| New construction could have problems in the future as a regulation that calls for all basements to have a drain will begin to be enforced. |
Castle Valley Special Service District manager Darrel Leamaster announced at the recent board meeting of a potentially difficult situation that will arise in 2008. In the Universal Building Code, section R 405, it states that no structure with living space below the grade level of the house can be constructed without a drain around the house.
“This is a fairly serious thing,” said Leamaster. “This portion of the code says all foundations must have drains installed around them if there is living space inside and below the grade. The county building inspector has given notice that he will begin enforcing this portion of the code on Jan. 1, 2008.”
Leamaster explained the problem will be where these drain systems will drain. He said it is against state and federal regulations to drain the water from drains such as these into the sewer system of the home. He also said if these drains drain into the gutters, it will create ice problems in winter and pest problems in the summer months. Tapping into the storm drain system will be costly and impossible in some areas of the cities.
“The only option that may be available in the future is not to allow homes to be built with basements,” said Leamaster. The board agreed to research how this portion of the UBC affects other communities in the state.
Leamaster reported on the 2007 street projects in Emery County. He said many of the projects have received final inspection, but due to weather restraints, the repairs have not been completed. These repairs must wait until spring. He stated the curb, gutter and drain projects have been completed and have all been done well.
As for 2008, chip-seal and crack sealing will take place in the towns of Emery and Clawson. Bids will be let out soon and will be opened and the board will award the bids at the next board meeting. Work is anticipated to begin in June or July.
Another item addressed by the CVSSD was to raise the liquidated damages amount. In the past that amount on a per day basis was $500 for going over the contract completion date. It was approved to increase that amount to $1,000 per calendar day.
Leamaster reported his attendance at the funding meeting held in December. “Our funding has been approved and the bond closing will be held mid-March. J&T will have engineering contracts ready for next board meeting,”said Leamaster.
The board approved their 2008 meeting schedule. They will meet the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the CVSSD office. This time reflects a change this year as they will not change the time for daylight savings time.