Some relief may be on its way for homeowners impacted by Tropical Storm Michael and the Norge tornado last month.
The James City County Board of Supervisors has approved a resolution that will waive building permit fees for residents whose homes were damaged after Michael on Oct. 11 and 12.
Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the meeting’s consent calendar, which included the resolution to waive building permit fees.
Simply put: Owners whose homes sustained damage can now get their building permits at no cost.
The county estimates 32 structures sustained more than $1.6 million in damage from the storm and tornado, according to Board of Supervisors documents. Some of the damaged areas include the Village at Candle Station, Colonial Heritage and Kristiansand.
Building permits are not only required for new builds or additions; they are also needed for repairing significant damage.
The waiver could save homeowners at least $70, depending on the level of work that will be done, Planning Director Paul Holt told WYDaily.
Those with questions about what requires a building permit should contact the James City County Planning Department at 757-253-6626.
Drinking water
During the meeting, the Board of Supervisors also voted to pass an initiating resolution directing staff to develop policies protecting drinking water supplies from nearby development.
The item was also passed unanimously on the meeting’s consent calendar.
The initiating resolution was prompted by Supervisor John McGlennon at a meeting in May.
McGlennon said there are no existing James City County policies that specifically address the distance possible chemical hazards, such as gas stations, can be located from drinking water.
The resolution requires the Planning Commission to develop a proposal to amend the county’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances for address protections for water supplies.
The Planning Commission will have at least one public hearing on the consideration of amendment of the ordinances, then forward its recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
