I don't know if this helps at all but I've been researching on how to get a PSP structure into code. Upon searching I found this site and
thread and I wanted to post a reply as well as give you any info I've found so far. I'm fairly new to building to code (or trying to) and have always built structures that were sound and never worried about inspectors. Now that I'm trying to build my first house (using PSP) I want to make sure I'm doing it right. Here's a site that I found that gives me hope that it can be done.
http://www.nachi.org/permanent-wood-foundations.htm
I know that a permanent
wood foundation is not the same thing. The thing that I find appealing here is that they are using untreated wood (plywood) that is directly in contact with a polyethylene barrier. I've read that a lot of the argument for inspectors is that they aren't sure about the polyethylene's integrity when below grade. Here's a quote from
Mike Oehler on
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3G2K7KS5WVGC0
It is possible to pass the code with
underground housing. A guy named Bill Howit did it in Washington state. There is nothing in the code to prevent it. But since he was building with my Post/Shoring/Polyethylene method which uses wood as the main material (protected from the earth with a polyethylene sheet, or EPDM) the inspectors insisted that it had to meet the code for wooden basements which meant pressure treated lumber -- poison. He went before the variance board armed with testimonials from those of us living in P/S/P housing as to the durability of polyethylene underground. You wouldn't have to go that route even if you built with rock or concrete. --Mike Oehler, author of the book.
I hope this gets the ball rolling. I'd love to hear further discussion as well so that I can get more information on getting my future homes building permit.
Joshua
