Permits for Agricultural Buildings

[randomq]

I'm looking to build a large deck with screened walls and cloth/tarp roof held up by posts around the perimeter. Essentially a camping platform, or a screen-house with a non-structural roof.

Since this would be on agricultural land, would it be possible to get the structure permitted as some kind of greenhouse or utility building? I'm thinking I'd be better off misusing a permitted structure, than not getting a permit at all. Also, would having one permitted building of any type allow me to then have an address that could receive fedex/ups deliveries?

Thanks!

[Carey]

Do not know about the FedEx/UPS question (something tells me a permit is not required for delivery, based on the number of un-permitted homes here...but it is a good idea for lower rate electric (& temp. poles can be deemed temporary at a days notice by HELCO)

As to the permitting:

First line of advice, If you plan to live in a permitted ag. structure: check to see if there are CC&R/s on the property, then see if you can get a read on the neighbors.

Link for the County Codes:

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

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
For the County code menu:
http://co.hawaii.hi.us/countycode/

[Kapohocat]

Check out this structure - I dont know much about it but what was built at the Pahoa Transfer Station.

http://ecoterrestrialconcepts.com/

From what I read, it is a "temp Structure" and as such required no Bldg Permit.... or so the rumor goes.

[John S. Rabi]

quote:

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Originally posted by randomq
Also, would having one permitted building of any type allow me to then have an address that could receive fedex/ups deliveries?

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You can have an address for vacant land too. In fact, I believe there was a big push for having all properties assigned an address a couple of years ago. I don't remember if it became an ordinance or not though.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,PB,ABR,CRB,CM,FHS
888.819.9669
johnrabi@johnrabi.com
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
(This is what I think of the Kona Board of Realtors http://KonaBoardOfRealtors.info)

[Bob Orts]

quote:

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Originally posted by randomq

Since this would be on agricultural land, would it be possible to get the structure permitted as some kind of greenhouse or utility building? I'm thinking I'd be better off misusing a permitted structure, than not getting a permit at all.

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Yes, you can get it permitted for one use but use it for another purpose. You may have to fight the County but precedent has been set that permitting buildings for one use, or use in violation of zoning can be claim to be acceptable use of the facility. I know some attorneys on Hawaii who would take this type of case just to rub the County’s nose in their mistake.