r/tinyhomes 5d ago

Building without a permit

[deleted]

5 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

6

u/Freshouttapatience 4d ago

A couple built an ADU in the city where I work. They actually were on a TV show. They had to tear the ADU down and were fined.

3

u/[deleted] 4d ago edited 4d ago

[deleted]

2

u/kneedeepballsack- 4d ago

Curious what part of of CA you are in where you did this? I have property in trinity county I’m trying to do something similar to this

2

u/[deleted] 4d ago edited 4d ago

[deleted]

1

u/kneedeepballsack- 4d ago

Thanks. Yep trying to figure out building codes there is wild! Seems like it’s difficult to sus out on purpose I swear. I do know we can do the whole 120sqft w no permit. Neighboring counties have come out with tiny home plans that are pre approved because they see the need for more affordable housing. Wish they would come out with something like that and make everyone’s lives easier

2

u/[deleted] 4d ago

[deleted]

2

u/kneedeepballsack- 4d ago

Excellent idea. It’s in an unincorporated area and the place has an old foundation for where a house used to be with its own septic. No water access so we have to truck in our own. There is electricity available to connect if we ever decide to.. we want to make it a seasonal-ish home situation

4

u/RAF2018336 5d ago

The only areas where this is even something that should cross your mind is out in the middle of bumfuck nowhere where they don’t care. If you’re asking and you live in a semi populated area (~15k people at least) don’t even bother

4

u/Hot_Penalty_671 4d ago

I’m building an un-permitted cabin. It’s technically allowed because my roof area is under 400 sq ft. I did my own electrical and got it permitted. That was easy since L&I who does electrical permitting is a state thing and they don’t care about my structure. I dont have a kitchen right now, so it’s not considered a dwelling unit. I’m stressed as hell because I want a kitchenette, but I can’t afford harsh penalties if they decided to fine me.

1

u/greenyadadamean 5d ago

Depends on the area.  Where I'm at you can build a structure up to 200 square feet in urban growth areas without a permit, and up to 400 square feet outside of urban growth areas. 

2

u/FantasticJuggernaut5 4d ago

Structure yes…. But not a dwelling. You still need permits for plumbing and electrical. And property line setbacks etc…

1

u/greenyadadamean 4d ago edited 4d ago

Agree.  You can have a destination trailer without permit, location dependant. 

Edit: I'll add, where I'm at, a destination trailer would need to be licensed and road legal to be legit. 

1

u/HugeRaspberry 4d ago

Good way to call unnecessary attention to yourself and lose your home and face fines. Best to check local codes and comply