Need Your Help to Stop Tiny Houses from being Illegal!


I’m reposting the following announcement from Tiny House Talk. This is serious folks. Proposed HUD regulations could shut down the tiny house movement. The video is from a different source. See link below. Input from Tiny House professionals is especially welcome.

“This is a quick announcement because we need your help to stop tiny houses from becoming illegal per the fed’s new HUD proposal regarding recreational vehicles.

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Code-approved Strawbale Building Systems

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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National Straw Bale Building Code is a Go

“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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Fully LEGAL 252 Sq. Foot Tiny House in Massachusetts

“Derek “Deek” Diedricksen, HGTV/DIY Network host/designer, and host of “Tiny Yellow House”, heads out to Royalston, MA to hang with Chris Haynes. Chris’ house, a mere 252 square feet, is fully permitted, inspected, and legal- not to mention solar! Based off of the “Bodega” plans from the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, Chris made a few alterations to suit his needs, and tastes, and so as to conform to a few codes in Massachusetts.”

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Turtle Island Preserve VICTORY

“Friends, it has been just over a year since Watauga County’s attack on Turtle Island Preserve. With your help, and the help of NC Representatives Chuck McGrady, Jonathan Jordan and Senator Dan Soucek – Houve Bill 774 passed – just in time for summer camp to resume at Turtle Island Preserve. Our buildings are saved! THANK YOU!!!!”

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