The Bonney Lake City Council has revised the city’s municipal code to clarify that building permits remain valid for more than 180 days even if no inspection is called for during the period.

The council approved the ordinance 6-0 with Councilman David Bowen absent from the March 17 workshop.

City Administrator Don Morrison said the council had already approved part of the ordinance, but language was not amended that would have prevented permits from expiring if the work was not commenced within 180 days from the date the permit was issued, or if the building did not receive a call for inspection within 180 days.

“The provision that permits would not expire if there was no inspection called for within 180 days was never adopted,” Morrison explained. “Basically, if they don’t call for an inspection, the permit is still good, but not for more than four years.”

Deputy Mayor Dan Swatman asked City Attorney Jeff Ganson if the ordinance would impact existing permits – if the permit holder would have to complete their project within four years or get an extension.

“The ordinance states no permit shall be active beyond four years,” Ganson said. “Nobody going to get such a big extension. There is an absolute four-year time limit on all permits under this ordinance. This is going to apply to existing permits.”

Before council voted on the ordinance, Bonney Lake resident Louisa Smith addressed the council and suggested that Councilman Dan Decker not take part in the decision.

Smith, who lives on Church Lake Road, told the council she’s been following the ordinance since it began.

She noted that Decker sought a permit to construct another building on his property several years ago.

“It was a tricky thing because it was an ADU, but when it was done the new building would be the primary residence and the ADU would become the existing building,” Smith explained.

An ADU is accessory dwelling unit.

She told the council her home sits behind Decker’s residence and over the years set and watched “this house not be built,” except for the frame.

“Since this house was started, all three of my grandchildren have graduated high school,” Smith said. “It’s been a long time.

“It’s not going to change what happens with this ordinance, and overall it’s a good thing, Smith said. “But it’s wrong for Decker to say he has no personal interest in this ordinance.”

Decker told Smith the ordinance had nothing to do with a permit he had already obtained.

“My permit that exists already has nothing to do with future permitting,” he said.

At an earlier council meeting, Swatman had asked Decker if he or his family had permits the proposed ordinance would impact. Decker said he didn’t have a permit in his name.

The next council workshop is at 5:30 p.m. April 7 at City Hall, 19306 Bonney Lake Blvd.

Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.