Published: March 27, 2008 10:33 pm         

Rumors cloud Greenbrier building code information

LEWISBURG — False e-mails and misinformation being distributed throughout Greenbrier County concerning the recently adopted building code have some county officials scratching their heads.

And now they want to set the record straight on what can be a confusing topic — building permits.

“There have been a lot of rumors and false information going around the community about what is required for a building permit,” newly hired Greenbrier County building inspector Ashley Carr said Thursday. “And everyone needs to understand the correct information instead of what’s being put out there.”

Earlier in the week during a meet-the-candidates forum sponsored by the Greenbrier County Farm Bureau, a citizen read from one of the purportedly bogus letters and asked county commission candidates about it.

Commission president Lowell Rose, who is running for re-election, confirmed the letter was full of untruths.

The letter stated, among other things, that a building permit was required for any homeowner that wanted to paint the interior or exterior of the house. Not necessarily so, Carr says.

“Generally, a building permit is not required when homeowners are repairing the interior or exterior and the cost is under $2,500. A permit is required, however, whenever a homeowner is at any time changing, or altering, or adding to the footprint of an existing structure.” Carr said. “Any nonstructural repairs, such as floor coverings, painting, plumbing, wallpapering and tiling, etc., don’t need a permit.”

The same general rule is also applied to general contractors who perform work on someone’s home, Carr said. A permit is not required if the work is under $2,500 and does not alter the footprint of the structure.

Carr also said agricultural buildings are excluded from the permit process.

However, for larger projects over $2,500, whether performed by the homeowner or not, permits are required and the homeowner should tell the contractor to obtain one before repairs are started. That allows Carr’s office to check the contractor’s license, workers’ compensation status and other details that protect the homeowner.

“By having the contractor apply for the permit, this shifts the liability of the project from the homeowner to the contractor,” Carr said.

Melissa Scott, planning staff and floodplain manager, said county regulations, such as zoning and flood plain ordinances, should also be reviewed before starting any project.

“This information can be found at www.greenbriercounty.net under the building section,” Scott said. “Or you can call our office for more information at 647-6630.”

Carr said anyone receiving information that it requires a permit to change a light bulb deserves to get the right answers.

“It’s more beneficial to the community and we would certainly be glad to help anyone with any questions,” Carr said.

Carr said, on average, a $100,000 new home will require about $750 in building permits, which includes inspections by his office. However, an electrical permit and inspection is a separate fee.

— E-mail:

cgiggenbach@register-herald.com