Comments on: Getting Around Covenants?

By: AC

AC — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:50:31 +0000

Thank you so much! im away to have a look at the site.

By: Jane

Jane — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:50:06 +0000

It’s a Ross Chapin cottage. rosschapin.com
I love his small house designs!

By: AC

AC — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:11:19 +0000

I love the house pictured in this post, can anyone tell me more about it? thanx.

By: Rando

Rando — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:53:23 +0000

I live in an east Atlanta suburb county and, of course, they require a minimum square footage to build a house (I think it’s now 1,200 SF). They have specific guidelines saying it must have a kitchen and bath and all the minimum dimensions that most travel trailers will satisfy. So, for one person I know that wanted a smaller home, she built a 700 SF house and has a 1,200 SF garage. The way the house is sited and designed, it is not obvious that 2/3 of the house is garage. Very ingenious idea and she beat the “code wars.” Her garage is really nice, too, because she has room for two vehicles and quite a large work space for crafts, etc. AND still has her very small “dollhouse.” Just an idea. I am hopeful to try the same arrangement one of these days, but I want mine to be all garage with an RV bay and then I’ll just full-time in the RV.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:22:27 +0000

Add a 3-400sqf “sun room” to your design.

By: Kristie

Kristie — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:14:27 +0000

Where I live there are different covenants for vacation homes. If you already have a residence I wonder if you could get it aproved in that way.
Could you add a loft, or is one already in you plan?

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:36:55 +0000

I live in Montana so the rules may be different but you could look into a deck or a simple ground level patio. Here, an extension of the house can be considered in the overall square footage. Even going furthur, if you really don’t want anything like that, just lay it down knowing that eventually you will remove it to add native plants or a garden or something. Maybe that is a bit sneaky but in all honestly, it is less ridiculous than requiring a minimum building size.

By: Doug H

Doug H — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:17:06 +0000

I took a building class (in CA) recently which covered similar situation. Here are a couple suggestions:
1. Look for similar, recently approved projects/granted variances – this is key. Look for similar projects that were not approved and understand why, ask those (owner/others) why the project was denied.
2. If you’re really serious – build a team to assist you with the variance. These would include architects, lawyers, designers, etc that know your town, know recent projects in your town, know influential people in your town, etc. Back to point #1 – if you a project similar to yours – research the project (at city hall) and find who was involved with that project.
3. If you live in a small town – get involved…volunteer for boards, committees, etc, meet the people that make the decisions on zoning, building, etc.
4. Make sure you completely understand the code/law regarding sq ft requirements – read it, look for exceptions/allowances on how/what is included in sq ft.
5. (Long shots) – Can you divide the property? Build two 700 sq ft buildings?
Doug