Maurice adjusts building permit policy

MAURICE — There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed many facets of life.
Construction has seen that effect.
From shortages in material to manpower, completing a project on time has been challenging. Acknowledging that, the village of Maurice has moved to make the permit portion of the process a little easier.
During its monthly meeting on July 21, the Maurice Board of Aldermen voted to provide extensions for both new and previously issued building permits.
That move came after DSLD Homes, Manual Builders, AM Design and Raybuilt Quality Homes each requested extensions for various properties. The meeting’s agenda initially included a representative from each company.
Seeing a larger issue, Maurice Mayor Wayne Theriot said a plan needed to be put in place. Theriot discussed the issue with Assistant Clerk Nichole Bonin, who deals with permits for the village, and Richard Primeaux, who serves as Maurice’s building code enforcement inspector.
“We have a building permit procedure,” Theriot said. “We had all of these people coming to request an extension. Due to circumstances, both economical and health from COVID-19, these builders are experiencing delays. They are delayed in getting materials and various other things.
“I recommend we adopt a policy for building permit time limits.”
Prior to Wednesday’s meeting, Maurice issued permits for six months, at which point the permits expired.
“Building permits for new commercial and residential construction will (now) be issued for a 12-month time period,” Theriot said. “Building permits for other types of construction will be issued for a six-month time period (previously for 90 days). That includes permits for additions. Applicants may apply for a 90-day extension, based upon documented circumstances, such as, if in the middle of construction, we had a historical flood.”
Previously issued permits for commercial and residential construction will automatically be extended to 12 months.
“That will be from the date of issuance and or the date of request,” Theriot said. “Previously issued permits for other types of construction will receive a 90-day extension from the date of issuance.”
Theriot said this move falls in line with other areas.
“In conversations I had with Richard Primeaux,” Theriot said, “this pretty much follows what Abbeville and Vermilion Parish are doing, in time frame.”
The Board of Aldermen voted 3-0 on the change. The new policy went in to effect following the meeting.
“I’m sure all of these builders thank you for that,” Theriot told the board.