Planning 30x40 with 12 ft overhangs each side

[AWK]

I am planning a garage to be built this Summer and I have several question. Zoning rules is max 30x40 (1200sf) 21 ft total tall at peak and 12ft wall. I actually NEED 12' 2" minimum on the overhang to park a motorhome under. My first question is where do most Zoning officials take the 12ft wall height from? Under the soffit or the roof? Morton offers a nice scissor truss that will give me the height I need inside and a 12'6" sliding door. I land to have crushed rock on the motorhome side and concrete on the other overhang. I think I might be able to add extra crushed rock to get the 12ft then remove after the inspection, but prefer to do it the right way. I going to see our zoning man on Friday. More questions to follow.


Thank you,
AWK

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

I don't know where you are from but in most places look at impervious coverage when they are talking total allowable square footage. That means your overhang is part of your square footage.

12' walls are measured from your average ground level so if you are on a hill it is measured from the middle point of the building where one side is high and one side is low. If you are working with your zoning officer, and he is not an idiot with in inferiority complex, they will generally let things slide that are not structural violations.

 

[AWK]

I have spoken with many in my Twp and I know the sq footage is only calculated off the enclosed area, so I am pretty comfortable about that. If they only measure the wall and not include the truss that would be great. I can work with all other zoning rules. Strange thing My cabin is in the woods and my closest neighbor is a mile away!

AWK

 

[yucholian]

I'd be shocked if they don't count the porch square foot. Townships and counties want their tax revenue and it's based on the value of the property/structure. Porch is a structure regardless of the presence of the enclosed walls.

 

[rburke65]

Welcome to The Garage Journal from Ohio! I would think that info. would be available from the Permit Dept.

 

[rancherbill]

I'd double check what is in their definition for footage.

Here it is the enclosed footage and a normal roof overhang is not counted. It the overhang is large enough to require a pole for support then it is counted into the footage.

As I understand it you have an overhang for a motor home and here that would be in you footage.

 

[AWK]

Welcome to The Garage Journal from Ohio! I would think that info. would be available from the Permit Dept.

I see the zoning dept on Friday. It is NOT written in the zoning rules. Only states 12 foot wall maximum.

I have spoken with many in my Twp and they all state they do not include the overhang SQ footage. But will find out myself Friday.

AWK

 

[MagKarl]

I tried this line of thinking on my shed at my old house. Had large overhangs to park under. The county said an overhang is fine and not counted as square footage up until you add posts to hold it up. At that point the footprint expands to include the posts. Do your homework and understand the rules as it's more expensive to learn them later like I did.

 

[ishiboo]

I am guessing that the 12' sides are definitely counted, if they have square footage restrictions like you've mentioned.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Why not simply request a deviation of 6" ? As long as you are friends with your neighbors, it should go right through. Keep the peak below the limit.

 

[Chitown_hillbilly]

Did Morton draw you up some plans? Take them in and the inspector should be able to tell you if everything would be approved.

 

[AWK]

Did Morton draw you up some plans? Take them in and the inspector should be able to tell you if everything would be approved.

Yes, that is what I am using to understand the rules. I understand we use to have Zoning official that was a bear to work with. He passed and now there is a person that understands the rules but also understands the needs of the people. I am looking forward to working with him.

AWK

 

[CNGsaves]

Welcome to GJ and good luck with getting zoning variance with local AHJ.

Now would be good time to Update GJ Profile with City/State/Country.

Whole lot different talking about "zoning requirements" in different countries.

 

[AWK]

Welcome to GJ and good luck with getting zoning variance with local AHJ.

Now would be good time to Update GJ Profile with City/State/Country.

Whole lot different talking about "zoning requirements" in different countries.

Good idea, I overlooked that.

 

[DangerousDan55]

My friend just submitted a variance on his height. They said no problem. He lives in a subdivision.
Myself I live in the country on 3 lots. Didn't even ask for a permit. 40x60x14. The County did come by to get measurements so they can start getting their share of my money.
If you got lots of trees don't go with gutters. Put rock at the drip line.
At the garage door way, dont put "that 1" step". Slope your concrete at the doorway. Easier to push stuff in the shop.

 

[rancherbill]

Myself I live in the country on 3 lots. Didn't even ask for a permit.

I'm not arguing.

You actually live on one lot and own two others. Your county guy is enforcing the rules for a single lot because at some point in the future the other two lots might be sold.

The solution to your problem is to consolidate the land to one title.

 

[AWK]

Confirmed. Zoning Official states he only measures the sq ft of the enclosed. The over hangs with poles are not counted. Nice guy, help me with all my question and gave me advise on how to gain the extra height I need without a variance. Told a few builders to stay away from (same ones my neighbors said not to use.)
AWK

 

[dirttracker18]

Congrats

Same rules apply here. Overhangs, so long as they are not enclosed on all four sides (yes that's right!) are not part of the square footage. They also do not count towards taxes.

Lots of shops in my township with large overhangs (sometimes 2 bays wide) enclosed on three sides with an open front. I am helping build one this summer and have plans to go out both sides of mine in the future.

 

[AWK]

He also pointed out that the online specs are outdated so my overall height increased from 21 to 23ft. He says he changed that to help on snow load and it gives room for a loft if needed. He also directed me to a newly built garage with almost my same request I have. This one had only one overhang, but had a second story. Sweet garage. It also had a underground wine cellar( sq ft doesn't count)