[Heathkit] My first station

[rbethman]

Walt,

The problem I have with this entirety is that the Inspector's signed off 
on this work!

They *could* see the ground rod is only 1/4" in diameter, and coming off 
a 200 AMP Service Panel.  Which I might add, the inspectors *ALSO* 
inspected and signed off on.

We purchased this house in the Fall of '88.  The normal *survey* was 
done and filed with the City.

We refinanced once, and *another* survey was done and filed.

[Move forward to 1993.]

Then I submitted my plans for the 500 Sq. Ft. Deck with half roofed over 
and screened in.

Zoning went ballistic!  I was "informed" by the head of Zoning over the 
phone, that I was living in an *Illegal Domicile*.  I began to laugh at 
her!  She stated, "You are not taking this seriously.".  I simply told 
her that just about *ANY* Lawyer would take this case, and I would sue 
for *Fraudulent Collection of Taxes* "and" *Interest on ALL of them* 
over this.

Her reason?  Supposedly the left rear corner of the house is 1/10th of a 
foot too close to the property line.  She told me I would have to post a 
*Bond* with the city, and appear at the City Council, and *request a 
waiver* for this.

RIGHT!  I simply said I'll see you in Court!

She then shifted gear rapidly!  She stated that I had to write a letter 
to Zoning, *Stating that I had not MOVED the corner of the house!*

She got her idiotic letter.  My permit for the deck was approved.

Now how many surveys does it take to finally look at a Plat, and *SEE* 
that there is a discrepancy?

I've gone through idiotic things with Zoning.  That one took the cake!  
The Deck was over engineered in comparison to Zoning Requirements.  The 
vertical supports *allowed* 4X4s, I planned and used 6X6s.  They allowed 
2X6s for joists, I planned and used 2X8s.

The 15 6X6s were in three rows of 5.  In lieu of putting the vertical 
supports *IN* concrete as they allowed, we dug the 15 footings, had them 
inspected, poured 2 1/2 yards of concrete, and placed a *J* Bolt in each 
footing.  Then each 6X6 was placed inside a galvanized box that was 
bolted to the threaded *J* bolts with a washer, lock washer, and 3/4" nut.

Each row of 6X6s had 2X12s carriage bolted, one to each side, forming a 
cantilever beam.

They allowed, *and* recommended lag bolting the deck frame to the 
house's rim joist.

We did not.  It is a free standing structure.  Far too many rim joists 
of homes rot out from water getting into the wood by following the threads.

No joist hangars!  Saw and see too many rusted almost completely 
through.  Used a ledger board and nailed the joists to them on the ends.

Anyway, this nonsense goes on far too much!

The final inspection was done, and the Inspector asked whom had built 
this in 7 days?  My wife informed him that My son and I with a little 
help fro a good friend did it!

He signed off in a heartbeat!  I have the plans, with approval, filed 
away for when we *ever* decide to sell and move.

Regards, Bob - N0DGN




On 4/22/2015 3:04 PM, Walt - WB2VSJ wrote:
> " Their ground rod *they* have in, is only 1/4" and only 4 foot long!"
>
> That was probably the work of the electrician.  Some shady electricians are
> too lazy to pound 8" into the ground and will use 1/2 of one.  I've seen
> that more than once.
>
> Walt - WB2VSJ