PAToyota
Well-known member
Is the garage close enough that you can connect it with a breezeway? That is often the easiest route to go because then it is "part of the main structure" and height limitations do not apply.
Stick Build going up...I got a "STOP' work order
- Thread starter gto65goat
- Start date
PAToyota has the right idea,,,
And those that posted earlier are right, it’s best to try to get around local Zoning and Architectural review boards requirements and limitations by working around them. Avoiding their drawn out BS all together.
In order to scurry around a second floor limitation on my complex, I merely attached it to the house. Then I avoided the local Architectural review board on that issue. I bypassed the City review boards entirely that way.
When I applied for the permit at the county level, they were totally amazed that the city put their stamp of approval on my complex! The county only concern was that it be built to county codes, nothing more.
Junkman
Well-known member
Seems that every city, county, state, or jurisdiction has their own rules and regulation, better known as "hoops" you have to jump through. I am certainly glad that in my town, they only ask you 3 questions....... where is the well, where is the septic system, and how close is it to the property lines. In my case, they don't even ask the question about property lines, since I own 15 acres. 
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
A nearby county, a kinda spendy one at that, small with lots of wealth, has a code that limits accessory structures to 900 square feet, period. If they are attached to the residence, no limit, but detached, 900 per structure. I live in a fly in community and somehow the planning and zoning people in this other county got my name and asked for some assistance in formulating some exception to the 900 sq/ft rule, for aircraft hangars on residential property, as they had two fly in communities in their county and had never before bothered to enforce the 900 ft rule for buildings in those communities. Someone had applied for a hangar permit and was turned down. I was invited to attend one of their meetings to discuss this, and when I got there, I found that I would not be allowed to speak (basically I drove 40 miles to help someone I didn't know, and found I couldn't talk even though the director of plannning and zoning was the one who asked me to attend!!!) What a bunch of horses rear ends!!!! I made a mental note to never, ever, move to Fayette County, Georgia. In the end, they approved 2500 sq/ft (50x50) as the max, even though I had pointed out to them on the phone that 60x60 was much more common at the other fly in communities in the metro area, and would yield more tax revenue!!!
Charles
Charles
elvee
Well-known member
I think I put that in my earlier post. I got around all of the county's issues with my detached structure by having the architect draw in a breezeway between the garage porch and the carport. I can now go to a max height of 35 ft (which isn't even measured at the highest point on the structure).
Goofy rules. Good luck with yours.
Goofy rules. Good luck with yours.
Bib Overalls
Well-known member
It is not to early to talk with a lawyer.
But it is to early to be talking about a law suit for damages. You will not know what the damages will be until you have a decision on the variance.
Also, the courts will not accept law suits against government entities until all administrative remedies have been exhausted. As a minimum, you will need to file a claim for damages and receive a decision on that claim before you proceed to court.
In your claim you state your damages and the reason the County should pay. If the County does not pay they will tell you why your claim is denied. If there is an appeal process you must also exhaust this remedy.
When you sue, you challenge the decision to deny your claim.
But it is to early to be talking about a law suit for damages. You will not know what the damages will be until you have a decision on the variance.
Also, the courts will not accept law suits against government entities until all administrative remedies have been exhausted. As a minimum, you will need to file a claim for damages and receive a decision on that claim before you proceed to court.
In your claim you state your damages and the reason the County should pay. If the County does not pay they will tell you why your claim is denied. If there is an appeal process you must also exhaust this remedy.
When you sue, you challenge the decision to deny your claim.
Junkman
Well-known member
Trying to sue a government entity is like p***ing in the wind. It will just blow back at you, and in the end, you will only wind up smelling bad. You have a better chance of approval by being reasonable and pleasant than if you take an attitude that you are right. I would only consider a real estate lawyer for representation in a variance case. If you show up with a trial attorney, they will know what you are up to. Also, check with the variance board to see who they would suggest for an attorney. They know who they can work with, but will probably want to give you a few names rather than only one. Talk with each of them and see who you are most comfortable with. It is important that all parties get along. Once this becomes confrontational, all is lost.
monkeyplasm
Well-known member
PA Toy & Elvee - No chance for a breezeway...nice thought though.
How about a Monorail?
PAToyota
Well-known member
PA Toy & Elvee - No chance for a breezeway...nice thought though.
Is the garage that far away? I've seen some interesting things done to accomplish a "breezeway" to circumvent such codes. Basically a glorified trellis connecting the two structures.
HacksawsGarage
Well-known member
If all else fails, call fairlaneman. He has a way with neighbors....
you mean ford fairlane?
