Posts: 1,252
Threads: 72
Joined: Sep 2012
The permit for our garage was not finaled when we bought the house 8 years ago. We were told it's because there's an unpermitted toilet in there.
We're getting the house ready for sale, and want to get the garage permit finaled.
Anybody know what we'll have to do, and how much it will cost?
I know we have to call the county; they wouldn't give me any info without my TMK, and I wasn't ready to out myself yet.
I assume our options are:
1) remove the toilet. I've heard the plumbing would have to be filled with cement. I've also heard there's a way to remove the cement later. Any suggestions?
2) get a permit for the toilet. Would we need "as-built" drawings or something? How much do those cost?
Posts: 1,252
Threads: 72
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 14,116
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
We were told it's because there's an unpermitted toilet in there.
Was an inspection failed, such that County may have notes about the unpermitted toilet?
If the toilet wasn't part of the original garage plans as filed, then it probably needs to meet current codes, and the plumbing needs to be inspected, which might mean digging it up. A plumber should know how to make this right, and have some idea what it will cost, possibly recouped as increased "value" and/or quicker sale.
It might just be easier to remove the toilet and fill in the plumbing. If there's a room around it, maybe camoflage with some shelving so it seems like a closet.
Assuming a concrete slab, here: the "trick" probably goes something like ... a plug several inches into the drain, fill in with sand, thin concrete over the top. Later, chip out the concrete.
Posts: 1,070
Threads: 51
Joined: Jan 2014
In my one interaction with the building department, I was working with Kathy. I got the impression that they are willing to work with an owner to make things right. They didn't seem to want to drag things on or look for situations to deny someone or something.
Having said that, I think the suggestion to have a plumber look at your situation prior to going to the building dept. is a good one. A plumber may possibly know by looking at it if it can be permitted "as built".
Posts: 14,116
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
A plumber may possibly know by looking at it if it can be permitted
Especially since you need a plumber to sign off on the permits...
Posts: 1,252
Threads: 72
Joined: Sep 2012
Thanks for the tips. I have zero experience with permits and wanted to figure options before bringing in the county.
Posts: 1,252
Threads: 72
Joined: Sep 2012
We finally got a hold of a contractor friend; he said it's likely that permitting this toilet would trigger a requirement to upgrade our septic system.
So I think we'll go next to the building department to see what they say.
Posts: 14,116
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
we'll go next to the building department
Suggest you phrase it as a hypothetical "if I add a toilet to the garage, will I have to..."
Posts: 1,247
Threads: 7
Joined: Sep 2014
In my experience, trying to get an old un permitted structure "legal" is hard. Bldg. Dept. can be a royal pain in the ....
So many hoops to jump through and they all cost $. Plans, permits, inspections.. Inches matter. It seems endless when you're in the middle of it, but it's great once your goal is achieved and the Inspectors leave.
Good luck!
Posts: 468
Threads: 46
Joined: Jan 2009
It won't hurt you to ask. Unless a complaint is filed against you, the Building Department will not come to look for violations. As of late, they have been extremely lenient in helping homeowners finalize open permits.
