Permit Fees Waived for Rebuilding Damaged Structures

Residents planning to rebuild after last month’s earthquake can look forward to a little less red tape at City Hall.

Meeting Tuesday in the basement of the Bank of America across the street from its quake-battered headquarters, the Santa Clarita City Council voted unanimously to waive permit and inspection fees for the rebuilding of earthquake-damaged structures.

Using quake-related emergency powers, the displaced council also voted to re-enact its dormant Redevelopment Agency, which can make the city and its residents eligible for special funding for repairs and improvements.

The building inspection fees, which could total up to $1.5 million, are being waived mainly in the interest of public safety, city spokeswoman Gail Foy said.

“It’s important that people don’t bypass the permit process because they don’t want to pay fees,” Foy said. “Besides, we know these are tough times and we want to help people out.”

City building official Ruben Barrera said there are an estimated 5,000 houses, apartments and businesses in need of repairs requiring permits.

Anticipating a crush of inspection requests, the council voted to retain the Anaheim-based consulting engineering firm Willdan Associated to help conduct the inspections.

Barrera said payment of the firm will be based on the number of inspections it conducts and that the sum will be reimbursed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The Redevelopment Agency is expected to cover most of the city. State law provides that areas deemed redevelopment zones are eligible for funding from local property taxes that would normally go to schools, county government or other entities. The money can be used to pay for improvements to private property as well as repairs or improvements to the city’s infrastructure. The council is expected to decide on boundaries for the district soon.