News Flash

Before you hire someone to make repairs to your home following this latest winter storm, please refer to these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for important information on what the Town requires prior to services beginning. 

During this process, we want to make a couple of points. First, THE TOWN OF WESTLAKE WILL NOT BE CHARGING FOR PERMITS DURING THIS CRISIS. Secondly, Town staff pledges to not hinder our residents from getting these repairs done quickly.  We will work with you hand in hand to navigate through the process so that you can get the necessary work completed in a timely manner.

• Can a plumber do emergency work without a permit?   Yes, the work can be completed. The plumber should obtain a permit from the Town at their earliest convenience. This process is especially important as the risk of unscrupulous contractors increases in the aftermath of an emergency situation.
• If a plumber does emergency work will the Town conduct an inspection?  Yes, the Town will schedule an inspection to ensure that the work completed meets the International Building Code Requirements once an inspection is requested by the permit holder. Once the work is completed by a licensed plumber, the system can be immediately placed back in service prior to the Town inspection being conducted. This is an important safeguard for property owners, especially in the aftermath of an emergency.
• Can a contractor do emergency work as a result of water damage or other storm-related damage?  Yes, the work can be completed. The contractor should obtain a permit from the Town at their earliest convenience. The Town will conduct an inspection on the work once requested by the permit holder.
• Can a homeowner repair their own plumbing system?   Yes, but the homeowner still needs to obtain a permit from the Town and is subject to inspections. The homeowner will need to contact the Town to schedule the inspection.
• Who should repair my water heater?  It is recommended that a licensed plumber evaluate and repair water heaters.
• Will the Town conduct an inspection on my water heater repair?  Yes, once a permit has been obtained, the Town will conduct an inspection once requested by the permit holder. If a licensed plumber performs the repairs, the system can be placed back into service immediately prior to an inspection being conducted. The State also allows homeowners to make their own repairs, but you still need a permit and are subject to inspections. The Town will conduct an inspection once a permit has been obtained and an inspection is requested by the permit holder. The Town also can inspect water heaters via a video submitted by the permit holder.
• Is the plumber or contractor responsible for obtaining the necessary permits?  Yes. Licensed contractors understand the process.
• Can permits be obtained online via the website?   Yes, visit our Town’s building inspection webpage.
• Will the Town be waiving permit fees for emergency repairs related to the recent weather events?  Yes, for any storm-related damage for a 60-day period.

Why do I need a permit from the Town?  Permits are written authorizations issued by the Town for building-related projects (plumbing, electrical, remodel, etc.) to ensure the safety of the work and its compliance with building, construction, and zoning codes. It is also a way to ensure that the contractor that is doing work at your home or business is registered to do work in the Town and holds the necessary licenses to perform the work. Once work is completed, the contractor (permit holder) is responsible to contact the Town and schedule an inspection.  Once an inspection is scheduled, a Town building inspector will visit your home/business to ensure that the work conducted meets all code requirements. This is an important safeguard for property owners, especially in the aftermath of an emergency.