Building Code Resources

September/October 2005
Kaki Hunter and Donald Kiffmeyer 
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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.

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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
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  • 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.

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