POLL INDICATES SUPPORT FOR BOCA, BUT NOT INSPECTORS

Persons in the local building trades are supportive of the BOCA building code but believe city inspectors don't fairly apply it, according to a Southeast Missourian survey conducted last week.

Respondents also contended that the length of time it takes to obtain a building permit puts an undue burden on their ability to do work in Cape Girardeau, the survey indicated.

Asked to determine a reasonable length of time for getting a permit for remodeling or new construction, those responding offered a wide range of suggestions, from "immediately" to 45 days.

Survey forms were mailed to 221 architects, engineers, general contractors, electricians, mechanical and plumbing contractors, developers and surveyors that have done business with the city. By Saturday, 80 of the forms, or 36 percent, had been returned.

Forty-eight respondents indicated they favor the BOCA building code, which is the standard used by the city of Cape Girardeau, while 22 indicated disfavor.

"These codes are to protect the health and welfare of consumers, and not for the developer who in most cases is looking at the dollar (amount)," was one plumber's comment.

Another plumbing contractor said: "Without a strong code and enforcement of codes, the quality of workmanship always declines.

"I've lived in Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri in the last 20 years and (have) seen what happens when you don't have a strong code."

Not all respondents answered all questions.

On the question "Do you think the BOCA code is fairly applied by city inspectors and staff?", 53 respondents said "no," while 24 said "yes."

One architect said he didn't think a majority of the inspectors knew enough "about it to apply the BOCA code properly."

Another architect said application of the codes "should be consistent, (and) allow some variances. Use it as (a) goal and not (an) absolute."

On the question "Do you think the length of time to obtain a building permit puts an undue burden on your ability to do work in Cape Girardeau?", 52 respondents said "yes," while 24 indicated "no."

A general contractor added this comment: "Building in Cape Girardeau is too much hassle and too costly. We encourage the movement of the Cape population to Jackson as is currently happening. The new licensing rules will add to the above problem."

Another general contractor said the expense of building permits is "exorbitant."

"The city is placing stifling restrictions on construction in a city that they have not realized is not growing but shrinking," the contractor said. "They should be encouraging growth, not stifling it."

Another general contractor said, "As a home builder, I do not find any faults with inspectors. But I can see where it is a problem with remodeling and additions and commercial work."

Those surveyed were asked to suggest "a reasonable length of time to get a building permit approved by the city."

For remodeling, the suggestion most often given, by 13 respondents, was one week. Nine respondents suggested one hour and another nine suggested three days. Seven respondents suggested two days.

For new construction, the suggestion most often given, by 20 respondents, was one week. Nine respondents suggested one day and another eight suggested two weeks.