OT:Busted by the city for my workshop :(, no permits......no plans.... Options

[Mueller]

Am I going to have to pay thru the nose? Any chance I'll have to tear it down?

I recieved a "stop work" notice on our front door and just a while ago someone from the city was there taking pictures...I talked to him on the phone and it appears I am 8 sq ft too big to be building the structure without a permit, but the electrical needs a permit no matter what size the workshop/shed is.

Anyone else have this happen? The guy taking the pictures did comment that it looks nice and well built, so let's hope the other inspector and the city does not bust my @ss too bad..........

[jimtab]

While I agree that inspectors and the permit process can be a major pain in the ass and the walllet I have to disagree that the primary function of the permit process is money for the city. I would be willing to bet that no city of any real size makes dollar one in "profit" off of their permit and building inspection process. The codes are there to keep your dipshit neighbor from doing something that may even endanger you as much as him. Also, when you go to sell your house, it will be easier in case the buyers inspection may turn up non permitted construction. Just do it right, a home despot card does not impart construction knowledge. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)