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Unpermitted cabin
#11
Terracore, Yes, that more clearly frames my question - 600 sq ft max on ag land - I'd hope it would qualify as an ag shed. However, my concern is that because it might have more bells & whistles than a "shed," (such as a rudimentary kitchen -sink, countertop with camp stove) it could be classified as a simple dwelling. And I wonder whether that would raise a red flag. A shed is not a cabin. Or could they be one and the same, even within the 600 sq ft/ag land parameters.?
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#12
And Ericlp:"I kinda question the OP ... Are you just thinking about building something or is it already existing?"
Okay, moment of truth, it does already exist. I guess I'm concerned enough that I thought I had to be more circumspect. But to get some clarity - even if it's only a variety of opinions - I'll say that this shed/cabin has already been built with the simple kitchen mentioned previously. It's bamboo framework, open-air (half-walls), off the ground, with a sleeping loft, being used for woofers, on ag-zoned land. I could handle being told to tear it down (it only cost $3,000 to build) but I do not want to have to "remedy or face a penalty." There would be nothing to remedy - it is nothing like even the most simple of actual houses.To "remedy" would involve plans, permits, extensive building, etc.
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#13
I have literally been told by the building dept that they are complaint driven. If no one complains, they don't go looking.
A $3000 jungle hut is unlikely to get them excited. You could also get plans for a simple structure and get a permit to build and then spend however long you want building and they won't say anything. The permits here seem to be open ended as long as you do some work every 120 days. Eventually the tax man will stop by to see how you are progressing and update the property assessment every year or two and your taxes will go up based on percentage of completion but that just means your taxes are paid and they can't come after you that way, which is probably a greater threat. The county goes after revenue and the bldg dept doesn't generate much. They also don't seem to talk to the assessors.
If you want to talk more send an email.


life is short. enjoy it
life is short. enjoy it
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#14
maud, if you are worrying about this, i think that it is unnecessary, relax, enjoy.
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#15
Wow... 3K bucks ... I'd love to come take a look at it. I'll show you my tiny house in return! Smile Mine cost around 13K in materials.

Cheers. LMK!

Edit: I agree with Dan.. Don't sweat it... Relax and enjoy most of all!
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#16
It seems like the main thing is that if anyone is "living" in any sized structure- then it's supposed to be permitted. In practice though it is not really enforcable, because someone could just clear their personal stuff out and say it's a storage shed. I think you are not supposed to have an actual stove or something, but hotplates and microwaves are fine. But really, I wouldn't worry about this, just because it's so commonly done.
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#17
Here's the official wording if anyone wants to read it from the code book.

5.19(18) One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar
uses, provided the floor area does not exceed a) 120 square feet (11 m2); b) does not exceed 600
square feet for agricultural zoned lands. (Building cannot be located within building setback as
required by the Zoning, Chapter 25 of Hawai‘i County Code. Verify setback requirements with the
Planning Department).
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#18
quote:
Originally posted by 7Shadows

Here's the official wording if anyone wants to read it from the code book.

5.19(18) One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar
uses, provided the floor area does not exceed a) 120 square feet (11 m2); b) does not exceed 600
square feet for agricultural zoned lands. (Building cannot be located within building setback as
required by the Zoning, Chapter 25 of Hawai‘i County Code. Verify setback requirements with the
Planning Department).


Does anybody know what the setback distance is?
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#19
Same codebook says County "owns" all plumbing and electrical, so where you end up is: a legitimate "storage shed" is fine until/unless you have any plumbing/electrical.

But ... because County is entirely "complaint-driven" (read: highly subjective), the matter of exactly how much plumbing/electrical hasn't been tested: in theory, there is a "too small to require permits" for each of these.
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#20
In Eden Roc it is 30' at front and back and 20' on the sides.
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