By:Monte Leeper
Q. My son lives in a home with a 2-car garage located in back of the house. He has plenty of dead space in back of the garage. I suggested he build up the rear of the garage with cement blocks and add on to the garage. Would he have to get a plan and register it with the building department or can he do this on his own?
A. In certain parts of Montana I'm sure you can just walk out your back door and put up whatever you would like to in the back 40, but in your neck of the Five Towns, there are rules and guidelines your son will have to follow.
First, there are zoning regulations that restrict the size and location of the garage to the property lines. Then there is the limit to how many cars can be stored.
The zoning code allows no more than three automobiles. Next, your son will have to consider New York State Building code requirements for the construction of the building. These codes outline everything from foundation types and depths to wall construction, door sizes, roof structure and materials.
In addition, there are basic National Electric Code requirements for wiring and lighting of the garage. After awhile, these code requirements become second nature to an experienced contractor, architect, engineer and official, but they may seem unfamiliar to someone who is only doing this once. Depending upon where you are in the Five Towns, the ground water and ground material may require a modified version of the typical foundation so that the building doesn't sink or settle unevenly.
Once a licensed architect or professional engineer again required has prepared plans, they will need to be filed using documents issued by the Town of Hempstead. Every local Town and Village has a package of documents they require to be filled out for filing.
You will also need to file copies of the property survey with a licensed surveyor's title block and seal. If your son decides to just go and build a garage, it is possible that he will end up spending more money to alter the garage to code once officials scrutinize his handiwork. In that case, have your son also pick up a demolition permit package so he can get a head start.
