tackling a permit with no intent to . . .

[rizi]

I am in the process of closing escrow on a new house. The appraisal just came in (that states our lanai is an unpermitted structure), and a land survey also states that the lanai roof project 7.6 feet into the front county zoning code 15 foot building setbacks (only 5 feet allowed). We went to the building and planning building in Hilo and were given an application and a sense that this was not a problem. I am not planning on taking back the roof but are planning on applying for the permit. Does anyone have any experience in tackling a permit with no intent on making any corrections that meet up to building code Any advice would be greatly appreciated. So far my reading through the posts leaves me a little weary of this process.

[Kapohocat]

How old is the building?

You may be able to get a variance for the current lanai roof. There might be a stipulation that you can not fix it or change it without then correcting the problem. Or if it fell down or burned down, you would have to rebuild within the proper setbacks. I have seen these types of problems go through planning. In fact I owned a building in Honomu that sat about a 4" x 4" triangle (it was a corner) on the old flume easement for Hamakua Sugar. We got it through - fairly quickly too - as it was in escrow when this fact was bright to light. This wasnt just into the easment but actually over the property line.

Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 965-9261
"We help make building your dream home a reality"

[John S. Rabi]

Cat is right as usual, getting a variance is the solution. However, I wouldn't even try to tackle that one on my own. Call Klaus Conventz of Baumeister Consulting (329.0898) he makes a living doing this.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,ARB,BFT,CM,CBR,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"

[rizi]

Thanks everyone. We are going to get the varience issue solved.