Advice/suggestions on garage addition

[yourname]

Made a thread awhile back about adding onto my current 22x24 garage and recieved some good input. Well I have finally got around to getting some estimates and checking with zoning as well. I finally found a company that I feel confident in spending my hard earned cash with... after what seemed like days of trying to track down people for appointments. The guy spent 45 minutes here, went over any questions, gave me very good info, wrote up a proposed estimate, and said if they built in the winter (concrete work sooner) that he would knock a percentage off. Gave me his rough price per sq ft since I'd do my own electrical and wall finishing. And I felt it was very reasonable after talking to other companies.

Literally had a company recommended by multiple people come out, go well you can't really do that, just blow the back of the garage out, it'll be about 30k. He gave me his business card and left.

So that's the back story lol. I have a 22'w x 24' d garage now. And a bunch of wasted space to the side of the garage (~20'). Zoning requires 10' from the line, but the builder mentioned applying for a variance to see about getting a 12' wide bay. My intentions with the new space are to have a 2 post lift as I work on vehicles on the side, at least 12' height for said lift. Builder said it would be a double gable roof, with a proper saddle to connect the 2 roofs.

Layed out the rough area in the driveway this morning. I think 12 wide would work (if variance approved) but feel it would get tight really quick. I'm not opposed to building off the back/behind my garage, just trying to utilize some wasted space at the same time.

Functions garage needs to have: Space for my show truck, toolbox space, and a "working" area with a 2 post lift.

1. Is a zoning variance worth the hassle?

2. If yes, is a 12' wide space too narrow for a workspace?

3. Should I just build off the back/staggered to the side so i don't have an awkward long side yard.

4. The wife would rather not do a pole barn, but said we could look into it if it came down to it.

Pictures to show what I'm working with.

 

[yourname]

Also, the fence is crooked and not on the property line. The line is a foot or so off the telephone pole

 

[yourname]

Mocked up the propsed 12x30 addition in the driveway with marker poles

 

[matt_i]

Personally I don't think you're going to be able to get a variance on an easement as small as 10'.

My opinion is that its iimportant to understand the foundation you are getting. If its not the same style or depth as existing, then in my mind that's a recipe for trouble as they can then potentially move relative to each other with changing weather conditions. The expense below ground is something most of us never see or touch, but is quite important down the road. So I would ask some questions about this.

Builder said it would be a double gable roof, with a proper saddle to connect the 2 roofs.

This is also something i would want to see drawn up in a sketch form. It does not sound standard and obviously the potential for joining roof systems can be fraught with peril, relative to their ability to stay dry long term.

 

[yourname]

Im weighing my options as of now.

Foundation wise, he said it would match the existing footers and be a 6" reinforced pad of 5000psi.

Starting to lean towards a pole barn or just going deeper on mine and do some better organizing of my junk