Help a Jamaica Plain, MA Local Keep a Shed THEY HAD A PERMIT TO BUILD
The Issue
A BRIEF EXPLANATION AND A REQUEST
BACK STORY:
My Dad died this past July 17th. During the many months leading up to his death we spent many precious hours talking about me building a shed in my yard. I was adamant that it needed to be beautiful and fit in with the neighborhood, and he declared that it would be an asset to my life. His joy in the project planning and our desire to share one more big thing in the world led me to seek a permit for the work. After careful research we were able to determine the appropriate setbacks from property lines and the allowed dimensions and standards. I told him that I would only do it if I had permission, and that under no circumstances would I do anything that would necessitate my dealing with the Zoning Board. He grinned and told me I was “too old to fight City Hall” but that from our research it appeared that building a shed in my yard should be okay.
My permit #SF470037 was issued on May 7, 2015
The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) employee that granted the permit suggested that I speak to the building inspector for my area before I started, just to make sure that I knew anything specific he might want to see. I waited to start. I called and emailed. It took me until July 7th to get him on the phone. During our conversation I told him exactly what I planned, the dimensions (etc.) and asked if there was anything specific he wanted me to do. He gave me the details. Which I did.
The story goes on with my calls and emails requesting periodic inspections (as recommended during my phone conversation with the Inspector) and at one point I spoke to his supervisor who apologized and again reconfirmed the dimensions I was to use.
I built it with my daughter and friends. It is beautiful.
Now ISD has decided that they are sorry but they made a mistake and should not have issued a permit. In order for them to honor the permit they gave me I have to go through the Zoning Board.
Please help me by adding your name (following page) to say that you support the shed I have already built (with permission and permit) in my yard.
With much gratitude:
Andrea Bredbeck
Petition Closed
The Issue
A BRIEF EXPLANATION AND A REQUEST
BACK STORY:
My Dad died this past July 17th. During the many months leading up to his death we spent many precious hours talking about me building a shed in my yard. I was adamant that it needed to be beautiful and fit in with the neighborhood, and he declared that it would be an asset to my life. His joy in the project planning and our desire to share one more big thing in the world led me to seek a permit for the work. After careful research we were able to determine the appropriate setbacks from property lines and the allowed dimensions and standards. I told him that I would only do it if I had permission, and that under no circumstances would I do anything that would necessitate my dealing with the Zoning Board. He grinned and told me I was “too old to fight City Hall” but that from our research it appeared that building a shed in my yard should be okay.
My permit #SF470037 was issued on May 7, 2015
The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) employee that granted the permit suggested that I speak to the building inspector for my area before I started, just to make sure that I knew anything specific he might want to see. I waited to start. I called and emailed. It took me until July 7th to get him on the phone. During our conversation I told him exactly what I planned, the dimensions (etc.) and asked if there was anything specific he wanted me to do. He gave me the details. Which I did.
The story goes on with my calls and emails requesting periodic inspections (as recommended during my phone conversation with the Inspector) and at one point I spoke to his supervisor who apologized and again reconfirmed the dimensions I was to use.
I built it with my daughter and friends. It is beautiful.
Now ISD has decided that they are sorry but they made a mistake and should not have issued a permit. In order for them to honor the permit they gave me I have to go through the Zoning Board.
Please help me by adding your name (following page) to say that you support the shed I have already built (with permission and permit) in my yard.
With much gratitude:
Andrea Bredbeck
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on January 1, 2016