• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

New Primitive Structures exemption

tboulden

Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2013
Messages
6
Location
NC
Here's a link to the bill with the updated language:

Bill Text - HB 774 - North Carolina 2013-2014 Session - Open States

Specifically,


(b4) Building rules do not apply to (i) farm buildings that are located outside the building‑rules jurisdiction of any municipality, or (ii)(ii) farm buildings that are located inside the building‑rules jurisdiction of any municipality if the farm buildings are greenhouses, (iii) a primitive camp, or (iv) a primitive farm building. For the purposes of this subsection:

...

(4) A "primitive camp" shall include any structure primarily used or associated with outdoor camping activities, including structures used for educational, instructional, or recreational purposes for campers and for management training, that are (i) not greater than 4,000 square feet in size and (ii) are not intended to be occupied for more than 24 hours consecutively. "Structures primarily used or associated with outdoor camping activities" include, but are not limited to, shelters, tree stands, outhouses, sheds, rustic cabins, campfire shelters, picnic shelters, tents, tepees or other indigenous huts, support buildings used only for administrative functions and not for activities involving campers or program participants, and any other structures that are utilized to store any equipment, tools, commodities, or other items that are maintained or used in conjunction with outdoor camping activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, or nature appreciation, regardless of material used for construction. The specific types of primitive camping activities, structures, and uses set forth in this subdivision are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed to limit, in any manner, the types of activities, structures, or uses that are exempted from building rules.

(5) A "primitive farm building" shall include any structure used for activities, instruction, training, or reenactment of traditional or heritage farming practices. "Primitive farm buildings" include, but are not limited to, sheds, barns, outhouses, doghouses, or other structures that are utilized to store any equipment, tools, commodities, livestock, or other items supporting farm management. These specific types of farming activities, structures, and uses set forth by this subdivision are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed to limit in any manner the types of activities, structures, or uses that are exempted from building rules.

More specifically, what interpretation of the (4)(ii) is permissible? What constitutes occupation for more than 24 hours consecutively? Does leaving the structure for some specific amount of time during a given 24 hour period qualify? For example, having a yurt/tipi as a sleeping unit on a seasonal basis (when its not so hot/cold to be unpleasant).

Thanks!
 
Sounds reasonable to me. Do we want to regulate insulation in outhouses? That stuff is itchy. How many yurts are we talking about verses giving the Boy Scouts holy hell on their campground permits or other summer camp buildings or legitimate farm buildings. That is what it sounds like to me.
 
Is this really so broad as to figuratively "legalize" cda's cardboard box? Atleast as long as he leaves it once every 24 hours?

Here's a link for a news story regarding Eustace Conway and Turtle Island Preserve, which this was added for after he met with the state building code council; they recommended he get his legislators to expedite the process, governor signed the bill a month or two ago.

Just trying to get a handle for what this means for everyone who is not Eustace Conway.
 
New Primitive Structures exemption

We need an exemption like this in our state, although I agree that the 4,000 Sf is too large.
 
Back
Top