Code Enforcement

 

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Zoning Permits/Inspections

Homeowner Frequently Asked Questions Guide

Why Do We Need Building and Zoning Codes?
The regulation of building construction and property maintenance is not a recent trend. It can be traced through recorded history for over 4,000 years.  This provides evidence that people have become increasingly aware of their ability to avoid catastrophic consequences of building and property failures. In early America, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson encouraged the development of building regulations to provide for minimum standards that would ensure health and safety.

We all rely on the safety and maintenance of property, buildings and equipment that surround us in our everyday living. Today, most of the United States is covered by a network of modern property, building, and equipment regulations ranging from fire, structural safety, health, security, preservation, and conservation of energy.  As a property owner, you have a substantial investment which can be seriously jeopardized through less-than-complete code enforcement or compliance programs.

What is a Building or Zoning Permit?
A building or zoning (also know as property), permit is a license that grants legal permission to start construction of a building or property project. A permit allows the enforcement of the codes that have been adopted to protect the public health, safety and welfare by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe conditions and assuring community standards are met for local zoning requirements.

The permit process helps citizens understand the many federal, state, and local requirements before any construction or remodeling works begins.  Permit fees are a “user fee”, established and regulated by the State of Minnesota and the City of Spring Lake Park, based on estimated valuation (material and labor).  Permits provide the means for Code Officials to inspect and ensure that the work meets all codes that are applicable.

Who Enforces the Codes in Spring Lake Park?
All building, fire, rental, property, and zoning codes are enforced by the City of Spring Lake Park Code Enforcement Department currently consisting of one full time Building Official/Fire Marshal and one part-time Code Enforcement Officer.

The Code Enforcement Department is administered by the Building Official/Fire Marshal, Barry Brainard. Mr. Brainard has been with the City of Spring Lake Park since 2000, and has over 25 years of experience as a Building Official. Mr. Brainard is certified through the State of Minnesota as a liscensed Building Official and Commercial/Residential Energy Auditor. In addition to administering and enforcing the codes, Mr. Brainard performs all staff IT functions at Spring Lake Park.

All rental and nuisance inspections and enforcement are conducted by the part-time Code Enforcement Officer, Jeff Thill.  Mr. Thill is certified through the State of Minnesota as a liscensed Building Official and by the International Code Council (ICC)as a Building Inspector.  Mr. Thill is also certified as a mechanical and plumbing inspector by the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). Mr. Thill also assist in staff IT functions and volunteers as the web master for the local 10,000 Lakes Chapter of ICC.  In 2009 Mr. Thill was also a volunteer for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in St. Paul.