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Unrestricted land, unincorporated cities. etc

Discussion in 'Residential Building Codes' started by Eddie_23, May 16, 2020.

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  1. Eddie_23

    Eddie_23 Registered User

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    Does unrestricted land mean you can stick a steel building or barn on it? Does that also mean you can run a business from the property too?
     
    #1 Eddie_23, May 16, 2020
  2. cda

    cda Sawhorse

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    Unrestricted is in the eyes of the beholder.

    I am guessing where you are at, unless in actual County and not in an incorporated city,

    The answer is no, still have to follow zoning and building Code
     
    #2 cda, May 16, 2020
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  3. cda

    cda Sawhorse

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    You have to ask or research the term in the county or city the land is in.
     
    #3 cda, May 16, 2020
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  4. cda

    cda Sawhorse

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    #4 cda, May 16, 2020
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  5. Eddie_23

    Eddie_23 Registered User

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    I called the city I was trying to build in, but the building department blew me off and wouldn't really answer my questions.
     
    #5 Eddie_23, May 16, 2020
  6. Eddie_23

    Eddie_23 Registered User

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    #6 Eddie_23, May 16, 2020
  7. Eddie_23

    Eddie_23 Registered User

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    We do have a few lots that are unrestricted pretty close by my house that are around .3-.75 of an acre, but I'm not sure that's big enough to put a 4-5,000 sq ft building up like I want to do since I do believe you have to follow property easement and setback lines like what that article described. Usually it's 20ft from the centerline of the road. I also wonder if I need to have a drainage ditch installed if their isn't one. Some of these properties are just an empty field either level or below the rd. Also even if they're unrestricted they're usually still right next to residential homes and I don't see how putting a steel building up next to someone's house would fly.
     
    #7 Eddie_23, May 16, 2020
  8. Eddie_23

    Eddie_23 Registered User

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    What would you guys do? I kind of think the simplest way to do this would be to buy some land outside city limits even though it's like a 30-40 minute drive. I can get a couple acres for pretty cheap. Or just stay on the lookout for an existing already built property nearby that was built before all the strict flood requirements we have in place now in my area. The problem is a 5000 sq ft commercial building in my area is like $500,000-$750,000, which I think is outrageous, but occasionally i'll find them for around $250,000 or so which is more in my budget. I'm looking around at Dickinson, TX Pasadena, La Porte area. It's hard to find something both affordable and something that would work for my needs. Proper number of roll up doors, enough room to maneuver trailers, etc. I would imagine adding a couple extra doors wouldn't be too big of an issue.
     
    #8 Eddie_23, May 16, 2020
  9. cda

    cda Sawhorse

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    Either rent for a few years, to see how things go

    Or hit the county and find a farm with a barn or house with a already built shop
     
    #9 cda, May 16, 2020
  10. cda

    cda Sawhorse

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    Check properties with barns

    There are some in the area

    After all it is Texas
     
    #10 cda, May 16, 2020
  11. Mark K

    Mark K Platinum Member

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    You need to talk to an Architect who can take the time answer your questions and explain the limitations on what you can do. I suspect that you will find that many of your concerns have more to do with zoning as opposed to building codes.
     
    #11 Mark K, May 17, 2020
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  12. JCraver

    JCraver Sawhorse

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    If you know that "many of your concerns have more to do with zoning as opposed to building codes" then for what possible reason would you suggest he spend money on an architect, when he can get the same answers for free by just talking to the jurisdiction?

    This ^^^ is bad advice, Eddie. Don't hire an architect.
     
    #12 JCraver, May 18, 2020
  13. cda

    cda Sawhorse

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    """"The first time I asked this question it said call the retard at the building department that didn't have a clue. The second time around the answers I received were much more helpful. I love how I can ask the same question and get a different perspective each time, because a different person answers. """


    https://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com/forum/threads/does-a-commercial-property-have-to-have-a-business-on-it.28622/#post-217875
     
    #13 cda, May 18, 2020
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  14. ADAguy

    ADAguy Registered User

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    Don't you live by the caliber you carry in Texas (smiling)?
     
    #14 ADAguy, May 18, 2020
  15. Paul Sweet

    Paul Sweet Sawhorse

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    Talk to the planning or zoning department if there is one. They are usually separate from the building dept., and often one dept. doesn't know what the other's regulations are.
     
    #15 Paul Sweet, May 18, 2020
  16. Eddie_23

    Eddie_23 Registered User

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    That was the planning and zoning I contacted. I said building department by mistake. Atleast that's what the automated system supposedly transferred me to.
     
    #16 Eddie_23, May 18, 2020
  17. mark handler

    mark handler Sawhorse

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    ¿por qué?
     
    #17 mark handler, May 18, 2020
  18. cda

    cda Sawhorse

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    Best thing to do is go in person, that way they have to talk to you, most of the time.
     
    #18 cda, May 18, 2020
  19. JCraver

    JCraver Sawhorse

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    I thought I explained it?? :confused:

    At most he needs a code consultant, and then only if he can't read. He certainly doesn't need an architect to read him his city's codes - he's not even building anything..
     
    #19 JCraver, May 18, 2020
  20. Mark K

    Mark K Platinum Member

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    While the local codes are free most individuals without training and experience may not understand the implications of the code be it the zoning or building code. In addition the Architect will typically have an understanding of the local bureaucracy and how it works.

    My sense is that Eddie does not relate well to the city staff and as a result they will not be very helpful to him..
     
    #20 Mark K, May 18, 2020
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