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Question
Can I build a carport on my property line (or less than the setback requirement of 3-5 feet)
if it is not permanently anchored?
That is, if I construct a "portable car shade" that is on wheels (or otherwise not permanently anchored), but on my property line, can Building & Safety, or City Zoning, or the Fire Department prohit or otherwise regulate it?
Alix:
I noticed that you may not have been completely satisfied with my answer earlier today. Maybe I can clarify my answer a bit. Zoning and building issues are always locally decided - there aren't any "global" definitions of what constitutes a legal structure, or what's allowable within setbacks. Additionally, deed restrictions on particular plots of land can override the zoning restrictions. I've seen many instances of allowable conditions on one property that aren't allowed on the one next door!
My intent was to direct you to the people who can give you the final word on this - your local zoning authority. Since you didn't mention where you are located, I'm unable to do any research on your particular situation. But the answers to your questions should be easily available with a phone call or two to your local government officials.
Can I help you with anything else?
Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtaylorarchitects.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much, Richard for your valuable advice. We will very likely reassess our options for expansion of our living space, and pursue a safer investment in a different type of renovation. Thanks again. - RayB | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Richard Taylor, AIA
Expertise
Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.
Experience
I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.
Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America
Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect
Custom Home Architect
Remodeling Architect
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.
Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year
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