Wait for building permits to fix flooddamaged homes leading to frustration
Nov 04, 2024
Chad Karr and his wife are living here, and their two dogs dont seem thrilled about it either.We are sitting with our pets living in a camper right now just because thats the only place we can find right now to stay, said Karr.Karrs friend let him rent a camper after his home in Gulf Harbors took in almost a foot of water during Hurricane Helene. He said its now been professionally remediated. But he cant get Pasco Countys permitting department to give him what he needs to get repairs done.They keep passing the buck. They keep moving it from one person to another. The wait time for my general contractor on the phone when I spoke to him, hes sitting for an hour on hold just to get one answer, said Karr.Karr and many of his neighbors, including Paris Tsirnikas, the President of the Gulf Harbors Civic Association, are in similar situations.I needed baseboards, interior doors, and interior trim, and a dishwasher. Thats it. My permit I was told between 7-10 days. Today is the 10th day and I have yet to hear a word, said Tsirnikas.People can apply for building permits on Pasco Countys website, and there is a checklist of things youll need. But people here said the county is micro-managing at a time when so many are in desperate need.I think people in government forget that theres human lives at stake here. People cannot afford to maintain a second residence while they are repairing this one, Tsirnikas said.My AC guy to finish remediation, they changed the rules on him four times in one week just to pull a permit. Just to put the simplest thing we do in Florida every single day. Put an AC unit in," said Karr.Some local governments around the Bay area, including Pasco County, have waived permitting fees. However, construction without a permit can result in a stop work order and fines.Theres certain steps that we all need to go through and we are aware. But as an active homeowner that lives in the community, we should be able to streamline this process and thats why we want some help, said resident BettyAnn McCloud.These Gulf Harbor residents plan to work together to get help, and theyd like to see local leaders step in.Pasco County does have two pop-up permit locations set up. Pasco County Tax Collector's Office at 4720 US-19, New Port Richey Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club at 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd, Dade City