ClearSpan Arena: Anyone Have Experience Getting Building Permits?

[King_s_Ransom]

We are revisiting the idea of a small fabric-covered building on our place. Without going into too much detail, we are looking at ClearSpan’s turnkey buildings, like these: http://www.clearspan.com/fabric/structures/ext;Turnkey_Buildings.html

These buildings do not come with end panels, though they can be purchased. We are thinking that we don’t even want the end panels, as we are mostly looking for ride-in/ride-out shade and covered storage for the horse trailer, tractor and other equipment. In other words, we are thinking of a very basic structure without electricity or water. Our county appears to be more lenient on structures that are for storing ag equipment, so we may not even mention that we want to ride our horses into it for shade.

Has anyone had any experience getting this type of building permitted?

I have only read our county’s code online, have not spoken to anyone at the county yet. Hoping not to make some rookie mistake and say the wrong things, and hoping they are not going to start requiring a bunch of extras that will run up the cost and not really provide any value (to me).

[Bluey]

One more thought.
I don’t think that hoop/fabric buildings are even considered permanent structures?
If so, you may not need a permit after all.

[dressagegirl123]

I built one on my old farm in Maryland in 2004. Because they had no experience with it, and my builder didn’t go to bat for me, the township required me to put it into massive concrete pilings. They were afraid of it flying away, I guess. Now that the company has the corkscrew things to hold it, it should be easier.
I’m planning to build another in NJ this winter, because I LOVED it! I would call the company, because they check your local requirements and design the building to reflect their ordinances. You will also need their drawings to get the permit, anyway. A call to the permit office will also give you lots more pertinent information than you’ll get here!

[clanter]

[QUOTE=Bluey;8312452]
One more thought.
I don’t think that hoop/fabric buildings are even considered permanent structures?
If so, you may not need a permit after all.[/QUOTE]

there usually is a square footage that once exceeded requires a special use permit … came from the days of wondering circus and other advertising events … and being a “temporary structure” the special use permits normally have a short lifespan.

[gumtree]

[QUOTE=Bluey;8312452]
One more thought.
I don’t think that hoop/fabric buildings are even considered permanent structures?
If so, you may not need a permit after all.[/QUOTE]

In most states they are not considered “permanent structures”. When it comes to the rules and regs of putting one of these up that would be state and county specific.

We looked at buying one to use as an indoor riding arena. There are some draw back to using for this purposed. But that’s another topic.

Contacted the company to get an estimate. Just for the structure. I would GC its installation, and fabricate the ends. I was VERY surprised at the cost. Not much different than the cost of a “traditional stick framed” of the same size in my neck of the woods.

The fact that they are not considered a “permanent structure” they not considered a “capital improvement”. Which means most banks will not offer financing for it. Which is why the company offers financing.

Being that they are not a “capital improvement” also means they add no value to the property when appraising the property for future sale. Total deal breaker for us. I am pretty sure these do not fall under a “depreciation schedule” for tax purposes.

The plus side not being a permanent structure generally means they will not add additional property tax. But IMO that is not much of a “plus” considering the other financial draw backs.

The above may or may not be a consideration for the OP. But for others it should be taken into consideration from the “business” side of things. Every “improvement” done on our farm has to have “cost-benefit” when comes to selling. Because that time will come at some point.

[King_s_Ransom]

Around here, anyway, you won’t get anything for an indoor riding arena anyway. When I bought my farm, it was appraised for the value of the house only. They did not take into account the 17 acres, the 3-acre lake, the 6-stall barn or the gorgeous, insulated, huge building with the concrete floor and electrical service to run a small village. Just the value of the house. Period.

So, I am not concerned about getting my money back. I already know I won’t. If they don’t assess me extra taxes, that would be a bonus!

[BeeHoney]

Well, this is a bit unrelated…but when you get your estimate make sure your estimate includes the foundation–the corkscrew anchors or the concrete footers. The cost for that can be huge. The cost of the building alone is very attractive but if you add the foundation then suddenly the cost is similar to a traditional arena.

[King_s_Ransom]

The website says: “Pricing includes the building, installation, helical anchor foundation and delivery.”