(Spirit Lake)– Efforts are underway to establish a uniform building code in Dickinson county.
Meetings have been held recently with city council and board of supervisor representatives. Another is set for May 20th at which time they’ll gauge the interest in establishing a uniform building code.
Those in favor of the code site the explosion in growth in the Iowa Great Lakes. They’re concerned that safety may not be taking a priority in the haste to get new buildings put up.
Those opposed to the measure say all of the additional inspections and the resulting increase in the cost of building permits would stymie development. They also say it would greatly deter efforts to bring affordable housing into the Iowa Great Lakes.
The Board of Supervisors stopped short of taking an official stance on the issue at their meeting Tuesday. Board member Wayne Northey wasn’t present. The matter will be back on next week’s agenda.
Board members also tabled a proposal to increase building permit fees. Zoning Administrator David Kolhaase said this increase would be separate from another one that would be required if the uniform building code is adopted.
