Best Places to Live with Minimal Building Codes: Lewis County, TN

Lewis County, TN has minimal building codes
Lewis County, TN has minimal building codes

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

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Few or No Building Codes in Rockcastle County, Kentucky

Beautiful Rockcastle County, Kentucky
Beautiful 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!”

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Lenient Building Codes in Upstate NY

Upstate New York
Upstate New York

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?

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Minimal “Owner-Built Code” in Cochise County, Arizona

Beautiful Cochise County, Arizona
Beautiful Cochise County, Arizona

Hi Owen, I plan to build in Cochise County, Arizona and they have what they call an “Owner Built” building permit program (for rural residential dwellings) that does not require regular inspections, etc. Owners can build pretty much anything they want as long as they apply, and pay for, a permit. After that there are no inspections or approvals.

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Best Places to Live with Minimal Building Codes: Idaho County

Idaho County has no building codes, just septic and electric permits needed
Idaho County has no building codes, just septic and electric permits needed

I’ve been planning a series of articles on the best places to live in North America that have few or no building codes — places that are ideal for homesteaders to build their sustainable home out of natural materials. I’m asking readers to send us their recommendations. Today’s article is the first installment of the series.

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