[StBernard] Katrina rebuild permits delayed

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Parish officials say their Katrina rebuilding permits won't be
available this week, as initially hoped, because of additional documentation
requirements from FEMA. 
 
The parish is trying to help homeowners obtain some type of permit to show
they began rebuilding before Sept. 1, which officials say would allow them
to rebuild at current flood elevations. Parish officials say Sept. 1 is the
likely deadline that the Louisiana Recovery Authority will set for owners of
homes suffering more than 50 percent damage to start rebuilding -- else they
will be required to adhere to new, stiffer flood elevations in order to
qualify for grants. 
 
The parish also will hold fairs Saturday and Aug. 26 at which electricians
will be on hand to give out permits. An electrical permit also can serve as
proof that rebuilding has started prior to the LRA deadline, parish
officials say. 
 
The electrician fairs will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the brown and white
tent behind by the government complex on Judge Perez Drive, officials said.