Building Code Resources

Article Tools
Bookmark and Share
Getting a building permit for an alternative building project will take some research and personal involvement with local building officials who have the authority to approve alternative materials, designs and methods of construction.

RELATED CONTENT



To improve the chances of success when submitting your application for an alternative building project, include references to similar projects that have been granted building permits and are located as close to yours as possible.

You can find supportive information from the following Web sites:

Green Home Building
Development Center for Appropriate Technology
Ecological Building Network
Smart Communities Network

Comments

  • JONATHAN wise 12/20/2006 12:00:00 AM

    In England you need a structural engineer who is willing to
    think outside outside the box, if necessary, to check loads,
    compressive and breaking strengths,etc. We have building control
    who need to be consulted for official building projects. They check
    adherence to building codes. You can download those. The
    combination of those two and yourself will determine your success,
    together with any other transferable skills brought to the
    project.

  • WINTER Star 12/6/2006 12:00:00 AM

    Getting alternative bldgs permitted sometimes requires adapting
    existing code descriptions to the unusual bldgs.; ie; a Monolithic
    Dome is a "ferro-cement" bldg.; a $50 Underground House might fit
    under description of 4-square mining supports; and Earthbag bldg.
    might fit under compacted earth bldg.Currently, Codes have no
    classification for "zero-discharge" waste systems. Travesty! These
    do not pollute ground like regular septics do!Could these slide in
    under combo of composting toilets and constructed
    wetlands?

  • WINTER Star 12/6/2006 12:00:00 AM

    Counties that lack an on-board engineer well versed in
    alternative systems or bldgs. will knee-jerk react to refuse
    permits on alternatives, even if they are described in Code / legal
    otherwise.Your job is to have enough substantive data and ability
    to answer all questions satisfactorily to get them to permit what
    you want. If you cannot do that, get someone who can help you do
    it.Another route:learn what size/ parameters constitute a "no
    permit" bldg., and fit your alternative bldg[s] to that.

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
Last Name: *
Address: *
City: *
State/Province: *
Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.