Temporary winter awning shelter?

I'd really like to put a temporary shelter up next to the house to have a dry place to work each winter. Optimally, it would be lean-to style. If I could find an off the shelf version, like a shelterlogic or the like, I'd probably just buy it, but all the temporary shelters I see are two-pitched, and would move water toward the house from one of the pitches. Anyone ever do something like this? I guess one could call it a winter awning.

 

I haven't, but I can offer a comment/suggestion.

If it's next to the house, snow sliding off of the roof could collapse it. Therefore I'd build something solid with wood, or move to a different location.

 

The shelterlogic stuff can't take a snow load. Also, they are buy and throwaway as the covers are as much as buying the whole kit. They are also not standard size; they are slightly smaller to cut costs which means replacement covers from standard size units won't fit, this also keeps you buying from Shelterlogic. I found this out by putting up a Shelterlogic canopy in front of the shed. I did find a tarp that worked fairly well although not perfect. When it comes time to replace the canopy, I am going to build something that can take a snow load as I don't like either taking it down or staying up all night knocking snow off; usually if it is going to snow overnight, I take it down and cover what is under the canopy. If snowing during the day and I know it will end; I knock the snow off at regular intervals.

 

would one of those quick pop up canopy's work? Take it down prior to snowfall? Ive see them go up & down and it is rather quick.

 

I used half of some green house trusses.

 

Yes, those would take a snow load and the slope helps with snow sliding off.

 

Good comments, I hadn't thought of the snow sliding off, and that's an important consideration. I'd like to extend the porch roof, but instead of having more porch, just have roof over the level ground. I have obstacles to doing this because of the permits required, and the area faces the street. This is why temporary would be good.

 

I like this, and it's the right idea. I'd have trouble swinging the ax/maul in that space, but I could use the saw and electric splitter in there.

 

Since you brought up permits, I'm going to attempt to say this gingerly, as it seems to be a touchy subject here. I only mention these for your benefit, and to aware you of the following.

Main points to consider are Zoning By-Laws and Building Code.

If the "accessory structure" is detached and under 200 sq. ft. it doesn't require a Building Permit under the IRC. States can amend the base code, so the 200 sq. ft. could be more or less in your state. If it is attached to the house it requires a BP regardless of size, as its now an "addition".

Most towns have Zoning By-Laws which dictate how close the accessory structure can be to the lot lines. These are called setbacks. Typically front yard setbacks are greater than side and rear setbacks. Also, some towns have By-Laws regulating how close an accessory structure can be to a dwelling or to another accessory structure.

The best bet is to ask your local Building Department if what you plan to do is legally ok.

 

And... get approval from the historic commission, in this case. Just applying for the permits is more than I'm willing to pay for this. A temporary awning structure avoids all of this, and I can get my little patch of lawn back April through October.

 

Or, do what you wish and worry about the Gestapo later.

 

I can tell you from personal experience, inspectors typically do not drive around looking for violations. We have enough other stuff to keep us busy. 95% of the time, its a complaint from a neighbor. We do have a job to do, and if we dont do it the complaint goes up the chain to a Town Manager, Mayor, etc. Make sure your neighbors like you.

 

Best is to have it where neighbours can see and hear the less about you as possible. Of course some places won't allow seven foot fences. I would love to live in a place where I couldn't see any neighbours; or hear them.

 

Excellent advice regarding neighbors liking you.
Unfortunately,
Three neighbors are township supervisors, one of which is the one who told me both the historic commission existed, and that they were working on an environmental ordinance that would require permits for cutting trees. All are constantly around. No way around this situation.

 

I'm 100% with you on this. Impossible on this property.

 

I would love to rant about .... but the ToS p[re

If the ToS didn't prevent it, I would love to go on a rant about this.

 

It's actually much worse than I'm letting on, and totally ironic based on where it is and what I can see from the property. Trust me, I've ranted about this plenty.

My favorite moment last week was when I went outside and a drone was hovering above my property for a couple of minutes. May have been private, may have been someone I'm paying lots of local taxes to.

 

The internet is full of stories about neighbours from hades. You can have a great relationship with a neighbour for 20 years but if they get pizzed about something, all hades can break loose. The family has been talking about selling all our properties and buying a huge spread where we can be better isolated and still have our own little places. I don't need a house this large as it is only me now. Maybe I am antisocial but I would love to not have to see or hear the new neighbours that moved in next door. Loud music late at night; screaming kids as if they are being attacked by dingos; revering car engines without exhaust systems; dogs that bark for hours on end with no one telling them to shut up (I would get out of bed at 2 am to tell Molly to shut up when she was barking at some animal).

 

I have heard that the local Gestapo here may start doing that; they can park on the street and then send the drone in.

 

You are not antisocial (I don't think), just have a good streak of independence in you. That is a good thing.

I also have aspirations to go somewhere more private. But for now, I'm doing my best to get along. It's not always easy.