I looked closely at buying a Clearspan. Had several discussions with the company. Gave them the size I wanted 100x200. Both ends open because I would save money doing that myself.
I was a bit shocked at the price I was quoted. I just assumed they would be substantial savings over a traditional wood framed. I got a quote on a 90X100 pole framed and it was around $25,000 less. FYI, off the shelf roof trusses can be had in 90’ widths now. Adding an additional 10’ makes them a special order and adds $$$$.
I talked checked with 2 banks about financing. Because these types of structures are not considered “permanent” structures and add little to no overall value to the property. It would have required a substantial down payment. Which is probably why the company offers financing.
My farm is my business and an investment. Any high dollar capital improvements have to add resale value. Especially with horse farms because most future buyers don’t value certain types of infrastructure as an asset. More like a liability.
The plus side to a Clearspan is the fact is is relatively easy to take down and sell. Though the cost of site prep and footing can’t be regrouped.
In my neck of the woods Clearspans are considered temporary structures so they do not raise one’s property tax.
I know a few people who have them. There are pluses and there are drawbacks. Especially in areas that get snow. Sliding snow and horses don’t mix well. Heavy rain makes for interesting noise issues also.
If the “roof” should develop a tear it is not cheap nor easy to repair. Unlike a shingled or metal roof.
Because of their size and visibility they are not everyone’s cup of tea. Which could cause an uproar with neighbors in the area. They are kind of “in your face” and stick out like a sore thumb.
But there is no denying they are really nice to ride in. Wonderful light, big and airy.
My township is very Ag friendly. But a few miles east of me in the heavy horse-centric Unionville area townships there are a lot of land use rules and regs. Indoors of any type can be very difficult to get permitted. For 2 reasons; the size, scope and the visual impact. Like a lot of places these days the NIMBY effect rules. The other major hurdle is water run off, because of the size of their foot print. A lot of area zoning dictates the square footage of impermeable ground allowed.
If the structure exceeds this, one has to apply for a variance. To get this a “runoff water” engineer will need to be hired. A Storm-water Runoff Mitigation plan may need to be submitted. The cost of this plan and installation may add significant costs.
Seems to be given the cost of a Clearspan I would ask them to call/contact all of the necessary gate keepers for the OP. They will/should be in able to ask and answer all of the necessary questions correctly to help and or make the permitting process as painless as possible. It is in their best interest also. They can leave the OP’s name out the equation to start with.
As to the process of directly dealing with the “gate keeps” there has been some good advise already offered up. Having lived and owned property in Historic overlay districts and gone through the a site plan review process when developing a property in the foothills outside of Boulder Co I will back up what others have said. Things can and do hinge on how things are "named’ and or the intended use.
If you live in an area that gives neighbors a lot of say in the review process. It might be best before you spend a dime on anything else to go around and visit with your neighbors showing them what you plan to build and get their feed back. Take a “poll” to make sure you have more on your side than against you. So when it comes time for public comments which usually holds a lot of weight on the decision you know you will have the deck stacked in your favor. If not you may have no chance without spending a ton of money on a land use attorney with no guarantees.
IMO and experience the above can be one of the most important inexpensive things you can do. Getting a bunch of your “friendly neighbors” to show up at the public comment meeting to rally for you is a big plus. But make sure they are people that have a “direct” say. Don’t make the mistake of stacking the deck with friends outside the “neighborhood”. This can go against you.
Obviously all or part of the above may or may not apply. Every area can have different rules and regs.
If the OP lives in a highly regulated area it may be best to hire an attorney who knows the drill as others have suggested.
Good luck!
