https://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1640877 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:10:43 GMT Mon, 29 Nov 2021 21:31:01 GMT Copyright © 2021 National Forest Homeowners https://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1640877 https://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1640877 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 19:01:41 GMT https://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1641031 https://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1641031
Even if the outbuildings were historic, after they are destroyed, they are not considered historic any longer. So, historic significance of a building that is no longer standing won't be a strong basis for appealing the decision.

Typically, the Forest Service is not allowing pit toilets any longer (county regulations), and in some regions, storage sheds are limited in size. Many who had pit toilets are being required to put in either a pumpable container or something else. Depending on your cabin's rebuilding footprint, you might be able to include a bathroom with a compost or incinerating toilet as part of the rebuilding design to work around the pit toilet being disallowed. They may let you rebuild the shed to the region's size limitation if not the original size. If it is in California, then it is 40 square feet, not very much but enough for yard implements, and a few things. The Forest Service might be leaning on permit holders to store more things at home rather than at the recreation residence. I doubt they would say that in their letter, but it is something I've heard.

We haven't seen a lot of denials to rebuild cabins except in one very unique situation where an appeal was denied based on particular permit terms regarding a flood zone. I don't know if that applies in your situation, so I would not use that as your model. Each Forest and case is somewhat different and most rebuild decisions are subject to an appeal. We encourage cabin rebuilding and appeals even if the outbuildings are disallowed.

Since the initial denial is likely from your District Ranger, the next step would be to go to the Forest Supervisor. Which National Forest is your cabin in? Which fire was it?

Others may have their experiences to offer additional perspectives.]]> Tue, 23 Nov 2021 17:35:43 GMT https://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1641558 https://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1641558 We are in a unique situation, as we are not a recreational residence, but obtained a permit that began as a recreational permit, then we obtained National Historical status later on. The original permit was prior to recreational residences.
The denial was actually from the forest supervisor, and we have as yet, not been able to talk with the district ranger.
To be continued...]]> Mon, 29 Nov 2021 22:31:01 GMT