As a Master Plumber, by state code (enforced through Mpls inspections), before a plumber starts any work that requires a permit, they must first pull the permit.

Most often the first response that I hear people say is “I don’t want you to pull a permit, because I don’t want my taxes to go up”.  I agree, why should people be penalized for improving their properties is beyond me. I have been talking to trades and the unions and there is a common sense solution. Do not allow improvements to be taxed when permits have been pulled. This would ensure that qualified persons being hired, or property owners doing the work are staying within local zoning ordinances and things are done to meet the minimum code standards. When people fix up their homes or their properties we all win, we have better housing, therefore a better neighborhood.

I will work tirelessly with labor unions, the inspections department, tenants and property owners to ensure that people can fix up their property or homes without being “penalized” for doing it right, and strongly encouraging them to participate in changing some of the permit requirements (and their negative economic effects). I will appoint people for zoning and planning that will listen to our neighborhood groups and support their issues. I will not try to "sneak" projects through that will need variances and exemptions and then try to send it to the state level to have them decide.