Permitting a yurt

[hierony]

Ahem. I believe the "Membrane Structures" section of the International Building code would apply to yurts, if you'd like a fancier name than 'yurt'.

[Jafo]

I have to say it is most likely going to be considered a tent. I doubt you will get far haggling the definition of the structure. Chances are, your best best is in the deed. I find it hard to believe a deed says absolutely not tents under any circumstances. I would more likely believe it says there can be no tents set up as a residence.

This is definitely interesting. I too live in the Adirondacks and would love to hear the final outcome of this.

[Bob Rowlands]

membrane structure lol

Agree with Jafo on this. No tents as residence seems most likely. Comb your deed.

[HawaiiYurts]

No, actually, a yurt is not a tent. Tents can not withstand 80+ mph winds. A tent has framework but not an infrastructure that meets residential codes, which yurt frames do. A yurt is simply covered with a softer material than typical residences. And it is a tension structure, which is a whole other ball of wax.

My advice is to not ever let someone call a tent a yurt without correcting that statement. Otherwise you're perpetuating a false impression of yurts and adding fuel to the anti-yurt fire.

An anti-tent clause should not affect a yurt whatsoever. We have fought it in Hawaii with very little effort. Foundations are the key: Is your foundation permanent? Is it to local codes? The yurt, if it is made by a reputable manufacturer who has their engineering in order, should be the easy part.

Over and Out.

Melissa

[carl]

Hi,

does anyone have an example of a permit to permanently live in a yurt? or point me in the direction where I can find an example?

because I am going to my local council in spain to tell them my plans and it would be helpful to have examples to show the council.

Carl

[HawaiiYurts]

We permit regularly here on the Big Island of Hawaii. I had to fight for it and it seems we get challenged every few years, but if you go with a manufacturer that has all their engineering in order, you should be fine. They need to say where it doesn't meet code, then you need to prove it does.

Colorado Yurts

has also permitted in various places.

[Daniel Pittman]

I just got a brochure from Ouray County in Colorado about Yurt Permitting.

To date, no yurts have been permitted as single-family dwellings, in compliance with county building and energy codes.

They are allowed as 'Temporary Structures for Non-Commercial Camping'.

That means a short duration (less than 30 days) when (a) no fees (except a trespass fee for hunting or fishing or an outfitters fee) is paid or charged for occupancy, (b) occupancy is in conformance with State or Federal regulations, (c) written permission from the owner of the land has been obtained, (d) no permanent structure is installed and no permanent changes are made to the land, (e) and adequate sanitation is available.

You will need a building permit to put a Yurt on a temporary foundation or deck. No permit required for yurts directly on the ground.

Other regulations that apply on a site-by-site basis:

Visual Impact

Zoning and setback requirements

Road and driveways

Outdoor lighting regulations.

Their contact information:

Ouray County Land Use Department
PO Box 28
Ridgway CO 81432

970-626-9775


There's no date on the brochure, but it appears to be current.

[Chercher]

Hello,
So happy to have found this site. I too, am looking for aa small piece of land. And as the rest of you worried about the permit issues. Or possible issues. I'm looking in southern Calif. (or more north if needed) wondering if anyone has any exspience in this neck of the woods? I hear CA is a tuff one? Yet, it sounds like people have yurts out here. It would be great if (as mentioned above) there was a list of where people have been successful permitting. No one has to reveal to much in case they're nervous about anything. But just to give people a hint of possibility? I'm really hoping to make one a home.
Thanks for being here,
Cheryl

[ProbioticArt]

Anyone with experience dealing with permitting issues for residential or nonresidential Yurts on the Oregon Coast? Specifically Lincoln County?

Thanks!

[ScoutCompton]

Does anyone know how to go about permitting in Laurel Canyon CA?