Comments on: Building codes, zoning laws, and B.S. bureaucracy http://small-scale.net/yearofmud/2009/09/25/building-codes-zoning-laws-and-b-s-bureaucracy/ Building and living in my first cob house Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:21:29 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 hourly 1 By: Wil http://small-scale.net/yearofmud/2009/09/25/building-codes-zoning-laws-and-b-s-bureaucracy/comment-page-1/#comment-9459 Wil Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:09:24 +0000 http://small-scale.net/yearofmud/?p=1132#comment-9459 I have been watching you project since early Summer and found that I love it. I wish I had the ability (location and freedom) to build one. Currently I am in the Navy living in San Diego, Ca, so I have limits. But I do have one question concerning you home. What do you do for water? I know that you do not have plumbing and that your roof choice would not lend itself to rain catchment for water use purposes. So how do you get your water? Is it via the ponds, or one of your neighbors? Thanks for your time and viewing your website is a treat. Wil I have been watching you project since early Summer and found that I love it. I wish I had the ability (location and freedom) to build one. Currently I am in the Navy living in San Diego, Ca, so I have limits. But I do have one question concerning you home. What do you do for water? I know that you do not have plumbing and that your roof choice would not lend itself to rain catchment for water use purposes. So how do you get your water? Is it via the ponds, or one of your neighbors? Thanks for your time and viewing your website is a treat.

Wil

]]> By: Jen http://small-scale.net/yearofmud/2009/09/25/building-codes-zoning-laws-and-b-s-bureaucracy/comment-page-1/#comment-9449 Jen Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:46:12 +0000 http://small-scale.net/yearofmud/?p=1132#comment-9449 Here in BC Canada, structures under 100 sq feet don't need a building permit. I went on an ecohome tour during August, where one farm was building their cob 'house' as separate structures, each room being less than 100 sq feet and clustered together. It looked wonderful, every room was cozy and unique. Here in BC Canada, structures under 100 sq feet don’t need a building permit. I went on an ecohome tour during August, where one farm was building their cob ‘house’ as separate structures, each room being less than 100 sq feet and clustered together. It looked wonderful, every room was cozy and unique.

]]> By: Patrick Vanderwyden http://small-scale.net/yearofmud/2009/09/25/building-codes-zoning-laws-and-b-s-bureaucracy/comment-page-1/#comment-9386 Patrick Vanderwyden Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:51:59 +0000 http://small-scale.net/yearofmud/?p=1132#comment-9386 Thank you for your concern about those of us that live in the land of building and zoning laws. I am licky that my neighbors are friendly and green concious. I have been able to go " under the radar " to install solar hot water and solar photovoltaic. I could not have done this if I had to hire a contractor, and get permits. When I am able to retire, I too will be looking for that special place which has liberal building policies, and earth-friendly policies. Until then, I will make the best of my Orlando home, and keep flying low! Thank you for your concern about those of us that live in the land of building and zoning laws. I am licky that my neighbors are friendly and green concious. I have been able to go ” under the radar ” to install solar hot water and solar photovoltaic. I could not have done this if I had to hire a contractor, and get permits.
When I am able to retire, I too will be looking for that special place which has liberal building policies, and earth-friendly policies. Until then, I will make the best of my Orlando home, and keep flying low!

]]> By: Joe Cook http://small-scale.net/yearofmud/2009/09/25/building-codes-zoning-laws-and-b-s-bureaucracy/comment-page-1/#comment-9365 Joe Cook Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:08:18 +0000 http://small-scale.net/yearofmud/?p=1132#comment-9365 I guess these laws intent is to protect homeowners from unscrupulous builders, hazards (electircal, plumbing etc.) but like you say they often limit alternative bldg choices and alternative energy projects- for instance even if you live on a large lot you cannot put up a small wind turbine or use certain bldg styles- for instance I would like to build a concrete monolithic dome http://www.monolithic.com/ but mu community does not allow that- and all the steps to do anything are expensive, time consuming and confusing it forces you to hire a professional to do anything almost, THat is why - I am close to retirement- I am looking to buy land in an area that allows, home style I want, alternative energy (wind solar etc), without too many obstacles. I guess these laws intent is to protect homeowners from unscrupulous builders, hazards (electircal, plumbing etc.) but like you say they often limit alternative bldg choices and alternative energy projects- for instance even if you live on a large lot you cannot put up a small wind turbine or use certain bldg styles- for instance I would like to build a concrete monolithic dome http://www.monolithic.com/ but mu community does not allow that- and all the steps to do anything are expensive, time consuming and confusing it forces you to hire a professional to do anything almost,

THat is why – I am close to retirement- I am looking to buy land in an area that allows, home style I want, alternative energy (wind solar etc), without too many obstacles.

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