Learn How to Get a Building Permit for an Aircrete Dome

In this video, we have a detailed discussion with Lance Martz about how you can get a building permit for an Aircrete Dome. Domegaia has worked with PSE Consulting Engineers, INC. to produce the first Aircrete Dome design that meets structural engineering requirements and qualifies for building permits. You won't be able to get a building permit everywhere, so watching this video to learn how to research and get started is essential.
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0:00 Introduction
0:17 Where to start?
0:37 The golden question
4:07 Building departments
7:00 Neighbors
9:07 Zoning
11:52 Counties and requirements
15:00 DIY or Contractors?
16:15 Building factors
19:07 Building department troubleshooting
21:20 Engineering
22:18 Q & A with county
27:47 Building process
29:26 State requirements
30:55 Final thoughts
31:50 Outro

[@michaelleone7863]

Every one that works with Nabil from PSE is top notch. Just because one guy told you he would approve it, when you submit your permit you do not know who will be the reviewer, so you need to get the director or head supervisor that has final say above regular plan reviewers. When it comes to permit review they have what version of building code (example IBC2012) they use, and they have additional or amendments added on top of that code. The international code does have sections that address aircrete, but you need to provide the wall and roof assembly and the testing agency that has tested this assembly and confirm its strength, fire resistance an application. 1. what code does this permit department use 2. what county amendments might be used in the review 3. can you provide aircrete wall or roof assembly test reports 4. what is the wall and roof construction type, is it non flammable, do you have the testing agency? 5. can you provide wind or seismic resistance for your aircrete wall or roof assembly??? If you have the documentation they can not refuse you. It is not a opinion review it is a code compliance review, it is your job to provide the documentation to prove you meet the requirements with test repots from an accepted testing agency?? Another option is just layer in some rebar into the wall roof, even though its not required it provides the code compliance a plan reviewer needs to approve your permit. simply notching some rebar into the aircrete blocks before you apply the skim coats, this way the low cost rebar provides the hold down to the foundation the reviewer needs to sign off. I have permitted all kinds of alternative building materials, my approach is to just add in low cost add on that get the plans approved. Michael Angelo Leone. mike at Hawaii Architectural dot com

[@rvmommabear]

Mike, thank you so much for this review and information!

[@jacksonfacts23]

Virtually everywhere outside city limits in Arkansas there are NO building permits required. All you need permitted is a septic system. Water catchment and off-grid solar are totally acceptable. This is also common throughout Tennessee and Missouri.

[@SL-xu4og]

Glad to hear this. We are in SE MO.

[@rvmommabear]

Hey, I live in Arkansas too, in Beebe. I've talked to a ton of building permit offices all over the state trying to get monolithic domes approved, which are much easier to pass permit requirements than these aircrete domes. You have to get a building permit no matter where your land is hun. What you have is called "unrestricted land" meaning you don't have to have the land zoned for a particular use, but you still have to have a permit with plans approved from the County office and they are relentlessly against domes in this back a$$ward state! Infuriating. I just wanted to build a Tornado proof house. No domes in Arkansas. If you do build a structure without getting a building permit first, be aware the fines for forgiveness afterwards are huge and they will most likely require you to tear down the structure, at your own expense, charging you a fine daily until they see it is gone.

[@rvmommabear]

Tennessee, laughably, and Texas, are both extremely dome friendly.

[@teckalicious83]

This was great, thank you for sharing his info!

[@asrael333]

Really appreciate this in depth talk about getting permission to build and other details. Thank you.

[@diaryofadeadtattooist]

Spoke with planning dep in Republic of Ireland yesterday. Any building with a concrete Base requires planning permission and sadly they are instructed on agricultural lands to refuse if no planning. However if you utilise a 'temporary structure' you do not require planning. I explained aircrete to them for the first time. This was only for the base of a 39'x12v static caravan that would be positioned on the land to use for showering /shelter /eating and changing into work wear ;we're going to build agricultural units for our small farm. The static requires planning (use as home /concrete Base) however if you use a timber frame structure (grid) you could then infill these squares with aircrete for floor supports across the whole structure instead of using concrete blocks at intermittent points. 😉

[@diaryofadeadtattooist]

I also figured using rail way tracks (disused) and a method of moving it 1 meter that would allow a temp structure. Marine Ply base with box frame in filled with aircrete would allow it to be potentially light weight enough to move across the rails. 😉

[@newcreationcoachingllc6491]

Interested in this for Florida. Not necessarily a home right now, but outbuildings. Our sheds have to be hurricane compliant and they are $$$$$$$. I would love any information/help.

[@AnteaterRae]

I couldn't be more excited for this! I can see myself consulting both of your companies in the future so i can be one of those dominoes helping to tip the next one!

[@eddieco]

Los angeles city and especially county, are the absolute worst building departments. I built the very first dome shaped underground houses in each. La County permitting fees were over $70,000 Yes, that was for FEES. They increased the build cost by over $500K, with requirements that exist nowhere else, not even in LA City.

[@fordbuchanan8630]

And then they pretend not to understand the homeless problem.

[@eddieco]

@@fordbuchanan8630 They simply don't care... until they can profit off of them. Those "tiny sheds" they built next to the freeqway? 130K EACH. for an 8' x 10' shed. And they charged themselves 65K in permit fees... PER SHED. So they could divert the funds for the homeless back into their own pockets. LA has become so corrupt it's insane.

[@JM-pe5su]

I can't imagine the answer is yes, but are there any grants floating around for building with aircrete? Our biggest issue for moving forward is always funding and I've always wondered if there is something sustainability or housing related. Google searches only get so far even with AI.

[@ScrapWoodDIY]

Very informative video. Thankyou 🙏. My question is, how would I go about in my country. Living in Australia 🇦🇺, the Municipal Councils are not very forthcoming in alternative building. Have you had anyone from Australia wanting to use your building concepts? I love the idea of the domes.

[@chrisk7118]

Find a structural engineer who will sign off on a performance solution as per NCC. It’s possible a few other Aussies have done so in NSW and QLD.

[@jillofalltradesmasterofnon2778]

This is such helpful info,and like anything else worth doing..is definetly worth planning.thanks guys!😊

[@paulginsberg6942]

Great info. Love the possibility of alternative buildings of all sorts.

[@parentingdecolonized]

Thank you for this ❤

[@rickreynolds3604]

Thanks so much! Super helpful and exciting

[@JM-pe5su]

Excellent thank you

[@ic8586]

You guys are amazing 🎉

[@DomoMono]

@domegaia Have you produced any database yet to say where in the world people have already got aircrete dome plans approved? I'm specifically thinking about Oaxaca State, or Tulum Mexico. Thanks.

[@domegaia]

No, we are just starting the journey if getting approvals from building departments.

[@oliviakimble7452]

How difficult is it to get building permits for a Dome on the Big Island of Hawaii?

[@Mikelen11]

What are the wind load ratings for these dome homes?

[@premapoojitanananda7947]

🌟 good info

[@PatriciaCarles]

Have you guys have any success with permits for these domes in California yet?

[@domegaia]

No yet, we have a few people interested in this but I've not heard of one being done. The main difference with California is the higher seismic zone. It may require additional reinforcement to meet engineering requirements.

[@michellej7734]

Building Departments can say YES in the beginning but the can REJECT and DENY at the end once you have INVESTED and THEY ALL HAVE BEEN PAID and are at the END and then the COST to meet ALL THEIR REQUIREMENTS CAN BANKRUPT YOU. Engineering form can NOT guarantee that in the end that the County will APPROVE the FINAL results

[@arthurpridanovs2336]

Considering it is a fairly consistent material , can it be engeneered using FEA methods in somethink like Solidworks?

[@domegaia]

it seems possible but I'm not that familiar with exactly how that would work.

[@bobosun9741]

Great info 👏 thank you for sharing. My question is what is the general cost one should expect to pay the engineer for the stamped plans?

[@domegaia]

It depends on the design but could be as low as $3000 or up to $6500

[@bobosun9741]

very helpful, thanks so much!@@domegaia

[@shaneluck2570]

Is there engineering documentation available that we can get to submit my plans for permits?

[@domegaia]

We don't have anything availble right now but we are working on tihs.

[@positivepatterson]

@@domegaiahowdy was this ever created? I am debating trying to build one in Nc

[@B30pt87]

"Professionally designed, engineered, and stamped, will you give me a permit for it?" I get the 'designed and engineered', but 'stamped' by whom, or what agency? The engineer?

[@rvmommabear]

You hire an architect or engineer in the county or town you wish to build in. They review your plans and suggest any changes you might need for local code compliance. Once the professional signs off on your plans there will be a city or county office for building permits. If you are having trouble tooking it up yourself you can contact a local authority. They will direct you to the proper town or city building to get the permit. You can ask your local mayor's office and even your local police department for the location of the permit office in your area.

[@B30pt87]

@@rvmommabear Thank you! So the "stamped" would be from the architect or engineer.

[@holgermessner851]

Hello from Panama. In my area, San Carlos district, you bite on granite in regards to building permits! Even the local people who work in the next district office said: It’s very difficult to deal with San Carlos….! I had to wait 16 months for my work permit, even building with local approved concrete blocks! No idea if they were waiting for some “extra dollars “ under the table. I don’t care. I do not bribe anyone. And then come the locals and say: Why did you apply for a building permit? Everyone just build….. - Makes me just sick. 😮

[@maylovelive4697]

permit ?...PERMIT ???...WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' PERMIT....