Safety issues bring HI planners to vote in new deck rules

HOLIDAY ISLAND -- In a move to ensure the safety of deck construction, the Holiday Island Planning Commission (HIPC) voted at its regular monthly meeting Nov. 6 to require permits with a fee and inspections.

The new requirement came about after concerns were raised about construction of a deck extension at one of the condominium units. The deck was cantilevered and secured with nails instead of braces.

"When I first came on the board, we issued permits for decks," said HIPC Treasurer Frank Smith. "Then they decided to do away with them, but I don't remember why."

"It's a safety issue," said Chairman Myrna Peterson.

On new construction and remodels and additions that change the footprint, HIPC requires a permit for mechanical work, i.e., electrical, plumbing and HVAC. It must be done by an Arkansas-licensed contractor in accordance with state law.

Last year the commission voted to require permits for such work on internal remodeling jobs that don't expand the footprint, with inspections.

But in May this year, HIPC rescinded this permit requirement.

Although mechanical work is also a safety issue, commissioner Nile Carrothers said, "Very few people hire someone off the street to do their electric and plumbing, but they will to do their deck. It gets into a liability issue for us."

HIPC will charge a $100 permit fee to cover two inspections, the first before the footings are poured and later for safe and proper construction. Permit numbers will be issued.

In other business at the Nov. 6 meeting, HIPC approved Permit #D-01 for a new 12-foot by 12-foot deck at 156 Wild Turkey Drive for property owner Frank Igert.

It also approved a request for a fence at 1 Rancho Vista Lane for property owners Bob and Sally Schmidbauer. The fence will hide the HVAC unit. The Schmidbauers were advised they can plant shrubbery for privacy in their front yard.

HIPC also held two special meetings recently.

On Oct. 30, HIPC:

* Approved Permit #2226 for 180 days to builder Ralph Lemme to construct a 3,010-square-foot house at 95 Beaver Drive for property owner Bob Anastasi.

* Discussed unsafe decks.

On Nov. 13, HIPC:

* Approved Permit #2227 for 210 days to Fred Nelson of Scandia Custom Homes to build a 1,573-square-foot house at 70 Lakeside Drive for property owners Robert and Carolyn Marshall.

* Approved Permit #2228 for 90 days, signed by Fred Holz on behalf of property owners Jerry and Carolyn Young, to build a 485-square-foot addition to their condominium at 43 Woodsdale Drive.

* Heard Elks Lodge member Loren Zimmer ask what the commission requires for inspection on structural work to the Elks Lodge building. The Lodge shut down the building out of safety concerns when it was discovered floor supports are failing. He said the Board of Trustees is committed to "doing this right" and has hired a structural engineer. HIPC gave him several options for inspection help.

* Gave advice to a property owner with water backing up into her house because of a clogged pipe.

* Heard Peterson say she has a draft letter that goes out to new property owners informing them about covenants that go with their units.