CINDI ANDERSON on mon 18 jun 01
Hi
I am buying property and want to make sure they'll let me put a gas kiln on it in the future. So I want to go to the planning commission, or inspector, or whomever, and make sure it will be ok. The land is 4 acres in a rural city, but in a neighborhood with some CC&R's. In past years on ClayArt I've read about hassles with getting permits, etc. There seemed to be certain ways to explain the kiln, and lingo to use. So any advice would be appreciated. Who typically issues the permit, what exactly do I ask, and how do I make it likely that they will say yes?
Oh, and in case it matters (I really am not close to getting a gas kiln yet, as you can see I haven't read up on them yet) there is natural gas to the property. So I'm not sure if I would use that, or should still get propane for the kiln?
Thanks
Cindi
Fremont, CA (future home in Atascadero, CA)
Dave Finkelnburg on mon 18 jun 01
Cindi,
Call the building inspector and ask if that office is the place to apply
for such a permit, and whether an application would get a permit or whether
it's prohibited, and if that isn't the right place, then what is? With your
understanding you'll get along fine.
The issues are usually, and in this order, safety, effect on neighbors,
running a business in a residential area.
The safety one may bring in the fire marshal. All you have to do is
explain that the kiln installation will meet all applicable code
requirements -- and be able to install the kiln that way, with solenoid
valve safety shutoffs, adequate setbacks, etc.
As for the effect on the neighbors, what makes a building inspector
cringe is to get a nasty complaint from some unhappy resident about the
person next door with a noisy or smelly or light polluting or trashy-looking
or whatever bit of something new just installed. It would help if you had a
drawing or photo of a kiln showing what it will look like when finished,
including stack, kiln shed, etc.
As for the business in the home part, you'll have to deal with that
depending on whether it is a hobby or business, what the zoning is, etc.
Natural gas versus propane really depends on local codes and costs.
Fire marshals often don't like that tank of fuel sitting around if there's
an alternative available. I debated on whether to spend $1,000 to extend my
natural gas line from the house, or whether to go with propane. I did the
arithmetic -- cost of a propane firing for my kiln versus natural gas. The
simple payback for me was about 4 years at the time. With the current
increase in fuel cost, the payback is less now.
I'm sure others will have better advice on how to word your comments.
Good luck!
Dave Finkelnburg, firing in Idaho
From: CINDI ANDERSON
>I am buying property and want to make sure they'll let me put a gas kiln on
it in the future. So I want to go to the planning commission, or inspector,
or whomever, and make sure it will be ok.
Fredrick Paget on mon 18 jun 01
Cindi-
The official you want in a California city is the building inspector. Get
an appointment to talk to him or her and ask what the proceedure is to
install what you want in the way of a kiln. Don't try to tell him
anything just ask about the requirements. I assume you will hire a plumber
to put in the gas line and hook up the kiln.
Fred Paget
I am buying property and want to make sure they'll let me put a gas kiln on
it in the future.
.......Cindi
From Fred Paget, Marin County, California, USA
| |
|
