Looking for bright shiny metallic neon green/orange "strips"

[MONK]

As I mentioned in another post, I put up one of those Shed-In-A-Boxes to use as a garage a few months ago (with the city Planning Directors blessing). Now, the same city Planning Directors says it's out of code and I have to remove it or get a daily $200 fine. (They sent the registered letter today but I wasn't home to receive it.) I just can't see some random person calling the Planning Department to inquire as to whether I had a permit when I "built" it so I'm guessing it was a meddling neighbor who thinks this will lower their property value.

Cool. Two can play at that game, son.

I have a log cabin (or at least a log cabiny feeling house). I want to do something that will really decrease their perceived property value but want it to be something I can remove when I want to sell MY house. I was thinking maybe some wide strips of bright, shiny, metallic neon green/orange I can attach to the front of the house on top of each log. I want it to be able to be seen from space.

Here's what the house looks like now. (Picture the "garage" with the front flap rolled down.)

house left.jpg

[Cobwebs]

I want it to be able to be seen from space.



house left.jpg

If it's the same as out here that is exactly how they check for new work that has no permit.Google earth saves them the drive around.

[ARtraveler]

I would not stoop to their level. Karma will get them.

[MONK]

If it's the same as out here that is exactly how they check for new work that has no permit.Google earth saves them the drive around.

It's not "new work". It's a portable/temporary "shed".

I would not stoop to their level. Karma will get them.

I doubt it but I understand what you're saying.

[Cobwebs]

It's not "new work". It's a portable/temporary "shed".

Understood but those that can pay must pay seems to be whats happening where you live.Behind the scenes the economy is on a precipice, if these are to be the sheds of the future the authorities will tax them.You seem to be unfortunate enough to be a first victim of the sort of crap that comes with a meltdown.

190606095540-06-la-homelessness-exlarge-169.jpg

[MONK]

Monk, first off, I would go to the city office and ask what code and what part it is not in compliance with, as it is certainly NOT a permanent structure.

They're sending me a letter outlining what codes I'm allegedly violating. I think they tried to deliver it today but I wasn't home to sign for it. (I got a tag on my door.)

Understood but those that can pay must pay seems to be whats happening where you live.Behind the scenes the economy is on a precipice, if these are to be the sheds of the future the authorities will tax them.You seem to be unfortunate enough to be a first victim of the sort of crap that comes with a meltdown.

190606095540-06-la-homelessness-exlarge-169.jpg

It's not taxes they say I owe. If that were the case, this would be simple if not aggravating. The city is claiming my shed is violating some code(s) and they're saying I need to take it down. The bigger issue is that the same person who told me a few months ago I could put it up is the same one who's now telling I have to take it down.

[PMK]

They're sending me a letter outlining what codes I'm allegedly violating. I think they tried to deliver it today but I wasn't home to sign for it. (I got a tag on my door.)



It's not taxes they say I owe. If that were the case, this would be simple if not aggravating. The city is claiming my shed is violating some code(s) and they're saying I need to take it down. The bigger issue is that the same person who told me a few months ago I could put it up is the same one who's now telling I have to take it down.

If the same person that said yes is now say no, simply gather your written correspondence and present it to your city officials. If it was all simply verbal communication, I guess buy your sticker kit and apply graphics to your house.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

They're sending me a letter outlining what codes I'm allegedly violating. I think they tried to deliver it today but I wasn't home to sign for it. (I got a tag on my door.)

I see it is sitting on concrete. Is it anchored to the concrete? If so, that could be one problem. That makes it a permanently installed structure which obviously does not meet the building standards for a permanent structure. Get a couple of 4 x 4s and anchor the garage to them, and let them sit unattached on the concrete. Then you can argue it is temporary. And that there may be the problem. Your code may have a time limit as to how long a temporary structure can remain in place, or maybe it doesn't meet the requirements for an allowed temporary shed or similar.

The big problem, as I see it, it is not made of solid durable material and it is visible from the street. Too bad you can't hide it behind the house, or can you?

[bigbadbrucie]

Monk, first off, I would go to the city office and ask what code and what part it is not in compliance with, as it is certainly NOT a permanent structure.

As for attaching stuff to your own place, I agree with ARtraveler....your stooping to their level, and wouldn’t do that. No telling how far they will go. Work with the City on this. jmho

[bikerbillone]

Like your house Monk, right cute. Sadly, you know how politics go, bureaucrats will hound you forever if the 'folks in charge with the power' don't like your program. Good luck.

[Valkrocket]

As I mentioned in another post, I put up one of those Shed-In-A-Boxes to use as a garage a few months ago (with the city Planning Directors blessing). Now, the same city Planning Directors says it's out of code and I have to remove it or get a daily $200 fine. (They sent the registered letter today but I wasn't home to receive it.)

And if you don't pay it, those SOB's attach a lien on your house so that you can not sell it until the lien is paid in full. Oftentimes with penalty fees added on. Ya just can't fight City Hall.
Good Luck Brother.

[Mike0123]

People. Can just be a$$hat$, and you are probably right on what happened.
I think I would find out which code it is in violation of, and when that code changed.
If I knew for sure who did it, I think I’d go talk to them... or maybe I’d rip their head off and crap in their neck .... not sure.

[trikermutha]

Were you planning on keeping up year long? There is a code for temporary shelter's?

If was on dirt it would be ok. But since its on a concrete slab , that may have provoked the removal notice too.

[wyliec]

Were you planning on keeping up year long? There is a code for temporary shelter's?

If was on dirt it would be ok. But since its on a concrete slab , that may have provoked the removal notice too.

Same here.

[MONK]

And if you don't pay it, those SOB's attach a lien on your house so that you can not sell it until the lien is paid in full. Oftentimes with penalty fees added on. Ya just can't fight City Hall.
Good Luck Brother.

Carol Brady said you could but I'm not her. Hadn't thought about a lien.

People. Can just be a$$hat$, and you are probably right on what happened.
I think I would find out which code it is in violation of, and when that code changed.
If I knew for sure who did it, I think I’d go talk to them... or maybe I’d rip their head off and crap in their neck .... not sure.

I have no intention of talking to them and, yes. Most people are asshats. I don't think any code changed. I think the lady (and I use that term loosely) just doesn't know her job.

Were you planning on keeping up year long? There is a code for temporary shelter's?

If was on dirt it would be ok. But since its on a concrete slab , that may have provoked the removal notice too.

I specifically told the Planning Director exactly where it would be positioned and that I wasn't planning on moving it. My house is an unusual house in town. Most people know exactly where it is and what it looks like. She said she knew the house well.

[gkamer]

I'd try to lay my hands on some railroad ties.

[trikermutha]

Go take it from the neighbor that complained

[MONK]

Just checked the prices (@ Lowe's since that's where I work). Not nearly as bad as I thought. I'll have to see if that makes a difference. If so, I'll see what I can do. The funny thing is, if that takes care of the problem, it'll look WORSE which will piss the neighbors off that much more. Not my problem at that point but still funny. Of course, that may not be the solution after all. We'll see.

[MONK]

Got my letter today. Basically, it says I'm f***ed. It talks about "sheds" and "permanent and temporary", "fixed or moveable". In addition, it says there has to be a minimum of 10' between the structure and the house. All of this means not only do I have to get rid of my "garage" but I also have to get rid of my little storage shed (which happens to be packed full of "stuff" including a lawnmower and a couple window air conditioners). Even if I were to put that behind the house, I'd need a permit. I'm going to see what an attorney will charge to look this over to see if there's anything I can do (that won't take a ton of money, which I don't have) but I have until 4.20.21 to remove both sheds. If I don't, the penalties are thus: $50/first day, $100/2nd day, $250/third day and $500 for each add'l day. I'm not even sure I can get an appt with an attorney in the next month let alone accomplish something. No idea why this hag has such a hardon for me when just a few months ago she basically gave it her blessing. I've lived here for 3 years and nobody has said a word about my little garden shed. I don't even know what I'd do with all the stuff I have in it. I have a small house (525sqft) and there's no way I could store everything in the house even if it were all clean enough to bring it inside.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

Again, basically, I'm f***ed. I give up.

[Cobwebs]

Got my letter today. Basically, it says I'm f***ed. It talks about "sheds" and "permanent and temporary", "fixed or moveable". In addition, it says there has to be a minimum of 10' between the structure and the house. All of this means not only do I have to get rid of my "garage" but I also have to get rid of my little storage shed (which happens to be packed full of "stuff" including a lawnmower and a couple window air conditioners). Even if I were to put that behind the house, I'd need a permit. I'm going to see what an attorney will charge to look this over to see if there's anything I can do (that won't take a ton of money, which I don't have) but I have until 4.20.21 to remove both sheds. If I don't, the penalties are thus: $50/first day, $100/2nd day, $250/third day and $500 for each add'l day. I'm not even sure I can get an appt with an attorney in the next month let alone accomplish something. No idea why this hag has such a hardon for me when just a few months ago she basically gave it her blessing. I've lived here for 3 years and nobody has said a word about my little garden shed. I don't even know what I'd do with all the stuff I have in it. I have a small house (525sqft) and there's no way I could store everything in the house even if it were all clean enough to bring it inside.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

Again, basically, I'm f***ed. I give up.

Seems draconian if that's the case. Often times (at least out here) there are discretionary permits depending on circumstances that can be applied.It's not a widely advertised thing so may be worth your while to enquire along those lines.Be pleasant with the staff regardless of the outcome they are only doing their job and don't make the rules.If you act in a civilised manner you have more hope of getting information like this rather than a red flag against your name.How do I know this stuff, my wife works for local government and deals with this stuff all day long, yes different country and rules but the basics still apply. Good luck.

[MONK]

Seems draconian if that's the case. Often times (at least out here) there are discretionary permits depending on circumstances that can be applied.It's not a widely advertised thing so may be worth your while to enquire along those lines.Be pleasant with the staff regardless of the outcome they are only doing their job and don't make the rules.If you act in a civilised manner you have more hope of getting information like this rather than a red flag against your name.How do I know this stuff, my wife works for local government and deals with this stuff all day long, yes different country and rules but the basics still apply. Good luck.

I asked (nicely) about my options. I was told first I would need a current land survey (~$850), then I would need to pay $175 to "request" a variance (which I may or may not get although I think I would) THEN, if I got the variance, I would need to pay another $200 to APPLY for a permit (which I may or may not get although, again, I think I would). So, a minimum of $1225 in order to keep my sub $500 "garage" and there's the possibility after all that I would have to get rid of it anyway. Just not worth it. I've got a full cover for the bike and another 1/2 cover on the way. It'll have to do although it was nice being able to work on my bike in the rain.

Like I said, I give up. None of this is worth it anymore. At this point, I'd sell the RT if I could get enough to pay it off (which I can't) just so I could buy a house NOT in this city (which I had planned to do eventually anyway).

[bikerbillone]

Egads, what a nightmare. The more you dig into this problem the more difficult it becomes. Bureaucrats can make life very difficult. Monk, I wish you the very best outcome of a very vexing situation.

[trikermutha]

And they let you park your car so close to the house.

Well good luck hope something works out for you.

[bikerbillone]

Monk, I am so sorry to read all that BS the City is giving you. Seems like Our America is in turmoil with no solution in sight.

[MONK]

Monk, I am so sorry to read all that BS the City is giving you. Seems like Our America is in turmoil with no solution in sight.

Not even sure it's "our" America anymore. No longer much "our", just "mine".

Anyway, my "garage" is up for sale. I still have to get an appt w/a tax accountant in the next month and just don't have time to jack around with this anymore. I'll have some of the larger items in my garden shed for sale soon, too, but unless someone is local, nobody here will want them.