Yurt living? other "allowables"

[lizh]

Hi Gang - I sure hope I have the right place in the forum to ask these questions - I've been interested in the shannondale community for some time but have some questions about what's allowable.
Can you put up and live in a yurt on one's land in the community? If not a yurt what about a camper? Are there permits and fee one must know about in this case.
Do you have to have septic/well - assuming one prefers a composting toilet and fresh water catchment?

If this is not doable in the Shannondale community is there a community in area that would welcome this life style? Ultimately I want to build a cob/strawbale house, but alas.... baby steps. Also I would welcome positive and constructive thoughts and suggestions on the above subject. I should also say I am writing a book on simple and affordable living for everyone. Thanks so much for your help in this matter.
Liz

[SeanEpperson]

I understand that a strawbale has been made in the area, but I have no information regarding a yurt. Sorry.

[Wormdoc]

Lizh, a warm welcome to the forum.

The Friends Wilderness Center (right here in our own backyard!!) has a yurt that people can stay in. You might want to contact them...they might have some good info. Also, if you haven't been there, it's a really cool place. Here's the website: http://www.friendswilderness.org/

[LazerFlash]

Welcome, Liz.
Ultimately I want to build a cob/strawbale house...I know of a local who builder who has some experience with straw bale building techniques, although I don't think he's built anything in Shannondale. PM me if you want his name.

[OzGirl]

My understanding is that 'temporary housing' i.e. dwellings without a septic system, well, electricity etc., is not allowed in 'community locales' - otherwise we'd be classified as a campsite community vs rural residential - however if you could get some acreage oustide of a "community" you'd probably be able to get away with no well and septic until a more permanent structure were put in place.

[KatherineA]

I believe that there are people getting away with that around . . . I just wouldn't make a big huge announcement about it . . ..

[Willis]

...Can you put up and live in a yurt on one's land in the community? If not a yurt what about a camper? Are there permits and fee one must know about in this case.
Do you have to have septic/well - assuming one prefers a composting toilet and fresh water catchment?

...
Liz

Liz, in the S'dale Subdivision community, camping is prohibited by deed restrictions.

http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz186/willisnowell/SBorg/ShannondaleCovenants.jpg

I'm no lawyer, but it's my understanding that though there is no formal entity enforcing the restrictions, civil action could be brought by another against a person thought to be in violation of the limitations(within reason-obviously the race restriction WAAAY out in left field nowadays).

As far as composting toilets (e.g.Clivus Multrum) are concerned, health department regulations require a full sized septic tank/soil absorption system to accommodate gray water estimated for a conventional household/business. A well site would have to be designated and meet minimum standards. A codicil to the deed would be required noting use of an alternate means of sewage disposal. There are composting toilets in use in Jefferson County.

Someone has mentioned the The Friends Wilderness Center) which is a division of the Rolling Ridge Foundation (http://www.rollingridge.net/index.cfm?action=about_us.display_slideshow&slideshowid=7) situated at the end of Mission Rd. It may be they would be interested in a "Demonstration Project". All means of sewage disposal requires Health Department approval.


I believe that there are people getting away with that around . . . I just wouldn't make a big huge announcement about it . . ..
LOL:), KatA is correct. I don't think that any agency has the manpower to go lot to lot/door to door asking for permits. However, if someone were to establish a facility that skirted health/zoning/covenants and a complaint was lodged, corrective action could be costly.

For the record, my personal preferences align with onsite sewage disposal and the composting toilet, coupled with adequate gray water management, is one method (albeit a tad labor intensive) that seems to me to be ecologically sound.

For chapter and verse, the first contact would prolly be the Health Dept. at 304-728-8415 and ask for Bill Zaleski. Welcome to the forums.

[LFE]

I would like to think that one of the county offices would have some info available on the subject.
Most developments have restrictions, however there is lots of open land around.

[sidhe]

I've thought seriously about investing in a composting toilet for several reasons... one being loss of water during power outages. And better for the enviorment....... need to study more though.

[LFE]

Water for flushing is normally not that big of a problem... however if you are looking for an alternative to flushing, consider buying a DESTROLIET:
http://www.epa.gov/OWM/mtb/incinera.pdf

[sidhe]

Thanks, never heard of that one. One more thing to study.

[Kensey]

Liz, in the S'dale Subdivision community, camping is prohibited by deed restrictions.

I think a good case can be made, though, that all or most of those deed restrictions are legal nullities at this point since they refer to entities that no longer exist. In that case, the county zoning and health ordinances would control.