Question: Meaning of Build Lines

[Splitpi]

Hello,

I am purchasing a house in Texas and I am learning all about HOA's and other things. I have the survey report for home and it lists a " 25 ' BL " box around the house and parallel to the property lines.

In addition the survey Easements for sewer, utilities, etc..

I would like to build a 10x12 shed with a concrete floor in the back yard. According the HOA I will need to get the Committee approval for the construction. Can I build the shed outside of the Build Lines and not over an easement and not violate and laws/rules (besides getting approval from the HOA that I can build in my back yard)?

See the photo example with a proposed location of what I mean...

 

[TedInFlorida]

A call to the HOA should probably get you an answer. FWIW, at one time I owned a home in a community that had an HOA and I would never do that again. I never had issues with them but neighbors had ridiculous issues with the HOA. If there are any petty minded folks on the committee, and there often are, you could have many, many issues.

 

[Splitpi]

A call to the HOA should probably get you an answer. FWIW, at one time I owned a home in a community that had an HOA and I would never do that again. I never had issues with them but neighbors had ridiculous issues with the HOA. If there are any petty minded folks on the committee, and there often are, you could have many, many issues.

I agree with you on HOA's. But unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to find a house outside of a HOA. I get the idea of ensuring a nice residential look and value. But I dislike the regulation that comes with that. I need to make friends with the Architectural committee.

 

[My Old Tools]

Actually it's pretty easy in Texas to get outside of HOA's. Our neighborhood has deed restrictions but no HOA. It requires minimum 2500 SF and all stone or brick, etc. It even regulates the maximum size of out buildings based on acreage. All the lots are a minimum of 2 acres and everyone has a shop building, nice ones. But no architectural committee, no one telling you that you can't plant or cut a tree or put in a garden. We're 10 minutes to the interstate, 30 minutes to downtown Dallas, 10 minutes to shopping, etc. Look around, lot's of them out there.

 

[YukonXL04]

Yea Im in arlington texas and as long as your neighborhood is over 10yrs old you should be good on no HOA. But most of the new neighborhoods have them.

 

[DC73]

I wouldn't think you'd have an issue with putting the shed where you indicate but the HOA could say otherwise. I had some non-HOA issues with a similar size shed one time and I overcame them by building the shed to be portable. Building inspector said I could locate it anywhere I wanted if it was portable.

A brief description and pic of my shed is in this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=278193

DC

 

[Charles (in GA)]

This is an issue that cannot be answered by anyone but your building inspection/code enforcement office. They will be able to tell you if a shed is a permitted structure based on size, foundation, etc., and if permitted or not, the rules about building lines. Once you have talked to them, then talk to the HOA.

Otherwise whatever you read is useless as everyone's situation and experiences are different.

Charles

 

[Splitpi]

This is an issue that cannot be answered by anyone but your building inspection/code enforcement office. They will be able to tell you if a shed is a permitted structure based on size, foundation, etc., and if permitted or not, the rules about building lines. Once you have talked to them, then talk to the HOA.

Otherwise whatever you read is useless as everyone's situation and experiences are different.

Charles

Thanks Charles. Great advise. I'll follow up with the city to understand their interpretation. That gives me ammunition to justify a position with the HOA. Luckily, my fence is 8 feet tall so a sight line interference is not an issue.

I looked at about 20 houses in the and around the area that was good balance of top notch schools and relative closeness to work for my wife and myself. Unfortunately, they all were in a HOA. I am a bit disappointed that the garages are smaller as well. I always considered a 1 car as 12 x 24. I saw many as small as 9 x 19 and 20x22 as considered "over-sized". I felt great that I got a 20x21 and a 3rd 11x20.

The 3rd stall has the electrical panel. I plan to turn it into a workshop.

Reading the City ordnance, as long as I keep it under 120 sq Ft it is considered an Accessory building which the HOA will allow (if approved). So 10x12 it is. Also, Height cannot be greater than fence. With height being defined as half way between the ridge line and roof base. So technically, you can have a higher than 8 foot roof at the ridge. Oddly enough, the HOA governance do not mention whether I need to a concrete pad or build it on a sled nor if it can/cannot have electricity. I would run electricity, 2 Cat5e's and Coax as you never know.

 

[Gerald O]

I'm surprised your HOA permitted an 8' tall fence!

 

[BRIANBB]

If you cant see it from the street you are good to go. Otherwise it sure looks like a nice "Play House" for the kids and not a shed(Hint,Hint).

 

[JACDes]

Build lines ( normally called Set backs) apply to the principle structure.

Accessory buildings like; sheds, detached garages, pergolas, etc. can typically be built within the setback zone.

but you will have to still maintain minimum set back from the property lines.

Visit you building dept with your sketch, and ask you questions... then with HOA assoc.

 

[yeldogt]

Best to check into this.

In my neck of the woods the BL is the building area -- showing setbacks. It does not show max square feet of structure.

Anything .. outside of the needs a permit variance.

 

[Splitpi]

Best to check into this.

In my neck of the woods the BL is the building area -- showing setbacks. It does not show max square feet of structure.

Anything .. outside of the needs a permit variance.

I called the city spoke with a nice gentleman who indicated that there was nothing (besides the easements) that would hinder me from building in the back of the house. However, on the right side of the house there was a 25' setback due to the proximity of the road (since it is a corner lot) that I could not build on. He also cautioned that I could not exceed more 35% to land size without a variance.

Also mentioned that if it is a concrete floor, then I need it inspected. Otherwise the City does not care. Obviously, electrical needs inspection with any foundation type. So If I am going concrete and getting an inspection regardless,... I might aswell try for a bit bigger too.