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ABE
Joined: 09 Oct 2005
Posts: 1
Location: New York
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 Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2005 9:31 am Post subject: Zoning |
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I'm very interested in creating a home with containers. Are there zoning issues with these structures? I have been looking at modular designs, but the containers seem like they may be more cost effective. If I have to explain once more the difference between modular, and mobile homes, I think I will pull my hair out. This happens even when I'm dealing with mortgage lenders and you think they would be aware of the difference. I can't imagine what I'll experience when I bring this up. What are the typical costs for renovating the insides? I wield a mighty hammer, so I would really just need someone to do the major electrical, and plumbing work, and some large carpentry jobs (window installation).
I'm torn between getting an LVL house and not having to do any work, and getting the containers doing my own thing.
Any help that can be offered would be greatly appreciated. |
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fabadmin
Site Admin
Joined: 31 Dec 1969
Posts: 648
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| Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2005 11:01 am Post subject: Re: Zoning |
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| ABE wrote: | | Are there zoning issues with these structures?...What are the typical costs for renovating the insides? |
Zoning issues depend on where you want to build. Out in the boondocks there tends to be less scrutiny of building in general. Inverse holds true in densely populated areas.
Two tests:
1. Will your dwelling still look like a container when you are finished modifying it?
2. What language are you using with the city etc when describing your project? The more you refer to your dwelling as "shipping container based" the more likely people will freak out. It's made of steel. 
Very few cities have experience with approving these types of projects - so you need to be ready for ongoing education and the likelihood of obstacles.
Renovation costs depend on labor/materials/scope/scale. Some people might leave the steel walls bare inside. Others want to hang drywall - which needs some kind of battons or studs to mount on so you don't puncture the container skin. Some people want to remove an entire side and replace with glass. Others punch a tiny hole for a small window. There are various options for insulation.
As more projects get completed (there is some cool stuff in the pipeline...) we will all learn about getting them done.
Michael |
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ShipConner
Joined: 04 Feb 2006
Posts: 17
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 5:22 pm Post subject: |
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I might add that zoning is different for every state/county.
Some things to look out for:
)Be wary of minimum footage requirements.
A lot of cities purposely issue minimum footage/length/width requirements thereby eliminating single/double wide construction.
) No camping
If the land does not allow camping then you must make the container home a permanent structure and and are forced to obtain all the permits. Fabadmin is right, telling the local building department "steel prefab" is MUCH better than "shipping contain... what the!"
) No single wide mobile homes or prefab homes.
Any one or combination of these items can spell doom for the wood be container enthusiast.
_________________
ShipConner
www.shippingcontainernews.com |
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