Codes

Code-approved Strawbale Building Systems

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Code-approved post and beam strawbale house. Note tarpaper on wood frame.
Code-approved post and beam strawbale house. Note tarpaper on wood frame.

“The current code approved method for straw bale construction that can resist wind and seismic forces is not shown in the International Residential Code, IRC or the International Building Code, IBC.

However, it is shown as an appendix to some state residential code such as Oregon Residential code, appendix R, Straw-Bale Construction. The provision of this appendix is applicable to single family detached structures and related accessory structures as defined in Section R101.2, utilizing straw-bales in the construction of wall systems. So, if someone wants to build a straw bale home without the need to hire a licensed Engineer or Architect, he/she will need to check with their local building department to see if they have adopted the appendix.

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Federal Judge Rules for Property Rights, Smacks Down Abusive Feds

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“Government's actions … shock the conscience of the Court" Hage family ranch protected from abusive federal agencies
“Government’s actions … shock the conscience of the Court” Hage family ranch protected from abusive federal agencies

The recent story about Cliven Bundy, the rancher in southeast Nevada who’s been harassed by the BLM, is not alone in his fight for land rights. Here’s a story from last year about one of Bundy’s neighbors. The point is to look into the facts instead of making a knee-jerk decision based on mainstream talking points. All the while keep in mind that what happens to these ranchers could very well be coming your way someday if these government agencies are not reined in.

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Government Land Grabs in the News

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Colorado couple fights to save land from eminent domain
Colorado couple fights to save land from eminent domain

Punitive code enforcement problems and federal land grabs are becoming increasingly common. The following land owners thought they owned their land and could use it in the manner they think best. There are many thousands of lots that adjoin nation forests, and countless ranches in remote areas that are similar to the following stories. Are these test cases for future land grabs?

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Judge Declares Living Off-grid Illegal

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Here’s an example of your tax dollars hard at work pursuing a ‘criminal’ who has decided to live off-grid. Truth is, she’s doing nothing ethicly wrong or illegal. The city is just scared s%#&less that thousands of others will start living like her (and who can blame them for wanting to save money and live more sustainably?). I would love to see thousands of people in her city protest this unjustice by unplugging from the system.

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National Straw Bale Building Code is a Go

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“Thankfully, we’ve never had to worry ourselves about local building codes, but there are many, many more folks who regularly struggle with codes when attempting to build a natural home in their area. And so the following news is very welcome, not just for those folks, but for a potential ecological/cultural tidal shift, as well. Earlier in October, an appendix on straw bale building was approved for inclusion in the 2015 International Residential Code for one and two-family dwellings. The IRC is basically the foundation for building codes all across the US. Wow!

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Max, Nebraska: No Local Government

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We often suggest moving to rural areas with few or no building codes to cut housing costs and red tape. This video sums up how one small town in Nebraska operates with no local government. The narrator (McCook’s Mr. Bill or Donze52) tells it like it is.

“More government means less freedom & more taxes – that simple.”

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