Garage Conversion/Fight with City

[andy8865]

What is the name of your state? Texas
I needed more space, can't afford bigger house, so I converted garage to another bedroom, get a letter from city saying in in violation of
Section 11.405 SF-1 (Single Family - Large Lot) District
(a) Single Family Detached Home Density & Development Standards
(c) Off-Street Parking Requirement
(i) A minimum of two garage-enclosed parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit.

I'm facing a $2,000.00 fine per day, if not fixed within 30days

 

[John Se]

Explain your problem:

You obviously did this without a permit Bad Doggy. For neighborhoods, It is generally a very bad idea to get rid of the garage, Then everyone has to look at every body elses junkers on the street or driveway. I wish we had that code in my old neighborhood. You better start tearing off the siding and opening up the garage again. I would take them very seriously.

 

[andy8865]

garage conversion/City code violation

You can't get a permit, it's not permitted at all. I figure it's my house, I pay the taxes and the mortgage, the city does not have a right to tell me what I can or cannot do.

 

[absconder]

Yea right you dont own a thing, you lease it for life then get to pass the lease on. Well you get to borrow against the lease and sell the lease ok.

 

[John Se]

Actually they can tell you what to do!

Who ever told you that a city cant tell you what you cant do?
Probably cant open up a pornography store in your house, probably cant open up a dog boarding kennel in your house, probably cant build out to zero lot lines, covering your lot 100% with building. Probably cant have 15 dead cars parked in your yard. You cant be serious with what you say, Are you?
The supreme court has held up every zoning case ever brought before them. Better get going on the Tear-off and get a permit to add a bedroom if thats what you need.

 

[andy8865]

garage conversion/City code violation

better check your facts again, the cities have always lost!

 

[FarmerJ]

have you talked to your city to learn if they will let you build a new garage once you restore the garage door ? Sad to say that may be your only choice in the matter now is if they will allow you to build a new garage then pull permit to formally convert old one into living space .