Just had a metal garage installed. Had to get a variance from the town for setback and county . Now zoning officer is saying it needs a cement slab. Contractor said could be installed and anchored into the ground. This is NYS. Town goes by the state building code. I think my code officer may be wrong?
Very confused , code or not?
- Thread starter Scoota
- Start date
matt_i
Well-known member
I am slightly confused. What is it installed into right now?
koditten
Well-known member
They want a foundation so it can be taxed. You got approval for a permanent structure. Now it's only temporary.
Kaizen
Well-known member
Up here they tax it anyway regardless of foundation
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I figured it is because of taxes. But how can they make me pour a foundation when Acording to the installer it's not required in NYS. The code officer is saying it is. The code officer said they go by NYS building codes. I can't find anything on it , not sure what the code is.This guy is a nightmare. Have not heard any good about him. Just when I think I am done jumping threw hoops , he comes up with something new.
RivennHewn
Well-known member
Have him quote code sections for each and every correction.
RVDan
Well-known member
They want a slab or a foundation?
ard
Well-known member
1. Dont assume some 'taxes' conspiracy. Kind of silly, IMO. Guy is just on a power trip
2. Time to go back to the town and county (or whoever he works for).
I had a rouge inspector, had to go over his head. But I had plans, drawings, etc that defined what I was doing.
Thanks for the thoughts. I have the plans and they are NYS certified. That's why I am so confused. The building is up. CEO is saying has to be on a cement slab. My problem with this guy is, first he said I was too close to the road. Highway department said I was not. Then said I was in the easement for electric company, they say I am not. I guess that's why I am questioning it. I know nothing about any of this. Just a veteran who after living in a small home, wanted some space.
The Tool Tyrant
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I've run into a few 'Power trip' inspectors in the past, most of the time they were contractors that failed, so they wanted to make everyone else's project a **** fight.
I would go over his head with all of your documentation, including the other objections that he had and let them know that you refuse to discuss the matter with this particular CEO any longer. Let them know that he's incompetent and pulls **** out of his *** that's incorrect.
I would go over his head with all of your documentation, including the other objections that he had and let them know that you refuse to discuss the matter with this particular CEO any longer. Let them know that he's incompetent and pulls **** out of his *** that's incorrect.
steveo1o9
Well-known member
This, end of story. Ask politely for him to either show you the sections he is saying you are in violation of, or at a minimum give you the chapter/section numbers so you can look it up for yourself. If he cannot produce this information then go up the ladder to resolve this, everyone has a boss.
Fordman7795
Well-known member
Wow this sounds all too familiar. Our township zoning jackass said I was too close to the neighbors. (i wasnt) Said I was too close to the road (I ended up having to move it back 1"). Said I couldnt have a second driveway (road commission laughed and approved it right away). Said my driveway was too close to the fire hydrant (fire chief laughed and approved it right away). Said the distance between the house and barn was too close based off his google maps and not actually measuring it with a tape measure like i did. In the end he ran me around for 7 months, cost me a $475 building permit and then HE NEVER ONCE CAME OUT TO LOOK AT IT.
LX-Markham
Well-known member
Is there a concrete slab on the stamped permit drawings?
If not, as others have suggested, go to the building department and discuss the requirements.
If not, as others have suggested, go to the building department and discuss the requirements.
K13
Well-known member
I would guess that if it is designated a garage it would require some type of fuel resistant floor. That seems to be a pretty consistent building code requirement for a garage in a municipal area. In looking through building codes in various cities in New York State they all seem to require that. So even though structurally the building may not require a concrete floor to meet code to use it as a garage probably does.
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ard
Well-known member
^ "Garage" as a commercial garage in the building code may be different than what we are discussing. However, if OP called it a garage and not a barn, residential garage or utility structure he may be getting trapped. Only OP can tell us this
OP says he has "NYS certified plans"- which is not the same (I think) as a set of complete building plans for THIS STRUCTURE at THIS LOCATION on THIS LOT
OP says he has "NYS certified plans"- which is not the same (I think) as a set of complete building plans for THIS STRUCTURE at THIS LOCATION on THIS LOT
K13
Well-known member
I agree the building is certified to be used in NYS but it's use will more than likely change what is required for it to meet code. In looking at building codes everyone I looked at in NYS required a fuel resistant floor for an enclosure that would house a motor vehicle. There was no distinction of commercial or residential and most were clearly meaning residential garages as they had size limits under 1000 square feet.
ard
Well-known member
Yup, agree. Just becuase a building passes NYS structure all engineering doesn't mean it can be built any where for any use...
Any links to where NYS has these definitions? Specifically what they consider a 'fuel resistant floor'??
Any links to where NYS has these definitions? Specifically what they consider a 'fuel resistant floor'??
K13
Well-known member
I couldn't find anything that was a statewide document but multiple municipalities required it so my guess would be it may be a state requirement.
Here is NYC code for garage floors for an example:
406.1.3 Floor construction.Private garage and carport floors shall be of concrete or equivalent noncombustible material that will not absorb flammable liquids. The area of floor used for parking of vehicles shall be sloped to facilitate the movement of liquids to a drain. The sills of all door openings connecting a dwelling unit to a private garage shall be raised at least 4 inches (102 mm) above the floor level of the garage.
Exception:Asphalt surfaces shall be permitted at ground level in carports.
Here is an excerpt from Victor NY accessory building book that was under "some common mistakes to avoid":
*Garages require floors that are resistant to petroleum based products. Do not use
asphalt or stone as floor material.
EDIT: This is all I can find from NYS code for residential garages. It seems open to interpretation as to what is approved but I would imagine someone must know what material is an approved floor for a garage and I would guess it's not dirt these days.
406.3.3 Garage Floor Surfaces
Garage floor surfaces shall be of approved noncombustible material. The area of floor used for parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to facilitate the movement of liquids to a drain or toward the main vehicle entry doorway.
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ard
Well-known member
K13
Well-known member
I was kind of seeing the same. Multiple discussions/threads over the years on this. Ultimate solution has been "dont call it a garage"
Yeah I would guess that's what it comes down to and size after a certain size it is probably considered a "building and can't just be put on the ground. I know that is the case here over 10 sq m and you need a slab or foundation.
77Birdman
Well-known member
In my jurisdiction smaller structures, i.e. sheds and such, only require a foundation if they exceed a certain height. I would have to double check but I believe it is 8' wall height.