Never mind petty grievances

squatting dog

squatting dog

Remember when... thirty seemed so old.
Location
Arkansas, and also Florida
Reading Holly's post reminded me of this crap.
My grievances are so much larger. Perfect example, If you want to build your own shed here in Florida, (at least in this county), there is a list of things, (govt over reach in my opinion), that you must do. (some things seem silly, but, that's because they don't distinguish between sheds and houses)

1- You must go to the monthly council meeting.
2- Apply for the permit. (told it can take months to receive)
3-Sometimes, you must have neighbor approval.
4-If approved, pay big $$$ for said permit providing.....
5-you first pay impact fee's more $$$
6-you must pay disposal fee's $$$ (remember, you're building it, not buying one)
7-It must be hurricane approved
8-Has to pass the "endangered animal act"
9-Must be inspected before, and after.
 

We live on the edge of Boone County in a very rural area. We can get away with building projects without County approval because we do it in a way that nobody will ever know. No one has ever inspected our place. We have remodeled mainly though. If we were to build something new, that might be a different story. That isn't gonna happen. Sorry, there is so much red tape. You still gonna do it?
 
Here in the High Desert we can 'get away' with a lot of small building projects like a 10x10 outbuilding or patio cover.. Sure, the county would like you to pull a building permit, but the way I see it- what they don't know won't hurt them. ;)

That said, for building safety concerns(and homeowner's insurance requirements) I'd get a major electrical or HVAC project permitted so as to be "legit".
 
oldaunt said:
The only thing on my farm that went in or up that required approval was the septic tank. Barns and other buildings were a non issue
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Same here when I lived in Arkansas. We built our house by ourselves with only the septic approval needed. That is why It's so aggravating here in Florida. For a stupid extra shed no less.


house.jpg
 
I'd rather get the permits and inspections than risk not having an incident be covered by homeowners insurance because of a lack of meeting/having some legal stuff. I had a coworker once who was successfully sued by his neighbor (who he'd invited over for dinner) when the neighbor fell down the porch stairs. There was a county requirement to have hand rails and my coworker hadn't built them.
At the time I was shocked at the neighbor that sued, but now as an older person who feels disgruntled even just by people who stand or sit and chat next to a hand rail (like at the stairs up to a museum's entrance), I am much more sympathetic with the neighbor.
 
Blimey...folks.. wow! I can build a shed in my garden whenever I want , as long as it doesn't go over a certain size. doesn't block any neighbours property, .. and is not used for housing. A 10x 12 Shed in my garden is an example... Don't have to tell anyone I'm doing it, or ask for permission... and certainly don't have to pay anyone to allow me to to do it...
 
Nathan said:
Here in the High Desert we can 'get away' with a lot of small building projects like a 10x10 outbuilding or patio cover.. Sure, the county would like you to pull a building permit, but the way I see it- what they don't know won't hurt them. ;)

That said, for building safety concerns(and homeowner's insurance requirements) I'd get a major electrical or HVAC project permitted so as to be "legit".
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Not really a problem here, either....until you decide to sell the place. Then there's going to be an inspection or two, and at least one assessment, and a request for records of the property's history, and for all added structures you'll have to either pay back fees and penalties or tear it all down and have the materials hauled away and pay fines.

One way or another, it's gonna cost you. Even if you don't sell, after you die your estate will go into escrow and those charges will be deducted from your beneficiary's inheritance.
 
I have bought several homes(Los Angeles & San Bernardino counties) that had un-permitted additions, the realtor simply was required to advise the buyer. But that was years ago, no doubt mountains of regulations have been created since then.
 
helenbacque said:
Structures not up to code can become lethal weapons in hurricane force winds.
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the only time we need planning permission is if the building is going to be made of brick or similar in that it will be a permanent structure... or again if it's going to be over a certain size.. but it's really almost always a formality, and no money for permissions... and certainly once permission is given.. then that structure can if we want them to stay there forever, and onto the next owners...
 
hollydolly said:
the only time we need planning permission is if the building is going to be made of brick or similar in that it will be a permanent structure... or again if it's going to be over a certain size.. but it's really almost always a formality, and no money for permissions... and certainly once permission is given.. then that structure can if we want them to stay there forever, and onto the next owners...
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Is it the same in rural areas and cities?

In most US states, cities have different rules (of this nature) than rural areas.

I remember when New York City's city officials created a law that made it illegal to grow a garden on your private patio, balcony, or courtyard....back in the 80s, I think. When NYC residents protested, the law was changed to vegetable gardens only; you could grow flowers but not tomatoes or whatever...nothing edible.

And the people cried out "What about our fruit trees?!!"

The city officials said they created that law because local Green Grocers were losing business, so the fruit trees had to go too. Then people were hoppin' mad, and not just NYC people, but Americans in general.

In the end, I think they quietly let the law expire, or they might have revoked it, I don't remember.
 
Murrmurr said:
Is it the same in rural areas and cities?

In most US states, cities have different rules (of this nature) than rural areas.

I remember when New York City's city officials created a law that made it illegal to grow a garden on your private patio, balcony, or courtyard....back in the 80s, I think. When NYC residents protested, the law was changed to vegetable gardens only; you could grow flowers but not tomatoes or whatever...nothing edible.

And the people cried out "What about our fruit trees?!!"

The city officials said they created that law because local Green Grocers were losing business, so the fruit trees had to go too. Then people were hoppin' mad, and not just NYC people, but Americans in general.

In the end, I think they quietly let the law expire, or they might have revoked it, I don't remember.
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Yes in a word basically...it's the same for both city and country
 
Some of the items you listed sounds absurd, especially the $$$ part. A few seem reasonable and prudent. Some items can probably be attributed to our "friendly" Federal government - especially if the site is anywhere near a body of water or wetlands.
 
Tommy said:
Some of the items you listed sounds absurd, especially the $$$ part. A few seem reasonable and prudent. Some items can probably be attributed to our "friendly" Federal government - especially if the site is anywhere near a body of water or wetlands.
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Yes, some things should be regulated. Problem is govt always seems to have a "one size fits all" mentality.
My shed has been through all the regulations I mentioned above.
Now, by contrast, since I didn't want to jump through those hoops again, I put up a tent structure for more out of the weather storage.
Ha, So, it turns out, The tent I can put up with no regulations... period. How safe would that thing be when ... say a hurricane starts tossing those steel poles around? Just makes you wonder.
By the way, if we are facing a hurricane warning, I intend to pull down the tent. (my luck would be a steel spear through my window).


shed.jpg tent.JPG
 
squatting dog said:
Yes, some things should be regulated. Problem is govt always seems to have a "one size fits all" mentality.
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I totally understand and sympathize with your frustration, @squatting dog. I will, however, offer a bit of perspective:

I've been in positions with regulatory and quasi-regulatory responsibilities for a good part of my career. A few considerations:
1. Applying "common sense" to each case quickly leads to a very slippery slope. Everyone expects the regulator to be "fair". Everyone expects the regulator to be "consistent". Everyone is also absolutely certain that their particular case is "special".

2. The "regulator" rarely is involved with making the rules. His responsibility is to see that they are followed. Failure to do so could cost him his job.

3. Personality types (the regulator) - Unfortunately some regulators have control issues or a "bully" streak. Others are just plain lazy or get burned out, and enforcing to the letter of the law is always "easier". I've known a few of these but most have been reasonable people.

4. Personality types (the regulated) - Unfortunately some people are inherently argumentative or just plain ornery. Others are try to be threatening. Still others are just plain rude. Others try to lie and cheat. Depending on the temperament of the regulator, these can often lead to very strict enforcement.

5. Every regulator knows that the degree to which he exercises discretion is directly proportional to the likelihood that he will end up in a very uncomfortable position in court, should something unfortunate happens as a result of his decision.

All that said, I've seen the same thing you're seeing. Regulations are becoming increasingly complicated and enforcement increasingly heavy handed. I've fought a few good fights, even to the state and federal levels, over utterly stupid interpretations of the law and have even won a few.

It's an imperfect system that needs to be improved from the ground up, not from the top down.
 
Let's say, you have a home valued at $100,000+, and Jethro, and his dumber brother Euclid build a shack next door with no plans, no experience and no permits. First good storm and their shack is in your living room.
Sorry, we do need permits. It ain't 1785. That way your lousy outhouse isn't contaminating my well.
 

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