Tom Morris on thu 29 jan 98
I have a question about gas kilns and zoning (yes, *groan*, another
one....)
I am in a suburb near Miami, Florida and thinking of getting a gas kiln.
The local gas co. will not allow anyone but themselves to do gas hookups.
If I built (or purchased, for that matter) a gas kiln, would they hook it
up??
Also wondering if the *bloodthirsty* zoning inspectors (who sneak into
backyards to look thru windows to check for illegal garage conversions,
etc) would nail me for it.
Yours truly, scrubbing clay glop off the ceiling (now how did it get up
THERE??),
Tom Morris
morris4@herald.infi.net
Kathi LeSueur on fri 30 jan 98
In a message dated 1/29/98 8:10:56 AM, you wrote:
<
<The local gas co. will not allow anyone but themselves to do gas hookups.
If I built (or purchased, for that matter) a gas kiln, would they hook it
up??
Also wondering if the *bloodthirsty* zoning inspectors (who sneak into
backyards to look thru windows to check for illegal garage conversions,
etc) would nail me for it.>>
I cannot caution you strongly enough to follow all building, gas, and zoning
codes when putting up you kiln. If you don't, the possible consequences down
the line could be extremely expensive.
Each of these entities is concerned with the safety of your equipment.
The gas company is concerned that there will be no leaks in the line. While
pipe running at the kiln itself is easy to install, in my experience most gas
leaks occur when putting together long runs of 1 1/4 pipe (and this is the
minimum you'll need if natural gas is used). The gas company has the equipment
to install these properly. The gas company also will be concerned that you
have appropriate safety equipment on your burners. It really is wise to have
devices that will close the burners in the event of a gas interruption. In
addition, if you are planning to use forced air burners it's important to
include a device to shut down the gas in the event of a power interruption.
The zoning and building boards are concerned with both safety proper use of
the property. Here you will want to prove that your kiln is indeed safe to
operate. You will need to show that it will be enclosed in a manner so as not
to be a nuisance to your neighbors. If you don't do this and someone
complains your chances of getting a varience to keep the kiln go down
drastically.
In Ann Arbor things are quite casual. The city is quite accustom to having
potters with gas kilns in back yards. The gas company also pretty much goes
along with what the potter says he needs. Such wasn't the case when I lived in
Texas and I had to do some educating so that the gas company understood what I
needed and that it was safe. When it came time to hook up the line they still
insisted on lighting the kiln themselves. "Go right ahead", I said. "Gosh, I
never lit one of these before." I lit it for them.
Even if your city isn't as accommadating as Ann Arbor that doesn't mean you
can't put up a kiln. If necessary you can get a variance from the zoning
board. Enlist the help of your neighbors. If you are ready to put in your own
gas kiln, you are already making pots with some success. Do your neighbors
know you are a potter? Do you give them gifts? Invite them to your studio?
Zoning boards are much more willing to give a variance if the neighbors are on
your side.
I've had a gas kiln here for 20 years. First outside and then in a studio
addition. Although it was legal and no one could have stopped me, I tried to
avoid problems with neighbors. Before putting up the addition I talked to the
neighbors to see if they objected. I have a shut off for the kiln outside of
the studio and my immediate neighbors know in an emergency how to shut it
down. Pots that are not up to my standards go out on the front lawn once a
year with a sign that says "free, help yourself". I encourage people to visit
the studio, put their hand on the kiln when it's red hot. People bring their
relatives and visitors over to show off their "artist in residence". I dare
say if a new neighbor moved in and complained they would have the whole street
to contend with.
If you ignore or hide from the gas company and zoning board, this is what
could happen. The gas company, once they find out (and they will), could shut
off your gas and refuse to turn it back on. If a neighbor complains the zoning
board could shut you down completely and refuse to hear your appeal. If there
is an accident at your studio your insurance could refuse to pay the claim.
Yes, all of this takes time and may take more money. But, it's alot more
expensive to take down and move a kiln and it's even more expensive to replace
a studio that your insurance has refused to pay the claim on. If you can't
meet the requirements put that kiln somewhere else.
Kathi LeSueur
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