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Library · Guides

Before you build

Field notes on permits and codes, and plain explanations of how things work. These are starting points for a conversation with your building department, not legal advice.

Field Notes

Is it legal? Natural building and the code

A plain guide to model-code appendices for cob, straw bale and tiny houses, and why an appendix existing is not the same as your town allowing it.

The feasibility ladder

  1. EstablishedMainstream practice with standard code provisions
  2. Code path existsA model-code appendix covers it, if your jurisdiction adopts it
  3. Case by casePossible with an engineer or an official's approval
  4. ExperimentalFew documented long-term results
  5. HistoricalDocumented for what it teaches, not as a recommendation