A Basketball Court..... maybe

So, the hubby and I decided that we need a basketball court in our backyard. I was almost as excited as the kids!!! We (me and the kids) have been wanting one for a long time. I got it all priced out... we were all ready to go. Then the guy who was going to do it (Angelo) asked me for our Plat of Survey. Hmm... yeah, where is that thing? I looked everywhere. We keep all the "house" stuff in one folder and it just wasn't there. Angelo took a set of plans we had written up 7 years ago when we thought we were going to do an addition to our house. It had a small image of our Plat of Survey on it.... maybe that would be good enough to get a permit so they could start working. Of course it wasn't. I went to Town Hall to get a copy of it. Guess what? They don't have one. So I went to meet with the head inspector to figure out what my options were. While I waited for her, I saw an information sheet that listed all the reasons one would need a permit. I must live in the most strict neighborhood there is. And truthfully I probably "needed" a permit about ten times already.

This is the list:

YOU NEED A PERMIT FOR:

all electrical and plumbing work

air conditioning and heating work

lawn sprinkler systems

hot water heaters

dog runs

steps

porches

patios

fences

driveways and sidewalks

garages and sheds

replacement windows and doors

roofing

gutters and downspouts

alarm systems

tuckpointing

YOU DON'T NEED A PERMIT FOR:

painting (oh really, thanks. i can paint my house without your permission.)

changing ceiling tiles

carpeting or floor tiles

installing hardwood floors

changing cabinet faces, counter tops

changing existing light fixtures

normal installation of household appliances

That is totally ridiculous! They want us to pay $60-$250 to do these things. There might be 8 things I did without a permit, unless you work for these crooks people. Then I of course had a permit each time. I mean, I'm surprised they don't charge us to change a freaking light bulb!

Anyway, the first person told me that I could hire a surveyor to make me a new Plat of Survey for $300-$400. Umm... yeah, no thanks. The second person, who was in love with Alyssa, told me to call this other guy and see what he can do for me. Yeah, well he was very nice when we spoke, but hasn't called me back all week! I call him everyday now. Either we'll be best friends or he'll have me killed one of these days. I figure if I keep leaving him messages he'll have to call back eventually.... right? Just say yes so I'll feel better......