Existing improvements not permitted

[dncr]

What is the name of your state? CA

Hi all, a lady I sort of know here in CA bought a horse property three years ago with a house and barn on it. She was recently told that her barn was not permitted. She called the man she bought the property from, and he said the barn was there when he bought the place 12 years before. She called the manufacturer of the barn, and they will only talk to the original purchaser (from over 15 years ago). She does not have contact info for this person. No one has any idea why this has just now been discovered. Here are my questions:

1. What can she do now; is there any recourse?

2. When buying property, are you expected to check for permits on all buildings...is that typical? (I've only bought one house and it doesn't have improvements)

3. Should the manufacturer be required to disclose information to the current owner of the property?

4. If you hire someone to build a barn for you, it's your responsibility to get the permit, right?

Thanks all for your replies.

[FarmerJ]

1 work with the city/county to get a permit filed after the fact as late as it is, 2 yes checking permit history of a address for property one wants to buy is reasonable, 3 the barns maker might at least tell any who ask aprox how old it is from its model numbers if it was some kind of kit with a model number?? 4 its a home owners obligation to see to it permits are filed.

[dncr]

Ok, thanks so much for the info.

[Cedrus]

WHO told her the barn was unpermitted. County or ?

Take a look at building codes in her area. It is possible agricultural sheds/barns do not need a permit. If electricity/water added in, a permit would be needed. Read the building codes. See if 15 years ago, the codes were different. Talk to an old-time building contractor about what he knows. Is there a dirt or gravel floor. Or concrete? Might make a difference. Dimensions might make a difference.

[dncr]

Hi Cedrus, thanks so much for replying and I'm sorry I'm just now getting back over here! I don't know the answers to your questions, but they're great ones...I'll see what I can find out for her. Thanks again.