codes and zoning on the lab?

Are there any? Seems not, but I thought I would ask! This is certainly going to be an interesting site!

Another question; what happens if local government decides to impose codes, zoning, etc?

Sort of related...

Here is a case in point of Paul's desire to keeping all things squeaky clean and above board:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/15/texas-swat-team-conducts-_n_3764951.html

This happened roughly a year ago, and since then government has become no less "enthusiastic" in their search for (cough revenue cough) illegal activities.

Even the IRS is on the civil forfeiture bandwagon with reports of citizens having bank accounts seized without any charges being laid.

Just being an intentional community is a threat to an increasingly paranoid and irrational bureaucracy. They will roll tanks through your front door for no reason, so best not give them one least they get carried away with their army surplus toys.