For Immediate Release, Thursday, October 13, 2005
Contact:  Suzanne Parsons Stymiest @ 985-898-5243
 

PERMITS DEPARTMENT BUSY, MOST FEES WAIVED

             Parish Government Permits Department staff have been extremely busy for the last several weeks, as thousands of residents and contractors work to restore utilities and effect repairs to homes and businesses.

             As of the end of business on Oct. 12, the Permits Department had issued 4,000 electrical permits and conducted 771 electrical inspections, all at no charge.

             Applications have been received for 600 building permits, and 400 of those were processed at no cost to the applicant. FEMA trailer permits have been issued for 129 sites.

             Requirements for permits can be found on the Parish Government website, www.stpgov.org.

             Numerous out-of-state contractors are in the area to handle the enormous demand. All contractors require not only permits from Parish Government but also occupational licenses issued by the Sheriff’s Office (www.stpso.com). Visit both websites for complete information.

             “We have minimized the normal requirements for permit applications and waived almost all costs to consumers and contractors,” Parish President Kevin Davis said. “Our goal is the complete restoration of St. Tammany Parish and the return of all our citizens, and we’re trying hard to make the process as simple and inexpensive as possible.

             “While we have waived many fees and inspection requirements, some projects will require on-site inspections. We want our residents to understand that we’re requiring inspections only in the interest of their safety, and to please be patient with inspectors and Permits Department staff.”

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