Roofing permit issues evolves into discussion of fairness

After a lengthy debate, Denison City Council members on Tuesday evening voted to change the code to reflect the citys policy regarding roofing projects and permits.

The council voted 4-0 that a permit will not be required for roofing projects that involve one or two layers of shingles. Permits will be required if a metal roof is installed over two layers of shingles and if the roofing project involves repairs to or the replacement of the structural elements of the roof.

The council also voted to make the roofing permit fee $25. In the past, the permit fee was based on the value of the roofing project.

The reason the council entertained discussion on roofing permits is because a previous amendment to the code created a discrepancy between the citys policy and what the code actually states.

Building Inspector Martin Colgan pointed out that the city adopted the international residential code, which requires permits for any roofing project other than a simple repair, such as replacing a few shingles.

The debate about building permits involved comments about what is fair, and as the discussion illustrated, the definition of fair depends on ones profession and viewpoint.

Contractor Marcia Losh wanted to make sure that what the council decided would treat everyone fairly the licensed contractors and the property owners who roof their own houses.

Asked her view about permits, Losh responded, As long as its not a permit that is going to stop people from doing the work a costly permit - and the biggest thing is that everyone is treated the same.

Contractor Lyle Frazier commented that the local contractors will follow the city code but he is concerned that non-local companies that come into the community to moonlight on the weekends arent going to follow the rules.

Mayor Dennis Fineran, who said he has retired from contracting, stated he didnt believe permits are needed. He added the permit fees are passed on to the property owners that have the work done.

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Roofing permit issues evolves into discussion of fairness