I need to add additional secured storage behind my garage. I wanted to do a lean to or a free standing lean to type structure that butts up to my garage but local code won't allow me to do anything bigger than just under 12' x 12' without getting a permit. I'm now thinking of doing a fence lot and installing a somewhat solid type roof to keep the area dry. I think I could install privacy slats and have a decently secure area and avoid the whole permit process. Has anyone done this and do you have any suggestions as to how to best install a lightweight but solid roof? Since it's a fence lot would it be considered a building structure if it has a roof? I just need to store bulky items like wheels, scaffolding and other large items that take up large spots in my garage. I'm thinking of something that is about 20' x 12' and 6' tall. Any advice? Thanks
Fence lot with cover instead of lean to
- Thread starter mikec35
- Start date
rburke65
Well-known member
What is a fence lot?
bczygan
Well-known member
Check zoning rules for fences. Height might be restricted to 5'.
Bill
Bill
Justind97
Well-known member
So essentially a pergola with a fence around it?
readhead
Well-known member
Call the building department. We don't know what they require. What is a fence lot?
Kind of like a dog lot - just a secured, fenced in area.
Lelandwelds
Well-known member
Canvas or shade cloth structures are not considered buildings. How about a rebar awning in a nice earth tone? Maybe a tan car cover underneath?
BC1
Well-known member
In my area a shade structure is not considered a building, fenced or not wouldn't matter.
Yes, now that you mention it, I guess you could look at it that way, but not that tall.
teamextreme
Well-known member
Ok, now what's a dog lot?
I guess we've figured out now what you're proposing, pergola with a roof, but my only concern with a somewhat solid, lightweight roof is how it will hold up to wind, especially with the size you're proposing. That's a lot of surface area that will create a lot of up-force from wind coming underneath.
Lelandwelds has the work around
In most jurisdictions, fabric is not considered permanent so not subject to code.
These guys are the 800 pound gorilla in the industry
Even if you do not buy, the site is full of ideas.
http://www.teksupply.com/farm/supplies/home
In most jurisdictions, fabric is not considered permanent so not subject to code.
These guys are the 800 pound gorilla in the industry
Even if you do not buy, the site is full of ideas.
http://www.teksupply.com/farm/supplies/home
I called my local permits office. They told me that I do not need a permit for a fence. I specifically asked if I could do an 8ft fence and was told I could. After batting the idea around with my dad he suggested I use wooden posts and staple the fence to the posts. Then we could build a roof over it with the corrugated roofing panels. I wonder if that would still classify as a fence if it had a roof? I get a little snow every now and then so I am worried about fabric not supporting the load. I am in the county - don't want to jinx myself but I'm thinking it's not likely I would get inspected, but you never know.
readhead
Well-known member
You may have setback issues if you connect the roof to the fence.
strutaeng
Well-known member
Just put up some posts with bolts at the base and that classifies it as a temporary, movable (non-permanent) structure. You can move it to another location or take it down in the future.
Don't over-complicate things
Don't over-complicate things
JRC3
Well-known member
Why are you so against getting a permit? Around here it's like $60 and turn it in with a sketch and list of building materials.
Pluribus
Well-known member
Unless this thing is really well-secured to the ground, I'd be worried about wind. After trying one of the fabric carport/canopy things and having wind issues even with pier blocks, I bought a shipping container.
If you only need 20' x 12' x 6' tall, could you build an "almost" 12' x 12' building that's taller, then stack and hang some items to keep you under the size that requires a permit?
If you only need 20' x 12' x 6' tall, could you build an "almost" 12' x 12' building that's taller, then stack and hang some items to keep you under the size that requires a permit?
I'm concerned they will catch an unpermitted lean to on the property that is a couple of feet larger than it should be and don't want to risk having to tear it down.
Thats a good idea but I really need the ground space because the things that I need to store are bulky/heavy and difficult to store off the ground. I've got scaffolding/a few sets of wheels and tires/ 2 stage transmission jack/pallet jack/cherry picker and multiple other large items.
Just put up some posts with bolts at the base and that classifies it as a temporary, movable (non-permanent) structure. You can move it to another location or take it down in the future.
Don't over-complicate things
I like this idea, I was thinking of pouring concrete pads and using 4 x 6 posts bolted to the concrete with the galvanized post base brackets. Bolted posts and chain link fence or even wooden picket fencing would make it a fence and not a building structure. Now adding the roof might complicate things and make someone really dig deep in the rule book to find an ordinance violation.
bad_idea
Well-known member
Buy a Conex Box. You say you are in the sticks. See if zoning will allow you to drop a storage container on the lot. Can buy a 40' for ~$1000 delivered. Secure and dry. Cant get easier to set either.
JRC3
Well-known member
OK, I thought that might be something like that.
I wonder if there's a way to secure one of those portable garages. Maybe attaching something like this either under or over the tarp covering. Marbe even 2x high. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/feedlot-panel-cattle-16-ft-l-x-50-in-h?cm_vc=-10005 The door would be the hardest. Maybe posts set at both ends with eyebolts and padlocks to move the panel out of the way, or even figure a way to hing one end.
6768rogues
Banned
In NY, if it has a roof it is generally regulated by the building code. Fabric structures are regulated for combustibility, but usually no one pays attention to them.
rsanter
Well-known member
Can you do a shipping container as a temporary structure?
I saw where there were people putting trailer axles under shipping containers and adding a toung so they could call them a trailer and avoid the issues
I saw where there were people putting trailer axles under shipping containers and adding a toung so they could call them a trailer and avoid the issues
LifeLongWNYer
Well-known member
1st: What is a "pergola"?
2nd: Put up the fence and call the building inspector to come and look at it. AFTER he leaves, wait a month, or so, that add the roof.
You are lucky, in this town, it is almost as difficult to put up a fence as it is a building. Need a plot plan, need to meet set backs on all sides, the neighbors need to be notified, then you have to state which side of the fence is the "good side" and which is the "bad side", etc. Also, if it extends in front of the front side of the structure which is closest to the road, a hearing is needed. Finally, there is the permit and a FEE!!!!
.
2nd: Put up the fence and call the building inspector to come and look at it. AFTER he leaves, wait a month, or so, that add the roof.
You are lucky, in this town, it is almost as difficult to put up a fence as it is a building. Need a plot plan, need to meet set backs on all sides, the neighbors need to be notified, then you have to state which side of the fence is the "good side" and which is the "bad side", etc. Also, if it extends in front of the front side of the structure which is closest to the road, a hearing is needed. Finally, there is the permit and a FEE!!!!
.
rburke65
Well-known member
Google "pergola".
JazzBlueRT
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2017
- Messages
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Just get the permit and have the structure documented correctly so that you do not have issues when you sell the property.
finn
Well-known member
Get the permit and build a proper structure.
They already have satellite pictures of your existing, unpermitted building and will know about any structure you add to the property within a few months when the satellite maps are updated.
You can’t hide anymore. Look at your property on google maps or Zillow, then understand that the view the county has is much higher resolution.
They already have satellite pictures of your existing, unpermitted building and will know about any structure you add to the property within a few months when the satellite maps are updated.
You can’t hide anymore. Look at your property on google maps or Zillow, then understand that the view the county has is much higher resolution.
JRC3
Well-known member
Google takes longer than that, a few years on average depending on your area. But my county (not Google) does sat maps and posts them annually.
Spud1985
Well-known member
I would look for damaged box truck boxes. Like moving trucks, etc. check with local heavy duty truck shops and junkyards. I scored a 24 ft box for free. They had tried to go under a low awning and crunched the front. It was delivered on a rollback and dropped right where I needed it.