Cob building

[Kaixin]

its an accessory structure under 600sqft on ag so didnt need any, dont know too much about the permit process other than its a sore loss of time , are you building here oink?

[Rob Tucker]

And what is the intended use of this accessory structure?

[MarkP]

Given that I have opted to spare the county the burden of permitting my converted shipping container, I am not here to throw stones, but in the interest of full disclosure, it is my understanding that the whole "doesn't need a permit" deal on ag structures below a certain size only flies if there is another permitted structure on site. I'm guessing you didn't go that route. Might as well make it whatever size you want in that case.

[Kaixin]

multi-purpose room/area for now

[Rob Tucker]

Kaixin, While I appreciate what you are trying to do, and it can be artful, from what I see in the photo you are building a disaster waiting to happen. This structure should not be used for human habitation. Take a look at the Philippines right now for ten thousand examples of how shoddy construction performs... and how people die from it.

Relying on AG zoning allowing up to 600 sf structures is abusing the code. Such structures are not to be for human occupation and must be tied to actual agricultural efforts. An ongoing construction abuse, which I am not accusing you of, involves good (maybe) intentions putting up dangerous structures and renting them out to the unsuspecting. That type of slumlordism is criminal in my book.

I think you need to think hard about what you are doing.

[Kaixin]

Seeing as the only thing thats showing are few posts up of an uncompleted design you havent seen Rob, thats kind of a rude and assumptive statement to make. Safety does come first to me, as its intended for personal use and as far as i know im not suicidal, if you look at any of the philippine typhoon photos the homes are a lot closer to the thin plantation style housing that many people live in here.

and since its on a farm.. I would call it far from abuse. Thanks for watching out for the neighborhood, but i got no intentions of renting sheds out to people as a 240sqft unit isnt a great long-term income plan in my opinion. ;p

im sure youre intentions are good...so ill thank you for the free advice anyway

[rainyjim]

Kaixin, fwiw, I think what you are doing is a great idea!

It's obvious to many that the laws and restrictions are more focused on maintaining the balance of power than in maintaining your safety...my favorite example is the no seat-belts on school buses.

I would love to continue seeing photos of the process as you get further into your construction.

I think it is very important to seek new methods of home building through experimentation and good documentation is necessary to facilitate the process those who follow in your footsteps.

[Kaixin]

hi mark, yes im aware of the existing structure for accessories and the property we are currently on does. But permits to me are mostly for mortgages, insurances or if you intend to sell/rent the house so with your container doesnt seem necessary i wouldve done the same, do you have any photos of it??

thanks jim ! im going to try and document the process , it should turn out interesting if anything true about those buses, but im also happy to know there are a lot of folk pushing for alternative building methods around here

[Rob Tucker]

How a structure begins lends itself to how that structure will end but I won't bother you any more about it and I will wish you the best. I am prepared to be surprised and invite you to change my mind.

[Kaixin]

Honestly if i looked at that photo Rob i would be thinking the same thing as you, but because im adding materials as they become available im not working in the traditional steps, such as completing the foundation before adding the frame. May seem a bit backwards and wouldnt be possible for many designs but i once worked on a log house that was completed then lifted with hydrauluc hand pumps and put stone/concrete foundation and it looked crazy but turned out quite fine