Medical Lake officials last week talked about cleanup of fire debris and rebuilding the community.
MEDICAL LAKE – As part of Gray Fire recovery and rebuilding, the city is hosting weekly related community meetings at Medical Lake High School.
The Sept. 20 meeting highlighted the need and use of building permits, and how post-fire permits differ from standard permits.
Mayor Terri Cooper said many residents were "underinsured," due to the increase in real estate prices over the past several years.
According to Spokane County Emergency Management, the insurance data residents provide is paramount to rebuilding and recovery.
Cooper also announced the state made another $1 million available to assist in fire cleanup.
"That gives us $2.25 million and we will soon see how that will be managed and allocated," she said.
A lot of people are still
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out cleaning debris, and trying to find out where to go after that.
According to City Administrator Sonny Weathers, the city understands a lot of people will go through contractors to rebuild, but they outlined a way to streamline the process.
Avista will have to be contacted to provide temporary power to the property and a building permit will need to be issued, he said.
A building permit is required for any structure over 200 square feet, under city law. Permit documents have to include plumbing and mechanical aspects. Depending on the situation, a demolition permit may also be needed.
There won't be impact fees or system development charges, officials said, noting permit fees are collected at the time of issuance.
Manufactured homes require much of the same, but also require a permit from the state Department of Labor and Industries and a permit from the city, under city law.
A demolition permit is required if someone is not ready to rebuild or plans on rebuilding in a different location than where the initial structure stood.
Building foundations must be inspected by a structural engineer to determine whether they can be used for a rebuild, officials said.
Because of material concerns, an asbestos survey must be completed – it's a requirement of Spokane Regional Clean Air Authority, officials said.
According to Spokane County, the inspection must be done by a building inspector certified under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986.
Anyone doing so needs to file a notice of intent, as well, but the fees for those are being waved for those affected by the fire.
Temporary housing is allowed on site while people clean up and recover property, but there are certain conditions and limitations, according to Spokane County.
During the meeting, Cooper also noted fewer people are attending community meetings.
"I see the crowd's getting smaller," Cooper said. "Hopefully, that means people are getting the help they need. "
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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