HomeMy WebLinkAboutHandouts_Regular_11/09/2017 (2)_Bud Howard Good evening. My name is Bud Howard and I live at 150 River Drive, in the Tequesta Country
Club neighborhood.
I come to you on behalf of our community association seeking a common-sense solution to a
problem we would like to solve.
Our neighborhood association owned dock was damaged in Hurricane Irma. Damage is
relatively minor with roughly 125 sq. ft. of the seaward portion of the dock needing re-decking
and understory supports. All pilings are intact and we have no intention of changing the
footprint. Materials cost estimate is $400 for 2x8 boards, bolts and screws.
Given the challenges in finding a contractor under current demands for this small project, we
feel this is a great opportunity to repair the dock as community volunteer project, under the
direction and participation of a handful of highly qualified residents including engineers,
contractors and foreman.
In the spirit of coordination and communication, approximately one month ago, I reached out
to the building official prior to starting work. He explained that the Village requires a permit
for these dock repairs, but we could NOT apply for an owner-builder permit and the work
MUST be done by a licensed contractor.
Followin my research and requested clarification, the building official cites, with concurrence
of the ��+� manager, that his interpretation of the Florida Building Code is he cannot issue an
owner-builder permit because: 1) "we do not reside at the dock", 2) because it's not a
commercial building that he defines as "four walls and a roof", and 3) we don't have worker's
compensation insurance. Please know our neighborhood association carries substantial
insurance and the Village is listed as additionally insured, and the volunteer association does
not carry worker's compensation insurance because it doesn't have staff.
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Despite capricious interpretations of the definitions of owner, building, commercial, private, v,,�,,,�,;:�'
etc., and the intent of various permits, we believe this work should be possible by
owner/builder (i.e. our volunteers) under the purview of the Florida Building and Village
codes.
In addition, many government entities in Florida, including the State through the Governor's
Emergency Order (17-0889), have waived permitting requirements and/or permit fees for
dock repairs related to Irma.
We are anxious to restore our dock to usable and safe conditions and request further
consideration for approval of an owner/builder permit, or a permit exemption consistent with
the State's Emergency Order and other government entities. � �_q��•�
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