Article Courtesy of The Palm Beach Daily News

By Andres David Lopez 

Published February 12, 2016

William Bucklew, the town’s building official, compared people who willfully avoid the construction permit process to victims of Ursula the Sea Witch in The Little Mermaid, poor unfortunate souls.
 
“Some of them paid a heavy price,” he said.
  

Wednesday, Bucklew led a course for South End condo managers and residents titled “Navigating your way through the permitting process.” The Palm Beach Community Managers Association and the Citizens’ Association of Palm Beach hosted the event at the South Fire Station. Bucklew cited a case from last fall when contractors nearly completed a renovation at a South End condo unit without seeking any permits. Insulation ignited after a plumbing contractor finished work sweating pipes. Firefighters struggled for a half-hour searching for the source of the fire when they could have identified it quickly had permits been filed. Two years ago in May, the town received more than 560 building permit applications for condo renovations, Bucklew said. He designed Wednesday’s class to help condo managers understand how the other side of the counter works and pass on the knowledge to residents.

Palm Beach Building Official William Bucklew speaks with South End condo managers and residents about navigating the permitting process.

 
When do you need a building permit? “Permits are not required for replacements or repairs having a value less than $1,500 providing that the work does not affect the structural integrity of the building,” he said.

Does a condo owner need a permit and inspection to install tile flooring? Yes, because the work has to be inspected. The sound barrier placed below a hard surface is especially important, he said.

Course participants received tips for protecting themselves throughout the renovation process. Property owners should ask contractors for a certificate of insurance that shows they have general liability and workers compensation, Bucklew said.

Owners also should ask contractors for copies of their license and they should demand an estimate for any proposed work. A contractor’s unwillingness to provide one should be considered a red flag, Bucklew said.

Cheryl Hoste, education coordinator for the Palm Beach Community Managers Association, put together the course for members and for those interested in learning about the permitting process. Attendees received a certificate of completion, which helps licensed managers fulfill their 16 hour bi-yearly education requirements.

“This was excellent,” said Paula McClure, the condo manager at 2500 S. Ocean Boulevard. “It’s very critical that we have this information and keep referring to it and work closely with all of the officials.

”For more information on the building permit process, visit townofpalmbeach.com  and follow the “Permits and Licenses” link to the town’s construction permit application, or email [email protected]