Dingman explains building requirements
By Anya Tikka
DINGMAN TOWNSHIP — Planning to build in Dingman Township? Supervisors clarified the township's requirements at their Sept. 15 meeting, with regard to timing, hazards, and fees.
Some Dingman residents say it’s best to wait until building plans are final before submitting them to the township for approval, instead of submitting "works in progress."
Resident Eric Hammond called supervisors to get clarification on when to submit plans. The supervisors advised residents not to make unnecessary trips.
It’s okay for plans to come in as final plans, if no driveway or structure work is necessary, supervisors explained.
“Absolutely if there are no revisions, submit the final," supervisors's chair Thomas Mincer explained. "But I would leave it up to them if they feel comfortable or confident.”
Danger of RV add-onsFelix Pagan, a resident of Lake Adventure, was proposing to build a "log house of some kind" on top of his recreational vehicle. The supervisors denied permission, mainly on grounds of safety.
He was going to strip down to frame a recreational vehicle, a whole different type of structure, Mincer said. A lot of people are trying to build permanent structures on non-permanent structures.
Lake Adventure has recreational vehicles. Some residents there have slide-out/slide-in additions — but they never slide back in, Mincer said.
“Lake Adventure has some issues," he said. "Someone’s always stripping down to frame and rebuilding it.”
But he said this can create hazards with regard to wiring, the roof load, and all other loads, and not be able to pass fire company or electrical inspections. In case of fire, Mincer said, “It’s faster than house flame. It doesn’t have a foundation, anything to build with.”
The roof would pose a hazard, especially with snow loads, that may affect passers-by.
No profit from feesAnother resident, Robert Mollica, wrote supervisors complaining about the $250 permit fee for adding steps to his existing deck.
The charge is the minimum, Mincer said.
“We have an outside third party company," Mincer said. "He thinks somehow the town is making money of this."
He said there’s a minimum for construction, because somebody has to be sent there.
"We sent a letter back, sorry you feel the way you do, this is not profit for the township," said Mincer. "There has to be some way that third parties can operate. Again, this is not profit issue."
Minimum standards must be met during inspections, he said.
The supervisors also spoke about the importance of having a 911 sign for emergencies.
“If you don’t have your 911 sign on, please get one," Supervisor Kerry Welsh said.
Mincer added said supervisors required 911 signs to protect residents.
"One sign could be a life saver," he said. "Those extra 5 to 10 minutes could save lives. They’re available from the fire company for 10 to 15 dollars, why not get them? It can be difficult to get GPS to find a house, so please get signs, and put a sign up.”
The signs may be purchased at www.dingmanfire.com.