A Lesson in Bureaucracy 101

Wow. Three weeks. That's how long it has taken the Planning & Zoning Dept. at Norwalk Town Hall to sign off on the appraised value of the house.

Since we're in a FEMA flood zone, the rules that apply to us are different than those for residents elsewhere. We're limited to spending half of the structure's value (not including the land) on the renovation. That's why the plans sat in P&Z for 3 weeks. The process went something like this:

1. Architect submits estimated cost of renovation via letter to P&Z.
2. P&Z reviews property appraisal from last fall when we refinanced our mortgage.
3. P&Z requests new appraisal due to different language which doesn't tell them what they need to know.
4. Property appraiser submits new appraisal conforming to language requirements.
5. Scott and Susan make a personal appearance at P&Z to plead their case.
6. P&Z disputes per-square-foot value of property based on "market value" of structure; ie, what the actual "brick and mortar" of the house is worth.
7. Scott makes a personal appearance at P&Z to find out what is taking so long.
8. P&Z informs Scott that the per-square-foot value of the house is too high, at $200.
9. Scott informs property appraiser. Appraiser lowers psf value to $194.
10. P&Z informs Scott that psf value is still too high, because Norwalk values average $130-140.
11. Scott makes another personal appearance at P&Z to find out what the &#$#!& is going on.
12. P&Z informs Scott that the Tax Assessor's office will be used to determine the accuracy of the psf value.
13. Scott informs P&Z that the estimated value that the architect used (see item 1, above) was based on the assessment by the City and therefore is probably the same figure.
14. Scott vows "to be like a booger on the finger" of P&Z until they can reach a determination.
15. Pigs sighted flying. P&Z comes to an agreement with property appraiser that City's determination of psf value of house is $160, lowering value by 20%.
14. Scott makes one last personal appearance at P&Z to find out what to do next. Is told: "Are you OK with that value?" Huh? Would I like to continue to have red hot pokers inserted in various body cavities? Of course I'm OK. Make personal note to remind Tax Assessor of property's value when the next property tax bill comes.
15. Plans now go to the Building Permit Department. Dave Sciascia of Hardwood Customs, who has been instrumental throughout this process but whom I have neglected to mention, schedules meeting tomorrow to review, and hopefully, get approval on plans so we can actually get started on the renovation.
16. Scott and Susan prepare to sacrifice small animals to appease gods of house renovation.