AMA – Do I Need a Building Permit?
Welcome to the Real Estate Espresso podcast, your morning shot of what’s new in the world of real estate investing. I’m your host, Victor Menasce.
Today is another AMA episode, that is “Ask Me Anything.” But before we get to our listener question, I’d like to invite you to learn more about an exciting opportunity located in Bradenton, Florida. Bradenton is on the West Coast along the Gulf Coast of Florida, sandwiched between Sarasota and St. Petersburg. This market has an industrial moratorium that’s driving one asset class to new heights, and that specifically light industrial. This 35-acre property right in the middle of Bradenton has an existing charter school on 11 of those acres, and then 24 acres that we’re developing. We’re hosting a webinar tonight, October the 8th at 7pm. Eastern Time. This opportunity is open to accredited investors only residing in the US, in compliance with SEC regulations. To learn more, click on the link in the show notes. We’ll see you tonight at 7pm. If you can’t watch the webinar tonight, register anyway, and we’ll send you the recording.
Today’s episode is another AMA episode. That is “ask me anything.” I love to answer your questions. If you have a question, you think is going to be of broad interest, send it in. I’ll answer it live on the air. Send your questions to victor at victorjm.com. Today’s question comes from Irene, who writes, “I own a portfolio of short-term rentals here in Kihei, Maui.
Most of these are condos across the street from the beach. The Homeowner’s Association has undertaken replacement work for some of the plumbing infrastructure, which requires opening up the walls and replacing pipes. In the process of demolition, they destroyed the bathroom cabinetry, which, quite frankly, was not necessary. As they were nearing completion, we started to replace the cabinetry, and then the security team from the Homeowner’s Association notified us we needed to stop work because we did not have a building permit for the improvements. Not being an expert in construction, how should I be responding to the Homeowner’s Association or a building inspector if the inspector shows up?”
Well, Irene, this is a great question. I researched the requirements for a building permit in Maui, and they match the requirements that we see in most jurisdictions around the country. The Homeowner’s Association is responsible for anything that affects the outer elements of the property, and it’s your responsibility to repair and replace the furnishings.
Projects that are most often exempt from the building permit include minor repairs and cosmetic changes: painting, papering, installing new flooring and carpeting, cabinetry, and countertop replacement as long as the work does not involve structural changes or affect electrical or plumbing systems.
The work you’re proposing to undertake is to repair damage to furnishings that are owned by you. The Homeowner’s Association was doing plumbing work, which likely did require a building permit. Now, if the Homeowner’s Association is being obstructive, my recommendation is to write a letter
I want to thank you, Irene, for a fabulous question, and for the listeners at home, have an awesome rest of your day. Go make some great things happen. We’ll talk to you again tomorrow.
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