The Bonney Lake City Council has revised the municipal code to clarify that building permits remain valid for more than 180 days, even if no inspection is called for during the period.

They approved the ordinance 6-0 with Councilman David Bowen absent from the March 17 workshop.

The council has already approved part of the ordinance, but language was not amended that would have prevented permits from expiring if the work was not commenced within 180 days from the date of permit, or if the building did not receive a call for inspection within 180 days.

“This will benefit existing permit holders,” City Attorney Jeff Ganson said. “I think the council’s intent is to benefit all permit holders.” Ganson said the ordinance states no permit shall be active beyond four years.

“Nobody is going to get such a big extension,” he said. “There is an absolute four-year time limit on all permits under this ordinance. This is going to apply to existing permits.”

Bonney Lake resident Louisa Smith addressed the council prior to the vote, suggesting that Councilman Dan Decker has a personal interest in the matter and should have recused himself from the decision.

Smith noted that City Councilman Dan Decker sought a permit to construct another building on his property several years ago but the permitting process became complicated. Her home sits behind Decker’s, Smith said, and over the years she has watched “this house not be built,” except for the frame.

“Since this house was started, all three of my grandchildren have graduated high school,” Smith said. “It’s been a long time.

“It’s not going to change what happens with this ordinance, and overall it’s a good thing,” Smith said. “But it’s wrong for Decker to say he has no personal interest in this ordinance.”

Decker disagreed, telling Smith the ordinance has nothing to do with a permit he has obtained.

“My permit that exists already has nothing to do with future permitting,” Decker said.