Page 8 - July - September, 2018 CityLine

What Are You Leaving Behind?

Choose to make a difference! We make decisions every day that
affect the environment — from turning off running water to setting
back the thermostat. One simple but impactful action is to recycle
all our clean bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard.
Some days, we may look at a plastic bottle or aluminum can in our
hand and think, how much of a difference does it make whether I Why Building Permits?
recycle or landfill it? The truth is, it makes a big difference. Every by Mary Dickson, Chief Building Official
day we create an average of 4.4 pounds of trash, which adds up to There is no count of the number of fires that don’t happen. No
1,606 pounds in a year. That’s heavier than a full-grown cow! Much one tracks the number of falls that don’t occur. The number of
of that material can be recycled to save our natural resources, cut electrocutions that don’t happen go unreported. It is only after
down on energy use, and create cleaner air and water. some accident or failure in which the first responders show up
that make the news.
The Building Safety Department not only reviews construction
plans and perform building inspections for big-ticket items but
also ensures that toilets flush and the air conditioners cool. The
purpose of building codes, plan reviews and inspections is to
provide assurance that a home or building is safe from structural
failure, fire hazards, electrical shock, and health risks.

When you buy or sell a home, realtors, home inspectors, and
mortgage companies routinely check with the City regarding the
permitting and inspection for any home improvements. Insurance
companies, after a fire or other damage has occurred, also check for
permits and inspections. Insurance companies have been known to
deny claims because unpermitted work was done at the property,
even if unrelated to the claim.

So, whenever remodeling, repairs, additions and alterations are
planned, first check with the Building Safety Staff to inquire if a
permit is required. Permit fees are reasonable and cover the cost of
Did you know…
documentation, review and inspections and provide the assurance
• it takes 74% less energy to create steel from recycled materials? that the work was completed properly and to code.
• new cans made from recycled aluminum cut greenhouse gas Check the City website, litchfield-park.org, for a series of brochures
emissions by 95%? that outline the permit and inspection process as well as what is
required for a permit for patios, gazebos, pools and spas, fencing,
• recycling 14 plastic bottles creates enough insulation (fiberfill) and solar projects. Email building@litchfield-park.org or call
for a ski jacket?
623-935-1066.

What we do with our waste makes a big difference. Make a choice Congratulations to the winners of the Architectural Scavenger
today to leave a cleaner, greener legacy. Choose to recycle your Hunt! Susan Alves, Chris Garcia and the Quirk Family were
clean bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. Encourage your friends recipients of prizes donated by Starbucks, Ace Hardware and
and neighbors to do the same thing. Choose to make a difference! Walmart. Thanks to these businesses for their contributions!

8 | Jul-Sep 2018 Issue litchfi eld-park.org