Understanding building codes??? In particular Linn County Oregon but for other locations as well

So, I've tried going to different county websites to look at building codes\restrictions that would mess with homesteading, but I think I'm looking either in the wrong section of I have no idea on what terminology to look out for.  The "legalese" writing style is making my eyes blur. Any pointers?

Caroline is this what you are looking for?

Linn County codes

Miles Flansburg wrote:Caroline is this what you are looking for?

Linn County codes

Yes and no.  
I've clicked on a few of the codes from that website, but I don't know what specific sections I should study or what should concern me.
I'm awesome at science, but this stuff is really challenging for me.    

Linn Co. has a page of building/zoning handouts in plain English that may help what questions you have, at least in a general sense.

James Whitelaw wrote:Linn Co. has a page of building/zoning handouts in plain English that may help what questions you have, at least in a general sense.

Thank you!!!

Alas, that was exactly what I was looking for, but it's for Linn county in a different state.

There is a thing called the United States building codes.  This are the basic construction standards (must do it this way).  In addition, many localities add requirements based on their area problems - California has earthquake requirements, Florida has hurricane requirements, etc.    I would suggest that you identify were you are and then ask a series of basic questions – foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, out building, etc.   After a few questions & answers, you will begin to learn what you must learn.

I'm an architect and builder. Go to the source. Have a rough idea about what you want to do and go talk to the county folks about it and ask what to worry about. There are zoning codes and building codes (IBC/UBC/RBC). Building codes apply whether you are in town or even if there is no inspection authority. If you don't follow codes and someone gets hurt or it affects the sale of the property later you are liable - the codes are there for your safety. Zoning on the other hand can be a royal pain and is often trendy and somewhat arbitrary relative to what you might want to do. Before you get too far into it run it past the powers that be.

Mark Clipsham wrote:Building codes apply whether you are in town or even if there is no inspection authority. If you don't follow codes and someone gets hurt or it affects the sale of the property later you are liable - the codes are there for your safety.

Good post Mark. This is true. It is also true that in counties without codes (or code enforcement), the building department response is there is no building code (applied/enforced). With respect to natural/alternative building methods, residential codes can be diametrically opposed to the good practices of long successfully established natural methods. It's a balancing act between tradition and appeasing liability.
(Examples that have seen: when it was required to stucco exterior adobes, pour a footer/stem wall for Scoriabag, unnecessary vapor barrier which mechanically decoupled interior masonry render, or include I joist framing/timber posts in a single story strawbale wall. These were code forced by building departments, and unfortunately all four of these cases actually degraded building performance)
There is junk built without code, and with code. The real problem for me here is that there are conflict in sections of the codes when translating to methods divergent of typical stick framing and typical masonry. Follow what you have to, so they don't bulldoze your dirt house into Oblivion. Sorry if that's off topic, I must be in a mood.

You are preaching to the choir - I build with monolithic SIPs made with grain bins (See dream green homes). I use structure foam for the insulation - this system would take a hit from a truck but the city always wants it engineered - doesn't cost them anything to say that - even the engineers don't really get the system and all spend too much time in court over structural failures. Grain bins are strong to begin with then you add a second one plus 2# structure foam - I am certainly not putting anyone at risk in fact they are far safer in these structures than traditionally built homes. If it is different it freaks them out. For now I build in the country - following codes of course but without the interference of officials trying to justify their jobs at my expense. Best wishes.

Paul has talked about this many times before, and every time I read one of the these "How to Beg my master for permission" type posts, I simply question their perceived status.
Are these supposedly free humans asking these questions, or slaves? And I am not an advocate of kicking the bee hive, just to see if you can get away with it either. But you have to be willing to stand up for yourself, and not just roll over and say oh, "they won't let me".
So let me briefly summarize what he has said, (best recollection anyhow)  and then those with further questions ask Paul.

Now forgive me if I get something out of order, but he basically said: Post the property "Absolutely No Trespassing", Install a big locked gate, and preferably also fence your property, install security cameras, big dogs are also an additional deterrent.  And if at all possible place whatever you are building out of sight from the road, even if that means perhaps building a very large huglekulture  or dirt berm, or whatever specifically to block the view. And now, if you are wearing your free human pants, and have retired your slave wear, then you simply build or do whatever you want on your own property.

And then the post gets flooded with cry's of "You can't do that" and, but what do you do when (pick an evil state worker drone or dept.) comes knocking and says that you are out of compliance or whatever.

And I believe the situation then goes like this: The property is Posted, Fenced, and with a locked gate, so how in the world can anyone make, let alone prove any claim against you...? But what if they climbed over the gate and come in and take pictures anyhow, am I still screwed...? Remember those security cameras? Do you have video proof that they trespassed on your properly posted, fenced and gated property....and you should. The attorney will have a field day with that, and I believe they call that the fruit of the poisonous tree. So for the state worker drone to actually be working within "Their" corrupt system, he/she would actually have to go to a judge and get a search warrant. Lots of luck on that if it is just for an attempt to prove a simple code violation. (code is Not law btw) For a judge to dismiss the bill of rights, on the whim of a code enforcer would be quite a stretch, and one that most judges would not want to even touch.

And I believe the general consensus is that if you properly and legally deny the creeps physical access, there is not much else they can do, and they will have no choice but to leave you alone. Or they might try something else if you rub their noses in it, so be cool, be low profile, but be absolute.

Of course if Paul's view on allowing the enemy to freely come and go on your own land has changed, I would like to hear his current view on the subject.

Adam Smith,

You and everyone else is free to choose whatever actions you may, and break any rules, laws, codes. Know that there is a long known history of consequences, legal or physical. That is reality, not idealism.

Ask yourself:
Who may want to get a permit so that they may sell a house in the future?
Who has the more powerful legal resources?
Who has more legal precedent?
Who has satellites, bulldozers, an army?
How'd Waco end? Ruby ridge?
I just watched a man chain himself to his roof as the authority held guns at him and the crane lifted his home away.

I have also read too many sad stories of people's homes destroyed. There are many cases where people's homes were bulldozed, burned, shot at, etc. because of laws/codes.

There are many counties and areas without building permits.

But if you refuse to leave a heavily controlled area with zoning laws and building codes, know there are many alternative non code compliant builds stamped by an engineer.

Authority is perceived a quite clearly once imprisoned, or white watching one's house being demolished.

Locks, gates, fences, dogs and cameras mean little in war.

Denying authority permission access is typically meet with warrants. Quite common and very speedily.

Few judges buck legal precedent. After all, upholding legal precedent is their job.

None of this is idealistic.

Feel free to wear your free human pants, but know what that entails.

This is Paul's house, let him speak for himself white at home. What are YOUR thoughts Adam Smith?



"Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.
It is up to you to give [life] a meaning."
-Sartre

Codes are there for your and the public's protection and backed up with law and lawyers - even decades after the fact. Don't sabotage your future with headstrong ideas. Over zealous and ego driven code officials are another story. Follow the codes when they apply and safety is the issue. The spirit of the law (more important than the letter of the law) says that if there is no compelling reason for a person to do something than they shall not be forced to do so if it results in less enjoyment of their property, which they shall be secure in. Zoning laws can be arbitrary in this regard and most cities and counties feel their codes supersede the constitution in this respect - have their attorney review. Constitution trumps local law. I view everything as evidence - how would your actions be perceived in court? If you can't defend them don't do them.