Assembly Room

I’m trying to figure out if I actually need any building permits for a small prefab structure—something like a shed for my woodpile, bikes, or tools. The plan is to lean it against the back wall of the house, roughly a 4x4 meter footprint. I was thinking of pouring a concrete slab for the foundation and then using a metal frame for the remaining three walls, finished with metal siding.
Does anyone know if this kind of project requires official approval from the local building department?

Thanks

Based on this description, you might be able to classify it as a simple accessory structure.

Cut the size down to about 160 square feet instead of the 170 you're aiming for, and whatever you do, don't lean it against the main house. You can build it right up against the siding, but don't actually attach it—it’s just not worth the legal headache with the local building department.

If it qualifies as a simple accessory structure, you won't need a full-blown building permit; you'll just need to have the basic site plans ready to go.

Just thought I’d pass along some info I picked up from City Hall...

Under the new regulations passed back in July, you can actually lean the structure against the main house. It can't exceed about 160 square feet, and while concrete foundations are fine, they can't stick out more than about six inches above the ground. Also, one side of the unit has to remain open.

Sure, if one side stays open, they can lean it against the house.

It’s obvious they’re just aiming for some cheap, basic structure.

So, I can just go ahead and build this without any paperwork at all? No permits required or anything?

boldheron71 said:So, I can just go ahead and build this without any paperwork at all? No permits required or anything?

As stated above—you need the primary project plans first. Furthermore, you are required to register the construction site with the local building inspector before any work actually begins.

Yeah, you should probably report this to the local building inspector. If you're planning on hiring a contractor, just make sure you have all your permits and paperwork squared away first.

If the job is going to drag on for more than five business days, you'll also need to notify the Department of Labor.

On the other hand, if you're doing it yourself or just running a small crew with your own materials, just grab the master blueprints so you're technically covered by code. Honestly? I doubt the inspectors give a damn about some backyard shed meant for storing bikes.

Does the staircase count toward that 15m2 limit?

I'm not positive, but I think it counts.

nimblelynx7 said:I'm not positive, but I think it counts.

this is how it looks

http://imageshack.us/a/img842/6506/mjxi.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img692/1153/h58m.jpg

If those stairs are part of the house structure and included in the blueprints, they don't count. Once you get past the overhang, they're treated as if they aren't there—just a flat surface.