Regardless of what some permit departments may want us all to believe, yurts can be permitted pretty much anywhere unless there are specific codes that block yurts in that particular area. Thankfully, permit departments don't get to arbitrarily deny a yurt or any other structure - they have to point to an actual code that isn't met. If they can do that and the yurt builder can't meet the challenge, then the challenge is over. But unless the code mentions yurts or membrane structures specifically and has a zero policy about them, there are usually ways around the offending code(s). It takes a willingness to speak kindly, keep an open mind, persistence, and get the right people on your team. Namely, a local architect and some friends in the building department never hurts.
-Some yurts don't meet door height requirements. Get one that does.
-Many yurts don't meet the antiquated R-value rating system. Get two layers of
or seek out alternative insulations that do meet your local R values.
-Often times the plans yurt manufacturers provide for free don't come close to cutting it for residential codes. This is where your architect first comes into play.
-You may need an engineer to sign off. I recommend Steve Kicinsky of Ellisport Engineering. Great guy, great engineer.
-Wind ratings and snow loads are important and may need documented with engineering stamp.
I got yurts permittable in Hawaii nearly 17 years ago. Every few years since I have to defend the cause all over again and jump ever new and involved series of hoops. But it's a worthy cause, I'll keep doing it for now
Good luck! Check back if you have a challenge you need help brainstorming on!
M
Re: Permitting a yurt
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