrated by a code official's carefully maintained
records, is a strong support system if something happens which would trigger a potentially
destructive lawsuit. For those plans that have been stamped approved, each inspection is logged
and the final Certificate of Occupancy is all included in your address file. Ensures Safety -- Your
permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of
unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare. By following code guidelines,
your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause
injury to you, your family, your friends or future owners.
Building Services Division has ended the month of August with 7 new single family homes and 41
additions or remodeling projects; 2 new commercial buildings and 9 alterations or additions to
commercial buildings. This initial number seems low, but we ended with 7 less permits in August
2008 than August 2007.
Building permits for the first eights months of the year are slightly behind the last three year
average in the residential and commercial sectors. To date we have had forty two (42) new single
family homes permitted with a valuation of $7,830,673. We have had a total of eighty five (85)
permits for commercial construction with eleven (11) new buildings and 74 additions, and
alterations for a total of $14,191,273 valuation year to date.
Commercial construction is lagging behind this year due to the economy which has caused
cautious construction planning. We recently processed several new building permits for projects
which have started or are ready to be started in the near future, including additions or new
buildings for Great Plains Manufacturing, Grain Belt Manufacturing and Logan's Roadhouse
Restaurant. We also anticipate that Kohl's Department store will be fully enclosed this month and
parking lots and streets are to be built soon. Two new commercial projects have been introduced
to the Development Review Team which will be a great contribution to our commercial building
projects and employment sector of the community.
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As we near the time to attend the international code council annual meeting, we look forward to
discussing with other communities ways to better serve our customers in Salina. We will be
attending educational seminars lead by Building Officials and talking with vendors about
efficiencies in our permit and inspection processing. Upon our return, we will be sponsoring a
Public Forum where contractors, design professionals and individuals can give City of Salina staff
input on how we can better serve our citizens in Salina. I invite you to attend our October 1st
meeting to help us learn what we can change to become more efficient.
If you have any questions on any building code or building related project, please don't hesitate to
stop by our offices or give us a call, at 309-5715. We are more than happy to answer any
questions you may have.
MONDAY'S MEETING
Enclosed are other items on the agenda. If any Commissioner has questions or cannot attend
the meeting, please contact me.
Jason A. Gage
City Manager