UBC (Universal Building Code)

[dankonefal]

Went to the jurisdiction where I'm buying land and met the staff of the code enforcement office at the municipal building to discuss permits and other relevant topics. Made a comment that I wanted to build a building for tools and miscellaneous things and about the 200 sq. ft. limit that the UBC allows. Surprisingly, one of the staff volunteered that the 200 sq. ft. limit had been recently increased to 1000 sq. ft. Wow! Blew my mind! Almost eliminates the need for building permits and plans. Has anyone heard else heard the same thing? Not that I need verification, but this sounds almost too good to be true.

[Timber]

Well I hope you explain more about this. Is that just for a non residental structure or what? If it is UBC then that is everywhere right? hope so

Ron/got land going to class/ looking at trees

[Basil]

In a lot of rural areas (here included) you can build all kinds of things without building permits, so long as you are not building it for human residency. Barns, storage buildings, sheds, etc. Until recently (IOW after I started building) if you had more than 10 acres and it was used as a farm you could build your own house on the land and not get a permit, but all electrical had to be inspected.

[GENE13]

In Knox county where we live you can build anything you want, the only thing required is an electrical and plumbing (including septic tank) inspection, if they pass it doesn't matter how or what you build. If you live within the city limits then it's a different story and you have to get permits and follow code. :-)

[dankonefal]

I'm going to be talking to the code people again this week. Will be investigating the UBC limitations when I meet up with them as far as the residency question. Ellsworth and Steve were right when they said that the code people are generally friendly and helpful. It was right on the money. Same with the permit people. They were very supportive with their "oohs" and "aahs" when I said I was planning on building a log home. Permit fees are $5 per $1,000 of estimated cost of construction. Not too bad. Also, check out the craigslist "free" section. I'm getting 49 free evergreen trees for free! Freakin' amazing! They're from 6' to 12'. I got 19 out of the ground, transplanted and am aiming to get the remainder this week.

[SteveSch]

In Knox county where we live

Is that Knox County Tennessee?

Steve