chula chalupa - They could make codes that address stuff like that. Instead they make door must be this high, room must be this size, etc. What does that have to do the types of things (nuisances) you're talking about?
@@rehull1973 Folks looking for simple answers will find someone willing to agree. However, BUILDING CODES derive from experience with complex issues and situations - often after long legal battles focused on BLACK LETTER LAW and COMMON LAW (You know, the 'common sense' everyone thinks we all should share) . How high must an EXIT DOOR be, in your opinion? Are you able to justify your specification based upon some rational bases, data or common experience?
@@notcharles It not your door. It's not a nuisance. It doesn't affect anyone but the people living there. These types of codes are there to justify having 100 code enforcement positions and administrative staff...PERIOD.
I live in Mississippi and was thinking of living off grid in Utica MS. I never thought of code violations or requirements, I just want to be left alone on that property with no neighbors bugging me because it is in the woods.
Yeah and I hate to say it I've already seen it here in the state of Georgia they'll make you tear it down and if you don't tear it down they'll come and tear it down for you
In other words they do not want anyone living off grid in that state and especially that County. Because those thousands of people that live totally off grid and they have wood burning stoves and they carry water and live just fine. That's why people are moving out into the middle of the wilderness to get away from Rules like this
If you go back and listen to it, it says that solar or a generator is required so that you can hook the smoke detectors together. Does not say that you actually have to be on the grid.
@@johnboss3562 "Some counties do not allow you to live off the grid at all" Hmmm, name one when I must use city water, sewer, public electricity, telephone, cable, etc. You might be required to build a home that meets COUNTY CODES, but you may certainly piss in a pot next to your bed by candle or solar light and (under cover of darkness) pour your piss in a hole in your yard each day (or more frequently if you're really the hygienic type). Get real
Never heard of that. In my area they will attach a value and tax any structure that has a foundation or is attached to the ground... including chicken houses and garden sheds. Maybe it depends on how greedy your state is.
while codes might be smart and helpful, it actually makes it impossible for the poor and the elderly to have their own home. This is something I am facing right now. Exploring how I can get affordable housing on my sister's 2 acres in Tennessee where I can try to learn gardening and try to set up for when I'm unable to do as much as I can now. I'm leaving Oregon because the cost of living here is so expensive, it will be absolutely impossible for me to retire here and afford to live here. I hope I don't end up in a homeless camp, where they do permit people to exist outside the codes. Retirement age, child dead, husband run off, and trying to explore on You Tube if there are any options left for me. God help us all!
Yep I was thinking the same thing. Some have to be homeless and they are requiring all this stuff in a wood box so you can't at least have shelter. In other words you can live in a box on the sidewalk but to put the box on your own land away from everyone it has to have all this including 7ft ceilings not 6f but 7ft. Do they realize they are not helping the homeless population
@@kristianthony9080 the powers that be don,t know or don,t care about the homeless.or anything else that doesn't line their pockets and feed their power greed...
OUTSTANDING video! We were literally going tomorrow to purchase a shed to live in temporarily, until our house is built, then use for visiting guests. After watching this, we will, instead, be going to the county to learn what the codes are for us, as we were given incorrect guidance. Thank you so much for posting this video.
Danny, you are a man of wisdom! Hopefully people will listen to you and not be scammed into converting a portable shed into a home. Too many people are naive and believe because one person did it, they can do it.
Over a year ago, when I was looking into buying a plot, I spent a lot of time on the phone with the local zoning department. I told them of my plans to store an RV on the property and use it as a vacation cabin (like a hunting cabin). However, I found out that there were a lot more restrictions on this. So, in the end, I had to spend $20,000 more than I planned to put in a manufactured home with a well and septic system. I know these restrictions are meant to protect us, but some times they seem a little unfair especially when I saw someone advertising for sale a setup like I originally planned nearby (in the same county, zipcode, and no more than a mile away). It seems like there are fewer and fewer places to go without these restrictions (it only takes one fool it ruin it for everyone else).
Thank you for sharing. I am a 72 year old female who had thought about buying a shed to convert into a living space for myself. I had thought that owning the property, putting down a good foundation, insulating well, adding solar and buying my water bottles would be OKAY. After watching your video I now know I have a lot more to think about and a lot of research to do in my specific area. Again, thank you.
i live in Mississippi also , and i own land in rural area and i figured i pay enough in taxes that i will do as i wish on my land and if they "GOVERMENT" dosent like it oh well , i will run off grid ,
Danny my husband is a retired carpenter and he built me a small barn with a loft and it was almost 1/2 price of the prefab kits and it's built better and sturdier.
This is why I live in Alaska. I can live in a tree trunk if I want. The other way around is put that shed on a trailer. Wheels under it and the code folks go go away.....
I happen to get my shed built in a County that (at the time) was open minded to the shed build & wished us the "best of luck". You WILL NOT find that hardly ever!!!! Two Counties sitting side by side can & probably will be entirely different. Like he said, you check your own area (they are ALL different)! The next building inspector did not agree with the one that I began with!!!! Hastle, but already there, I was lucky! The foundation he is speaking of IS very important! Mine didn't have, it was up on blocks & That I suffered for, constantly vermin under the house that we had to keep on top of to keep out of there! Not worth the savings, it is absolutely a must to have a good foundation. You won't be sorry for the things they make you do by code, but it does start putting the price way up there! Yes, I figured they would make the codes so you could NOT life off grid!!! I guess we are allowed to live out in the open with only a sleeping bad (on the sly) but NOT off grid!!! To make a home for yourself out of a shed a good idea? NOT GOING TO HAPPEN now days!!! Codes are done for the good, but where does that leave people that can no longer afford to have a home? The septic system in my County cost me $5,000.. The well was $5,000.. I really think it is a "pipe" dream to think most of this stuff pushed by people on the internet is just that "a dream". A wish!!! I hope you can find I am wrong, but having been through this!
Thank you for doing this. Very helpful to me, as I'm planning on looking for property in far southern Miss. or Alabama. And for those sneering at the codes, most of those requirements are for safety and sanitation. Yes, you can live without them (I grew up on an off-grid homestead in Alaska, and have lived without power or running water as an adult, too), but when it comes to the home I plan to spend the rest of my life on -- as an elderly person -- I want something that's going to be sturdy and not blow away in a hurricane. I'm not worried about meeting the codes, just want to know what they are.
Thank you. After watching 50 or more videos trying to find someone honest enough and integrity to give me and idea about this subject matter. I do have one unanswered question: If you're able to convert a quality shed to a dwelling place (house), on your properly zoned land, DO you receive DEED like you would a regular Home. Thank you kindly !
I am from Mississippi and grew up in Mississippi and I live in Mississippi at this moment. This county is crazy! I grew up in the Boondocks no running water or indoor plumping. We had electricity via fuse box, two wood heaters, and a gas stove. We didn't get an air conditioner until 1991. Where were all of these restrictions when I was growing up?
Our grandparent's, great-grandparent's homes would have never met these codes. Yet, they did just fine and raised great children! We have very little freedoms now. 😥🙏✌️
You are 100% correct on everything you said!!!,,,I can't tell you how many people have tried to put these sheds on their land,,,you hit everything right on!!,, Good man!!! Thanks for the effort! MillionD
Ironically, where I live in Alabama, the lot(1/3 acre) I'm buying was already set up with power, water and septic for a camper or mobile home. I got a 10x16 lofted barn and am converting it into a CABIN. So long as I keep my CAMPER there as a "permanent living space", I'm good. For NOW. That's why I got one 10 ft wide lol. It's still mobile.
We found a property that has ZERO BUILDING CODE! We are building a Tiny House (off grid) plus homesteading one 1 acre. If you ever have time I would love you to visit. Thank you Deep South!
Yerp. And theres a lot of folks who are just eager to bend over just because. I can't stand "by the book" folks sometimes! This is America, do what you want!
@ Made by Steve it kinda makes you wonder just how "Free" we are as citizens of this nation. Especially since the government regulates and controls so much.
I think that the statement America is a free country is an empty statement that holds little truth to it. Our country may be a great one but we are not totally free. I do understand we need laws but so many of the laws don't make any sense. I think this code law forbidding people to live in whatever structure they want on there own property is ridiculous. When I bought a mobile home and put it on my lot, I couldn't move into it for at least a month cause they hit me with so many codes it costed an extra 10 grand. That's why they have so many codes, to make money. This video is very helpful cause I'm wanting to convert a shed into a tiny home. I live in Louisiana so I'm not sure what the laws or codes are for that.
Thank you so very much! I know a couple of people are trying to live off grid. I questioned just the fact it didn't just feel right or sound right. I'm not a builder by any means, just been around a few. Seen how they went code information first.
Hello Sir, Can’t thank you enough, for the common sense info. I did learn a LOT. I never knew about the smoke detectors being tied into a single trunk system, with its own breaker. I lived in Florida, and almost no home ever passes first time. Typically 3 trips before it does. Tells you a lot about quality. At this writing, I’m moving out of CALIFORNIA due to the insanity and homelessness. What a poop hole that state has turned into. I’m moving to Arizona, and will heed you suggested info and seek out building code departments codes. I am wanting to build a container home from shipping containers. So, we’ll see if this is acceptable for this region or not. Again a big thanks 🙏. I know lots of folks buys these to live in them, only to be force out and bulldozed. I’ve seen it twice now. Be blessed, Dean.
Thank you so much!!! Great info!!! Ibam looking for a house now. Having difficult time finding one in area where God has assigned me. He will make it happen.
Thanks Danny for this series because I am considering doing the shed conversion thing - in MS. Haven't decided on the county I'm moving to but will definitely check out the codes for the 3 counties I'm considering. Again, thanks Danny!
The IBC International Building Code, is adopted by counties and states. Some counties do not adopt either parts of the code or the entire code, others adopt the code, but add to it or modify it. States also do this, there are minimum requirements at the state level as well. Just because it says International building code does not mean that it is universal... That is very important to point out. Local building codes very widely from state to state and from county to county.
Have the Amish build it, I'm doing a 14by32 with eight foot porch. All 2by 6's, one solid cabin. Nobody builds them like the Amish. Best luck to everyone out their, be safe & God bless
If you put up no trespassing sign they won’t come anywhere near. I know this from getting inspections on things they won’t even get near it even when scheduled for inspection.
Those codes pretty much rule out every trailer house in Mississippi, it is the poorest state in the country and the majority of people live below the poverty level so those codes would be a hardship for many. I have relatives who live in public housing and those codes would not pass there either because none of them have heat except from plug in space heaters. They started out with gas space heaters in rooms but the county or state turned off the gas and replaced the stoves but not the heaters.
🤬I live in Mississippi (a stone's throw from Tennessee and Alabama). People here are struggling, yet our Senators are in the top 10% salary! Most of them are attorneys "on the side". 😵💫😥
So in regards to the smoke detector issue it sounds like you could have a small solar panel,a small wind turbine, and some deep cycle batteries, and be fine for a few hundred bucks out the door. you wouldn't need a large panel at all because of the low draw from smoke detectors.
Nope, no it is not overdoing it. It just might save your life. Fire starts in the other part of the house, but you hear the alarm go off, you wander around the house checking doorknobs and you find out that one of the knobs is blistering hot, but luckily your daughter is away at school. You and the spousal unit get out in time.
@@mikeorjimmy2885 I believe it was the hard wiring it into the house that is the over doing it part. I have never lived anywhere where the smoke alarm was hard wired into the home. Batteries only. I have lived in many apartments and houses and I have never heard of this! That part alone is a slap in the face to anyone that wants to be off grid. I understand that it can be done off grid, but they are just being pricks about it.
Thanks! On the hard wired smoke derectors - thats 1 solar panel wires to a battery. Not too big a deal, i planned on putting 3 in. Also, an option is to have a large portable tent (the big ones) with the wood stock jack, and just having a deck there permanently. So you can set up a cozy camp in the summer or the winter, maybe a "shed" too to hold the cots/etc 🤷🏾♀️
Lots of good information here.Someone I know had difficulties putting a small light outside thier garage it was not allowed for some reason.Thier City was very paticular about following the codes.Never good to try to get around the necessary codes to build a Family tiny house or other Family dwelling.I wish you the best in starting to plan you and Wanda's cabin.This will be fun,and a great learning experience to watch.Take care.♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡.........
One thing to add, in many places if a non housing dwelling like a hunters cabin you can not use it over 150 days a year. Have seen this several times, or similar rules to it. Very few places left where u can do what u want
the reason for many of these rules is also to protect future homeowners that may buy the property from someone cutting corners on safety or septic , just to turn profit in selling cheap homes without the new owners realizing its not up to code in many ways...its not to hurt the common man as much as protect the common man from getting screwed by buying what they think is a normal , safe home built up to code...any rules that apply to new construction are to protect the purchaser in the future , not the builder/seller
Im glad i watched this almost bought some property but i called the building inspector and i found out that in new york i cant have a new building smaller then 1000sq.f.
I'm not used to comment on this channel but I'd like to bring a different point of view. Regarding the smoke detectors, what about installing an non-monitored alarm system? Smoke detectors can be hardwire, they operate on 12VDC, can be or not on the same zone (cable loop). Even more, some of these can be DC powered, making this easier to integrate into an off-grid dwelling. Keep up your excellent work.
Thank you very much for helping me research a affordable housing solution. Seems like i should just build a small house/shed and make the required changes according to my areas code.
They're exempt. It wasn't too long ago that outhouses were the norm. Some of these regulations are designed to keep people from being able to build our own homes as our parents' generation did. I don't disagree with Danny on much, but this definitely looks like one area I do. Outdoor showers in a mild climate is fine. Maybe even better than indoor. Composting toilets are also fine. Heaters are not necessary everywhere, either, but the fact that someone somewhere else in the world needs one means they can require you to really burns me up. This is globalization in action.
A county took the Amish to court and tried to force them to standard codes, the Amish showed hundreds of houses that blew down from high winds, burned down, etc. That Amish proved that they haven't lost any houses to winds like the code houses did. The Amish won. Problem is too many people saying "OK master government".
If someone wants to live in a shed then that is their business. Not the governments. The government has no problem with people living homeless. Once you crawl in a shed - now its a problem???
Is a tent a living space? Is a car a living space? Is a storm shelter a living space? Is a tree house a living space? What's the fine? Rules, you can have them.
Great video! I am always amazed at how many people do not check code before building. When I started my place the first thing I did was check code. Where I built and the fact that I was building a cabin ment I did not have to follow any code. Though I did in most cases. I did not get a pre-made shed because all of them were on 2x4 joists and I was not going to accept anything less than 2x6 pt at 16" on center. I ended up designing my own place and took the designs to a PE to validate that 1) it was a good design and 2) that it atleast met minimum IBC. Once he signed off on it I started building. Where I am does regulate waste disposal. Gray water has to be disposed of no less than 3" below ground level, black water systems have to use an approved septic system but the state has approved composting toilets in place of a full septic system provided they meet requirements. There are also regulations on wells though reading through them they are common sense things like the well has to be more than 50' from gray water or black water disposal areas. It has to have a concrete topper that directs ground water away from the well, etc. All in all this whole process has been a learning experience and I suggest everyone does their due diligence before they start a project like this.
VietVet 1970 it all goes back to snobby neighbors. Gentrification is to keep the neighbor's property value up. They don't want to look at your little house no matter what it looks like. And the only way to change these is to go to your municipal or County Borough or Parish zoning meetings and to get the Neighbors on board. However most neighbors won't go on board with it with ending some of the BS requirements because number one they did it so you should have to do it too and number two they don't like to look at your place.
Why government local and otherwise are your Masters. A person should be able to live as they wish, if I am happy live\ing on a stump and only a umbrella for shelter then so be it. With the understanding you don't pose a threat of fire and otherwise to your neighbors.. Money Money money don't even attempt to say it'sa bout our safety, that's one of the biggest falsehoods...
Respectfully, as a home health infection control nurse who has worked in rural areas, the unfortunate truth is that without these codes infection breeds as a good segment of the population of which includes many off gridders are not even basically hygienic. Doesn't make them bad people but all the plagues of yore decimated populations because of a lack of some of these basics. Also the safety issues many of these codes cover. No I'm not a government troll and I think some coding is excessive and ridiculous but am the caught we of a civil engineer. Just observe how out of control Covid is because people don't want to wear a mask "to be free" while as I nurse I have worn masks day in and day out over a 30 year span ....to protect ALL OF YOU. ✌
Yes thank you. I've made a joke years ago ( its illegal to be poor ) this video helped me realize i gotta pay to fix heat in my house before i sale it. My plane was sell for less because heat pump is out. Now i know its a code. Can't sale a house that's not up to code. K guess this time i don't have to figure out what plan B is LOL i just have to figure out how to pay for plan B. LOL its been interesting watching what America does to help poverty places around the world. Its always something that's illegal hear in the USA. Last winter the news showd a working girl evicted on NO CAUSE. They showd she was a very good tenet. The deal was so the owner cloud rise the rent more then the law allows with a tenet. She froze to death the first night homeless. She couldn't afford higher rent or the cost of first, last and deposits of moving. The same week the news showed rocket heater's being built and sent to poverty places around the world. No one liked me noticing and talking of this. This rent problem was on the state list for there once a year law and regulation meeting. LOL state officials voted to put it on next year list. The elections told America 1\3 working law obeying people went homeless last year with an estimated at least 1\3 again this year. People say that's just political way of getting votes. LOL no sorry I'm one of those people and its really happening. So now the news only shows the filthy messes and bad attitudes of homeless people. As people like me try to not go homeless and keep are chin up with good attitudes. I even met a group of people with much higher incomes then me forming a group of strangers to live together. They wanted me to join there group but they have a interview to see if your a good or bad person. Yes i passed as a good person but Jesus went to bad people and asked us to not judge. I don't want to live with bad people either but if I'm with a judgmental group it can and will throw stones at eachother at some point. So i thanked them and declined. LOL i don't like end time events but I'm glad its going faster so we can all be done sooner. These problems are only God showing what oppression is so we can stop doing it. he wants all to be in the kingdom even though most won't be. CODES ARE GOOD TO KEEP US SAFE. Simply share what we have and there will be no poverty among us. Thank you Danny for sharing freely. I pray this video will go viral to help everyone in all walks of life.
Probably best to just have an rv on a pad or driveway for weekend or overnight guests to stay in. Can have a licensed electrition put in a pole with a box and outlets on the pole. As for black and grey water issues, can tie into the existing septic system with a 6-8 pipe. That is what I've done. The code enforcement and zoning people can't give me any guff because my rig is not on a permanent foundation.
Rules are Rules, they have seen more than most has. Short Cuts do not work to keep your family and loved ones safe. Makes it easier to find out the rules and get them right so you can move on with any dream you may have. Thank You for your time and info for Mississippi. Do understand before check with your State's Code Rule's for your state.
Hey Danny, Thank you for the info. I've been looking all day for the right shed to make me and my wife a home and I didn't realize all the codes I needed to be aware of. But now that I think about it, I currently live in central Florida and there are times in the winter when I'm ready to get inside and warm up with the heater on. All the codes make good since except for the 6'8" door? But I'm sure they have their reasons. We Just bought 10 acres up in North Florida and I don't know the codes yet. But I plan on finding out just what I can do on this land legally. Thanks again
you need to be in county not easily seen off main road.. sheds do not have to be on foundations . once on foundations you become a permanent dwelling you want to be called mobile .. like a mobile home . you build your self on like a 14 x 70 trailers chassis . mines never to be moved . but on a 14 x 70 chassis so its a mobile home . doh .. none this flies in city limits.. smoke detectors are no issue . of course solar is in mix .. solar and battery system . you do have to think .. its pretty easy.. i use gfci breakers in panel box to shut off circuits completely
Thank you for this. I have a better undestanding of how the code works. I will look into it for my state and county. I am very interested in building or buying a 16'x24' shed to convert to a full time dwelling. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing. Since I was looking into this recently for my state I think you got wrong the minimum habitable space. Where I live, minimum habitable space such as a bedroom is 70 square feet with the shortest wall being 7'. So 7'x10' would work, but 7'x7' (as you suggested) would be far too small.
Liz… you may be correct about the codes for YOUR area… but as was stated SEVERAL times in the video all areas may not have the same codes. So go by the codes for YOUR area! That is all.
Hi 👋 You're so funny you said don't take what I said and run off with Danny said this Danny said that I'm glad you cleared that up cuz people will do that 😂🤣😂
I wonder just how many ppl who buy tiny/ pre fab homes... truly believe that they are up to code based on the state /area they live in, nothing you mentioned seems un realistic, I'm sure nobody who wanted to live long term in one of these homes would want to be without hot water or a functioning kitchen/toilet..... it really is just common sense, glad you guys got on with what sounded like a very helpful code inspector.
You were really converting a shed with those low sidewalls but most build to code now, upgraded options and on site too. I still would not buy one without knowing if you can have it wherever it lands, the government is out of control with control so he's right.
Seems like the "dwelling " will surely increase your taxes. We are dealing with some County permits, codes etc. Good luck. Can't wait to see the results.
REMEMBER,.. call it TEMPORARY Housing or Weekend get a way,... They dont have the STAFF to come everyday as your living your life,.. PLUS Remember, LIFE itself is Temporary...
It amazes what the "law" makes us do to "our" property-what we can or can't do and what animals we can & can't have.
chula chalupa - They could make codes that address stuff like that. Instead they make door must be this high, room must be this size, etc. What does that have to do the types of things (nuisances) you're talking about?
@chula chalupa how much?
we call it civilization.
@@rehull1973 Folks looking for simple answers will find someone willing to agree. However, BUILDING CODES derive from experience with complex issues and situations - often after long legal battles focused on BLACK LETTER LAW and COMMON LAW (You know, the 'common sense' everyone thinks we all should share) . How high must an EXIT DOOR be, in your opinion? Are you able to justify your specification based upon some rational bases, data or common experience?
@@notcharles It not your door. It's not a nuisance. It doesn't affect anyone but the people living there. These types of codes are there to justify having 100 code enforcement positions and administrative staff...PERIOD.
I live in Mississippi and was thinking of living off grid in Utica MS. I never thought of code violations or requirements, I just want to be left alone on that property with no neighbors bugging me because it is in the woods.
Alabama still has counties without building code... found a piece of land and partially built out shed. The adventure begins.
Hope my county
Update:
my county Talladega county does not have building codes
My 14*40 shed is coming Monday💃
I'm going to live on my property the way i want to live. Period
Total period.
Sure. Why not. Ya know. You own it. Live your way.
Preach it, brother! ✌️
Yeah and I hate to say it I've already seen it here in the state of Georgia they'll make you tear it down and if you don't tear it down they'll come and tear it down for you
Need air conditioning , clothes washer , clothes dryer optional 😅
I didn’t know 95% of this. You’ve opened my eyes to these sheds so I’m very thankful.
Dang good information here thank you
In other words they do not want anyone living off grid in that state and especially that County. Because those thousands of people that live totally off grid and they have wood burning stoves and they carry water and live just fine. That's why people are moving out into the middle of the wilderness to get away from Rules like this
If you go back and listen to it, it says that solar or a generator is required so that you can hook the smoke detectors together. Does not say that you actually have to be on the grid.
Some counties do not allow you to live off the grid at all. Sad days in the USA folks.
@@johnboss3562 "Some counties do not allow you to live off the grid at all"
Hmmm, name one when I must use city water, sewer, public electricity, telephone, cable, etc.
You might be required to build a home that meets COUNTY CODES, but you may certainly piss in a pot next to your bed by candle or solar light and (under cover of darkness) pour your piss in a hole in your yard each day (or more frequently if you're really the hygienic type).
Get real
This is why the tiny home movement has exploded, because it is NOT a Dwelling & CANNOT be TAXED!!! Thank GOD for loopholes!
Its only loopholes because it gives us a way and power when it gives them power its called laws rules and regulations not loopholes to control you
Never heard of that. In my area they will attach a value and tax any structure that has a foundation or is attached to the ground... including chicken houses and garden sheds. Maybe it depends on how greedy your state is.
@@carolinerose5743 tiny homes are on wheels and therefore are not taxed except like you have for excise tax and also does not have codes.
while codes might be smart and helpful, it actually makes it impossible for the poor and the elderly to have their own home. This is something I am facing right now. Exploring how I can get affordable housing on my sister's 2 acres in Tennessee where I can try to learn gardening and try to set up for when I'm unable to do as much as I can now. I'm leaving Oregon because the cost of living here is so expensive, it will be absolutely impossible for me to retire here and afford to live here. I hope I don't end up in a homeless camp, where they do permit people to exist outside the codes. Retirement age, child dead, husband run off, and trying to explore on You Tube if there are any options left for me. God help us all!
Don't give up. Keep trying and you are doing the right thing by trying to learn all you can about this before you make the leap. Good luck.
Yep I was thinking the same thing. Some have to be homeless and they are requiring all this stuff in a wood box so you can't at least have shelter. In other words you can live in a box on the sidewalk but to put the box on your own land away from everyone it has to have all this including 7ft ceilings not 6f but 7ft. Do they realize they are not helping the homeless population
🙏Hoping things are working out for you.
This life is very difficult.
@@kristianthony9080 the powers that be don,t know or don,t care about the homeless.or anything else that doesn't line their pockets and feed their power greed...
🙏🏽❤️
OUTSTANDING video! We were literally going tomorrow to purchase a shed to live in temporarily, until our house is built, then use for visiting guests. After watching this, we will, instead, be going to the county to learn what the codes are for us, as we were given incorrect guidance. Thank you so much for posting this video.
WOW.... thanks Danny extremely important knowledge.
Danny, you are a man of wisdom! Hopefully people will listen to you and not be scammed into converting a portable shed into a home. Too many people are naive and believe because one person did it, they can do it.
Over a year ago, when I was looking into buying a plot, I spent a lot of time on the phone with the local zoning department. I told them of my plans to store an RV on the property and use it as a vacation cabin (like a hunting cabin). However, I found out that there were a lot more restrictions on this. So, in the end, I had to spend $20,000 more than I planned to put in a manufactured home with a well and septic system. I know these restrictions are meant to protect us, but some times they seem a little unfair especially when I saw someone advertising for sale a setup like I originally planned nearby (in the same county, zipcode, and no more than a mile away). It seems like there are fewer and fewer places to go without these restrictions (it only takes one fool it ruin it for everyone else).
I left a really old trailer on my lot as it is still hooked up.
Thank you for sharing. I am a 72 year old female who had thought about buying a shed to convert into a living space for myself. I had thought that owning the property, putting down a good foundation, insulating well, adding solar and buying my water bottles would be OKAY. After watching your video I now know I have a lot more to think about and a lot of research to do in my specific area. Again, thank you.
i live in Mississippi also , and i own land in rural area and i figured i pay enough in taxes that i will do as i wish on my land and if they "GOVERMENT" dosent like it oh well , i will run off grid ,
undead anger exactly. Our shed conversion is on unrestricted land. It works just fine for us.
Danny my husband is a retired carpenter and he built me a small barn with a loft and it was almost 1/2 price of the prefab kits and it's built better and sturdier.
Sounds like my place will be called a hunting camp
This is why I live in Alaska. I can live in a tree trunk if I want. The other way around is put that shed on a trailer. Wheels under it and the code folks go go away.....
I happen to get my shed built in a County that (at the time) was open minded to the shed build & wished us the "best of luck". You WILL NOT find that hardly ever!!!! Two Counties sitting side by side can & probably will be entirely different. Like he said, you check your own area (they are ALL different)! The next building inspector did not agree with the one that I began with!!!! Hastle, but already there, I was lucky! The foundation he is speaking of IS very important! Mine didn't have, it was up on blocks & That I suffered for, constantly vermin under the house that we had to keep on top of to keep out of there! Not worth the savings, it is absolutely a must to have a good foundation. You won't be sorry for the things they make you do by code, but it does start putting the price way up there! Yes, I figured they would make the codes so you could NOT life off grid!!! I guess we are allowed to live out in the open with only a sleeping bad (on the sly) but NOT off grid!!! To make a home for yourself out of a shed a good idea? NOT GOING TO HAPPEN now days!!! Codes are done for the good, but where does that leave people that can no longer afford to have a home? The septic system in my County cost me $5,000.. The well was $5,000.. I really think it is a "pipe" dream to think most of this stuff pushed by people on the internet is just that "a dream". A wish!!! I hope you can find I am wrong, but having been through this!
Thank you for doing this. Very helpful to me, as I'm planning on looking for property in far southern Miss. or Alabama. And for those sneering at the codes, most of those requirements are for safety and sanitation. Yes, you can live without them (I grew up on an off-grid homestead in Alaska, and have lived without power or running water as an adult, too), but when it comes to the home I plan to spend the rest of my life on -- as an elderly person -- I want something that's going to be sturdy and not blow away in a hurricane. I'm not worried about meeting the codes, just want to know what they are.
Thank you. After watching 50 or more videos trying to find someone honest enough and integrity to give me and idea about this subject matter. I do have one unanswered question: If you're able to convert a quality shed to a dwelling place (house), on your properly zoned land, DO you receive DEED like you would a regular Home. Thank you kindly !
The deed would be on the land and it would state that there is a building on it.
@@DeepSouthHomestead Thank you kind sir !
I am from Mississippi and grew up in Mississippi and I live in Mississippi at this moment. This county is crazy! I grew up in the Boondocks no running water or indoor plumping. We had electricity via fuse box, two wood heaters, and a gas stove. We didn't get an air conditioner until 1991. Where were all of these restrictions when I was growing up?
Our grandparent's, great-grandparent's homes would have never met these codes. Yet, they did just fine and raised great children! We have very little freedoms now. 😥🙏✌️
I am getting one built in Louisiana and they are building it to code as a dwelling place. You’re information help.
You are 100% correct on everything you said!!!,,,I can't tell you how many people have tried to put these sheds on their land,,,you hit everything right on!!,,
Good man!!!
Thanks for the effort!
MillionD
Ironically, where I live in Alabama, the lot(1/3 acre) I'm buying was already set up with power, water and septic for a camper or mobile home.
I got a 10x16 lofted barn and am converting it into a CABIN. So long as I keep my CAMPER there as a "permanent living space", I'm good. For NOW.
That's why I got one 10 ft wide lol. It's still mobile.
We found a property that has ZERO BUILDING CODE! We are building a Tiny House (off grid) plus homesteading one 1 acre. If you ever have time I would love you to visit. Thank you Deep South!
its a sad day when in a free country we can only live under the conditions the government approves
Can I live in a teepee ⛺️ or do I need a permit 😂
made by steve its to keep the property next to you from becoming a Fire Hazard....trash pile or animial den....
Yerp. And theres a lot of folks who are just eager to bend over just because. I can't stand "by the book" folks sometimes! This is America, do what you want!
@ Made by Steve it kinda makes you wonder just how "Free" we are as citizens of this nation. Especially since the government regulates and controls so much.
I think that the statement America is a free country is an empty statement that holds little truth to it. Our country may be a great one but we are not totally free. I do understand we need laws but so many of the laws don't make any sense. I think this code law forbidding people to live in whatever structure they want on there own property is ridiculous. When I bought a mobile home and put it on my lot, I couldn't move into it for at least a month cause they hit me with so many codes it costed an extra 10 grand. That's why they have so many codes, to make money. This video is very helpful cause I'm wanting to convert a shed into a tiny home. I live in Louisiana so I'm not sure what the laws or codes are for that.
Thank you so very much! I know a couple of people are trying to live off grid. I questioned just the fact it didn't just feel right or sound right. I'm not a builder by any means, just been around a few. Seen how they went code information first.
Hello Sir,
Can’t thank you enough, for the common sense info. I did learn a LOT. I never knew about the smoke detectors being tied into a single trunk system, with its own breaker. I lived in Florida, and almost no home ever passes first time. Typically 3 trips before it does. Tells you a lot about quality. At this writing, I’m moving out of CALIFORNIA due to the insanity and homelessness. What a poop hole that state has turned into. I’m moving to Arizona, and will heed you suggested info and seek out building code departments codes. I am wanting to build a container home from shipping containers. So, we’ll see if this is acceptable for this region or not. Again a big thanks 🙏. I know lots of folks buys these to live in them, only to be force out and bulldozed. I’ve seen it twice now. Be blessed, Dean.
Thank you so much!!! Great info!!! Ibam looking for a house now. Having difficult time finding one in area where God has assigned me. He will make it happen.
Country Girl Grit watching from Myrtle Beach. Thank you for sharing.
An occupancy permit also .... Permits for everything now adays.
Thanks Danny for this series because I am considering doing the shed conversion thing - in MS. Haven't decided on the county I'm moving to but will definitely check out the codes for the 3 counties I'm considering. Again, thanks Danny!
My husband and I have been tossing the idea around of converting a shed into a small house, thanks for heads-up.
The IBC International Building Code, is adopted by counties and states. Some counties do not adopt either parts of the code or the entire code, others adopt the code, but add to it or modify it. States also do this, there are minimum requirements at the state level as well. Just because it says International building code does not mean that it is universal... That is very important to point out. Local building codes very widely from state to state and from county to county.
Have the Amish build it, I'm doing a 14by32 with eight foot porch. All 2by 6's, one solid cabin. Nobody builds them like the Amish. Best luck to everyone out their, be safe & God bless
No Amish around here. We built our cabin ourselves. Playlist has many videos on our diy
@@DeepSouthHomestead yes, I have been watching them, great job you & the wife did, God bless & stay safe.
Screw the inspector. If I get a “shed” dropped on a slab, and he wants to come in later when I’ve converted it; he can get a warrant.
😂😂😂💪😠
If you put up no trespassing sign they won’t come anywhere near. I know this from getting inspections on things they won’t even get near it even when scheduled for inspection.
Those codes pretty much rule out every trailer house in Mississippi, it is the poorest state in the country and the majority of people live below the poverty level so those codes would be a hardship for many. I have relatives who live in public housing and those codes would not pass there either because none of them have heat except from plug in space heaters. They started out with gas space heaters in rooms but the county or state turned off the gas and replaced the stoves but not the heaters.
Candide Thirtythree. Thank you so much for saying something. I'm in ms now and your right.
🤬I live in Mississippi (a stone's throw from Tennessee and Alabama). People here are struggling, yet our Senators are in the top 10% salary! Most of them are attorneys "on the side". 😵💫😥
So in regards to the smoke detector issue it sounds like you could have a small solar panel,a small wind turbine, and some deep cycle batteries, and be fine for a few hundred bucks out the door. you wouldn't need a large panel at all because of the low draw from smoke detectors.
...No Problem ....Let Me Get Right on This!
I have propane heat now and I love it!!! That is what I want to use in my next home.
That smoke alarm rule is over doing it. Just my opinion. Good talk.
Nope, no it is not overdoing it. It just might save your life. Fire starts in the other part of the house, but you hear the alarm go off, you wander around the house checking doorknobs and you find out that one of the knobs is blistering hot, but luckily your daughter is away at school. You and the spousal unit get out in time.
@@mikeorjimmy2885 I believe it was the hard wiring it into the house that is the over doing it part. I have never lived anywhere where the smoke alarm was hard wired into the home. Batteries only. I have lived in many apartments and houses and I have never heard of this! That part alone is a slap in the face to anyone that wants to be off grid. I understand that it can be done off grid, but they are just being pricks about it.
@@eileenloves4802 Nope ask any firefighter about batteries being removed because of end the of life (low battery) of the battery and how many bodies?
Thanks for sharing Deep South. 00TG from Illinois......
Thanks!
On the hard wired smoke derectors - thats 1 solar panel wires to a battery. Not too big a deal, i planned on putting 3 in.
Also, an option is to have a large portable tent (the big ones) with the wood stock jack, and just having a deck there permanently. So you can set up a cozy camp in the summer or the winter, maybe a "shed" too to hold the cots/etc 🤷🏾♀️
Such great info. I've been thinking about this as my forever set up. Let the research begin.
Lots of good information here.Someone I know had difficulties putting a small light outside thier garage it was not allowed for some reason.Thier City was very paticular about following the codes.Never good to try to get around the necessary codes to build a Family tiny house or other Family dwelling.I wish you the best in starting to plan you and Wanda's cabin.This will be fun,and a great learning experience to watch.Take care.♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡.........
One thing to add, in many places if a non housing dwelling like a hunters cabin you can not use it over 150 days a year. Have seen this several times, or similar rules to it. Very few places left where u can do what u want
Lots of great info. Thank you for your work and for your crystal-clear explanations.
Yes, here in Calif, it has to be 2x6 also & some 2x8’, and it can’t be prefab. Must be built with traditional housing materials according to code.
the reason for many of these rules is also to protect future homeowners that may buy the property from someone cutting corners on safety or septic , just to turn profit in selling cheap homes without the new owners realizing its not up to code in many ways...its not to hurt the common man as much as protect the common man from getting screwed by buying what they think is a normal , safe home built up to code...any rules that apply to new construction are to protect the purchaser in the future , not the builder/seller
Im glad i watched this almost bought some property but i called the building inspector and i found out that in new york i cant have a new building smaller then 1000sq.f.
boy im glad i watched this , i'm fixxin to do just that on an acer in upper west tn. i'm gonna do all that to mine an get it certified. slab is next
I'm not used to comment on this channel but I'd like to bring a different point of view.
Regarding the smoke detectors, what about installing an non-monitored alarm system? Smoke detectors can be hardwire, they operate on 12VDC, can be or not on the same zone (cable loop). Even more, some of these can be DC powered, making this easier to integrate into an off-grid dwelling.
Keep up your excellent work.
Great information on the building. I enjoy your video's. Have a Blessed Day!
Thank you very much for helping me research a affordable housing solution. Seems like i should just build a small house/shed and make the required changes according to my areas code.
Yes, it would pay in the long run. Some of the regulations are for your safety.
I wonder how the Amish deal with the hardwired smoke detector issue.
I was wondering the same thing.
They're exempt. It wasn't too long ago that outhouses were the norm. Some of these regulations are designed to keep people from being able to build our own homes as our parents' generation did. I don't disagree with Danny on much, but this definitely looks like one area I do. Outdoor showers in a mild climate is fine. Maybe even better than indoor. Composting toilets are also fine. Heaters are not necessary everywhere, either, but the fact that someone somewhere else in the world needs one means they can require you to really burns me up. This is globalization in action.
Rohn's Leather ...id love to know the answer to that. Surely Religious beliefs don't Trump U.S. safety codes!!!
A county took the Amish to court and tried to force them to standard codes, the Amish showed hundreds of houses that blew down from high winds, burned down, etc. That Amish proved that they haven't lost any houses to winds like the code houses did. The Amish won. Problem is too many people saying "OK master government".
If someone wants to live in a shed then that is their business. Not the governments. The government has no problem with people living homeless. Once you crawl in a shed - now its a problem???
Is a tent a living space? Is a car a living space? Is a storm shelter a living space? Is a tree house a living space? What's the fine? Rules, you can have them.
Great video! I am always amazed at how many people do not check code before building. When I started my place the first thing I did was check code. Where I built and the fact that I was building a cabin ment I did not have to follow any code. Though I did in most cases. I did not get a pre-made shed because all of them were on 2x4 joists and I was not going to accept anything less than 2x6 pt at 16" on center.
I ended up designing my own place and took the designs to a PE to validate that 1) it was a good design and 2) that it atleast met minimum IBC. Once he signed off on it I started building.
Where I am does regulate waste disposal. Gray water has to be disposed of no less than 3" below ground level, black water systems have to use an approved septic system but the state has approved composting toilets in place of a full septic system provided they meet requirements. There are also regulations on wells though reading through them they are common sense things like the well has to be more than 50' from gray water or black water disposal areas. It has to have a concrete topper that directs ground water away from the well, etc.
All in all this whole process has been a learning experience and I suggest everyone does their due diligence before they start a project like this.
yeah for what it costs to modify it might be more feasible to just get a blueprint kit , or a ""shell structure" house 84 lumber used to sell them
Thanks brother straight to the point
It all goes back to $$$$$
VietVet 1970 it all goes back to snobby neighbors. Gentrification is to keep the neighbor's property value up. They don't want to look at your little house no matter what it looks like. And the only way to change these is to go to your municipal or County Borough or Parish zoning meetings and to get the Neighbors on board. However most neighbors won't go on board with it with ending some of the BS requirements because number one they did it so you should have to do it too and number two they don't like to look at your place.
I feel for you guys. I live in Ak we are still allowed to live in most places a 4wall tent. You don't need heat or insulation in the South.
Why government local and otherwise are your Masters. A person should be able to live as they wish, if I am happy live\ing on a stump and only a umbrella for shelter then so be it. With the understanding you don't pose a threat of fire and otherwise to your neighbors.. Money Money money don't even attempt to say it'sa bout our safety, that's one of the biggest falsehoods...
Respectfully, as a home health infection control nurse who has worked in rural areas, the unfortunate truth is that without these codes infection breeds as a good segment of the population of which includes many off gridders are not even basically hygienic. Doesn't make them bad people but all the plagues of yore decimated populations because of a lack of some of these basics. Also the safety issues many of these codes cover. No I'm not a government troll and I think some coding is excessive and ridiculous but am the caught we of a civil engineer. Just observe how out of control Covid is because people don't want to wear a mask "to be free" while as I nurse I have worn masks day in and day out over a 30 year span ....to protect ALL OF YOU. ✌
Oh wow your city does not play no games when it comes down to the shed convert to a tiny house
Thanks for sharing. Given us some ideas, will check with local code enforcement before building.
Danny so what your saying is that if its going to be hunting camp. don't need permits, if it is not hooked up to the power grid,
Yes thank you. I've made a joke years ago ( its illegal to be poor ) this video helped me realize i gotta pay to fix heat in my house before i sale it. My plane was sell for less because heat pump is out. Now i know its a code. Can't sale a house that's not up to code. K guess this time i don't have to figure out what plan B is LOL i just have to figure out how to pay for plan B. LOL its been interesting watching what America does to help poverty places around the world. Its always something that's illegal hear in the USA. Last winter the news showd a working girl evicted on NO CAUSE. They showd she was a very good tenet. The deal was so the owner cloud rise the rent more then the law allows with a tenet. She froze to death the first night homeless. She couldn't afford higher rent or the cost of first, last and deposits of moving. The same week the news showed rocket heater's being built and sent to poverty places around the world. No one liked me noticing and talking of this. This rent problem was on the state list for there once a year law and regulation meeting. LOL state officials voted to put it on next year list. The elections told America 1\3 working law obeying people went homeless last year with an estimated at least 1\3 again this year. People say that's just political way of getting votes. LOL no sorry I'm one of those people and its really happening. So now the news only shows the filthy messes and bad attitudes of homeless people. As people like me try to not go homeless and keep are chin up with good attitudes. I even met a group of people with much higher incomes then me forming a group of strangers to live together. They wanted me to join there group but they have a interview to see if your a good or bad person. Yes i passed as a good person but Jesus went to bad people and asked us to not judge. I don't want to live with bad people either but if I'm with a judgmental group it can and will throw stones at eachother at some point. So i thanked them and declined. LOL i don't like end time events but I'm glad its going faster so we can all be done sooner. These problems are only God showing what oppression is so we can stop doing it. he wants all to be in the kingdom even though most won't be. CODES ARE GOOD TO KEEP US SAFE. Simply share what we have and there will be no poverty among us. Thank you Danny for sharing freely. I pray this video will go viral to help everyone in all walks of life.
Probably best to just have an rv on a pad or driveway for weekend or overnight guests to stay in. Can have a licensed electrition put in a pole with a box and outlets on the pole. As for black and grey water issues, can tie into the existing septic system with a 6-8 pipe. That is what I've done. The code enforcement and zoning people can't give me any guff because my rig is not on a permanent foundation.
Great subject on Tiny home conversion and codes Danny!!!👍👏😍🏡
Building Codes are unjust rackets.
Thanks for the information maybe these shed people will start building to state codes......
Thank you for the information. It really opened my eyes and you gave it in a way easy to understand and respect. God bless you.
Rules are Rules, they have seen more than most has. Short Cuts do not work to keep your family and loved ones safe. Makes it easier to find out the rules and get them right so you can move on with any dream you may have. Thank You for your time and info for Mississippi. Do understand before check with your State's Code Rule's for your state.
thank you so much for all the info! Super helpful!
Rock wool is also a soundproofing insulator just saying
Hey Danny, Thank you for the info. I've been looking all day for the right shed to make me and my wife a home and I didn't realize all the codes I needed to be aware of. But now that I think about it, I currently live in central Florida and there are times in the winter when I'm ready to get inside and warm up with the heater on. All the codes make good since except for the 6'8" door? But I'm sure they have their reasons. We Just bought 10 acres up in North Florida and I don't know the codes yet. But I plan on finding out just what I can do on this land legally. Thanks again
Lakeland florida here
Take a Trip to Biloxi and Look at the Katrina Cottages,.. they are beautiful.
Best video yet that I have seen on building a tiny home.Thanks!
It’s different in every state, that being said there will be changes that have to happen in all states to make sure you are up to code.
you need to be in county not easily seen off main road.. sheds do not have to be on foundations . once on foundations you become a permanent dwelling you want to be called mobile .. like a mobile home . you build your self on like a 14 x 70 trailers chassis . mines never to be moved . but on a 14 x 70 chassis so its a mobile home . doh .. none this flies in city limits.. smoke detectors are no issue . of course solar is in mix .. solar and battery system . you do have to think .. its pretty easy.. i use gfci breakers in panel box to shut off circuits completely
Very informative. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for posting this video! Very helpful!!
ACTUALLY good information and sensible building practices.
Thank you for this. I have a better undestanding of how the code works. I will look into it for my state and county. I am very interested in building or buying a 16'x24' shed to convert to a full time dwelling. Thanks again.
They don't want you to be Free!!
Speaking of smoke detectors, it sounds like you needed a battery changed in one of your smoke detectors. The constant beeping was spooking my dog. lol
So much for the Land of the Free.
Im so glad i live in Missouri and the county i live in has very litte code
Thanks! For sharing that's a lot of good information! Basically do your homework for your areas requirements . 👍
Thank you for the info I needed to know that
Thanks for sharing. Since I was looking into this recently for my state I think you got wrong the minimum habitable space. Where I live, minimum habitable space such as a bedroom is 70 square feet with the shortest wall being 7'. So 7'x10' would work, but 7'x7' (as you suggested) would be far too small.
Liz… you may be correct about the codes for YOUR area… but as was stated SEVERAL times in the video all areas may not have the same codes. So go by the codes for YOUR area! That is all.
Hi 👋 You're so funny you said don't take what I said and run off with Danny said this Danny said that I'm glad you cleared that up cuz people will do that 😂🤣😂
Ohio has some strong building codes and if you are looking to build a small home under 900 sq.ft. living space, forget it... Have a great day...
Thats what im finding in a lot of places. Thats why it is so important to do your home work.
Thank you so much! This is exactly the video I needed
At least you can make a shed a dwelling place. Some places you must have a minimum of 900 to 1200 square feet to be a home.
Government overreach.
Thank you for that information...
I wonder just how many ppl who buy tiny/ pre fab homes... truly believe that they are up to code based on the state /area they live in, nothing you mentioned seems un realistic, I'm sure nobody who wanted to live long term in one of these homes would want to be without hot water or a functioning kitchen/toilet..... it really is just common sense, glad you guys got on with what sounded like a very helpful code inspector.
loch ness most people who talk about converting sheds into homes put in electricity and water and have kitchens and bathrooms
loch ness it cant be worse than a mobile home....those things fall apart after 10 or 15 years.
Beverly Balius
Not if they receive basic care. Many parks are full of them from the 70’s.
Stone county, Mississippi! 😊 Were building one here in Central Florida but we're from Harrison County MS.
Hey I'm located on palm bay fl and I was wondering if I could put one on a vacant land?
Welcome to the " Land of the Free "
You were really converting a shed with those low sidewalls but most build to code now, upgraded options and on site too. I still would not buy one without knowing if you can have it wherever it lands, the government is out of control with control so he's right.
Seems like the "dwelling " will surely increase your taxes. We are dealing with some County permits, codes etc. Good luck. Can't wait to see the results.
Very Perceptive...the space WILL be assessed.
REMEMBER,.. call it TEMPORARY Housing or Weekend get a way,... They dont have the STAFF to come everyday as your living your life,.. PLUS Remember, LIFE itself is Temporary...