County Considers Sinkhole Rule

By JULIA FERRANTE The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jul 15, 2007

DADE CITY - Builders in Pasco soon may have to file an extra report showing their plans to avoid sinkholes.

County commissioners are considering an ordinance that would require developers to submit geological reports that show buildings, structures, roads, parking lots and retention ponds are not to be built in areas susceptible to ground settlement.

The ordinance, to be reviewed by a committee next month, is among several measures county commissioners are taking to reduce sinkhole claims in Pasco. The county has the dubious distinction of being part of Florida's "sinkhole alley" because of a high number of costly insurance claims.

County Commissioner Michael Cox urged officials after his election in November to do everything they could to reduce claims.

The reports must include an evaluation of sinkhole risks and a plan to compensate if necessary. The ordinance also requires evaluations of fill dirt or soil brought on to construction sites.

"This should be a tool for developers to decide how to lay out a site," Assistant County Attorney Elizabeth Blair said at a commission meeting last week.

Members of the Pasco Building Association have reviewed the ordinance and said the investigations are standard procedure for many companies, Cox said.

"One of the smaller builders was there, and he was concerned about the impact this would have on a company like his," Cox said.

Cox said he wants to meet with the local legislative delegation to discuss the measures Pasco is taking to reduce sinkhole claims. The commissioner plans to ask lawmakers to propose legislation that would require insurance companies to consider local regulations to reduce sinkhole claims and lower premiums.

"We will ask the delegation to sponsor a bill to take into account what counties have in place," Cox said.

Commissioner Pat Mulieri said the ordinances "will have long-reaching effects."

The board in March approved an ordinance requiring property owners or their representatives to get an investigation permit before testing for ground settlement activity.

A month later, commissioners set fees ranging from $10 to $20, to be paid to the county at the various stages of identifying and repairing ground settlement damage and foundation cracks. The fees are to cover the costs of reviewing the permits, which remain active until testing and inspection are complete and a report is submitted.

A permit outlining potential repairs also must be acquired, according to the March ordinance. That permit also remains active until the repair work is done and a report is filed. Differences in the work performed and what is recommended must be explained and insurance payouts disclosed.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.