I need additional living space and can’t afford to construct an addition. Can I just convert my garage into living space?

Converting attached garages into living space is a common practice and can be achieved in many cases. Careful planning must be used to meet numerous requirements. The first obstacle is replacing the parking spaces some where on your property that the original garage provided. The Planning Division will review your plans to ensure the parking spaces are restored and in an appropriate location. The second typical obstacle is meeting the building code requirements. Living space must meet more stringent requirements than a garage. Examples are a moisture barrier for the concrete floor and walls, insulation in the walls and ceiling, heating, electrical upgrades, light and ventilation requirements to name just a few. Normally a homeowner hires an architect to assist in this process to provide cost effective solutions to these and other issues.

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1. What is the procedure for follow-up on possible code violations?
2. How do I notify the County about a possible code violation?
3. What should I do if I receive a “Courtesy Letter” or a “Notice to Comply”?
4. How do I contact the Code Enforcement Division?
5. What penalties result from code violations?
6. What is a Notice to Comply (NTC) fee?
7. My neighbor’s yard is over grown and unkempt. Can Code Enforcement do something about it?
8. I’m thinking about buying a portable canopy structure to cover my car in my driveway. Are these allowed?
9. I need additional living space and can’t afford to construct an addition. Can I just convert my garage into living space?
10. Can my neighbor park his R.V. or boat in the driveway?
11. My neighbor leaves their garbage cans in front of their house for several days after service pick up. Can anything be done about this?
12. What are the construction working hours in a residential neighborhood?
13. If I see someone dumping garbage on private or public property, what should I do?
14. Where do I go to complain about graffiti on public or private property?
15. Where do I report inoperable or abandoned vehicles on public streets and/or private property?
16. Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?
17. Do I need a permit to build a storage shed?
18. The building next door abandoned and people come and go at all hours of the day. To whom do I report this?
19. My neighbor has chickens, horses and/or goats. Can they be in this neighborhood?
20. My neighbor has a pool and the fence on his property has fallen down. Is he required to put it back up?
21. My tenant is responsible for a violation on the property. I’m just the landlord and can’t control how my tenant lives. Can I be held liable?
22. My building is substandard and my landlord will not make the corrections. Can you help me?