I CAN HAS PERMIT

[shadesofmauve]

By this point I have a rather odd relationship with the city building officials, pretty much all of whom I think I've met (I look at my little pile of business cards and think GOTTA COLLECT EM ALL). My initial talk with the city about my plans was with an older guy who happily talked about the various issues in the building project and suggested all sorts of things. He argued on my side when I was stymied by The Guy Who Says No. Then I took months being in an emotional funk (and busy with holidays and things), building it all up in my head to something almost insurmountable, before I finally called the City Administrator -- the very top, save for the council -- because I thought he was the next guy up the ladder. I met with him and the actual next guy up the ladder, the head of the planning department, and we worked out a compromise -- and they were totally, totally nice and understanding about it... and clearly disapproving of the incorrect information given to me by The Guy Who Says No. Then yesterday I got a call from another guy I hadn't known existed, who heads up the actual building inspection end, saying he 'had some questions for you, but they won't delay your permit.' Then a call this morning saying the permit was ready even though I still didn't know what the questions were, so off I toddled, ready to be absolutely stumped by something I hadn't considered... and he asked a few questions that were all to make sure that in the places I'd specified overbuilding* I was doing it of my own volition and I hadn't been pressured or mislead by any of his staff. And then he suggested a cheaper way to build the floor, and told me as far as he was concerned I didn't have to use pressure treated lumber and could make a framing/insulation change which may have just saved me, oh, $400.

Then we talked about dogs for awhile, because he googled me, saw I play irish music, and he has an Irish wolfhound. And it turns out he's friends with my boyfriend's boss, because wolfhound people all know each other.

And one of my awesome neighbors came by mid conversation, and I mentioned one of his awesome tools (he has a LASER CUTTER), and the permit guy put his hands on his ears and said "I DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT ANYONE DOES IN THEIR GARAGE." (My neighbor said "Okay, I won't tell you, but I will say I've got a very nice fire extinguisher sitting right next to my tools. Does that help?").

SO.

I HAS PERMIT.

NOW I HAVE TO ACTUALLY DO STUFF OH GODS.


*Building to standards above and beyond that required by code.

Comments

[criada.livejournal.com]

I can certainly give a good reference for westrider's abilities at being a calming, morale-boosting presence. Not exactly a skilled ability, but a rare one.