Posts: 49
Threads: 13
Joined: Nov 2010
I see HD sells prefab garden sheds. I assume that these can be put up without a building permit.
What are the rules here about size and height for a garden shed before a permit is required? Are they written anywhere? Please don't tell me that they are one of those discretionary things that depends on the phase of the moon and mood of an inspector.
Posts: 2,466
Threads: 316
Joined: May 2008
If you put it on skids, wouldn't it be considered a temporary building and not need a permit? Also it is possible no permit is needed for buildings less than 100 sqaure feet.
Call the planning dept, they have always been helpful with any questions I had. They should easily be able to answer the above two questions.
You should also ask about set back requirements for your lot.
Puna: Our roosters crow first
Posts: 8,464
Threads: 1,032
Joined: May 2003
Small accessory buildings of less than 120 SF roof area do not need a permit as long as they are not used for human occupancy.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 49
Threads: 13
Joined: Nov 2010
The limit is 120 square feet of roof area and not 120 square feet of floor area? Interesting way to define it.
Posts: 8,464
Threads: 1,032
Joined: May 2003
I could be wrong. It is in the first chapter of the code.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 49
Threads: 13
Joined: Nov 2010
Rob - I'm never quite sure what the current applicable code(s) is. Can you tell me what it is in this case and is there an online source? Thank you.
Posts: 8,464
Threads: 1,032
Joined: May 2003
If you want to know at what size sheds qualify (by county code) as an exempt structure it is best to ask the building department. Some new codes are in place at this time.
If you have the time I suggest a written request which receives a written response. That can take a couple weeks but start with a phone call first and ask them to cite the code section.
Let us know what you find out.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
For the pdf of the county code, Chap 1 is on the const. of the code(changed link to smaller Chap 1):
http://co.hawaii.hi.us/countycode/chapter01.pdf
ETA: Chap 5 covers buildings:
http://co.hawaii.hi.us/countycode/chapter05.pdf
No building permit is required for non habitable storage sheds under 6' in height, from the code, with deletion editing. pages 13 & 14:
"Section 5-1.0.8. Amending section 301.
Section 301 is amended to read as follows:...
EXCEPTIONS: A permit is not required for:
...
(16) Animal shelters, storage sheds, and towers, less than 6 feet in height."
Do not know how up to date.... says update Dec 2010
ETA: For the County code menu:
http://co.hawaii.hi.us/countycode/
Posts: 3,188
Threads: 216
Joined: Sep 2007
EXCEPTIONS: A permit is not required for:
...
(16) Animal shelters, storage sheds, and towers, less than 6 feet in height
I wonder how far one could stretch the definition of "kennel" or "primate housing" its ag right? - grin
May found my loophole - 'been called an animal more than once ....bull in the china shop applies
I have bought a lot of pottery in my day - grin
Posts: 49
Threads: 13
Joined: Nov 2010
I like this part:
EXCEPTIONS: A permit is not required for:
...
(16) Animal shelters, storage sheds, and towers, less than 6 feet in height.
A 6 foot maximum height for a shed seems a bit confining. Plus the 6 feet is measured from what point: Exterior grade? Interior floor? The 6 feet is measured to what point: Interior ceiling? Exterior roof at the highest point?
I did try to call the Building Department. No luck getting to talk to a real person.
I've never paid a lot of attention to the HD sheds, but I think that the height of them is more than 6 feet. If that is so, and the code section cited is accurate, put up a HD shed and your shed possibly becomes, as I posted the the original comment, what I feared: "one of those discretionary things that depends on the phase of the moon and mood of an inspector."
How probable is it that you would have a problem if you violate the code? Probably directly proportional to the value of what is stored in the shed and the time/effort/money put into building it.
As Rob said, you are always wise to get a code interpretation in writing. A verbal OK is not worth the paper it is not written on. But then again, raising issues and asking for permission is sometimes a sure way to get an iron-clad denial because the ability to do so is "one of those discretionary things that depends on the phase of the moon and mood of an inspector."
