Hardin County commissioners ponder requiring building permits

Sept. 14– The Hardin County Commission meets Thursday to discuss whether to require residential building permits.

In an effort to reduce problems with unlicensed contractors building substandard housing, the state legislature has put in place a new program.

Effective Oct. 1, under the state Fire Marshal Office’s code enforcement program, Tennessee will contract with code inspectors, establishing a network of issuing agents.

A value-based fee schedule has been established with a $100 minimum. For a $150,000 home, the fee is $400.

Currently, Savannah requires residential contractors and builders to have their work inspected for code compliance, but Hardin County has no such program.

"Enforcing building codes will make new homes safe and more energy-efficient, and will help assure the quality of residential construction meets minimum standards," said State Fire Marshal and Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie A. Newman.

The new building code will apply only to new construction of residential structures. Nonresidential structures, such as outbuildings and unattached garages, are not covered. Renovation of existing structures, no matter how extensive, is also not covered.

Other than the potential political fallout from those opposed to inspections or the expense and time to ensure minimal building standards are met, there is no cost to county government to participate.

Counties which do not choose by Oct. 1 to opt out of the inspection program by a two-thirds majority vote are automatically and permanently enrolled.

The Hardin County Commission’s planning meeting takes place Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the county courthouse on Main Street in Savannah.