PDA

View Full Version : residential laws regarding portable garages/carports?


V
12-24-2011, 01:34 AM
Any one know if towns have laws regarding the use of these portable type of garages? they are basically like pop-up tents for those that don't know. There used to be one in a driveway around the block for me, but only lasted a short time. Not sure why they got rid of it.

I'm thinking of getting one to cover my trailer/car combo in my second driveway. It would be a 10x20 and tucked up against my spare garage so it wouldn't stand out THAT much.

My town is quite conservative and I'm sure I'd have neighbors complain so I want to look into this before i spend the 300 bucks for one. Next week I'll check with the town building department and get a positive answer, but Im just asking now to see if anyone had any experiences with a size or placement regulation with one of these.


edit: here's the town laws. i couldn't find any mention other than "open space required" for front yards.

http://www.ecode360.com/CL0218

The house would be in District No. 2

BonzoHansen
12-24-2011, 06:51 AM
I'm no expert but as a temporary structure I'm not sure what rules it comes under. So rules like setback and permeable surface minimums may not apply.

but I'm sure they can bust your balls somehow if they want.

K.
 Motor vehicles and trailers. No motor vehicle or trailer which is either without a current inspection sticker; or without current license plates; or without a currently valid New Jersey registration; or is classified as a junked vehicle by the definition set forth in this chapter shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no motor vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair or in the process of being stripped or dismantled unless such vehicle is kept within a garage or automobile service station service bay. Exception: Specifically exempt from the aforesaid are vehicle registered as historic vehicles, vehicles at approved towing yards and vehicles being repaired at approved auto body shops.
L.
 Residential parking. No person shall park, stop or stand any motor vehicle on any portion of any premises except on driveways constructed and installed in compliance with applicable Borough ordinances.
M.
 Trailers. No person shall park, stop or stand any trailer on any portion of any premises at any time. Exception: Specifically exempt from the aforesaid are trailers licensed or classified as "recreational."

fbirdfreak
12-24-2011, 08:23 AM
Well easiest thing for you to do would just be to call down to the municipal building, but when I lived in South Brunswick we had one up for about 6 years and didn't get harassed about it once (we also lived in the west bumble**** portion of south brunswick though) I know in Spotswood there are a few houses that have had theirs up for atleast two years.

Closter probably has a book about as thick as your house full of "Borough Ordinances" Which are just silly small town rules that aren't really laws, however the town has approved to enforce them. Portable garages could be one of those, otherwise there's no law that says no.

Here's the FAQ on portable garages, like it says on there, no rule that says you can't but some municipalities might now allow it, and since you live in a smaller town, you might be screwed, but I doubt it:

http://www.portablegaragesandshelters.com/questions##13

V
12-24-2011, 05:09 PM
Apparently if its deemed an "eyesore", that would be my biggest issue.
And that's up to the Code enforcement Officer, or my neighbors...

The trailer thing im not worried about since in the past I received notifications about "unregistered trailer" for my old 14' enclosed POS. That's now gone and this open trailer is much easier on the eyes, plus its registered. lol.

For now i just put a car cover over the car. It looks fine and I may throw a larger tarp over the car/trailer before the snow comes, if at all this winter.

Frosty
12-25-2011, 08:09 AM
My Aunt and Uncle who live in Medford Lakes were forced to take theirs down. Ridiculous.

HardcoreZ28
12-25-2011, 09:48 AM
You're "supposed" to have a permit and or variance depending on where it's located on your property.