Variance fun & Permitting OR How to lose your mind and learn to like living alone on an island

Applied for City variance and paid required fee. They said, "Go to LCNA and NPU meetings in April, then come see us in May" and I was put on the BZA docket. Emailed my NPU rep as City told me and he said, "Just go to LCNA meeting and then we'll touch base." Gave LCNA additional documents they required and went to meeting - APPROVED. First hurdle overcome.

Spent too much time uncovering subcontractors and trying to make decisions. Meanwhile, my NPU meeting passed without me. Never heard from them, though neighborhood passed along their approval. Few days later found a text message from NPU rep asking if I was coming to the meeting (I rarely text and don't get alerts). Emailed him and he asked if I was still going to BZA meeting as scheduled or did I want to defer until next month's NPU meeting? I said I was going to BZA. Since BZA really makes decision and my neighborhood approved, why shouldn't I?

Because they would deny me! Thought this was a no-brainer but realized I was without the brain. Since NPU "deferred" my case, BZA refused to pass judgement. Told them my neighborhood approved unanimously but they still refused my variance. I was stunned. Was I now going to have to wait a full month, or more, before starting this reno? This would not be good for creating calm before Wendy went back to teaching at the beginning of August.

Stumbled out of the meeting dazed and confused. As I stood outside the doors, someone asked me, "Do you need help?" I asked if she understood variances and started to share my tale. She turned out to be with the Mayor's office and immediately got on the phone and connected with someone in building permits. I met with Ann Heard and she talked about "the Agee rule" and what my options were. Really, there was only one option - AT RISK PERMIT. Did not sound fun.