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| Cartoon by Ali |
Fines and Permit costs will be set by the “revenue-determined” city council and the departments and authorities they appoint. This “power” and many others are granted the new city government in the Charter. Here are a few examples of how John’s Creek is using the power of permits to generate revenue:
John’s Creek, GA - John’s Creek requires a permit when - "Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the construction codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit for the work. A permit shall not be issued to an owner, who is neither a licensed contractor nor the occupant of a residential structure being altered."—City Code, Chapter 105-52****
What does this mean? Want to have a plumber install a new water heater or toilets in your house? Get a permit. Want to change your fireplace to gas logs? Get a permit. Want to make some roofing repairs? Get a permit. Want to change your electric cook top to a gas unit? Get a permit. Technically, if you bought a new water saving shower head at Home Depot and wanted to install it yourself in your shower, you would need to get a permit and hire a plumber. So here is how permit-happy cities are fleecing their residents:
In John’s Creek, a family wanted to enhance their backyard with a gazebo, fire pit, and seating. The permit was $750, while the entire cost of the project was less than $900. A permit is needed if your neighborhood wants to put up a graduation sign for congratulating their children.
In Dunwoody, hot water tanks have to be permitted along with heating and A/C unit replacements. Want to have a garage sale with your neighbor? You will need a permit.
Jack Fox of Peachtree Station says, ”You are so right in advising people to find out what happened in Johns Creek. We owned a second home there when it became a city. Suddenly, you had to get city permits for everything from re-roofing your own roof to putting up "graduation signs" in your yard. The city found more ways to raise money with ridiculous permits than you can imagine. It made our selling that home very difficult.”
In unincorporated Gwinnett County (what Peachtree Corners is today), you do not need a permit for any of the above examples.
Code Enforcement Fines and Permit costs are a way for a city to generate income and control you through restrictive codes and permits. You will have less “self determination” about things you might wish to do with your home or business. The new city government will “self determine” for you. None of these permits and fees will require a referendum for approval. It’s in the Charter now. Consider this when you vote on November 8th.
Posted By: Louie and Mitch
