DIY channel = ...

[Rastus]

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Safety is one thing. Cities today use the permitting process to generate revenue using the guise of safety. Just another fraud committed by the gummints.

Permits are tools the taxman requires.  If it weren't for the taxman, there would be no stringent enforcement anywhere.

[TAB]

Repairs like replacing drywall are one thing. Upgrades are something else.

Back in Illinois, I paid over a grand just for the building permit on a kitchen remodel.

Here in ND, in a little piss-ant town, they require a permit for everything, including hanging drywall. And yes, they do find out. One dodge I have heard of is that you finish the basement, but sell your house as having an unfinished basement. That gets you past the inspections.

OTOH, inspections are a joke. I chair the Planning and Zoning Committee, and we just discovered that a builder had rotated his duplex 90 degrees from the approved plan - and no one caught him. His house now intrudes into a city easement - again, no one noticed - and the city has no recourse but to waive the intrusion - we have no way to fine him per state law, although the builder has to pay for all added charges pertaining to the variance.

Safety is one thing. Cities today use the permitting process to generate revenue using the guise of safety. Just another fraud committed by the gummints.

Permits for hanging drywall are very common for several reason.  many of which is safety related.  Finishing out a basement for example, its not as easy as just throw up some studs and hanging rock.  Beleave it or not drywall also adds alot of structural strength to a stick built house.  I know it sounds funny, but it adds a bunch of sheer strength.  then there are the idiots that thing 10 screws will hold a sheet of 5/8" on a cieling...

[dipisc]

For Pathfinder:

     Where was the building inspector ? Are they not to inspect AS the project goes through the various phases? I have a problem here in PA where a Farm was placed in a Farm Preservation Act in 1993( not the clean and green act). In 1998 the farm was sold and houses built with the blessing and enforcement of the township supervisors despite concerns from adjorning property owners ( more than 5 ).

     Tell me that money was not exchanged on that deal. Local lawyers do/did not want to "drop a dime" on one of their fellow lawyers. I went as far as the FBI and the agent promised me he would investigate and put all concerned in jail. Sometime later he dropped his case. It was due to a case of the Mason's or not wanting to cross the "blue line" since one of the township supervisors happens to be a Mason (like the FBI agent) and is also a US Marshall / glorified security guard at the Federal Building.

     I left a message on the FBI Agents answering machine in his office, stating "so much for your Fidelity,Bravery and mostly your Integrety....The scumbag never called me back or tried to explain his actions or lack of.

[PegLeg45]

In my neck of the woods, if it isn't an addition or new construction (like a shop or porch) you don't need a permit. Basically, if they can't see it from the road........