Architect w/ container home design experience

[PooLaLa]

Check this out:

http://dornob.com/port-a-bach-modular-pu...iner-home/

[kalakoa]

A residence requires a permit.

Technically, the codes define "habitation", not "residence".

only if no electricity or plumbing is added

The limits of this have not been tested -- low-voltage wiring would be exempt (NEC 70), and a gravity-fed catchment might also be exempt.

I realize a lot of people ignore this

County ignores their own rules whenever it's convenient, so it's both fitting and proper that people ignore County's rules.

[Tink]

The limits of this have not been tested -- low-voltage wiring would be exempt (NEC 70), and a gravity-fed catchment might also be exempt.

So, not to get too confident, photovoltaic (solar) systems are not low voltage if you have an inverter.
If you have panels to a battery, and the battery provides the DC current to the 12 VDC appliance, then it is exempt. If you have panels to an inverter that supplies 110VAC to the appliance, an electrical permit is required.
Also note that DC current is no different than AC current in the fact that it can, and will shock, if nor electrocute you.

Community begins with Aloha

[kalakoa]

an inverter that supplies 110VAC to the appliance, an electrical permit is required

I can purchase a generator and extension cords from Home Depot; is this not "electrical"?

Seriously: have wondered for years exactly where County draws this line.

DC current is no different than AC current

The manner of electrocution is quite different.

[Rob Tucker]

HotinHawaii,

I understand the code. My kits do not include plumbing or electric and are not intended for habitation. They are intended, under the code, as accessory buildings only. They come in sizes of approx. 200 sf, 400 sf and 600 sf. They use zero wood and are priced at $6k, $11.5k and $17.25k respectively. 1-844-288-4200.

[kalakoa]

priced at $6k, $11.5k and 17.25k

Is that "list" or "landed" cost?

[Rob Tucker]

If you mean landed as "landed on the Big Island" it is landed in Hilo.

[Tink]

"The manner of electrocution is quite different."
The end result is the same, but higher threshold values in milliamperes than AC, or house current.
Painful shock is around 62/41mA DC versus 9/6mA AC, being men/women for an example. Unable to let go, resulting in death for extended amperage time is 76/51mA DC and 16/10.5mA AC.
Working in the field, I've had "bee stings", or live 110 AC nick me, to ending up in hospital from 480AC working on and being around live circuits.
It's the amps and your body grounding that does the trick. 220AC in my opinion is the death current, as it grabs you, and holds on. Fortunate for me with the 480AC it knocked me back and stunned me good enough for overnight observation.
Apologies for going astray, but just wanted to pass on electrical safety awareness to those choosing off grid alternatives. Wear gloves!
Rob- do you get around the residence thing by only providing lav/toilet for plumbing, or a lighting circuit for the electrical and they consider them ag use, no separate permit for electrical or plumbing?

Community begins with Aloha

[Rob Tucker]

Sorry Tink,

A typo. I do not include any plumbing or electric.

[kalakoa]

only providing lav/toilet for plumbing, or a lighting circuit for the electrical

Funny how it's illegal for you to hook it up, but they sell all the parts at Home Depot, over the counter, for cash, no contractors' license or ID required...

Rob: pictures? Or was I supposed to PM you about that?