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I was considering one of those unpermitted cabins on large acreage like in Fern Forest, Fern Acres or Hawaiian Acres and wanted to know if somebody could tell me what the deal with those is.
If it says not built to code, is there anyway to get it up to code.
What is the downside of not having a permit. What is not possible with a structure like that? Would I be able to get electricity, phone, a septic system, a water system???
I assume I can't get a mortgage with it, but I could maybe get a land mortgage, right?
Does it make sense to revitalize one of those structures?
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Aloha Mike, I'm no expert, but I've owned a few properties over the years here, some with cabins. To get a permit on an existing structure you would need an architect or engineer to come out, inspect the house, then draw up a complete set of plans,and submit it to the county, pay a small fine, then get it permitted- if it can be done. Unpermitted may mean code-legal but they just never bothered with permits. "Not to code" usually means the owner and/or agent acknowledges that the structure won't ever make code, either too rickety or badly done. Electricity would be hard to get without permits, phone easier, they'll put one in a tent. Most of these places already have some sort of (illegal) water supply and septic disposal system, these also would need permits. You could always use it as a place to live while you build a permitted house, then demolish it, or just live in it, some people have lived 20-30 years in non-code houses.
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Thanks for your response leilaniguy
Could somebody come on the property and say: "Hey you can't live here" if it's unpermitted or is this highly unlikely over there.
I mean you say people have live there for a long time, so it can't be a big deal I guess.
Edited by - miketat on 02/05/2006 21:41:56
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If you are on island, come to the Punatic party Feb 11th. There is a guy named Theo who will be there and he can give you the whole scoop.
 Pam
Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!
I want to be the kind of woman that, when my feet
hit the floor each morning, the devil says
"Oh Crap, She's up!"
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sorry i'm not on the island yet, but will maybe come on the 17th Feb. Do you have a contact for Theo or maybe an email or phone number so I can hook up with him.
Thanks
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Well, if Theo lives in an unpermitted structure he might not have power/phone/e-mail! Just kidding. Your biggest enemy will be your neighbor. If someone turns you in the County will get you. If nobody knows about your unpermitted/not-to-code cabin then you can live there longer, provided it doesn't burn down or fall apart. Just kidding. I am totally against unpermitted/not-to-code structures. I had a client who bought a "house" like that 15 years ago. As it turned out it couldn't be permitted, he had to demolish it, and he basically bought vacant land at a much higher price because of the structure on it. Fortunately, I was smart enough to have him sign allkind of waivers!
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185
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my experience is that you could live in a cave and the county could care less. i've been here going on 9 yrs, and have seen people living in tents ,buses,tin shacks,etc, and alot still do. i've complained a couple of times and the county did nothing. good luck.
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On the other hand when I started building a house few years ago while my building permit application was still pending a neighbor turned me in and the County fined me $800.00!
John S. Rabi
ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,R
Typically Tropical Properties
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Aloha Mike
I think you could do well if your a diy and can find a sellers broker with a conscience. We have looked at quite a few before decided to purchase raw land. Thats not to say that there aren't some unpermitted structures out there with potential because I think there are. I personally didn't want to pay labor for someone elses work, as in I think most are overpriced. But someone gots to help clean up paradise I say go for it, there is plenty shoulders here on the forum to lean on. Life's an adventure Live like you love it!
Aloha HADave
Edited by - HADave on 02/07/2006 21:33:09
Aloha HADave & Mz P
Hawaiian Acres
The best things in life are free.... or have no interest or payments for one full year.
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The very last person you want to find is the Seller's Broker! He/she represents the best interest of the Seller. You need a Broker on your side. You might want to check out the "Buyer Representation" section on my web site.
John S. Rabi
ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,R
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
808.327.3185
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