Fabric Garage on driveway - would that be okay? (Eden Prairie: insurance, construction)

[yeeah]

We live in Eden Prairie and have a two car garage (with 2 separate doors). In front of one garage door and on the concrete part of driveway, we intend to erect a temporary structure (fabric garage made with metal frame). When finished it will be 7 feet away from the road side.

I tried the EP by-laws, but couldn't understand if this could be a problem? Any experiences/advice from folks living in twin cities on such a structure?

[MnMomma]

My first question would be why you want to do this. Would it handle the snow load?

[Astron1000]

Originally Posted by MnMomma

My first question would be why you want to do this. Would it handle the snow load?

Same question I have.

If your tent "garage" is 8' x 16' (barely enough for one car) and we get 12 inches of snow tomorrow, that little metal frame and canvas is going to have to hold up approximately one ton of weight. I wouldn't want to be underneath it.

[yeeah]

Hi Astron1000 and MnMomma. Good point, though the tent has a circular top, so I am assuming the snow will fall through the sides? Attaching photo below.

I was more worried if erecting such a structure doesn't violate some codes. The good part we do not have any homeowner association in our area.

[PeachSalsa]

Originally Posted by yeeah

Hi Astron1000 and MnMomma. Good point, though the tent has a circular top, so I am assuming the snow will fall through the sides? Attaching photo below.

I was more worried if erecting such a structure doesn't violate some codes. The good part we do not have any homeowner association in our area.

If it is light, airy, dry snow, it might fall down the sides. However, if it is heavy, sticky, wet snow, no way will that thing still be standing under the weight. Heck, if the old Metrodome (which also had a rounded top AND much sturdier construction holding it up) collapsed under snow, what chance does this have? Keep in mind the wet heavy snow can also break trees, etc. I don't know if tomorrow's snow is supposed to be heavy or not, but we have AT LEAST 1 or 2 good, heavy snows fall each winter. They LOOK beautiful and are the perfect snowman/snowball snows!

Also, how is it anchored to the ground? In other words, what will prevent a good strong wind from picking it up and blowing it across the street? In the process, it would damage other vehicles, etc.

[yeeah]

So our purpose is to store a mercedes sprinter van underneath this fabric garage. Do you folks think a simple van cover would be better?

We did consider storage garages by companies located in shakopee and other areas, though they cost about 400/mo for the size our van would need ... that seemed too costly, thats why I thought a fabric shed could be a better option ...

[rzzzz]

I don't think the tent would violate any codes, but personally I would just get a van cover. The tent seems like something that would be hard to get rid of once you're done with it.

[MnMomma]

If I were a neighbor, I'd prefer the van cover to the big tent. Do you have any neighbors that don't use their whole garage? My guess is that someone you knew would take $400 for the whole winter.

[PeachSalsa]

Originally Posted by yeeah

So our purpose is to store a mercedes sprinter van underneath this fabric garage. Do you folks think a simple van cover would be better?

We did consider storage garages by companies located in shakopee and other areas, though they cost about 400/mo for the size our van would need ... that seemed too costly, thats why I thought a fabric shed could be a better option ...

Check with neighbors for garage space.

Also, check with farmers who may have space in their sheds!! I know several farmers who store other people's boats, convertibles, etc. in their sheds for the winter. Just make sure there is insurance that covers it in case something were to happen.

If you put this tent thing in front of your other garage space, how are you going to get in and out of that space? Or, alternatively, you could put the van in your own garage and keep one of your currently garaged vehicles in the driveway (assuming you have 2 other vehicles). Sure, you'll have to scrape ice and brush snow, but that is an option.

[yeeah]

great ideas for me to consider, though one problem is that our van is the extended 9ft height, so most residential garages cannot take such a height.