Vote NO on Oregon Ballot Measure 63
Sometimes you just have to wonder what is going through the minds of people.
Oregon Ballot Measure 63 states that it would “Allows minor improvements to property without building permits” or building inspections. This would apply to all renovations in a building that cost less than $35,000.
I understand the frustration that comes with having to deal with a city or county permit department. It is difficult to apply for a building permit. It is difficult at times to get the inspector out to approve the construction. Perhaps we need to do whatever is necessary to streamline the process. Lets do that! Certainly we cannot do without this process, though.
Serial ballot measure submitter Bill Sizemore says, “To me, it’s so highly symbolic that in a country that claims to be as free as ours, you can’t go out and nail some boards to the side of your house without the government’s permission.” Well, first of all Mr Sizemore, you can probably nail some boards to your house without hte government’s permission. In fact, the government is really not “giving you permission” to remodel your house through the permitting process. They are simply using this process to make sure that hte improvements do not violate the law, and that they are done in a safe manner. If this is the case, they will be approved every time.
This is really a public safety issue. We live in our homes, confident that they were built to a particular set of standards that ensure the construction is not inherently flawed. We trust that the electrical system will not cause the house to burn down, that the plumbing is safe, and that the carpentry is secure. This safety is not only for the homeowner, but also benefits neighbors and subsequent building occupants. It really seems foolish to give up the protection that building permits have given us over the years.
Besides, what do you think that insurance companies will say to a state does not enforce its building codes. Any perceived savings that we might get from not paying a permit fee will be paid many times over in increased homeowners insurance premiums. That presumes that we Oregonians will even be able to get homeowners insurance.
What about the $35,000 limit on “minor” home renovations? I think someone could do a lot of damage for under $35,000. I believe that I could take a mere $1,000 in plumbing or electrical materials and do a pretty unsafe project. It is not too much of a burden to have an inspector check it out and sign off on the repair.
Bill Sizemore was asked where the $35,000 figure came from that he put on his ballot measure. He said that it “sounded like a good number” to work with. The fact is that the cost of the project is not a great indicator of whether it needs to be inspected or not.
Let’s streamline the building permit system. Lets not eliminate the whole system that keeps us all safe. Join me in voting NO on Oregon Ballot Measure 63.
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