I just bought a foreclosure (built in 1962) the original owner built this underground bomb shelter, and the city is giving me a hard time about it, because they have no codes or regulations on them.They want me to abandon it, and i want to use it as a storage area, its structurally sound , i had a engineer evaluate it. Can i fight the city about this?Any good advice would be appreciated.
2007-12-05 03:33:45 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Your answers are very appreciated, I read that JF Kennedy was encouraging people to build these structures, when the Russians were putting missiles in Cuba.I think im going to fight the city and drag this out as long as it takes.
2007-12-05 03:55:08 · update #1
Mid Michigan, Shelby TWP.
2007-12-05 03:56:33 · update #2
I'd definitely want to keep it, too.
Ask the city for a variance, so that you can have an exception to the building codes. Otherwise, speak with an attorney about your property rights and evaluate what codes you are actually violating.
It sounds like the government is just trying to impose their will on you and make you an example to anyone else who thinks about becoming more self-reliant and independent. How many people really have a bomb shelter? Probably very few, so you should do whatever you can to keep it.
2007-12-05 03:55:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
N O, I don't have a bomb shelter on my property
and you should get a Lawyer on this one because the city should grandfather this in because the shelter is already built and was on the property when you bought the house and the city should allow a variance on it!! Don't abandon it, because it does have a historical value to it, keep it as a storage area and conversation piece. Where I live, I can't build one because my house sits about
10 feet above the water table!!
2007-12-05 14:25:48 · answer #2 · answered by Vagabond5879 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2014-09-25 20:32:35 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, you didn't say what city and state you live in and that's critically important to answering your question.
Your best stand is that this shelter has historical value and you are considering registering it as a historic landmark.
Your other best asset is a written report by the engineer you had evaluate it.
Your city should grandfather it in as permitted since it was built so long ago, and since it's been evaluated and found to be structurally sound.
2007-12-05 11:55:17 · answer #4 · answered by Nedra E 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 shelters, one on my hunting property and one on my residence. Here's the thing about bomb shelters: you don't want anyone to know you have 'em. Suppose there's a biological event, d'you really want the city to take control of your safe space? You'd have cops trying to take control, fearful citizens storming the place for shelter, neighbors throwing themselves on your mercy (which by necessity you'd have very little of), it would be a nightmare. And afterwards, any survivors would be coming by to beg/take by force any supplies you have (or any supplies they THINK you have). My shelters were built by a very discrete company, the surrounding cities have no idea that they're there. In your case, it's too late for that, they already know. So in your position, I would lie and tell 'em that you've abandoned it, then carry on using it. I mean, what are they gonna do? Come by and fill it w/ concrete? If you must do it by the book, call a lawyer referal company, they'll point you in the right direction, and help you w/ any zoning bullsh*t the city might throw at you. You can absolutely win in a fight against the city, if that's what you wish to do.
2007-12-05 11:47:57 · answer #5 · answered by Freethinker 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Demand the city show you the codes you are violating. If you're actually violating written codes you can apply for a variance (from the planning committee probably but this varies.)
The structure may be grandfathered in but probably not since the transfer of property usually cancels this.
If your serious about keeping it, you may need a lawyer.
2007-12-05 11:39:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
i would sure try. that could be a nice feature of the property.
first of all, i would refer to it as a storm shelter and a underground storage area. any regulations for those?
other than that, i would just try and find out what code enforcement/zoning wants to give me a green tag for it, and comply. GL with it. (i wish i had one. i'd spend a lot of time down there as opposed to in the attic/garage)
2007-12-05 11:44:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are jealous since they don't have one. Keep it, you might need it against the city
and yes I have two that I built, they connect through a tunnel
2007-12-05 11:42:19 · answer #8 · answered by Alex 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dont give in keep it....
2007-12-05 12:09:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋