Those needing to rebuild after the flooding event in Marshall County will not need to pay permit fees to do so.
The Marshall County Commissioners unanimously approved a request from Marshall County Plan Director Ralph Booker and Building Commissioner Chuck DeWitt to waive permit fees for those affected by flood waters. DeWitt asks that anyone needing to rebuild must report that activity to his office.
“That way we can take care of it immediately while they’re there,” said DeWitt. “What length of time that we would need? Being in construction and knowing what the climate is right now, by the time the people find out whether they have insurance or not and find somebody and get quotes I think we need to lengthen that to six months. They would have to let us know when they come in that it’s flood-related.”
DeWitt added that they want to keep track of the work and make sure it’s documented to report to FEMA.
Booker said that since he’s the flood manager he’ll have to follow FEMA standards.
“There are some requirements that I’ll have to adhere by depending on the level of damage. There are some that are probably under the basic flood elevation. If they have more than 50 percent damage, I’m required to have them raise that up two feet above the basic flood elevation.”
For more information, call 574-935-8531.
