Cob: Regulations

[Shannon C. Dealy]

On Thu, 20 Jul 2000, Tami Blaylock wrote:

[snip]
> My other concern is how likely will it be that I will actually be
> "allowed" to build a cob structure in my back yard? I am right in the
> middle of a heavily populated residential area, so I doubt I would be
> able to "get away with" building without obtaining  permits, etc.  Of

It generally depends on the size and type of structure, a garden wall in
most parts of the country probably would not require a permit, or at most
might require a permit for building a fence.  Fence permits in the cases
I've seen have no structural requirements, just property line set back and
height restrictions.  Small garden sheds of less than 120 square feet at
the eaves of the roof and less than 10 feet tall usually do not require
any permits in most areas, though you should always check with the local
building department to be sure.  I have a small write up on ways some
people deal with the building code and natural buildings at:

   http://www.deatech.com/natural/articles/code_alternatives.html

> course I will contact my local building inspections departments, but I
> was just curious as to others' experiences with building in densely
> populated areas and dealing with the authorities. Is this a situation
> where it is easier to ask forgiveness than get  permission? Or is that a
> risky attitude?  I would love to hear your stories.

It is very risky to build without a permit if one is required, if the
building department should find out (perhaps from a bored busy-body
neighbor), they can and often will make you tear it down.

Shannon C. Dealy      |               DeaTech Research Inc.
dealy at deatech.com     |          - Custom Software Development -
                      |    Embedded Systems, Real-time, Device Drivers
Phone: (800) 467-5820 | Networking, Scientific & Engineering Applications
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