Jun 1, 2009 6:35 pm US/Mountain
Denver Gives Out Free Building Permits
Written by Paul Day
Reporting
Paul Day
DENVER (CBS4) ―
The Denver Mayor's Office is hoping to help boost the ailing economy with a novel, two week program which temporarily drops fees for some building permits.
"It's a way to spur our local economy," says Julius Zsako, a City Spokesman.
Hearing about the new program is what motivated Mike Kociemba to launch his planned $25,000 basement remodeling project at his home in Northwest Denver. His contractor informed him he could save an additional $500.
"We were still thinking about it, working on financing, and another $500 off definitely helped," says Kociemba.
His remodeling contractor, Jerry Vidmar, had already cut prices to compete in an ailing economy.
"I basically had to let all my guys go," says Vidmar. "We're basically starting all over again."
In 2008, Vidmar's company, Custom Interior Designs, kept busy with three dozen different projects. This year, the struggling firm has had only four jobs to date.
But winning the Kociemba basement remodeling project will definitely help and might lead to additional work.
"Somebody sees somebody finishing their basement up the street, it motivates another person down the street to start their basement," says Vidmar.
Denver is the first city in Colorado to offer free permits. The program, part of Denver's Home Renovation Bonanza, began Monday and by close of business 86 permits had already been issued.
Denver residents qualify if their home improvement project is considered "common." Examples include basic interior remodeling, basement remodeling, roof repair or replacement, wall insulation, water heater replacement, solar panels or home exterior siding, as well as stucco.
More complicated projects that require a plan review are not covered.
"If you want to build a residential high rise tower, (it) doesn't cover that," explains Zsako.
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