|
departments
»
planning
»
building division
Building Division
SNOW ACCUMULATION ON ROOFSWith recent and continuing snow fall we need to be aware of the amount that has accumulated on our roofs. The newer roofs in our area are designed to handle the typical accumulation for our area. Older structures may have been under built and should be monitored more closely. Snow weighs from 3 lbs. per sq. ft. (dry snow) to 21 lbs. per sq. ft. (wet snow). The typical roof should be able to handle approximately 24” of snow without difficulty. Snow removal from roofs can be hazardous, and should only be done by experienced individuals who are trained and protected. Shoveling the roof without the proper approach may actually cause more damage than good by creating an unbalanced load on the roof. If there is ice building up at the eaves causing an ice dam it may prevent melted snow from draining off the roof. An ice dam can hold water on the roof and can cause damage to your house. A roof rake operated from the ground to remove the bottom two feet of snow at the eave will help to melt the ice dam faster when temperatures move above freezing. We have provided a map that indicates the approximate age of the residential buildings in The City of Cheney. This map may help you determine the age of your residence. You could also check your tax assessor records to see what year your residence was built. Click here to view the provided map.
Building permits are required for most construction or remodeling projects. Permits are required to ensure that buildings and development projects are constructed to be safe and to conform to all applicable codes. If you plan to build a fence, storage shed, patio, a sprinkler system, remodel, add a new room, finish/complete an unfinished basement area, change/replace windows or re-shingle your house, you will need a permit. Failure to obtain the proper permit could create an unsafe situation for you and your family and the improvement may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance. You might also be in violation of state and local laws and you could also be liable for substantial penalties. If you are using a contractor, it is advisable that the contractor obtain the permit, so you can be assured he or she is properly licensed and bonded. Application Forms and instructions for various types of permits are available online, and may be returned in person, or by fax or email. Payment is accepted by check, cash, or credit card (Mastercard or Visa). Inspection requests received prior to 2:00 p.m. can usually be performed the same day. The best time to contact an inspector is between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Currently the City of Cheney has adopted the following codes: - 2006 International Building Code
- 2006 International Residential Code
- 2006 International Mechanical Code
- 2006 International Fire Code
- 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code
- 2006 International Fuel Gas Code
- NFPA Standard No. 58 for Propane Installations
- 2006 International Property Maintenance Code
- The Washington State Energy Code WAC 51-11
|
