Permit idea shot down in Batavia

A plan to require Batavians to get a building permit anytime they replaced a water heater, central air conditioner or furnace was tabled Tuesday night by a city committee unconvinced it is necessary.

While updating fees charged for all building permits, city staff recommended adding several: a $60 water heater permit, $45 for a combined furnace-A/C system, and $30 for replacing an A/C condenser.

"We believe these types of improvements have some serious safety considerations," said Jeff Albertson, building commissioner. "We've had past experience with some scary installations."

Improperly connected water heaters can lead to contaminated water lines, natural gas leaks and carbon monoxide buildup, Albertson said. The fees would cover the city's cost to process applications, review plans and inspect the work.

Committee member Alderman Eldon Frydendall said he suspected people would just ignore the requirement, and that if is really about safety, perhaps the permits should be free, to encourage people to get them.

Alderman Jim Volk wanted clarification on how the process would work in emergency situations.

"My luck is my water heater always fails at 9 o'clock on Friday night on Labor Day weekend," he said. Albertson explained that the property owner could replace the heater immediately and apply for the building permit the next business day.

Alderman Victor Dietz took issue with the cost of the heater permit; it is higher than the others because the city contracts plumbing inspections out.

Alderman Cathy Barnard was concerned with adding to the costs of home improvements during a time of economic stress.

The committee directed staff to take out the new fees and submit a revised proposal to mostly raise existing fees. It also directed them to further study what it would cost to institute the new fees at half the cost.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Related links</h2> <ul class="moreWeb"> <li><a href="http://www.cityofbatavia.net/content/articlefiles/5195-Ord%2009-19%20Bldg%20Permit.pdf">Proposed fee changes </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>