14x20 Shed Construction Questions

[JCook5003]

Hey Guys-

After considering my needs, budget and lot and after asking some other questions here. I've decided to leave my large auto workshop at my moms farm in her 24x80 pale barn.

I would like to get my bike stand and tools at my house. So I can atleast work on my bike projects at home. After a lot of reflection I've decided to build a 14x20 or 16x20 shed on reinforced sonotube piers and a 3/4" plywood T&G floor over joists.

I really used this thread when doing my equipment layouts and choosing a size.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194082

I've looked over the typical storage sheds built on skids around here, typically a 4x6 skid with 2x6 floor joists, then they block the 4x6 at each end and 8' centers underneath. They seem really overpriced for what you get.

Since this shed wont be moved, I see no advantage to building on skids, I'm envisioning more of what amounts to a "deck" with a shed roof building on top. Are there any advantages to using skids I'm not thinking about?

I'm attaching a drawing I whipped up in CAD, the building drawn is 14x20. Basically the design is a double 2x8 "beam" all the way around on the outside, then another beam on the 20 foot length mid way. Then 2x8 floor joists between them on joist hangers, they only span 7' so a 2x8 should be more than adequate.

As drawn I have the piers on 10' centers length wise. My question is should I drop back and put 4 piers on the 20' length so the double beam is only spanning 5' at a time? I have no idea how to size this beam. It not only carries the floor load but also the roof load between them.

So, how do I size that beam, 10' centers? 5' centers? Obviously less piers is less digging, less sonotubes and rebar, and less concrete, but I dont want something that is built subpar or unsafely.

So can you guys help me out here?



Thanks,
Josh

 

[TractorJeff]

Most places, if its a shed on skids, then its not a permanent structure, hence not a "Taxable Property Improvement". If it is on a Slab or Foundation, then its considered permanent subject to Zoning and Taxing. I recommend checking local Building requirements first.

 

[christopher7390]

Goodluck with the project!

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 that permanent "foundation" (ie floor joists attached to sonotube concrete piers with embedded bracket) WILL make the shed taxable building in most areas. In same vein, when decks are "added" to house (thus installed with permanent foundation/piers) the taxing authorities find way to run up your real estate taxes.

OP . . Update GJ Profile with City / State to get best advice from fellow GJer's.

 

[JCook5003]

As my understanding from the building inspector yesterday, an outbuilding by any means other than "continuous concrete footer or monolithic slab" may be erected in my County with no building permit or taxing implication.

I specifically asked about concrete piers and he said they recently decided these would be non-taxed as well. (Except decks or structures attached to an existing dwelling) Since a few of the large farms around here have new pole buildings erected with Perma-Columns. I never thought of it that way, but basically just a concrete footer for a pole barn.