building pole barns in the sky

When I moved here 25 years ago I put up a 1200 sq. ft. building, the maximum allowed. It has a slightly odd shape to deal with setback from the road issues. After ten years I wanted a lift, but ceilings are only 9.5 ft.

So to build any more I had to apply for a double zoning variance. Cost me $100. When I was applying for the variance and paying the $100 I was told they won't give it to you just because you want it, you have to prove a need.

Since my hearing was 2 months out I went to the next hearing to see what people were saying to the zoning board when applying for their variance. Watching that meeting was very helpful as it gave me a story line that fit my situation and wasn't really stretching the truth very much.

Before the hearing the board members come out and look at the layout of your place to see how what you want to do will fit in to the area. They also send a letter to anyone whose property buts up to yours so they can come to the hearing and object if they want.

In the end my variance was approved, even though one of the neighbors had some minor issues with it and one of the board members really grilled me on why I needed more space. So now I have 660 more sq. ft. and a 4 post lift, which has made working on stuff so much easier.