Sac. area zoning

[RDUB29]

I just recently looked into building a shop on my prop. So I called a local builder I told I wanted a 25x50 shop, he then asked how big my house was I told 968 s.f. (not quite a mansion). He then informed me that a shop can be no larger than 50% of your homes s.f.. I have a small house but my lot is over 500' deep and he's tellin me i cannot have structure any larger than
484 sf. So I have 2 ques.

1. Has anybody else dealt w/ zoning probs?

2. Is 484 big enough, how big are you shops?

[Foxfab]

Zoning sucks. Where I live, I have an acre and a half and I am only allowed to have 1400 sq. ft total of garage space. Since the house already has a 550 sq ft 2 bay garage, I can only build 850 sq ft. I wanted 1600 sq.ft

For reference, a detached 2 bay garage just large enough to fit 2 SUV's side by side and a small work bench in front is 22x22 = 484 sq ft. I've been working out of one for years and can do a lot in it, BUT it isn't fun. Leave one side for working on the rig, and the other side for shop space.

http://www.yankeetoys.org/black900rr/garage.jpg

[Brandon]

looks like you need a bigger house ;)

[Rudezuk]

Add a 1600 sqft "Game Room" to your house:D

[edog1]

RDUB29 I would contact your local Building Dept and speak to someone in zoning.Before I built my shop I had several builders tell me I didnt have the room and zoning wouldnt let me build my shop. They were wrong do some of the leg work yourself. You might even be able to apply for a variance (sp) Good luck

[PTSchram]

Better yet, it might be worth it to talk to a real estate attorney. It might be expensive, but one of my neighbors has not one, but two detached garages, both bigger than the first floor footprint of the main structure. The attorney route is more expensive, but it is anonyomous for you, won't attract attention to your activities, and the attorney may be able to get it approved far more easily than you can without one.

If you can match the other requirements like setback and yard sizes, you may be able to get a permanenet variance.

Whatever you do, don't build a non-conforming structure without permission as they can and may well force you to raze the structure.

Lastly, make VERY good friends with ALL of your neighbors as they hold the key if it goes to a public hearing. You will almost certainly be forced to accept a no commercial use restriction if you live in a residential neighborhood (which I'm certain you do).

I've beent rhough more of this shit than I want to admit and can't wait to get out of a city into a place with lots of yard and big trees and anonymity. No more shop rent-someday.