This is a page to contribute your knowledge of building codes and permits around the world. If you have information for earthbag, strawbale, yurts, cob homes, cabins, or any other sort of natural building for your region, please share it in a comment below. For example, in Turkey you can currently still get away with building a small eco home off-grid if you are discreet and don't aggravate your neighbours. You can put a yurt almost anywhere apart from national parks and protected wildlife spots. On agricultural plots or olive groves you are allowed to build a small shed like structure (usually 3% of the land size) though you can no longer connect to mains or water supplies in most cases. If you have a residential plot, you can obtain a permit for an earthbag house (not sure about strawbale), though you will need it approved by an architect. The speed and availability of such permits largely depends on the local authority, the mood of the official and the presence of friends in the right places to grease the wheels. All the information offered on this page is for guidance ONLY. Obviously you need to research carefully before investing or building, as rules are liable to change at the drop of a hat. When commenting, add the name of your country or region at the top of the post to make it easier to flick through later.
30 Comments
Connie
2/22/2016 08:53:38 am
California, USA
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Atulya
2/22/2016 03:53:57 pm
Cheers Connie!
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There is the hub of earthbag building not far from you in Hesperia, CA. See www.calearth.org
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Atulya
2/24/2016 02:25:27 pm
Great info Kaliya. Thanks.
I live in California and have never heard that statement that off the grid houses are illegal.
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Atulya
5/7/2016 11:52:44 am
Yes, I think there have been a lot of rumours spread via the media, (perhaps true in certain areas,or counties, I'm not sure) that it's impossible to build off grid, or naturally. I found the same prevailing belief in the UK . People have the impression natural building is illegal, and it might have been a certain time, or in a particular situation, but people are now selling strawbale houses there legally.
Chimonger
8/10/2022 04:09:19 pm
The name of that game, is “covert”.
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Josephine
2/22/2016 11:05:01 am
New Zealand
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Atulya
2/22/2016 03:55:43 pm
Yes, it's so unfortunate, but many permits require concrete foundations. It's utter nonsense, but I do believe it will change eventually.
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Sharon
2/23/2016 08:15:26 pm
South Africa
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Atulya
2/24/2016 02:26:54 pm
Super information there about the 'agrement' board, thanks!
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Ed Hoffman
2/23/2016 08:52:35 pm
Atulya,
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Atulya
2/24/2016 02:27:34 pm
Cheers Ed. Yes keep us up to date!
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WinterStar
3/12/2016 06:43:39 pm
Please check with the County there. Our county, also PNW, like many other counties, tweak the UBC to their liking.. for instance:
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Ed
3/12/2016 09:27:55 pm
I appreciate all the information and advise. To tell you the truth, buildings at just under 200 sq ft in the area I'm in are extremely common. One does have to be careful about lofts and upper floors because that square footage is included in the 200sq ft maximum to build without a permit. I have spent time getting to know the codes and the permit requirements. They seem fairly easy to get along with where I am, as long as you let them know what you are doing. 2/25/2016 11:16:49 am
Morocco is where I will build my mud home. They already use this form of building in the south. Mud brick is the preferred way there.
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Atulya
3/13/2016 01:43:41 am
Very much looking forward to following your progress on that Kritzlynn.
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WinterStar
3/12/2016 05:57:59 pm
Permitting is usually per County, not State.
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Ed
3/12/2016 09:39:33 pm
That's funny, but that is exactly what I'm going to do.
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Atulya
3/13/2016 01:42:43 am
Thanks for your wisdom WinterStar, you really are a trove of knowledge on this matter. Your comments are much appreciated.
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WinterStar
3/13/2016 02:46:50 pm
Glad to share information.
Muriel Kakani
3/29/2016 02:37:38 am
In India, if you have land, you are free to build a mud house. India has a fascinating diversity of mud houses. Sadly, only poor people live in mud houses. And for them, the concrete house is therefore a status symbol. Fortunately, nowadays, more and more alternative people and communities are shifting back to mud houses. Vanvadi is one such community. Going there next week 😊
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Atulya
3/29/2016 02:47:17 am
Thanks Muriel. Fascinating info.
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WinterStar
4/23/2016 10:17:19 am
I've heard from some people, what has worked for them...results may vary...
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ATulya
5/6/2016 03:13:47 am
Really interesting post Winter, and I completely agree with you, It is up to us to play the system, rather than huddle like sheep and let it play us. The rules are always slow to catch up, but they do catch up eventually. I have exactly the same policy regarding codes. Be creative, stay low profile and get on with your neighbours:))
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Ed
5/6/2016 05:14:01 pm
WinterStar
5/7/2016 03:41:52 pm
It has been kind of amazing to have observed that Code rules change over time; what influences those changes how, and where. 8/5/2022 11:36:24 am
I really enjoy reading your posts where I can get such useful information. Thanks for all your advice. It’s invaluable!
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is available from The MUD website for earthbag building and sustainable living. "A wonderful heart-tugging story." Dr Owen Geiger, the Natural Building Blog.
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