Worried my barn will be condemned- permit strategy?

[ScottsGT]

You know there are tricks to aging new wood to make it look old?

 

[My Old Tools]

You know there are tricks to aging new wood to make it look old?

Chickensh*t ages it very nicely

 

[L5wolvesf]

First, before you make any decision, find out what the building dept already knows about your place. Do they even know there is a barn there? Is it old enough to possibly never have needed a permit. Also, learn what/how it should be according to the codes there. A "barn" may have certain requirements, where a "garage" has different ones, and a "storage building" yet another.

Going without permits can get costly if you're caught. If the building fails while working on it - you're caught. If it burns accidentally - you're caught. If a neighbor becomes unfriendly - you're caught. First rule of crime and un permitted structures - don't get caught.

 

[L5wolvesf]

Welcome to GJ!

Don't renovate, repair. Words matter.

Bill

This is correct, if you are "just repairing some damage" from age it is one thing and if you add/improve structure/bracing in the act of repairing things that is what was needed. But . . . pouring a slap where there wasn't one would be a bit of a stretch in calling it a "repair".

 

[Norcal]

Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness then permission.

 

[ct03911]

I'd ask the town building inspector. Sounds like you are headed beyond repairs and if so resale can be an issue without permitted work.
I'm in CT but the town and inspector have a gruff reputation.
I pulled permits for everything and over time he became pretty nice with suggestions etc.
Yes, some of the interaction and requirements seemed painful but in the end I have a legit structure and good relationship with the town.
Runnng afoul of the system can come back to bite you.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

People do $100,000 remodels without permit all the time, just go for it.

And they get screwed when they get reassessed or go to sell...

Tommy

 

[Lassen Forge]

One contractor wanted me to pull permits to fix a sagging wall in our 140 year old shop. Called the county, even tho there was a record of the building, it predated permitting, and as long as we didn't degrade the structural integrity of the building and followed good construction practice we were good to go.

They DID tell me they would be glad to do an inspection to "update their records" and make sure the tax status hadn't changed... WTF??!!??

I thanked them and hung up when they wanted the property address...

 

[Farrier]

I would avoid getting a permit on this at all. They might make you tear it down anyway, then you won't be able to build anything because the current codes won't allow it. People do $100,000 remodels without permit all the time, just go for it.

This all the way. I'm in Ca also, and very familiar with regs. The building is up already, so improvements can be made without creating a huge scene.......Providing your neighbors won't rat you out

 

[terry603]

sounds like the smaller shed I had when I bought my house
insurance contacted me and said needs to come down or will be cancelled

come to find out, I even needed a permit from town to remove it..5.00 money was not the point, needing permit seems crazy

 

[PugetDude]

"Repair" the barn one stick at a time...keep a good record of the "before" pictures at each step.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

OP, any status update on your "project".. ??