So I guess one of my neighbors is "that neighbor" and when I was putting up drywall and whatnot to tune / proof my studio, he snitched that I was constructing and now the LA Department of Building and Safety Code Enforcement Inspector paid me a visit. He is saying that because I put up stuff in front of the garage door (which was necessary and really helped the room sound) that I am in violation of a code which states that all single family residences must have 1 covered off-street parking space. In addition, I was told that driveways are for temporary loading and unloading of vehicles, and not to be used as parking spaces, as well as the fact that my garage is fixed use, and by law and codes only allowed to be used for storing of an automobile.
To extend that fact, garages in LA county are not allowed to be used as storage (which everyone does as is a citable offense) nor are people supposed to even have laundry hookups in the garage because that changes the use.
If I want to change the use of my garage I would need to either build a carport and get a permit for use change, (which is not going to happen as this is a rental property) or I need to apply for a variance, which can cost upwards $10,000 if approved, and I would still need to prove that I have parking for 1 vehicle off street (which I don't.)
So basically one old decrepit neighbor retiree with nothing better to do that screw people he doesn't know just totally devasted me... as I sank all my available cash funds into building materials so that I wouldn't have to pay rent at a studio space.
I am know waiting for a return call from the actual inspector to ask him how much of a jerk he wants to be, as he has the ability once my garage door (wall) opens he could tell me to remove all the gear via a new citation, and then I would no longer be able to use the garage for fear of a return visit / check up and a repeat citation which would have a heavy fine attached to it.
Thoughts?
Los Angeles Dept of Bldg & Safety - Garage Studio Build bust
Originally posted at johnlsayers.com, topic 13216.
"to ask him how much of a jerk he wants to be"
Sorry to hear about this. People have jobs and people do thier jobs. This is the wrong approach with the inspector.
To be honest, he can be a far bigger asset to you, but you have to work with these guys...it is futile to think that creating a lot of negative energy is going to somehow make your situation better with these department heads. It will not.
Take this opportunity to re-evaluate your home/garage area and be prepared to be flexible, this is a key area. You already know what you are up against with the codes so these are set in stone and will not change. But there may be things that you can do that you will not know about on your property and the Inspector >will< know these things better then anyone.
Good luck,
Brien
I hear houses in Vegas are going really cheap at the moment.
Why don't you buy?
then you can do what you want..........