Burns Harbor commissioners spent an extended portion of their meeting reviewing apparent contradictions in the town code over fence permits and minor repairs.

A commissioner flagged that section 4-1-16 appears to exclude fences from certain prohibitions while section 4-1-7 and related subsections require permits for fences and some structures "regardless of cost." Commissioners questioned whether routine repairs — for example, replacing a single picket or a board — should trigger a full permit and inspection that could cost more than the work itself.

The disagreement focused on two practical problems: enforcement and homeowner burden. One commissioner said the code, as written, could leave the town unable to issue violations for fences built without permits even though another section requires them. Several members noted the $1,000 construction threshold referenced elsewhere in the code was set years ago and may not reflect current market prices.

Commissioners discussed two possible fixes: remove the phrase "other than fences" from 4-1-16 so the sections read consistently, or add an explicit monetary caveat (for example, "repairs under $1,000 exempt") to limit permit requirements for minor repairs. No formal ordinance change was introduced on the floor.

Clay, the building official, agreed to review sections 4-1-16 and 4-1-7 and prepare draft language for the commission to consider. Commissioners asked staff to bring recommended amendments that clarify whether "repair," "restoration," or "construction" require a permit and whether the monetary threshold should be updated.

The commission did not take final action at the meeting; staff follow-up is expected before the next meeting.