HUMBOLDT - As Humboldt's new zoning administrator, Tom Ubben will keep people who are building in town within its regulations.

"The building permit gets filed with the city clerk," he said. "I pick up and review it and I actually go out to the site where the building is going to be built."

Ubben, who was appointed by Humboldt Mayor Walter Jensen, can put the brakes on any project that doesn't conform to code.

"I look up and see what the zoning is in that area, to make sure it complies with all the rules and regulations for the city code of Humboldt," he said.

For example, said Ubben, it is important that someone isn't putting a business in their home where it shouldn't be to avoid setting a precedent.

If Ubben denies the permit, it automatically goes to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for its review.

The city is not too strict on building codes except when it comes to zoning issues, Ubben said.

"We want to keep stuff going in town," he said. "If someone wants to build something, you like to see them get it built, just for economic reasons."

Ubben moved to Humboldt with his parents from their family farm near Titonka in 1991. Since 2005, he has served on the volunteer Fire Department. He has two brothers who are also firefighters.

Though being on call 24-7 for the Fire Department takes up most of his free time, Ubben said he enjoys golfing and snowmobiling when he can.

Until September, Ubben was the assistant manager of the Sande Builders Mart lumberyard. Now he is in metal building sales for Sande Construction. Prior to working at lumberyard, Ubben worked in construction and farming for Dean Coleman and his son Mike Coleman.

"I like the whole construction industry," he said. "I thought it would be kind of interesting, to get to meet people and to get to work with people on the projects they will be doing."

As zoning administrator, Ubben said his work load will vary depending on the time of year.

"I'd guess in the summer, I'll bet there is an average of probably 20 hours a week," he said.

According to Ubben, the number of building permits drop off after the summer months.

Among questions Ubben hopes to answer is why should someone build in Humboldt?

"The biggest reason is the community," Ubben said. "The support you get from the community is great. There is so much industry in Humboldt right now."

Contact Robert Wolf at (515)573-2141 or editor@messengernews.net