[Cob] International Building Code

[Deborah Denmark]

Thanks everyone for your input and the information.

Karen, I did not know about the freecycle groups and the one you recommended is for town of Jacksonville which is nowhere near me BUT now there is one for my county, I opened it yesterday. Thanks!

Lance, thanks for the link, it covers the section on fire safety codes only but it is one link I did not have.

Shannon, thanks for the heads up on possibility that our local department can modify the code, did not know that.  It could turn out to be a good thing.  Especially if I could convince the inspector of a better way than adding asphalt emulsion or concrete.

And, I will check the community college and town libraries to see if they have copies available for checking out or looking at.

Caroline, I asked about looking at the copy at the building department and the woman was rather gruff about it and said "we can't let you look at our copy, we don't have a copy for the public to look at".  I just hope the building inspector is not as hard shelled as that woman was.  I think she was one of the secretaries or something, maybe power hungry because she feels powerless, or just having a rough day, who knows.

I would like to buy the book but one reason cob attracts me is the low cost, because I don't currently have a steady and vigorous income.  Perhaps you could share any cob specific information with us here when you get your copy.

I think specifically at this point, I need to know what the requirements are for the foundation, walls and roof attachment.

However, I am currently working on a 'presentable' plan with as much detail as I can put in.  Then I will go and make an appointment to see the inspector and run the idea by him.

I do know that Kleiworks in Asheville, two counties over from me, has buildings finished and ongoing.  I am hoping to find out what requirements they had to meet.

Amanda, thanks for the info on Taunton Press, but right now, that purchase is not an option either.  Perhaps over the winter when my income usually goes up a little.

Ocean, I seem to have run across the info you posted on stabilizing agents somewhere, and am hoping I can show that they may actually weaken cob instead of making it stronger.  I will not add asphalt emulsion or concrete just on principle.  I don't like either of these, they both are 'dead' feeling.  Hard to explain but I would think many of you understand without an explanation.

I will post more when I get the ball rolling with the inspector.
Thanks again,
Deborah