BUILDING PERMITS!

[Spencer]

In our township there is no permit required if the building is for agricultural purposes. They do need you to fill out an application for a permit waiver or something though. I could not go this route because my property is not zoned agricutural.

 

[MDSteve]

I have only heard of utility workers turning people in without permits.
Steve

 

[PitbullMidwest]

<font color=blue>In my state I don't have to have a permit because I'm building on a farm/ranch. </font color=blue>

I think it is left to the individual counties to decide. Des Moines County is zoned. Structures built within 2 miles of the Burlington city limits on "Agricultural Use" land still require permits. County residents are not charged for the permit (since the City has no taxing authority) but are required to meet all Burlington City building codes and are subject to inspections.

Outside of the 2 mile zone you can build whatever you want, within the zoning laws, but that's another topic.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

In our Township permits are required for any project. I was looking to put up a 12'x20' shed until I found out it had to be on 36" footers with a concrete pad. It was going to cost me way more for the foundation than I wanted to mess with. I guess I got off point...but yes I would check into permits.../w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[markie61]

In my county, anything bigger than 150 square feet requires a permit. It works out ok for a small shed or similar as long as there are no utilities. I was thinking about putting two 10x15 sheds real, REAL close together...../w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gifThink I'd get away with it? Doubt it....
Mark

 

[ejb]

>>Keep in mind that the building codes are in place for your protection. Keeps you from being screwed by shotty construction from a contractor. If you are doing it yourself it keeps you honest.

While the "codes" may be for your protection, the "permit" certainly is not...follow the code, and screw the permit...the permit is simply an excuse to raise your taxes...I have done mucho work at my house(s) over the years and never got a permit.

As long as you adhere to code, if you get found out, should not be much of a problem.

The code protects you, the permit protects the jobs of government employees.

 

[Makers_Mark]

<font color=blue>...follow the code, and screw the permit...</font color=blue>

BINGO! You win the prize. I agree with that 100% I do plan on following the code. Code evolution is based on human safety. I will look into whether or not we have ag laws that exclude farms from permit requirements. I am in fact farm assessed so maybe just maybe.

 

[DocHeb]

Just remember that an inspector can be fairly punitive after the fact. You may "build to code, screw the permit", but the burden of proof of compliance to the code can be significant. How would you feel about punching a hole through the drywall above each electrical box to prove that the Romex staples attach within 8" of the box, and then having to prove there is a staple supporting the Romex each three feet? How would you prove to the insulation inspector that each stud bay was properly insulated? Is the pitch of all your underslab DVW pipe 1/4" per foot - "why don't you jackhammer the slab to show me". How do you prove that all the required footings for your foundation are of the proper depth and size?

Depending on the munincipality, work not done under permit would not be inspected and could affect the future sale of the property.

Just pull the permit - just do it the right way.

 

[Inspector507]

I've read all the previous posts and I'll just input my professional opinion here. Call the local Building Department and get the permit if it's needed.
Around here if you do it without the permit first, you face a pentalty of paying 3X the cost and THEN the permit fee. You'll open up whatever I need to see to make ME feel comfortable with signing off on it. That includes letting us see the footers. Ya know what it's like to expose a footer for inspection thats been buried for 2 years? Or bust out the sheetrock for me to see the electric?
It's only for the public's safety and welfare that codes and inspections exist. Of course you say that you'll take all responsibilty for it but will you live forever? And who protects the next owner?
Sorry for ranting but codes are laws and are there for a purpose besides collecting taxes and charging for permits.

Of course these are only my thoughts....../w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[Makers_Mark]

Yes yes, thought about all of that. that is why I'm probably 99% sure I'm getting a permit - ok 89% (I was at 35% at the beginning of this post). It will be a simple building afterall. How much can my taxes possibly go up?

Thanks for all you comments. I will be starting a seperate thread for the project. It will include plans/elevations, 3d models/renderings and perhaps a link to an animation of the 3d model - and of course the building process. Your comments/suggestions are of course welcomed and appreciated. Stay tuned!