HIPC will require proof of active state licenses after contractor forged document

HOLIDAY ISLAND -- The Holiday Island Planning Commission (HIPC) has been tightening up some of its requirements in recent months due to problems with construction and contractors.

In October, HIPC voted to require a permit for decks, with two inspections, after it was learned that a deck extension was improperly supported and unsafe.

The commission has approved a resolution, Res. #29, on Jan. 27 in a special meeting, to require a copy of all contractors' and subcontractors' Arkansas licenses to be attached to any new permit.

HIPC President Myrna Peterson said that because of the costs, some contractors are not renewing their licenses. In one case in recent months, a contractor forged a renewal date on his license and was fined $12,000 by the state.

On Jan. 21 in a special meeting, HIPC created a new type of permit: "commercial remodel," instigated by work on the Elks Lodge.

Normally the commission does not require a permit on a residential remodel that does not change the footprint of the building. Since commercial work has more stringent state requirements for public safety, HIPC felt it necessary to require the permit for commercial remodels that don't change the footprint.

At its meeting Friday, HIPC:

* Approved a landscaping plan by property owner Michael Conti for his yard at 38 LaCosta Drive. The plan includes building rock walls and moving dirt. Because the plan may affect some drainage areas, both the building inspector and the district manager will look at the proposed project.

* Discussed a plan to extend a deck at 1 Oak Point Lane with property owner John Boesche and contractor Jeremy Webb. HIPC asked for a detailed plan, which will involve extending the roof and doing electrical and HVAC work. Peterson said a special meeting can be set up once they are ready to get the permit.

At its Jan. 21 special meeting, HIPC:

* Approved commercial remodel permit #C-001 for underlayment of flooring at the Elks Lodge at 4 Parkcliff Drive. The Elks will do the job in-house, under their own workers' compensation insurance. The permit includes fees for two inspections.

At its Jan. 27 special meeting, HIPC:

* Approved Permit #C-002 for 90 days to Beebe Equipment Co. of Rogers, Ark., to reinforce the floor supports at the Elks Lodge.