Building A Cob Home to Code

I am going to build a cob home within the next couple of years. Not sure where yet. Maybe Arkansas.
But, I am concerned about putting the work into it and then having a problem with the building inspector.
Now, where I live right now in Arkansas, it is very rural and I likely would not have a problem because
nobody might ever come out to inspect. But, the last thing I want to happen is bureaucratic problems
after the home is complete. So, my question is: What are others doing and where are they doing it? Does
anyone have any experience near populated areas and/or in rural areas dealing with the building codes?
Any success in changing the code to include cob? Using engineers to sign off on project? Any input, info
is appreciated.

Rodger Brown : Two books that I know will be very useful for you, Ianto Evans' book The Hand-Sculpted House, and Michael Smith's The Cobbers' Companion.
You could get both books at Cobcottage.com, Your local lending library, Amazon books, or my favorite Alibris books (USED) especially s you have time to play
with !

Besides just asking for help from members, you can go to the top right hand side of this page to the search button in the Permies toolbox between the Permies Banner
and the Permies video of the day! After I click on the search button, I use the Google search engine to look for the subject manner in the Permies files. That seems to
work best for me ! Finally, sometimes like now it will pay dividends for you to look down at the bottom of the page at the Similar Threads section !

Please understand that I have never looked at the 'Cob to Code' Book, but I will probably be seeing if my lending library can get it for me ! Good luck and Keep in
touch !

For the Good of the Craft ! Be safe, keep warm ! As always, your comments and questions are solicited and are Welcome PYRO - Logical Big AL

Whatever county you are in probably has a planning, zoning or building department. Call them up and ask what the procedures are for building a new home. If there is to be inspections, be as detailed as you can with your plans to get an idea of how much resistance you may meet if any.

Roger, you are in the right part of the country. Building inspectors fall into the category of "government regulation", so expect them to be quite lenient in letting you do what you want. Now if you were in California or Nevada, they would make your life miserable even while the plans were being drawn. Just my own experience (and why I'm back in the South).

I hope you are right John.

And, I will call the county inspector and ask. Just wondering about other's experience, good or bad.

Have you taken a workshop yet? Read those books if you haven't yet, then shell out for a week+ workshop. The hands on plus experienced instructor(s) are worth it. I took two last summer, because after reading up i was set to build quick and with fervor! Two workshops was not necessary. Take one, you can get answers to most of your questions and tons of ideas.

Also, i heard alot about codes and officials. You may want to do some more research before talking to any inspectors or officials. Or not, maybe you have. One of the things emphasized a lot at a workshop was creating a good interpersonal relationship with building department and other officials from the beginning based on respect. Often they will be sympathetic to natural building ideals and sincere individuals, especially in looser rural settings . But don't raise any red flags too soon!

I have read The Handsculpted House. But never heard of the The Cobbers Companion. But i think i know who Michael Smith is. I am sure it is good as well. I just wonder about whether the utilities would put power on a pole if i want to live in a small motor home while I work on the house. And then just let me hook up from there and never appear again!

Rodger Brown : Most utilities have what is called a construction hook-up with the land owner 'of record' (usually off of the tax deeds )being the guy responsible for
power used in the builds. I would talk to a friend in Construction before reaching out to the Utilities to learn the language. Also in some areas getting the hook-up
done is harder and more drawn out than the 'cable guy' !

How far are you from the nearest Utility pole ? In some places the State Power Authority would like to see the power brought to you thru under ground electrical
power cables ! They keep track of %s of miles of cable laid and lean on the Electrical Co. to 'do more' and the Electrical Companies Comply ! __it flows down hill !
This came out a little more negative than I intended. Kinda 'It is what it is !' Good Luck ! Happy Cob Dancing !

For the Good of the Craft ! Be safe, keep warm ! As always, comments and questions are solicited and Welcome ! PYRO - LOGICAL Big AL!