What's been going on in Grafton?

[Ed]

Hi all

I've heard about the free town project that was an offshoot of the free state project, but all the information I can find is old.

What's been happening in Grafton since then? Have more people moved since that guy bought land (Tim Condon, right? And there was also a Robert Hull I think?)? I read that the libertarians managed to get 3 libertarians voted onto the planning board, out of 5 planning board members altogether. Is that still the case? How many libertarians live in Grafton now?

And how easy is it to build in Grafton? I know there's a planning board, but no zoning. How much power does a planning board have, anyway? From my understanding it's damn near absolute - if they don't want you to build something,, then they can indeed stop you, without any particular reason. But I was reading some other posts, and that didn't seem the case. Are there inspections to enforce building codes? How about for complying with the state's building codes for multi-family? What about if you wanted to move there and build a multi-family? Could one do that as long as he follows the 2 acre minimum for buildings? What are the actual land and building regulations in general there? Is it just the 2 acre thing with subdivisions?

[Russell Kanning]

i'm not sure

[Lloyd Danforth]

Two acre minimum. If you are not subdividing, you don't come before the planning board. You, pretty much, just build. You have to have a state approved septic system if you have running water.
When you do multi family the rules change.I don't know if it is at 2 or 3 family. We've elected a few folks and almost 50% of the town votes with us on practical stuff.
Everything good you have heard about Grafton is true.

[jerry]

And how easy is it to build in Grafton? I know there's a planning board, but no zoning. How much power does a planning board have, anyway? From my understanding it's damn near absolute - if they don't want you to build something,, then they can indeed stop you, without any particular reason. But I was reading some other posts, and that didn't seem the case. Are there inspections to enforce building codes? How about for complying with the state's building codes for multi-family? What about if you wanted to move there and build a multi-family? Could one do that as long as he follows the 2 acre minimum for buildings? What are the actual land and building regulations in general there? Is it just the 2 acre thing with subdivisions?

Where does this "understanding" of the planning board powers come from?
They have authority over subdividing land.... period.

Check the state building code and you will see that one and two family homes are exempt from the building code.  You still have to deal with the plumbing and fire codes if you want running water and electricity.

[Ed]

OK, so then who checks that you are following the codes? Are there inspections? Or are they just supposed to check the plans?

[KBCraig]

OK, so then who checks that you are following the codes? Are there inspections? Or are they just supposed to check the plans?

The state Department of Environmental Services regulates and inspects septic systems, and will boot you out of your house if you have running water without an approved septic system.

Here's some more info:

http://www.nh.gov/safety/boardsandcommissions/bldgcode/faq.html

If a municipality doesn't have a building inspector, who does the inspections and who issues the certificate of occupancy as required by the code?
The New Hampshire Fire Marshal's Office or its designee has the authority to enforce the State Building Code in towns where there is no local building inspector. The New Hampshire Fire Marshal's Office issues Certificates of Occupancy only for State or University of New Hampshire System buildings. In towns where there is no local code enforcement, the contractor is required to notify the New Hampshire Fire Marshal's Office prior to beginning construction.

Does the State Building Code apply to 1 & 2 family dwellings?
Yes, the International Residential Code was adopted as part of the State Building Code on July 8, 2006.

Do any of the sub codes, i.e.: electrical, plumbing and mechanical apply to 1 & 2 family dwellings?
Yes. The International Residential Code 2006 applies to electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems in one-and two-family dwellings.

What other codes apply to one and two family dwellings?
The International Residential Code and the State Fire Code apply to one and two family dwellings.

What code applies to modular construction of one and two family dwellings which are built out of state and shipped to New Hampshire?
All modular construction of one and two family dwellings must comply with the International Residential Code. The State Fire Code includes additional requirements for manufacturers of modular buildings and for third-party inspections of modular buildings during construction. For further information concerning modular buildings, contact the NH State Fire Marshal's Office.

Who enforces the State Building Code?
The local enforcement agency appointed pursuant to RSA 674.51 is authorized to enforce the State Building Code. In towns where there is no building inspector, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal is authorized to enforce the State Building Code (pursuant to RSA 155-A:7, I).

Who enforces the State Building Code if there is no local inspection authority?
In jurisdictions that do not enforce the State Building Code, the State Fire Marshal or designee is authorized to enforce the State Building Code.

[Lloyd Danforth]

As there is no code guy in Grafton, perhaps the Fire Chief or, Health Officer, both reasonable fellows can approve a septic system.

[Ed]

OK, so basically, besides the septic inspection/approval, you have to notify the fire marshal before you start construction?

Doesn't the planning board need to sign off on your plans though? I think I read that on one of the previous boards.

and with the 2 acre minimum is that JUST with subdivision? Or are you only allowed to build one structure per 2 acres? Can you build any number of structures?

[Lloyd Danforth]

The planning board just deals with subdivisions.  The two acre minimum is for a dwelling. There is, theoretically,  no limit to the number of dwellings you can put on that two acres.

[George Donnelly]

Can you define "running water"?

EDIT: Is the answer to that "when you have sewer and/or gray water discharge?" as noted on the building notification form?

Because if you're composting your bathroom "blackwater" and recycling your greywater and kitchen "blackwater", then you don't have any discharge.

I don't know whether to ignore the building notification or risk trying to get approval, failing and thus putting myself on their radar.

[Free libertarian]

...we won't tell.   

[George Donnelly]

Hehe, probably safer that way.

[maulotaur]

The two acre minimum is for a dwelling. There is, theoretically,  no limit to the number of dwellings you can put on that two acres.

I see there are parcels for sale under the two acres - what can you do on those?  Can I [be allowed to] build a single structure that is very small?  How about a compound of a small dwelling and several tiny storage area type structures?  What if the house looked really nice but was scaled down slightly for the size of a half-elf? 

-maulotaur

[maulotaur]

Hi all

I've heard about the free town project that was an offshoot of the free state project, but all the information I can find is old.

There is a FTP mailing list group - are you on that?  It is not connected to the FSP for a long time.  But they had been talking about doing something in TX.  Anyway, not much has occurred than lengthy discussion/disagreement. 

-maulotaur

[George Donnelly]

AFAIK there are no limits on smallness or number of non-dwelling structures.