Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 30, 2000 06:50am | #10

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   I remember reading a few years ago that California had instituted something called "Alternative Building Codes" so that you could build any way you want, every five years or something, for your own residence. Has anyone built this way? Are other states adopting this idea? Thanks - Jim

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 11, 2000 05:30pm | #1

   *Jim. All three model building codes, includinbg the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, have a section called Alternative Methods and Materials. They read essentially the same: It is not the intent of the code to prohibit the use of alternative methods and materials provided they are equal or superior to code minimums. Alternative are permitted as long as one documents their adequacy. Hope this helps. GeneL.

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   Guest_ | Jun 11, 2000 06:03pm | #2

   *Hey Gene - maybe I'm mixing up memories, but I thought I remembered that if you got a permit under this "ABC" you could pretty much build at your own discretion without concern for what prevailing codes required. But there were limits how often you could build this way, say once every 5 years or so, and it had to be for your own dwelling, you couldn't sell it for a certain time. I guess I'll have to try to dig it out from past issues of FHB. Thanks for the reply though.

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   Guest_ | Jun 11, 2000 08:51pm | #3

   *Jim:When you find the answer on whether the exemption exists and where please post it.

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   Guest_ | Jun 12, 2000 07:36am | #4

   *Yeah well, try building with straw bale CA, you'll find out in a hurry how friendly the folks at B&P can be. It's like, nope, can't do it, never heard of that.

2. 
   Guest_ | Jun 13, 2000 06:08am | #5

   *Found it Fred. FHB issue 69, pages 38-43. Great lookin' house. Anyway, I had the letters wrong, it's "A.O.B." for "The Alternative Owner Builder Permit". I'm not sure what constitutes plagerism, so I won't say too much, but on page 39 the author explains that this type permit was instituted in 1984 after the public outcry against government intervention in how folks built their own homes. The only things inspected are "...sewage disposal, plumbing, wiring, and any conditions that directly endanger health and safety." Seems like they can do whatever they want structurally. It might just apply in Humbolt County (wherever that is). They give this reference - "For more information on the A.O.B. permit, contact United Stand (a helpful citizen's group) at P.O. Box 2642, McKinleyville, Calif. 95521."

3. 
   Guest_ | Jun 16, 2000 05:00pm | #6

   *Jim. When a town or city adopts one of the 4 model building codes, it may change the code to suit its needs. However, th at modified code is not legal in nay other town. Always remember, the local code official calls the shots. GeneL.

4. 
   no_glue | Jun 19, 2000 08:04pm | #7

   *Guys I dont know much about tileing but I want to put ceramic tile in my bathroom. A contractor friend of mine told me that I could put ceramic tile right over the existing sheet vinyl with out useing cement board if the sheet vinyl was in good condition. I dont know what do guys think.

5. 
   Guest_ | Jun 28, 2000 08:52am | #8

   *Hello Jim,yeah, I'm helping a friend build his home in Mendocino, CA with the "alternative building code". It may seem too good to be true, but actually some jurisdictions thrust common sense above the tangle of beauracracy that grows in government buildings. Not much to say- we submit plans, they look for obvious errors, make suggestions and put a fat red stamp on it that says they are indemnified if anything goes wrong. All permit fees are the same and the tax collector is notified. We get permits without a hassle and they get the taxes- everybody's happy!We hired an engineer to look at our plans, but he would not stamp it since no inspectors are required to check progress. Instead, he charged a small consulting fee and we used the saved money to beef up the structure all around. Win-win again.

6. 
   Guest_ | Jun 30, 2000 05:16am | #9

   *I could make the argument that every piece of the homebuilding process directly affects "health and safety" but I guess this is one of those areas where the owners are not protected from themselves and it's won't hurt anyone unless they have company over or perhaps dependant children, etc etc.Don't think for a minute that building to current codes will guarantee "health and safety" either!!-Rob

7. 
   Guest_ | Jun 30, 2000 06:50am | #11

   *Hey teo - you get those windows you wanted?