I’ve been doing a series of articles recently on the best places to live in North America that have few or no building codes. I’m asking readers to send us their recommendations. Today’s article is the fifth installment of the series. I suggest moving to an area with minimal building codes to greatly reduce the cost of construction as well as escape many of the problems in urban areas such as high taxes and crime. For more on this topic, see Counties with Few or No Building Codes
Codes
How We’re Living In Our Tiny Home LEGALLY
Derek from Life Inside a Box channel explains how he and Hannah live legally in their tiny home in Cochise county, Arizona. Note how building codes vary from county to county and what they’re doing is not legal everywhere, so you have to research the requirements where you live.
Areas With Few or No Codes: East Tennessee
Message from a reader: “Just wanted to add my experience as an example if it helps someone (not selling anything). I bought 75 acres in Blaine, Tennessee (20 minutes east of Knoxville) back in 2014 for $146K. Rural, forest and hills, 4 seasons, but close enough to bigger cities. No building codes. TN has no state income tax. I pay around $100 a year for property tax because it is designated as “greenbelt.” The surrounding counties are the same and are very open to alternative building.
Few or No Building Codes in Rockcastle County, Kentucky
“Just wanted to chime in that we (Joana, Michael & Loren) are building in Rockcastle County, Kentucky and there are no building codes or regulations. We asked at the courthouse where the building regulations department was when we were thinking about buying the piece of property we are currently building on….they said with a certain measure of pride “Do you see a codes and regulations department in this courthouse? The people don’t want it!”
Lenient Building Codes in Upstate NY
Great news for natural builders and homesteaders in New York — from Bill, one of our readers. Is it just me or does there seem to be a growing number of areas with more reasonable building requirements?
Reduced to Rubble: Secret Tudor Castle Demolished
“Just a few months ago it was one of the most impressive houses in its particular corner of Surrey. Now, after a bitter nine-year planning battle, all that remains of Robert Fidler’s dream home is rubble.