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optimistic
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# Posted: 18 May 2020 07:36am
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I am not sure how to proceed with my tiny 12x12 cabin
It is in upstate ny, almost 20 acres, it is deep in the woods with no real road so no one can see, it is 10 years old almost but now with the kids I can't use it as I did and it needs more space and things which makes it even more illegal.
I would like to legalize it but I just think it can't happen easily...
I don't think they will even let me keep it without a foundation, well, septic, road, and so on.. min size is 500 sqft. I have no clue what else they can require... even power will be a crazy cost as I am about 1500ft from the nearest pole and you pay per pole so could easily between septic well and electric breach the $30,000 for a tiny silly cabin.
I will call some local architects to see if there is any other way but I doubt it.
I don't mind them raising my taxes... I will be more than happy to pay a few thousand in penalty then have my taxes raised if I am left alone.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 18 May 2020 07:44am
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These are all things you need to talk to the local building dept about prior to even putting an offer in on the land. I see many peoples plans defeated because they failed to make a phone call.
Making it legal after the fact is usually harder than before. This is why I tell people to make that phone call to the local building department. At least you will know the laws.
Just because the minimum house size is 500sqft dosnt mean you cant camp there.
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ratfink56
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# Posted: 18 May 2020 07:54am
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First thing to do is find out what is required. Do you have to have electricity? A well? The county regulations should be posted online. Start reading. If you have questions call the local building inspector.
I am starting a cabin in Arkansas. I called the county inspector and told him I wanted a small getaway cabin off the grid. Set on blocks, solar panels and hauled water. I was told that all would be fine bit a composting toilet would have to be used in lieu of a septic system. He said he'd check periodically and let me know if I was veering off course. This in spite of the code which calls for a continuous foundation.
I know Arkansas isn't New York by a long shot.
Your problem isn't insurmountable and may not be as big as you think. Do the research and see where it takes you. And remain "optimistic".
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xtolekbananx
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# Posted: 18 May 2020 08:49am
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Where about in NY? What county? You are allowed to have a hunting camp in NY and that does not require electric, septic or other utilities and there is no minimum square foot thing. Just remove the beds add the addition and call it a shed, as is now it is perfectly legal because it is 12x12 which is a NY state code of 144 sq feet that do not need a permit to build. Add the addition and apply for a permit, call it a shed and than move in. If it is rural I dont think they will bother you. Anyway call the town and county first. Good luck
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Irrigation Guy
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# Posted: 18 May 2020 08:08pm
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I called my town building inspector in NY and said I wanted to build a 14x36 getaway cabin. I gave him the plans and a descriptions and got my permit. Once it we had the shell delivered he came out to inspect. He said it was all good as long as it is “off gridâ€. That being said he saw my power pole and well and didn’t question if I was going to hook up to it. At one point in our meeting he said something to the effect of “we are happy to have you in town spending moneyâ€. With a wink and a nod.
My point is that the building Dept might surprise you
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 18 May 2020 08:14pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Quoting: Brettny Just because the minimum house size is 500sqft doesnt mean you cant camp there.
Yes, many areas back east allow a hunt camp (slack rules), maybe see if NY does and if so, then inquire on what is would take to convert a hunt camp to family use camp/cabin/upgrade or to expand the hunt camp. If its a hunt camp, see what the max sq footage allowed and just build to that spec.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 20 May 2020 06:18pm
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From what I gather this person dosnt want to apply for a permit nor ask any questions of the town or say even what county he wants to build in.
If you want to build with no codes just dont come complaining when the building inspector shows up. There are many towns in NY that use the Adirondack Park Agency as code enforcement..they only allow a specific number of "camps". Getting approval can be tricky so I hear. This is one of the reasons why we dont own land there.
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deercula
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# Posted: 20 May 2020 08:34pm
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Quoting: Irrigation Guy My point is that the building Dept might surprise you
This what I found in the town code BEFORE I bought the 40 acres.
HUNTING CAMP
A building located on a parcel of land at least 10 acres in size, used seasonally only for occupancy as a place from which camping, hiking, bird watching or hunting takes place, which is not occupied overnight for more than 60 days in any one year, and which is no less than 300 square feet and no more than 500 square feet in size.
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xtolekbananx
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# Posted: 21 May 2020 12:58am
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Here are some rules for APA areas for hunting camps
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Brettny
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# Posted: 21 May 2020 07:46am - Edited by: Brettny
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No where does it say in that document that you dont need a permit. It just states that they have there own specific requirements for that type of building...and there still regulated by the APA.
Follow those code numbers and I bet you find out more info on what they are expecting for codes.
O and we still dont know if this person is in the APA area.
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xtolekbananx
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# Posted: 21 May 2020 08:48am
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I never said that he needs no permit. Only if he is under 144 sq ft. Just trying to help, in some cases it is easy to get a permit for hunting camp and stay off grid than call it a cabin and than they will require utilities. There are ways around it. I looked APA only because it is probably the hardest area to build when it comes to rules and codes. Well anyway good luck...
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spencerin
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# Posted: 21 May 2020 10:40pm
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How did it get there 10 years ago without issue then or since? Is there anything that can be done to improve it grandfathered in? Call your county gov and ask questions. You don't have to identify yourself, and you can speak in vague terms and generalities.
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