1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – AUGUST 2013

a) Applications approved:  File No. 13-020 SUB/VAR, Tickle Creek Terrace (15 Lot Subdivision, Planning Commission approved).

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – So far in 2013 we have received 44 residential building permits.  This exceeds the number for the entire year in 2011 and 2012 (32 in each these years) and is nearly the same as in 2009 (46) and 2010 (45).

a) Total value for the month is $1,202,217.
b) 4 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,027,964.
c) 6 permits for additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $125,228.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 2 commercial permits with a value of $45,000.
f)  3 other permits with a value of $4,025.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – This summer has been full of new construction activity.  Currently we have 25 new, single-family homes being constructed (including 2 groups of townhouses).  Ground work has begun for 9 more homes.   Plans are in the works for several more homes.   Additionally, this summer has seen significant amounts of time expended in pre-application discussions for several new commercial projects and ventures.

Remodel projects number more than 27, including both commercial and residential.   A few of the commercial projects include new security doors at two schools, a change of the fire suppression system in the computer and electrical rooms at the new high school, a new paint booth and building at Johnson RV, façade changes at 3 commercial businesses, rebuilding the stairs and addition porch and rear deck area at Thai Home Restaurant.   Residential projects vary from window additions, new natural gas stove installations, bedroom and bathroom additions, to complete remodels of a multi-family homes.  

Code enforcement this summer has seen a rise in calls regarding illegal sheds, decks, additions, and other construction related activities.   The rise in number of accessory buildings has pushed the boundaries and given challenge to our city code’s definitions for accessory sheds and zoning requirements.  It has given us another reminder of how important it is to educate our citizens on the need to “Ask before you build.”    Perhaps it is time for a city lead campaign to raise the awareness of why permits are required, and how permits can protect the owners and public.

Recently the City Manager, Planning Director and I met to discuss ways to improve our Building Department processes and information.  The goal is to make the building process as customer friendly and understandable as possible.  We have begun redesigning our current handouts for ADA restrooms, building retaining walls, and when permits and engineering is required.   

Now that school has started, summer is un-officially over, and the smell of fall is in the air.   The building department is seeing the pace of construction activity pick up due in part to the weather forecast of mild winter and the threat of rising interest rates.  In summary, the Building Department is active and evolving.   

3) URBAN RENEWAL – The contractor, Full Throttle Construction has been busy working on the Wong’s King Restaurant and Prudential Real Estate facade improvements.  I hope you agree these buildings are looking much better with the improvements.  The contractor will begin working on improvements to the Heritage Building later this month.  I have been asked to be part of a panel titled “Revitalize Main Street With Urban Renewal” at the annual Oregon Main Street Conference in Astoria.  I will be joined on the panel by representatives from Albany, Astoria, and Canby.