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..........

[marinmcgreevy]

The building department is there to ensure that the general public is living in safe and sanitary structures and the accessory structures are safe and sanitary as well. Be honest and up front, especially with the Inspector that comes to your house. Inspectors get nothing from grief from contractors and subs. If you are the owner builder you have a big advantage when dealing with both the Planning Department and the Building Department: They have to believe that what you build is more likely to be safe and add value in terms of highest and best use if you own the property.

*Know your local zoning regulations that apply to your parcel: get these from the Planning Dept
*Know what building codes apply (especially the year for seismic):get these from the Building Department
*Compare your structure to the applical zoning codes (set backs, etc..) There is a difference between structures that are for human occupancy and accessory structures. If you do not meet the zoning, you may be able to apply for a conditional use permit or a variance. Always go for the use permit as it means less to the Planning Department. For a Planning Dept to approve a variance it means that THEIR zoning specifications are not "good" and that they are poor planners. A conditional use permit means that you have a unique situation that the planning dept did not foresee and that they are doing a good job by approving the use permit.
*Compare your building for code compliance. Every inspector will have a different interpretation of building codes. Try and get the most experienced inspector. A more experienced inspector will be able to think "out of the box" and make a decision. This often is the older gentlemen at the building department counter. Go in and talk to him about what is not in compliance and how you should try and make it compliant. Make sure you are very prepared with your questions and have drawings to show.
*Be appreciative and nice. Both the Building Departments and Planning Departments are always being beat up. If you are nice and not combative they will help you and give you the benefit of the doubt. Show that you are honest and working hard to be compliant. Show them that you appreciate their effort to make your community a safer, healthier and a more beautiful place to live.


Good Luck!