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-Notes courtesy Claire Catherwood, West End Community Watch
West End Community Watch met on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. The speaker was Sam Hobgood, director of Planning and Development.
Hobgood explained that the planning and development end of his job involves property outside the City of Henderson. However, his office is responsible for issuing permits and doing inspections of all new construction, additions, repairs, etc. in the entire county, with Henderson included.
Any change in the footprint of current structures requires a zoning permit, as well as building permits. Any construction costing over $15,000 requires a permit.
Those in attendance were surprised at the work which requires permits. Homeowners may perform their own electrical work if they own the land and will personally occupy it. Otherwise, licensed electricians must be hired. Reputable contractors will handle all aspects of the permits and will include the $55 fee in their bills. Homeowners should receive a copy of the permit, if they so request.
The addition of a microwave, ice-maker, toilet, gas heater, gas fireplace insert, etc. in a place where the item had not been previously requires a permit. Any change to the type of light fixture being installed requires a permit. Any new gas appliance, gas heater, air conditioning system, etc. requires a permit. Running a new electrical line to an existing outbuilding will, also, require a permit.
The addition of a detached carport which is larger that 12-feet in any measurement (height, width or length) requires a permit. Two sides of a carport may be enclosed, but not three because it is then considered to be a garage and would require a permit. A portable carport not exceeding 400 square feet with a roof no higher than 12-feet does not require a permit.
A homeowner planning to do projects such as those mentioned should first call Planning and Development (252) 738-2080 to check about the legal requirements. Alternately, a licensed contractor should be called to handle the project. The contractor will then handle all necessary permits.