Permit needed to convert garage to studio?

If you convert your garage to a photography studio, do you need to get a permit?  or seeing that you are just hanging lights and backdrop with no major structural changes, that would be OK?

If anybody asks, tell them you're taking pictures of your car.

Frank The Tank wrote: If you convert your garage to a photography studio, do you need to get a permit?  or seeing that you are just hanging lights and backdrop with no major structural changes, that would be OK?

Not a question someone here can answer. Every jurisdiction has different rules. If you are out in the country, then you can probably get by with it. If you are within the limits of a city, their rules would apply. It's going to take research on your part by studying the municipal code for your jurisdiction.

I've always preferred the "It's easier to get forgiveness than permission." philosophy, myself.

Thank you both.  I'm in the lighter area of an urban part of town.   I was asking this here because we all pay way to much taxes and I'm sure my city would gladly have me pay them more, but if this is on the line and again there isn't no structural changes, so could I fly under the radar, or is this a garage police inspection waiting to happen?    

Is this for setting up a photography business from home, or is it just for a hobby/personal use? If you derive any income from this garage studio, it will be considered by both the government and your insurance company as a business.

I went through this 5 years ago. As long as you don't charge for your photography, you shouldn't have any problem using your garage for your photography. Your homeowners insurance will cover the contents, but keep an accurate list with price paid, make, model, and serial numbers, so if you need to file a claim it will be easier to prove that you had it. I have a database with all of this with photos of each item. A CD copy of this is here, with another copy in my safe deposit box.

As a business you will need the above too, plus you may have a zoning problem due to  you running your business in a residential area. Are you in a homeowners association controlled area? You may also need a professional photographer's license, and you will need to keep business records and file taxes with City, State, and Federal Governments. Parking problems with customers parking in the street?

If you live in a zoned area dedicated to residential only, or if you live in a homeowners association controlled area, you had better not attempt a business in your garage, or make any changes that would affect the street appearance of your home and garage. If strange cars are frequently seen parked in your driveway you will likely have trouble with the homeowners association, even if it's just friends coming frequently to share hobby photography with you, there may be problems with the homeowners association.

You will need to check into all of this before setting up your studio, if it will be set up for any significant time.

Charley 


   

In my country, if you use part of your home for an office, workshop or studio, you must measure the area and apply with photos to get deductions in taxes. Yes, you can subtract "rent' from your income, lower your personal income, lower your personal taxes. 

TCav wrote: I've always preferred the "It's easier to get forgiveness than permission." philosophy, myself.

I was thinking the same.  If not construction is being done, go for it

Three times I asked officials if I needed a permit or a license to do something I was already doing, and without fail, I was told that I did.

Three times I went to apply for a permit or license for something I was already doing, and the clerk behind the counter told me I didn't need one.

Roll the dice.

I just do it and ask for forgiveness later lol