We've all been there before. You make plans, then prepare to implement them only to find an unexpected road block(s). Our plan to not install a septic system has been thwarted... our hopes have been dashed (I've always wanted to use that word). Initially, the county building inspector told us the only way to get around not requiring a septic system is if we build a structure that's no more than 150 sq ft. This was a little smaller than we had hoped for but we could work around it by incorporating a loft for our bed thereby freeing some space downstairs. Well, when we went to submit our application we were informed that any dwelling, regardless of size, must have a septic system. Apparently the building inspector (who recently replaced the previous inspector) had not read the code correctly.
So, what to do? Do we continue living in a tent out of principle? Do we build and not get a permit? Or do we comply with the rules? We've chosen the latter. We're not about to break the law nor are we dying to live in a tent for the rest of our lives. So the decision wasn't difficult... well, with the exception of an extra $2000-3000 expense we weren't expecting. With this decision we'll go back to our original plan of a 200-300 sq ft cabin but still incorporate the loft. That coupled with a good sized porch should provide us with adequate living space. Onward we march.
2 comments:
Is a septic tank required if you stay in a tent? Would a yurt qualify as a tent? I've seen some very nice ones. But then again, they probably don't keep critters out of the kitchen.
Yurts made in Floyd, VA ->
http://www.blueridgeyurts.com/
Tom, I believe that if we stayed in the tent we could possibly get out of doing the septic; however, a yurt would require one. In fact you have to get a building permit for a yurt. Our local paper lists approved building permits, and one of them was a yurt.
We've seen the yurts that Blue Ridge Yurts offers. They have a couple of models in front of their office.
Post a Comment