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The stimulus package includes funds for energy efficiency. Within three years the energy <br /> code is going to be required statewide. <br /> If the State were to mandate statewide adoption of the code,there would be a window of <br /> opportunity where the State would give cities the opportunity to adopt it themselves, and <br /> then turn it over to the counties. There will be some kind of warning. <br /> Crow Wing County does not have the State Building Code. Brainerd, Baxter, Pine River, <br /> Breezy Point, Crosby, Deerwood, Motley and Pillager do. <br /> Mr. Habein stated that the contractors in Breezy Point are now in a situation where the <br /> inspector is only available on weekends and that makes it difficult for the contractors. <br /> If we didn't have our own staff member, we contracted out for the building official,how <br /> do those relationships work from the cities stand point? Mr. Mealhouse stated that a <br /> contract is worked out with an inspector. The City has to receive some of the money to <br /> cover costs of meeting with people, initial applications, filing paperwork,taking money, <br /> etc. If no permits are issued,there is no payment to the inspector. He is paid from the <br /> permits. No taxes would need to be raised in order to have the building code. The cost is <br /> passed on to the applicant. <br /> Mr. Adams pointed out that the cost of a building permit is less than 1% of the cost of the <br /> building. If you are putting of a$300,000 home it would be worth the extra$2,500 or <br /> $3,000 to have greater assurance that it was done to code. <br /> Electrical inspections have been around forever. The electrical inspector is paid from <br /> each permit. The permit went thru the State. The inspection fee was in the permit from <br /> the State. <br /> Mr. Mealhouse pointed out the same value house is going to have an interest rate '/4 to 3/8 <br /> higher, from an underwriting standpoint, in areas that don't have the building code. A <br /> certain value comes with a property that is inspected through the process. The value is <br /> greater than the amount paid for the permit or inspection. <br /> Mr. Woog stated that there would be no decision tonight,but the adoption should be <br /> revisited again. <br /> Mr. Mealhouse stated there are fixed fees, set by the City, for small things, such as <br /> roofing and water heaters. <br /> A motion was made by Dean Williams, seconded by Bill Habein, to have this issue tabled <br /> for five years. Money was spent on ink and paper for something that was pretty <br /> unanimously decided not to do earlier. <br /> Minutes 2 <br /> Pequot Lakes Planning Commission <br /> April 16, 2009 <br />