hobbit dwellings

**Winnie** · 09-16-2009, 06:27 AM

I was just wondering, over here you have to jump through so many hoops, it's almost like the authorities are hoping you'll be put off. The cost is prohibitive too. I have a peice of land(not much, just 1/4 acre) but it's mine and I wanted to build a log cabin or some such on it. The planning process took almost a year and then it was refused because a log cabin is not considered a permanent structure! I hate bearocracy! So I've covered it in trees. If I can't have my log cabin I decided to Pi$$ them off by planting the materials.
I wondered whether there were similar rules in your neck of the woods.

**crashdive123** · 09-16-2009, 06:33 AM

There are. They may not be as prohibitive as you experienced, but there are. Some of it IMO is worthwhile. Homes must be built according to building code. Homes have to be constructed in such a way to help mitigate wind (hurricanes), protect against termites, not be an electrical hazard. That's where the submittal of plans and the inspection process comes in.

**Winnie** · 09-16-2009, 06:55 AM

Thanks Crash

**2dumb2kwit** · 09-16-2009, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by Winnie

I was just wondering, over here you have to jump through so many hoops, it's almost like the authorities are hoping you'll be put off. The cost is prohibitive too. I have a peice of land(not much, just 1/4 acre) but it's mine and I wanted to build a log cabin or some such on it. The planning process took almost a year and then it was refused because a log cabin is not considered a permanent structure! I hate bearocracy! So I've covered it in trees. If I can't have my log cabin I decided to Pi$$ them off by planting the materials.
I wondered whether there were similar rules in your neck of the woods.

I do site work. Mostly, small commercial sites.
From what I've seen, it varies wildly, from place to place. I've seen it from reasonable regulations, to absolutely surreal stupidity!

**Winnie** · 09-16-2009, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by 2dumb2kwit

I do site work. Mostly, small commercial sites.
From what I've seen, it varies wildly, from place to place. I've seen it from reasonable regulations, to absolutely surreal stupidity!

I did wonder if that was the case as you have a state system and each state has it's own rules. Over here the rules are for the whole country. Well lets face England can get lost in some states!

**2dumb2kwit** · 09-16-2009, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by Winnie

I did wonder if that was the case as you have a state system and each state has it's own rules. Over here the rules are for the whole country. Well lets face England can get lost in some states!

Not just states.....each county, and/or city, has it's own set of rules/reg's.

**Winnie** · 09-16-2009, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by 2dumb2kwit

Not just states.....each county, and/or city, has it's own set of rules/reg's.

Good grief!

**canid** · 09-16-2009, 08:28 AM

in the us, i don't believe it's legal to build structurally with cob for any structure to which the building code applies.

everybody i know of who has done so has understanding neighbors and no visits from building inspectors.

**canid** · 09-16-2009, 08:29 AM

i know at least that this is the case with the UBC in the western states, from my research.

**owl_girl** · 09-16-2009, 11:30 AM

there are cob houses in the US so im sure there are places you can build it. i dont think ill hav a prob out in alaska. i probably wont be in a town

**wildWoman** · 09-16-2009, 11:56 AM

Just get the land to build on in an unincorporated area. They don't have anyone to enforce codes. But as Crash pointed out, a lot of stuff in the building codes is worthwhile to incorporate anyway - rafter spacing, roof pitch, wall strength...

Oh and don't make the mistake of building a little guest cabin first...otherwise you might end up as we did and many others living permanently in the wee cabin because it is a pretty time-intensive and often nerve-fraying occupation, to build a house.

**finallyME** · 09-16-2009, 12:34 PM

Have you seen Cody Lundin's house. Fairly similar.

Guests can not see images in the messages. Please register in the forum.

Link

**canid** · 09-16-2009, 11:32 PM

yeah, rural building makes a big difference. most of the people i know who have done this sort of building, and even some wood cabins i know would be condemmed on the spot of an inspecter ever came by, and yet have structurally sound homes of a high quality.

any home subject to the UBC built structurally of cob is illegal. it won't stop an owner builder who wants one.

**Durtyoleman** · 02-14-2010, 06:07 AM

Originally Posted by Pal334

Whats a "hobbit", and is it edible?

Originally Posted by Camp10

I guess...I still would rather fry them and nuke their bacon.

Run Samwise!!! poor little fellers...

D.O.M.

**BENESSE** · 02-14-2010, 11:50 AM

I've stayed in a few of these and was amazed how efficient they were.
Cool in the summer, warm in the winter, with a surprising amount of light coming from the front door/window
and illuminating the areas further in.
http://www.greek-islands.us/santorini/cave-houses/