The City helps ensure the construction of safe building and protects community character through zoning and building code regulations. The Building Inspections department administers these regulations through permits and inspections.
Building and related permits ensure that projects will be constructed according to nationally recognized standards. The standards are designed to protect buildings from collapse and fire, and to ensure the safety of all building occupants. Review of permit applications also ensures that projects meet zoning requirements, such as yard coverage, setbacks and building height.
Some permits, such as residential plumbing, mechanical, building re-siding, re-roofing and window replacements can be issued at the time of application. Other residential permit applications take up to five working days or more to process. Applications for permits should be submitted well in advance of the scheduled starting date. This will allow time for city staff to offer assistance through the process and issue permit at the start of the project. This is especially true during the summer construction season.
Over the past 5 years Blaine building inspectors have performed approximately 65,000 inspections on construction valued at nearly $800,000,000. And over the last 5 years, approximately 1,600 new homes and town homes were built in the City of Blaine.