Zoning laws and building codes can be problematic at times but they can also encourage creative efforts to solve the problems they create. Right now I'm starting the initial design work for an upcoming house I'm going to build on a little 4,000 square foot lot. Here's my preliminary site plan:
Lot & locatioN
My lot is located in Point Roberts, Washington near Vancouver, BC. and it was set aside in the original plat as a county road easement to connect two beach communities, South Beach and Crystal Water Beach. As it happens a road was never built and the potential roadway was finally recorded as a legal building lot. The lot is only 40' deep and 100' wide and because of the septic and road setbacks the building envelope is restrictive.
Why Build on Such a Lot?
Before purchasing the lot from a friend - who did a good job preparing the site for construction by graded it, installing a new septic system, and even planting some kale - I really couldn't visualize anything. I wondered why i was drawn to the lot. I was even hoping my next project would be a long, narrow, single story, mid-century modern design from one of my many sketches! Nothing of the sort is possible on this lot; I'll be building up two floors. The reward will be a 180 degree kitchen & living room view of the Puget Sound to the south. I've also built in South Beach before and I consider the area my home. I feel fortunate and excited to be able to build here again, even more so since my wife and I plan to keep it!
What's next?
This is just the beginning. This week I'm submitting paperwork for a required Natural Resource Assessment, which will take 4-8 weeks to complete, and then I can submit a building plan for permitting and construction. I've got two months to design for this space. I want to break ground before the end of summer to set a foundation and start framing in spring 2018.
source Blog - Small House Catalog http://ift.tt/2q0KKWt
