THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT MONSTER
Cloud 9 took over two years to build. The entire club is built by hand. Every shape has been hand carved, each detail, slaved over for days, weeks or even months. The stainless steel walls that swirl you into the club, are hand formed and acoustically modified to embrace the music. The now famous bar top and it’s awesome bottle display took over 68 days to shape and finish. The story goes on, but that’s not what this is about.
This story is about the Marion County Building Department and the MONSTER that lurks in the shadows of that building. Everyone in business has heard the stories of how the Building Department will come down on you, crush your plans, rip you off with fee after fee, delay your project, and even close you down, if you don’t comply with their endless regulations. “Stay away from them if you can”, every contractor will tell you that. The words “building department” and the word “permit” strike fear in the hearts of men, much like the letters IRS. Just like the Lock Ness Monster or Big Foot, the Building Department Monster does not exist! They are a group of wonderful hard working people, well organized, efficient, timely, professional, and more helpful than you can ever expect. The Zoning Department is my new best friend. They helped me get a 50 year old building, which was built before codes, and violates every new rule in the book open and happy. They scared me silly at first, but I think that was just to get my attention. The Fire Marshals office gave me guidance, directions, and advice through out the entire building process. I would have made some serious mistakes with out their input. We invited the Health Department in before the Club was finished and they pointed out details that needed attention, what a nice thing. Code Enforcement, came by to make sure we were not going over the top, and pointed out a few no-no’s. I admit however, at first, I was un-nerved when this unexpected visitor, labeled, badge on and dressed in a SWAT uniform (not really) appeared at the front door.
So, don’t listen to all the foolish stories some people may tell you. I have consulted with architects, engineers, contractors and builders and they are mostly full of hot air. Go to the Building Department first. They are the only ones who are on your side. They are there to protect you! Protect you from making mistakes. Protect you from the contractors or other service people who may not do right by you, intentionally or not. They will tell you in advance, what and how things should be done. I didn’t go there at the very first, but I will from now on.