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If you're worried about code changing "out from under" you, a permitted structure is required to comply with the codes that existed when the permit was pulled (assuming the permits remain "valid" in the interim).
Amnesty for finals is currently at 12/1996. If the economy gets bad enough, County will start "blessing" as-builts so they can get better taxation. It's always about the money...
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Yes, you're 'grandfathered in' to some extent. However, if you pull permits then you might as well build according to them. What I mean is, that if you don't pull permits, but build to current code planning to permit later, then code changes are one of the risks you are taking.
Melissa Fletcher
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"Make yurts, not war" Bill Coperthwaite, 1973
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What about the free-standing large "garden shed" kits at Home Depot? Is the problem that you would be living in it, or just that it is a structure? Are permits required for these sheds? I'm thinking you could then use the building for storage of actual garden items eventually...
Candi, `Ihilani Coffee
Candi, `Ihilani Coffee
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Pretty sure the "garden shed kits" at Home Despot fit under the "minimum size" exemptions which are common in most zoning codes: anything less than 120sf (10 x 12) and less than 6' high is usually fine.
Consider that Sears (and others) were selling metal storage sheds before the plastic ones became popular -- I had one once, came with the house, no permits or paperwork.
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Yep, those sheds are under the minimum sf and height requirements (which just went up in size!). Also easy to consider 'temporary'.
Melissa Fletcher
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"Make yurts, not war" Bill Coperthwaite, 1973
Melissa Fletcher
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"Make yurts, not war" Bill Coperthwaite, 1973
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Does anyone know what the new minimum sq ft are for a non-permitted structure, YurtGirl, You mentioned they just increased them?
mahalo!
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Not to butt in, but does building a 24" high deck leave enough legal height BELOW the structure if you intend on turning it into living space later? I think you need 22" under. Which means with a 2x6 joist system and a 4x6 carrying beam etc.... will be only 12" off the ground, joists 18" off the ground. May not conform.
Accessories parts of the structure such as lanai may not need to comform. Dunno.
If your building platform will not be covered the deck probably will not last too long. A few, five years. Sun, wind and rain will eat it up pretty quick. Interesting how we do not have PT lumber here that is weather resistant, guessing it will not mix well with the bug dope they treat with.
Maybe build your platform with the intention of it being a outdoor living space in the end with the central living area attached or not attached in the future.
Some people pitch tents in car port like structures that who knows, might could be used as car ports later.
I probably would not want to build my permanent rez on top on anything that was left out in the sun and elements for several years. I think the $5~700 for a good quick tent platform might be the building blocks for the accessory parts of the future building project and not something that you put ALOT of $ on top of down the road.
If $ is tight , as Yurt Girl stated, best to make good choices up front.I think she has excellent input but you really need to cover what you build if you want to use it down the road.
Correy
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Generally the 18" clearance relates to the minimum clearance below the joists. You can provide a little crawl spot intermittently below Girders for crawl access. Contact your building inspector for verification.
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Absolutely plan to cover any wood, or there won't be anything left that's salvageable in five years. Good advice, Correy. Rot will find a way. Daniel, I always consider it 18" from the first horizontal wood, which is typically the girders. It's been years now, so I don't remember if that's the code, or that's just my way of ensuring that we are more than in the clear. I always think of the plumbers and electricians that have to wiggle around under there too, and aim to give them a little more shoulder room. The space under a house can also be an excellent dry storage for many things - just be wary not to inadvertently build rat homes by storing junk/boxes/scraps!
Melissa Fletcher
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"Make yurts, not war" Bill Coperthwaite, 1973
Melissa Fletcher
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"Make yurts, not war" Bill Coperthwaite, 1973
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I believe that 20" is the maximum allowable height for a deck without a guardrail, so we sometimes will fudge here and there with crawl areas under girders, 2x6 joists and raising grade at the deck perimeter. Storage under house is pretty lousy,and unsightly. IMO.
Dan
