Storm Cleanup in Piedmont: Got a Permit for That?

Darren Brown, News9

PIEDMONT, Oklahoma -- The cleanup from the massive tornado in Piedmont is underway, but for some folks, it's even more expensive than they had expected.

To remove debris and take down a home requires a fee.  The fee is a combination building and demolition permit that costs fifty-four dollars and fifty cents.  Of that fee, four dollars goes to the state, fifty cents goes to cover the city's administrative costs, and fifty dollars goes into the city's general fund.

That fee, according to Piedmont City Manager Clark Williams, is required by the state.

"The state wants to know that contractors are insured for liability and that they are bonded," said Williams.  "That's to protect the people of Oklahoma and prevent people from preying on tornado victims."

The City of Piedmont has waived some fees with regard to the tornado.  Just last week, a new ordinance was drafted that allows residents to live in a mobile home on their property up to a year with up to two six-month extensions without a fee.

Also, there's a seven hundred and fifty dollar impact fee that is charged to all new construction.  Williams said that the city council will vote to waive that fee for tornado victims as well.