building permit for canoe storage?

[meopilite]

I had propped up a couple 2x4's and draped a tarp over to cover my canoe. The city sent me a letter saying I need a building permit and that I need to tear it down, apply for a permit, and if accepted, I can then 're-build'.

WTF????

 

[yellowcanoe]

I had propped up a couple 2x4's and draped a tarp over to cover my canoe. The city sent me a letter saying I need a building permit and that I need to tear it down, apply for a permit, and if accepted, I can then 're-build'.

WTF????

Do you have evil neighbors? I doubt the code enforcement officer for the city acted on their own.. I'd take a picture send to the city and ask how small pieces they want the canoe chopped up into..

Somewhere there is a fu.

What city do I never want to move to???

 

[oldie moldy]

Are you doing any other building anywhere else?
Hmmm......remember all those questions about the legitimacy of your canoe when you were thinking about buying it? Did you engage any member of the local bureaucracy in your quest?

No kidding, it sure sounds like you're on somebody's radar, and not a nice somebody.

Rob

 

[Guest]

How about getting a copy of the local building code? Then ask the inspector or whoever sent you the letter to provide the ordinance you supposedly have to comply with.

 

[meopilite]

I took a look at the city ordinances. It states 'Any structure of any size of any material needs a building permit.' I also says that even if the structure or container is freestanding, and un-attached to anything else, you still need a building permit. Placing landscaping blocks, even a single block, requires a building permit.

The lady at city hall told me its rare that a building permit is ever granted. Now I know why there are so many abandoned houses in town. Cold day in hell that they'd let you fix-up your home.

 

[oldie moldy]

Well, that's a heck of a note, why don't you check the phone book; see if there are residential contractors or home repair contractors. If they do have them, you know they have some way to get permits. It could be some way where the do- it- yourself guy gets squeezed out, a sweetheart deal between the city and contractors.
If it really is as stark as it sounds: no permits period, then it has to be a city with a death wish. Might be interesting to see what the guys at the lumber company have to say about it.
Can you tell us the name of this place? Inquiring minds want to know!

Rob

 

[Guest]

I took a look at the city ordinances. It states 'Any structure of any size of any material needs a building permit.' I also says that even if the structure or container is freestanding, and un-attached to anything else, you still need a building permit. Placing landscaping blocks, even a single block, requires a building permit.

The lady at city hall told me its rare that a building permit is ever granted. Now I know why there are so many abandoned houses in town. Cold day in hell that they'd let you fix-up your home.

Does it define what a "structure" is? If not, you might have some breathing room. Conversely (or rather, perversely), if it defines a sawhorse as a structure you're out of luck.

 

[oldie moldy]

The longer I think about this the less sense it makes for a town to behave in this manner. Even if it was so restrictive as to make building difficult, I've never heard of a town to ever pass up a chance to collect fees. And it's a way to increase the bureaucracy by hiring the mayors worthless son-in-law as an inspector.
Nope, somethings not right here. Are you sure you got the right phone number for city hall? It sounds almost like you got ahold of the local comic at the bar on the corner.
Come on Meopilite, tell us the name of this place!

Rob