Keeper of the codes
If you want to build, first you have to come to Chuck Burgin.
Burgin is the Building and Zoning Official for the City of Indianola. His main duty is code enforcement of municipal, building, electric, plumbing and mechanical work. With 25 years of experience, hes a man who knows his codes. And knowing codes is his job.
There are more than 5,000 pages of different code applications. You have to be very familiar with those codes to even find what you are looking for, Burgin said.
Residents who want to make improvements to their properties such as additions or garages or make updates like new wiring and plumbing need to see Burgin first. He also works with commercial entities, municipal requirements such as sidewalks, and subdivision, commercial and industrial enforcement of issues like width and depth of paving and sewer and water main extensions.
Burgin also deals with zoning issues. There are three basic duties of zoning, according to Burgin: enforcement, rezoning and amending. Enforcement includes inspecting properties where residents want to build an addition or a garage. Burgin and the city inspector, Mike Smith, make sure the structure meets specifications such as setbacks a requirement that a structure be set back so many feet from the front and side property lines. Rezoning is changing the zoning classification of a piece of property so it complies with the citys comprehensive plan.
Amending comes up only occasionally, said Burgin. Thats when the city gets a zoning request it doesnt have a rule for already. The planning and zoning committee and city council can then amend zoning rules so the property complies.
I like the variety, Burgin said of his job. I do so many different things. Even the weather conditions that go with the job make for variety. If its snowing outside, Im inside, but if its nice, Im outside.
When Burgin isnt inspecting properties or enforcing codes, he manages to find time to hunt. He also judges and competes in dog trials with his Vizslas, a Hungarian pointing breed. Married, he and his wife Kari, have two sons, Jason and Gavin, and a daughter, Taylor.
