Question about getting a permit [Archive] - Home Construction Forums

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KerryGirl
09-20-2004, 10:53 AM
Hi everyone..I have a question...I have a house with a patio cover overhang that is about 15 feet long. It was a nonpermit cover that came with the house when I bought it. I want to open up a wall in my nome, and enclose this cover with walls to create a step down den.
The question is this: Where patio cover ends is only about 3 feet from the back wall of the yard, which means there would not be enough clearance to pass inspection. I quite frankly do not want to lose the space, and have considered doing the project non-permit, by a contractor who would create the room up to code, outside of the fact that it is close to the back wall.
The contractor, when discussing this permit situation, also suggested I buy prefab "sunroom" walls instead, and have something more of a sunroom added on to the house instead of a full on, permanent room.
The other thing I am concerned about is, if I go nonpermit, that means the city will not know I have added on, and they cannot reassess the house and charge me more property tax on it. What if you have a nonpermit add on and they find out 20 years out? Are you required to pay back taxes on something like that?
Im just thinking about all angles. I deeply resent having my property taxes go up yet again, as they increase every year as it is with the California market as it is now. Don't sunrooms need permits too?

Thanks!

rodster
09-20-2004, 05:54 PM
I would actually be more concerned about being able to sell your house. Since it is probably a zoning requirement to have a minimum setback from the property line. So when your property is surveyed in order for the sale to be completed, the 'non-conformance' will be found and either delay or end the sale since you will need to either get a special erexemption, very hard after the fact, or remove the conforming structure.

Rodst