Garage zoning problem?

[diverdan]

When I was searching for a home, the biggest problem was zoning. Seems that garage size was limited to something like 720 square feet.

Recent posting showed a four post lift to get one extra space. That gave me an idea for an urban solution.

Excavate a basement under the garage. Install a four post lift on that basement floor and lower your cars to the basement of the garage and into the basement of the house. You could have a flat floor with movable panels on the lift for safety.

Or you could put a great underground building under your driveway if the drainage was right. A variance for this project might get through if it was for storage only.

Zoning probably won't buy it, but they might never know. Keep batteries disconnected and avoid any fuel leakage!

[aftermath]

Where I live 720 square feet isnt a zoning limit, but a structure limit, over 720sqr ft you need a engineered pad. The limit to the garage size is based on a percentage of land size, ie the house\garage cant exceed 40% of the lot. It cost me a few extra thousand to go over 720sqr ft ( $500 engineer and extra for concrete and rebar that the engineer required ). So call your local planning department and ask a few questions if you want to build bigger. Where I live you can even exceed to 40% limit, however that requires neighbours who dont oppose it.

[Porsche_monkey]

My friend did that. To meet by-law he had to install a very expensive cover to be kept in place when the lift was lowered. It was a not a cost effective solution.

[Gogar]

I think with the money you spend digging out your basement and knocking a hole in the wall of your home and installing a lift you could rent a storage space for about 10 years.

Also, If you ever move out of your home and try to sell it, I'd love to see what the prospective buyers think of your underground garage.

[DasBoot]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I think with the money you spend digging out your basement and knocking a hole in the wall of your home and installing a lift you could rent a storage space for about 10 years.

Also, If you ever move out of your home and try to sell it, I'd love to see what the prospective buyers think of your underground garage.

He could sell it to this guy:



For the cost of this project (in addition to the original purchase price), you can buy a home outside city limits with a huge garage.

[Zeke]

Ventilation would be a problem code wise. 720 sq ft but they don't tell you how high the roof can be, only the top plate of the walls. Usually that's just under what would be 2 stories. With a 3 car garage and a high pitched roof, you could probably stack 3 high in the center bay if you could figure out how.

[the]

This is what I did:


Amazing Secret Lambo Garage - Watch more free videos

[MotoSook]

Underground garages have been around for a while.

Here's one with Porsche content.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Porsche-underground_194846.htm


http://www.bornrich.org/entry/the-phantom-park-underground-lift/

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by the

This is what I did:


Amazing Secret Lambo Garage - Watch more free videos

Keep some super cars across the pond, do you? Rather posh, old bean.

[diverdan]

Awesome underground garages...probably a great idea for Southern Californians in prime fire zones like Malibu Canyon. My own solution was to move to the boondocks and I'm getting ready to build a bigger pole barn. Due to cost it, will only be about 32 x 48. I put in a 24 x 48 drive-in basement about 6 years back. The excavation, foundation, walls and floor was about $12K. I'm sure it would be more today.

Ventilation: Yes. Air shafts and a small fan plus a dehumidifier are part of the below ground deal, but that's easy and the comfort and quiet are bonuses.

Diverdan

[rothaus]

If you make your garage 12 - 14 ft high you can get a 4 post lift to store a car or 2. you can put 4 cars in a 2 car garage. I have one on my attached garage and park 3 cars in a 24 x 24 place.



The price of the lift is way cheaper as adding sqft. and you still can use it to work on the car. I did all my restoration work on my 911.

Cheers

[GaryR]

What would happen if you had a gasoline leak in a "pit-garage"? Tall ceilings are the only way to go.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by GaryR

What would happen if you had a gasoline leak in a "pit-garage"? Tall ceilings are the only way to go.

As I said, ventilation is a must. That means a monitor as well. It's the code.

[GWN7]

I'd be worried about a storm and power outage turning my underground garage into a swimming pool......with the car in it.....

[Joe Bob]

$1500 and it runs on 110v. Slow, but sure.....