permits: Permit or no permit; how would you vote? Oregon measure 63 - 09/15/08 06:24 AM
Oregon has a surprising new ballot measure coming up this November.... voters will be asked whether or not permits from the city should be necessary for projects at or less than $35,000 in cost.  This includes electrical and plumbing (!!!). 
I realize that this may sound hypocritical after writing a somewhat contradictory blog about my experience with a city inspector, but I can only imagine what sort of effect this bill may have if it passes.  For instance, lenders might start requiring full home inspections prior to purchase for Oregon properties to ensure their investment is safe... Insurance companies might be … (14 comments)

permits: Permits Schmermits - 12/22/07 03:16 AM
This article reminded me of my experience with the permit process was for a gas fireplace that we had installed last year. 
After installation, a very nice elderly gentleman came to our door. This man, the inspector should have retired many moons ago. He was more interested in our ‘nice kitchen' and friendly dogs than the fireplace he came to inspect.  I kept directing him toward the fireplace in hopes that our taxes wouldn't go up further because the kitchen has been updated (with permits, mind you).
I picked up the remote to the fireplace and turned it on for him.  He lit … (37 comments)