A new pilot program will begin Aug. 1 offering homeowners and businesses a “grace period” for construction completed without proper permits.

The program – a collaboration of the city’s Development Services and Neighborhood Services departments – was created to ensure proper permitting to protect public safety while reducing the financial impact for homeowners and businesses.

The owners of single family residential and commercial properties where completed construction is believed to be in violation of building codes or ordinances (and no hazards exist), will be notified by letter of the violation and will have 30 days to obtain a permit. If the permit is obtained within 30 days, elevated permit fees will be waved. If a permit is not obtained within the “grace period,” elevated fees will take effect, starting at $700, and could go higher, depending on the scope of the project.

Homeowners found to be in violation during “active” construction will have five days to obtain a permit to avoid elevated fees (an investigation fee will still apply). All commercial properties found to be in violation during “active” construction, and all non-permitted construction involving life safety issues, or imminent hazard, will be subject to all elevated permit fees.

Building permits are adopted and enforced to protect the life safety of all who will inhabit the home or building. For more information, call 602-262-7884.