2 post lift... permit?

[onthefence777]

So, I am getting closer to having the concrete for my 2 post lift poured. My question now pertains to the need for a building permit. The lift will not fit in my garage so it will be in my backyard. This means that it could possibly be visible over the fence.

So I started thinking it might be a good idea to get a permit to negate the risk of a pissed off neighbor complaining (CYA), resulting in me getting in trouble for not getting a permit. The only need I see for getting a permit is in running the circuit to power the lift. But I would also hate to have the lift installed, apply for a permit for the power, and then get in trouble because theres some reason I dont know about that requires getting a permit for the lift itself.

I guess what I am looking for, is advice in dealing with the building department. What to say, what not to say... I do not fall in the jurisdiction of a city, so hopefully that will help that its county here. I thought about going to talk to them after work to see if a permit is indeed needed, but I was a little worried I would say the wrong thing and have them jump me about running a business etc...The ONLY reason I bought the lift is to be able to fix and maintain my vehicle again since my back injury does not allow me to work on my cars the traditional way with jack stands.

Thanks for any input or advice in regards to dealing with the building department.

 

[Stee6043]

I suspect the first thing the building department will ask is whether or not the lift is designed to be installed outdoors. If the answer is "no" your permit pursuit is likely doomed long before it really starts.

 

[onthefence777]

Well I have yet to come across a lift that says not intended for outdoor use, so I am not much worried about that angle. I have been advised that covering the pump will extend its life outdoors and I might need to grease bearings more often, but thats about it.

A bigger fence requires a permit too, LOL! Good ol land of the free eh?

 

[camarotoolman]

Maybe get a friend to go for you so they they don't come snooping around your place. Call from a pay phone.

 

[mikefromme]

Maybe get a friend to go for you so they they don't come snooping around your place. Call from a pay phone.

Around here code enforcement is not out get you. Stop by ask your questions and they will work with you to be code compliant.

The only issue I can think of is that it might need to meet property line setbacks? Might have to draw up a quick plot plan showing where it will be located.

 

[onthefence777]

Well thanks for those replys. I like to think that they would be helpful and not out to get me, especially since I will be going to them with my plan. The proposed placement is well within the setbacks so that will not be an issue. I think I will just go in on monday and talk to them and just refrain from giving them my address. Ill just have to pray they don't make me regret doing so

 

[yankeze1]

Well I have yet to come across a lift that says not intended for outdoor use, so I am not much worried about that angle.

Bendpak doesn't agree I'm in the process of purchasing a Bendpak, and thought I remembered this from the installation manual:

INSTALLER / OPERATOR
PLEASE READ AND FULLY
UNDERSTAND. BY PROCEEDING
YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING

 I understand that BendPak lifts are designed to be
installed in indoor locations only. Failure to follow installation
instructions may lead to serious personal injury or
death to operator or bystander or damage to property or
lift.

 

[brownbagg]

look the bendpak is fine outside, mine been outside for seven years, couple hurricanes. But take my word on this, mount the motor pump inside and add some hose, trust me that puppy $400

 

[nehog]

Well I have yet to come across a lift that says not intended for outdoor use...

Rotary specifically says not to mount outdoors or exposed to weather. In fact, I think one can safely assume that if the maker doesn't specifically say acceptable to mount exposed, it can't be.

 

[58Yeoman]

How about a backyard buddy? Do they still make them, and aren't they made to be outside?