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Permitting a yurt

I have permit since may 2013 in auckland.
not complete as of april 2015 so no sign off yet.
very willing to help
simon
 
I have a small RV park in Central Idaho. It is right along a 85 mile biking and hiking trail. We do not have a motel in town anymore and several folks have asked about accommodations. I was thinking that putting up a few small yurts (12 foot or so) might be a fun camping experience for overnight guests just passing through the area. I wonder if permitting is an issue since I already am set up for RVs.
 
Ron, I responded on your other thread before clicking on this one. I agree with Jafo. All legality tax/fee issues are local. They are probably quite reasonable considering your area. Of course the basic unimproved yurt with zero amenities will be cheapest to build and the tax/use fees are likely to be the least expensive. Good luck with your idea, and thanks for stopping by at this forum.
 
I am putting up a Pacific Yurt in the Adirondack region of NY, one neighbor is complaining that there is a deed restriction on our properties that prevent the putting up of a tent and she considers the Yurt a tent, has anyone had to argue that the yurt is not a tent or has some suggestions on how to deal with this
 
Don't take a neighbor's word for what is or isn't allowed, but certainly take it as something to figure out. It almost sounds like your neighbor will be rather antagonistic. Hopefully you have enough space between the two of you (and maybe post 'no trespassing' signs).

Look up your deed, get the exact wording. Talk to whoever is in charge (county/city building department) and get a final conclusion in writing.
 
A yurt is the very definition of tent. Fabric over framework, tied with rope. Moveable, and not attached to a concrete foundation. A shed can be built identical to a house, but, because it sits on top of the ground, and isn't being used as a primary residence, it is not necessary to permit. I doubt any of this is gonna help you though. Gotta agree with hierony, sounds like your neighbor is gonna be a problem. :/
 
I wouldn't say a yurt is the very definition of a tent, but you'd have to be a lawyer to convincingly argue otherwise :P

There may also be Home-Owners Association or similar governing-body rules to check too, depending on your area.
 
Thanks for the advice, the pacific yurt is sitting on a wooden platform elevated on concrete pillars that sit on a crush gravel base, I agree that no trespassing signs might keep the neighbors at a distance but still may end up in court, I'll update the thread as things progress
 
A yurt is a tent. It isn't a shed, geodesic dome, barn, greenhouse, trailer, RV, or a traditional home of wood block brick etc. It is a tent, plain and simple. I have mine in our backyard. Ain't no doubt about it, tent it is. There is no subcategory for yurt that makes it something other than-fabric over framework tied and anchored by cordage.

If it is anchored to a deck that is permanently attached to piers set into the earth, with amenities of plumbing, sewer, gas, electric, maybe that changes the 'permanence' factor or how the dwelling is perceived from a legal pov? Just a guess. I'm no lawyer.

As an aside here, neighbor problems are extremely common. From the neighbor next door, to the adjacent country, to the entire world of hundreds of nations, it is impossible for people and countries to all get along. The more of us there are, the less likely we are to get along. Simple point of fact. Mans history is loaded with conflict. I'm sure prior to man recording his history, we were loaded with conflict. That is how we roll as a species.
 
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'.
 
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.
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Anyone with experience dealing with permitting issues for residential or nonresidential Yurts on the Oregon Coast? Specifically Lincoln County?

Thanks!
 
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