If there's been a groundswell of public concern about the need to take out building permits, we have missed it. So why would Bill Sizemore have gone to the trouble of putting Ballot Measure 63 on the ballot for the general election?

The measure would allow homeowners to make "minor" improvements to their home without getting a building permit. As reasonable as that sounds, "minor" is defined as anything up to $35,000 a year. So someone could spend $70,000 in materials alone on a do-it-yourself project to turn an attic into two bedrooms and a bathroom over the winter.

Wiring would have to be done by a licensed contractors or inspected by one, who then would be "responsible for the work" as if he had done the work himself. Opponents point out that electricians are not going to inspect work they have not done themselves, and if they did, it would cost as much as - or more than - if they were hired to do it. So what's the point?

In the name of the "Oregon Homeowners Association," Sizemore argues in the Voters' Pamphlet: "The challenges of the current permit process keep a lot of people from repairing existing unsafe conditions. Unsafe conditions continue simply because homeowners are afraid to do the work without a permit and too intimidated by the process to apply for one."

Like everything ol' Bill writes, it sounds good. But it is baloney. What challenges of the permit process? Who's intimidated?

First, if people think they can do a home repair or building project, most do it without ever thinking about a permit. So the challenges of that process concern them not at all.

Second, if they are not confident they can pull the project off, they call a remodeling contractor. That person is familiar with the permit process, and for him it is no challenge either.

Building codes exist for a reason, even though sometimes they are a pain. The reason is fire and life safety. And the permit process is how the codes are carried out.

Before voting to exempt substantial construction work from permit and thus from code requirements, Oregon had better demand proof that this is a good idea. So far that proof does not exist. (hh)