Ramsey Resident - 2009 - May/June

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~ Development What you Need to Know About Building in Ramsey The Building Department staff is here to help ensure all your construction projects meet the re- quirements of the Minnesota State Building Code. So feel free to stop in for more information. Building Permits Required Why do I need a permit? A permit ensures proper ser- vices are provided to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare. If worl( is done improperly, such work can become unsafe for the hom- eowners and their families, as well as devalue their home. Homeowners doing their own project need to obtain the neces- sary permit(s) and call to arrange the required inspections. When a contractor is hired the homeowner may direct the ' contractor to obtain the necessary permit(s) enabling both the hom- eowner and the contractor to work with city staff to make sure the worl( is completed according to code. When do I need a permit? Building permits are required to construct, add on to, alter, remove, demolish, or repair a structure. If you are mal(ing changes, repairs, alterations, or additions to any struc- ture, such as your home, office, base- ment, swimming pool, garage, deck, porch, or storage shed, a building permit may be required before you begin construction. Mechanical permits are re- quired for installation or replacement of mechanical systems in structures. This includes furnaces, air condition- ers, gas lines, gas fireplace inserts and additional ductwork. Plumbing permits are re- quired for all new or replacement fixtures in structures and added gas lines for anything other than the main heating system of the structure. This includes replacement of water heat- ers, water softeners, and plumbing fixtures. Building permit fees vary ac- cording to the value of construction. Mechanical and Plumbing permit fees are based upon the type of installa- tion. Informational handouts are available on the city of Ramsey website at www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/de- partments/Communi ty /building. asp. If you have questions about permits, need a permit, or have a permit and need to schedule an inspection, please call 763-433-9850 or stop by the Building Division located at City Hall. Final Inspections Comment. Once you have received any necessary permits from the city to perform the work on your property, it is always a good idea to mal(e sure the worl( covered under your permit has been inspected by the city build- ing inspector. These required inspec- tions are noted on the city inspection card you receive from the building division when picking up the permit. The State Building Code requires the "applicant" to contact the building division for all the required inspec- tions, but the owner is always consid- ered the responsible party for mal(ing sure the work has been inspected and approved. Also, it is usually a good idea to withhold any final payments until the final inspection, as required by the state code, has been called for and approved. A Quick Reminder About Rental Housing In August 2003, the Ramsey City Council adopted a new Building Maintenance and Occupancy Code, including a requirement for all rental units in the city to obtain a rental license. A rental license is required before property owners may rent any dwelling unit to the public, including single family homes, townhomes, and apartments. One rental license is required for each rental unit Rental licenses must be re- newed every two years An owner or designated agent must live within 75 miles of the rental property. City Code contains basic requirements for rental hous- ing, relating to basic mainte- nance and life safety issues. All rental units must be inspected by the Building Division prior to the issuance of the license. The city of Ramsey Rental Housing Program is designed to mal(e multi-family dwellings and single family rental homes safe and desir- able places to live. The Rental Hous- ing Program is a partnership between community development, police, local property owners/managers, and residents to foster a safe and healthy community in rental housing. For more information please contact Katy Ol(erstrom, Community Development - Building Division, at 763-433-9833. 4 www.ci.ramsey.mn.us