House and Senate passed the Permit Extension Act of 2009

The Permit Extension Act of 2009, designed to help developers suffering from the recession, passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. According to the act, any developer that obtained a building permit beginning January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010 will not have to apply for a permit extension, thus giving the developer a time extension to complete unfinished projects.

The Business Alliance for a Sound Economy, along with various other organizations, supports the act on the basis that it provides developers with a means of keeping construction workers on-site and employed. Because the permit review and re-approval process is time consuming, the act will also save the state a great deal of money and resources that can be better spent given the current economic constraints.

Controversy surrounding the act stems from lot owners who have paid high prices for land that is still undeveloped, in some cases years later, lacking water, sewer, and road infrastructure. Taxpayers are concerned about abandoned projects fearing they will ultimately be monetarily responsible for developers defaulting on their bonds. Gary Ferguson, Carolina Beach Planning and Development Coordinator, points out that the Permit Extension Act could raise noncompliance issues in the future due to construction projects based on outdated building codes. Compliance concerns may also be raised in the environmental arena, as several of the permits currently excluded from re-approval include wastewater, erosion control and air quality permits.

The stagnant economy has definitely taken its toll, and as with any legislation, there will always be advocates for both sides.

Written By Brittany Edwards