City officials and residents are annoyed and sickened by the filthy habits of some construction workers.
So, from now on, general contractors who want to build in Bountiful will have to put a port-a-potty and dumpster on site from the time ground is broken until the last bit of carpet is laid.Contractors say the new ordinance is unnecessary. Worse than that, they predict it will add $3,000 to $5,000 to the price of a home.
"This is an affordable-housing issue," says Tas Biesinger, an executive for the Utah Homebuilder's Association. "Homeowners want the most bang for their bucks . . . do you think they should spend that kind of money for a toilet and dumpster when they can put it into their home?"
City leaders say the problem is too gross to ignore. Besides, they doubt cleanliness costs that much. (See accompanying chart)
"We've had some serious reports; workers relieving themselves here and there, in basements and cups. Neighbors don't like that, especially with children around," said Mayor John Cushing.
Trash is also a nuisance.
Bountiful is so developed that lots vacant for years are now surrounded by homes. When new construction begins, the yards of nearby homes are speckled with food wrappers and cups.
"All this ordinance does is require what any decent person should already be doing," says Paul Rowland, assistant city engineer.
However, contractors can take care of the problem without spending so much money, Biesinger said.
"Most responsible builders are doing it now anyway with pickup trucks. And a 7-Eleven can take care of the bathroom issue."
He said an extra $3,000 will keep at least 7 percent of prospective homeowners, who would have qualified for a mortgage before the fee, out of the market.
"This is just another example of invisible fees that keep Utahns from owning a home."
Elected leaders in St. George passed a similar ordinance two years ago.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Actual cost may be closer to $1,300
The Utah Homebuilder's Association estimates a new ordinance in Bountiful will cost prospective homeowners $3,000 to $5,000 more. However, an informal Deseret News survey of companies providing services required by the ordinance indicates less.
Required Cost estimate*
Portable toilet rental $295
Trash bin rental and delivery $525
Trash service $470
Total $1,290
*Estimates provided by three different companies. Based on five-month contracts with bin emptied five times.