VENTURA : Mall Shop to Offer Permits, Information

City officials will staff a shop at Buenaventura Mall today to issue permits for minor home improvements and distribute information about earthquake retrofitting for foundations of older homes.

In an empty storefront next to Mrs. Fields Cookies, city officials will issue on-the-spot building permits for minor electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. Permits, which cost $20 to $50, would also be available for patio covers, simple decks and fencing.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever issued permits away from City Hall,” said Bob Prodoehl, superintendent of building and safety. “It’s kind of a trial to improve our image. If we’re out of City Hall, people might be a little receptive and a little more likely to come up to us.”

Prodoehl said officials will also be promoting the need for upgrading homes built before World War II. City staff members estimate that nearly 400 homes in the city--primarily in the mid-town and Ventura Avenue areas--are not anchored to their concrete foundations and could be jolted off the foundations in a severe earthquake.

“We would love to have people upgrade those buildings,” Prodoehl said. “It would cost a couple thousand to do it, and it could cost $20,000 if the house fell off the foundation.”

City officials will offer free inspections to homeowners to determine if an upgrade is needed.

The shop will be open from noon to 6 p.m. today. Other sessions are scheduled at the Ventura Home Show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds the March 19-20 weekend.

“Whether we keep doing it will depend on how many people take advantage of the service,” Prodoehl said.