building a "temporary" structure.

[1950coronet600hp]

new kludge in the works, I am going to build a workshop on a piece of rented land, it can't be permanent for square footage and tax reasons. basically its a free standing metal pole carport, skinned with hollow aluminum garage door panels. the back 8' will be enclosed by a dividing wall with double doors. using 6mil plastic with oak pallets then plywood for the floor, the other 12' will just have a dirt floor and will be open on the end. it will have electricity, but from a generator. does anyone have any idea where I can get a definitive answer on what makes a shed permanent in Massachusetts? from what I've found a concrete base seems to be the short answer. but other things like heat, lights pluming etc can throw a wrench in the gears. as far as anchoring goes, was planning on using screw type augers to tether it. also any tips to doing this sorta thing would help. thanks!

 

[fastjohnny]

I'd go with a couple shipping containers, immediate lockable storage, have a carport between the 2.

 

[MrA]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This.
I had two for a while, spaced 10' apart. Had a roof over the space in between. I had an old house and always had a buuilding permit pulled, which allowed temporary storage units while building. I had acreage also. When the building was done, after a few years the neighbors wanted the sea containers gone. I didn't. They were great! I was only allowed 150 sq. ft. storage sheds, but the containers were 8'X20'. Never got an answer as to how many 150 sq. ft. sheds someone may have. I could have set the sea containers on just 12inch by 12 inch x12" deep concrete footings under the corners. Embed a piece of steel into the concrete. weld the sea container to the steel. I could have received a permit to use them as a permanent structure this way. Building department said they had to be attached to the ground, permanently, to get a permit. I was selling the place, so just sold the containers also. They hold value, easier to sell in rural areas.

 

[pmiranda]

Lighting, screw-type augers, and a small temporary heater would probably be OK (I see all of this in tents for camping!) but the plumbing is probably pushing your luck.

 

[TK-421]

What about building them on skids? Don't think it can be considered permanent if you can hook them up to a truck and move them without disconnecting anything.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Here in Cuomo's kingdom of NYS, yer limited by square footage,....

144sq.ft. total,....

 

[1950coronet600hp]

I would love to use two shipping containers, but at over 1k a piece not in my budget, the frame and aluminum panels were free! and I've been cruising the free section of craigslist for lumber, and nabbing free pallets from my work so far i have $35 into this (rented a trailer) and trying to stay within my forever nonexistent budget. the plumbing thing was just something i thought would skew the temporary thing, not really planning on water, even though i have an instant water heater and 12v pump, but thats for the camper.. my whole point of this is to actually save money, as i also have a storage unit rented to keep all my tools, which will be relocated into the workshop once its built..

 

[matt_i]

I'd build it on a double axle or gooseneck trailer.

Then there is absolutely no question.

Use the trailer to move or keep your shop in there long-term, its your choice. The shop could be stripped and the trailer sold someday, they hold value pretty well. Can easily get 8' wide x 25ft long on a GN trailer with no drop-tail.

 

[bczygan]

new kludge in the works, I am going to build a workshop on a piece of rented land, it can't be permanent for square footage and tax reasons. basically its a free standing metal pole carport, skinned with hollow aluminum garage door panels. the back 8' will be enclosed by a dividing wall with double doors. using 6mil plastic with oak pallets then plywood for the floor, the other 12' will just have a dirt floor and will be open on the end. it will have electricity, but from a generator. does anyone have any idea where I can get a definitive answer on what makes a shed permanent in Massachusetts? from what I've found a concrete base seems to be the short answer. but other things like heat, lights pluming etc can throw a wrench in the gears. as far as anchoring goes, was planning on using screw type augers to tether it. also any tips to doing this sorta thing would help. thanks!

Please put your location in your profile.

Your answer is in your zoning and building rules.

Find out who the authorities having jurisdiction for zoning and building are and get their rules (Usually online). Find your own answer in the rules and verify anonymously with officials.

Bill