Thank you Ray, good information! I live in MA and have been thinking about purchasing a trap as I have been seeing a few HOSP in my backyard and especially hanging out around my new Bluebird house, which I have now plugged up. I am afraid that I'll have a problem attracting Bluebirds this spring and really would rather they didn't come as long as the HOSP are around. HOSP are such nasty little things! If I do purchase a trap, I'll be sure and look into getting a permit first. Linda

westsider40: "I wouldn't bet that an insurance company would deny a claim for houses not up to code. Perhaps, but, we have a 1922 cottage where the elec is up to code on the main floor but the second floor still has knob and tube. Very little in that old place would be up to today's code but we filed a claim for a critter chewing up the flexible heating ducts in our 2 foot high crawl space (only flexible ducts would fit!) and it was paid." The claim denial has nothing to do with "being up to code"...it has to do with performing an illegal renovation that may be the cause of the claim. Without permits, there are no verifiable plans...you are therefore out of luck proving that something that was or was not done with the renovation did not cause the fire, flood, etc. That said, knob and tube is "grandfathered" in most if not all jurisdictions in terms of code compliance. However, during the last couple of years, many of the major insurers will not insure a home with K&T once title changes..or will charge a huge premium to insure. That means that if or when you sell, the buyers may not be able to obtain insurance...or they will have to pay quite a bit extra for that insurance, unless there is an electrical upgrade. This is because most K&T is not in perfect condition and/or it is difficult to verify that it is all in good shape, as much is hidden behind walls.It is also difficult to find parts to repair K&T when required..or to even find an electrician willing to do so and who knows HOW to do so...and for a reasonable cost. Last but not least...once you renovate, in most places, grandfathered things such as K&T are no longer "grandfathered" and must be brought up to current code. In our small NJ town, three people who had fires who also had illegally finished basements were denied their insurance claim. For those who can afford to take that gamble..so be it...but bear in mind the cost can be a LOT more expensive than permits...especially if injury and/or death occurs.

Your question is so broad and unspecific that its probably not answerable. You will need to provide a description of what you are trying to do. For example, you are in the remodeling forum - is this a new structure or for a remodel of existing, what type of residential property, where in NYC, etc.? Not every project would require an architect, and even if it does, that cost is not part of the permit cost. Bruce

The import license is free. The process to obtain is difficult at best. If you want a CITES license, it will cost you $70.00/3yrs. With the import license, you will need to apply for Yellow/Green labels which you can only receive AFTER you complete the application process. You want to apply for PPQ 587. If importing from Canada, you do not need an import license but you will need a phytosanitation certificate and any plant material must comply with USDA guidelines. Once you make application and it is approved, you have completed level 1. You then have to take the Level 1 permit to an APHIS office and have it approved. This will complete Level 2. Now you can go online to establish your ePermit which will allow you to apply for labels, update your permit, etc The other thing you may want to know, is if importing less than 12 plants, you are not required to have an import permit. You are still required to have a phytosanitation certificate. Phytosanitation certs are provided by the seller/exporter usually at a cost to you. Having said all of this, things may have changed with the USDA and the process has become less cumbersome; it's been a long time since I received my permit.