Whether you are building a new barn, your first barn or an addition to your barn, there are several factors that you should consider. The first is the barn site. Your barn site is one of the most important factors in building a barn. Here are some tips:
Try to imagine what the future holds for your horse business or hobby. Will the site that you are thinking of being adequate if you need to expand later down the road?
Zoning: Some cities, counties or states have restrictions on the number of horses you can house on a site. You will want to check the zoning regulations in your area. Sites are zoned a certain way to prevent mud holes, odor and run-off into city sewers or neighboring properties.
Building Codes: If you are outside of the city limits, you probably won’t need to worry about building codes. If you are inside the city limits, you will have to have a city building inspector or the planning department check your site.
Slope: For rapid drainage away from buildings, arenas and training tracks, without erosion, you will probably require a 2-6 percent slope.
Soils: Soil tests can be used to determine the type or types of soil on your land. The type of soils you have will tell you what type of grass you will be able to grow. Your local county extension agent will be able to help you with soil testing.
Water and Sewer: Many cities will require that you use a separate system for agricultural facilities. You may have access to city sewer, but you may have to develop your own lateral line or septic system.
Area: You will want to make detailed plans of where you will place arenas, round pens, training tracks, etc. You will need to indicate where your water lines, sewer and electrical lines will enter your barn. Slopes, trees, ponds and creeks will also need to be on the plans. You may also need to consider where you may want to expand in your plans.
Structure sitting: You will want to place structures on the high areas of your site so that the water will run away from them during storms. You may also need to divert run-off from arenas and round pens. Determining where your run off will go will help you to eliminate mud holes as well as injuries and disease. In deciding where to place your structures, you will also need to ensure that you are not disturbing any wildlife, wetlands or riparian areas.
Wind: Situating your barn at a particular angle may help to increase natural airflow through your barn.
Sun: Knowing the angle of the sun will help you find ways to make the sun less intense on your barn. Designing a barn with overhangs and landscape buffers will help you to block an intense sun.
Landscaping: Find trees, shrubs and grass that will not only make your barn look nice; they will help to provide windbreaks.
Traffic flow: Try to find what areas will be highly trafficked; you will be able to avoid any accidents by supplying parking for vehicles and separating animal roads from vehicle roads.
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Ron Petracek - Idaho Raised Horseman, Equine Article Directory HorseChitChat.com
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Tags: barn plans, barns, equine, horse habitat, horses
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