Better post that permit!
The Planning Department held their first Homeowner’s Night last Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Despite the torrential downpour at exactly 6:oo p.m., Frances and Suzanne Shaeffer came to check it out. They were thoroughly drenched, but it was well worth it because they received great information regarding a few projects they are thinking about for their home.
The Shaeffer’s have a finished attic that isn’t really finished. You pull off the paneling and you can feel the wind blowing in the house and the air conditioning blowing out into nature. The squirrels are happy, the Shaeffers are not.
They met with Rick Logan, our Building Official, who explained what they could do to better insulate their space and improve the construction of the attic. They then met with Regina Brewer, the Preservation Planner (okay, that’s me), to discuss possible property tax freezes and credits for completing a rehabilitation on a historic property. Then they met with Amanda Thompson, Planning Director, to discuss what size addition they could build based on their zoning and lot size. The Shaeffer’s have two boys and a third on the way, so more space is definately important! They finished up by talking to Nathan Soldat, our Permit and Zoning Technician, who gave them outstanding guidance on how to pull those pesky plumbing and HVAC permits.
The Shaeffers left with lots of handouts, great advice, and a much better understanding of the building process in Decatur. Jealous? You don’t have to be! You too can immerse yourself in the fabulous world of building and permitting. The next Homeowner’s Night is Tuesday, October 6th from 6-8 p.m. Be there or beware!
Questions about Homeowner’s Night? Contact Nathan Soldat at nathan.soldat@decaturga.com.
Regina Brewer
Preservation Planner
