REPORT OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT – 2003

 

 

The year 2003 saw the issuance of one-hundred-thirty (130) permits for various construction projects and applications.

 

Of this total, twenty (20) were for new single-family houses.  This is somewhat below our 5-10 year trend of 28 new homes per year.  (In 1997 we saw a peak of 37 new home permits, and in 2001 we saw a ten-year low of 18 permits.)  The housing stock in Dunbarton is now approximately 1,000 dwelling units.

 

Permits for all “other” construction, such as garages, decks, additions and the like, continue a current 3-year trend of over 100 such permits a year.  The bulk of the Department’s time is spent in the administration of these smaller-scope projects.

 

          Single Family Homes                      20               Garage                                             13

          Barns                                                  1               Additions                                         15

          Porch/Deck/3 Season Room           12               Shed                                                    9     

Remodeling                                       7               Electrical                                         12

          Swimming Pool                                  6               Re-roofing                                       14

          Renewal of Existing Permit              6               Demolition                                           1

          Finish Basement                               4               Repair Siding                                      1

          Lean-to                                              1               Paving                                                 1

          Recreational Building                      1               Camper                                               1

          Fence                                                 1               Relocation of Mobile Home             2

          Remote Switch                                   1               Replace Oil Burner                            1

         

TOTAL PERMITS:                       130

 

Mid-2003 saw a dramatic structure change in the duties and operation of the Building Department.  At the direction of the Board of Selectmen, we now assist in the administration of all other functions within the Town’s responsibility for Building, Planning, Zoning and Health.  The Selectmen saw this as a cost-saving, efficiency move to monitor and integrate the decisions of the Planning and Zoning Boards, to the various Town Departments, as they affect the quality of new construction and growth in Dunbarton.  So far, things are working quite well.

 

The year 2003 also saw a striking increase in calls from citizens regarding zoning and enforcement concerns.  The Selectmen have asked that these matters receive a degree of priority and thorough investigation.  We are happy to report the majority of these cases become quickly resolved, but a few linger on, beset by opposing legal perspectives, or outright lack of cooperation.  As necessary, we continue to support the Selectmen’s Office and Town Counsel with research on technical and legal issues.

 

The day-to-day operations of the department are performed by two very capable assistants.  Barbara McCann is our Administrative Assistant, having been with us since summer of 2003, following in the footsteps of Tomi Salzmann.  Barbara comes to the Department with a strong technical and legal background, but her real job is to keep us running smoothly and efficiently, which she does quite well.  Harvey Provencher is our Assistant Building Inspector, performing the lion’s share of permit writing and field inspections.  He has diligently served the department for over 10 years.  Our other Assistant Building Inspector, John Turner, left the department in the summer of 2003 to spend more time with his family and business.  John’s technical expertise as an engineer is missed; we have yet to re-fill his position.

 

We wish to thank the Fire Department, the Police Department and the Road Department for their co-inspections and assistance over the past many months.

 

Thanks to the Town Hall staff who assist when we need help, and answer people’s questions when we’re not available.

 

Thanks also to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Conservation Commission for coordinating approvals, sending along information and assisting with compliance and enforcement requests.

 

Building permits are required for the following:  residential single and multi-family homes, garage, apartment, shed, porch, deck, remodeling and major renovations, fireplace and chimneys, major electrical and service entrance, major plumbing, oil/gas burner, rebuild roof, driveway paving, temporary trailer or building, commercial/industrial/institutional/agricultural, greenhouse, stable, barn home occupation/business, demolition.

 

The Building Department has new and expanded office hours at the Dunbarton Town Offices:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Thursday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; other office hours by appointment; all inspections are scheduled by appointment (24 hour notice).

 

Please stop by or call if you have any problems or concerns.  We are always happy to answer your technical questions.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kenneth L. Swayze, Administrator        

Harvey Provencher                                                    

Assistant Building Inspector

                                     

Barbara McCann                                                       

Administrative Assistant