Four new fire replacement permits in one week! This is exciting news. Over the three previous weeks, the rate was two-and-two-thirds permits per week.
In the last week, five new applications to rebuild came in and, according to the “Rebuild Status” page on the city’s website, four new fire rebuild permits were granted. We are on the verge achieving a permit granting rate that will result in the backlog of people waiting for plan check approval not growing any larger.
My take on the math indicates there are currently 132 applications making their way through plan checking. At the current rate of four per week, we have a 33-week backlog of applications in progress while a rate of five per week would cut that down to about 27 weeks. We need to get that rate up to over six per week to have a prayer of meeting the “six-month to a rebuild permit” goal. I am hopeful that the efforts of the city staff, with the backing of the council and city manager, can achieve this goal.
In other news, we are all grateful to have avoided a power shutdown like our friends in Northern California have suffered.
It seems it’s time to seriously consider buying a portable backup generator. If you decide to take the plunge, a dual-fuel generator that can function on either propane or gasoline will give you additional flexibility. If you run it on propane, you will not have to worry about the gasoline going bad and gumming up the carburetor. You will still have the ability to run it on gasoline if that’s all you can get. The manufacturers of all equipment run by small engines recommend changing the oil once a year, even if you haven’t used it.
If you decide that you need, or want, the capability of running your entire home during a power outage, a permanently installed backup generator is what you will be looking for. A permanently installed system will automatically start itself and run for about 20 minutes a week to keep the battery charged up and the moving bits oily. These systems typically run off natural gas if it is available at your property or, even better, a large propane storage tank. These systems are usually sold with an annual maintenance contract.
Another resiliency dream purchase for those with a pool or large fountain is a fire pump and enough 1.5-inch hose to reach the farthest corner of the house. I have not seen a flex fuel version of a fire pump yet, so this purchase requires a commitment to drain and replace the gasoline every three months or so to keep the gasoline in the tank and carburetor from going stale and rendering the pump inoperable when you really need it.
If you are having your mail forwarded, be aware that the order expires every six months and needs to be renewed. Not getting your property tax bill will not result in good things.