By Peter Kulczyk, Green Code Knowledge
Q. After submitting an application Q for a building permit for a new house, how long should we expect to wait for the building permit to be issued?
A. The Minnesota code does not address a timeline for permits and every municipality needs to consider what is a reasonable time period in their area. Most municipalities probably have timelines that they try to meet in order to properly serve the public and builders in their area, and this is often the basis for staffing levels in the department. Other issues can slow down the permit process, such as engineering criteria (elevations, grade slope, etc.), zoning issues (location on lot, development agreements, etc.), and poorly drawn house plans (lack of information, incorrect details, etc.).
Q. Are there any special requirements for the attachment of overhead garage doors for new houses?
A. Yes. Although there seems to be a lot of discussion in Minnesota about special provisions in the code for the fastening of overhead garage doors related to high winds, it appears that some of this information is not based on facts. There is some language in the code for high-wind areas where special provisions will apply, but in Minnesota (and our neighboring states) the code only requires that overhead garage doors are installed and fastened meeting the requirements in DASMA 108 (Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association International) for 90 miles per hour wind load. In addition, the door installer is to affix a DASMA label to the completed door verifying compliance with DASMA 108.
Have building and construction questions? We have the answers! Peter Kulczyk of Green Code Knowledge, a building industry expert and frequent instructor at Contractor University, is available to answer your questions.
HAVE CONSTRUCTION QUESTIONS?
EMAIL THEM TO ASK@BATC.ORG.
