No Certificate of Occupancy sneakiness

I can't get a certificate of occupancy here in Ohio unless I have a septic system, furnace etc. I was thinking I could get a permit to build a small 1000 square foot building. It could be considered a barn in their eyes. Build it to code with proper footers etc. I can get electric service to the structure if they consider it a barn type structure. After it is finished and the code folks sign off and leave, then I could add the composting toilet, rocket mass heater etc and live in it. Here is my question. What happens if they find out I am living there? How could the code folks "make me sad"? Would the county auditor get involved? Is there a differerent tax evaluation on an property that is occupied and one that is not? Any ideas on what my chances are on trying to live the simple life without getting harrassed? Also, how can they prove that I live there as opposed to just stay there occasionally? Thanks for any help.

Adam Moore : As soon as you get a copy of your building permit the tax assessor gets a copy, so they will be dropping by, in most states you can tell them that they can only
inspect the outside of the building, but they can show up anytime and they can report you to your code enforcement officer ! Big AL

That's a good tip, thanks Al!

Some areas will not issue a mailing address until a certificate of occupancy has been issued.
You might need to rent a PO Box.

Using a post office box would be a hassle but I'd be willing to do it.

What Mamma don't know don't hurt mamma none.
How often does a city/county official actually come by?
How easy is it to cover windows and lock doors?
Trasspassing is a crime if you post it. Every 50 feet around your perimiter
Locked gates cause breaking and entering offenses. Only the fire department and the sherrif can bypass. Everyone else has to get permission to pass.
So it becomes a matter of what is not seen is not known.
What stops you from making a concealed basement?
Interesting.
have a great day.

If they really want to make you sad, they will evict you or jail you for squatting on your own land (no occupancy permit) or for improper waste disposal (no septic). Petty tyrants are very dangerous...

It might be more productive to actually research what the regulations are in your specific location, rather than asking for advice from people who are not familiar with your local regulations and what they require.

This kind of regulation varies enormously from municipality to municipality and experience in one may be worse than useless in another.

Peter you make a very good point. Reasearch is worth more than gold, if it saves you time from the dungeons HAR!