Calder Remodeling News

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City Finishes Initial Plan Review
7/28/2004 4:00:00 PM
Today the City of Santa Barbara completed its first review of the Calder remodeling plans. The process, started on May 26, 2004, included reviews by Transportation, Public Works, Zoning, Fire and Building Departments. Of course some of these departments requested corrections but with the exception of the Transportation Department the corrections are all minor. "We are thrilled to have crossed this hurdle." Joan said. "This was a very long, slow process that left me very frustrated."

The summary of findings:

  • Building - Provide a "Drainage and Erosion Plan."  This plan will describe how we will control the drainage and erosion while the house is being constructed.
  • Schools - We must pay a "School Fee" that is based on the square footage of our addition. Think of it as a surcharge on the building permit application.
  • Transportation - A sidewalk is required on the property frontage. This one is a problem because they want us to build it at least 2 feet off the street and we want to build it right at the street. We haven't made any progress in resolving this issue in the past 6 months so we are trying to have this requirement tied to the project completion rather than the project initiation.

What's happening now:

  1. Our architect is modifying the plans to accommodate the required changes and any changes we've initiated to cut the project cost. This is usually very fast (2-3 days) so we expect to be able to resubmit the plans next week.
  2. We will continue to wrestle with Transportation and other departments to get the sidewalk where we want it.
  3. The new plans will go back to the Contractor for rebid. Here's hoping the price is more in-line with our pocketbook.