Should the Amish be exempt from building codes?

[MrsCat 6]

I say they grandfather the existing dwellings and future homes have to be built up to code.

Otherwise, what's to stop someone from claiming being Amish as an excuse to build homes not up to code?

I don't think that's a viable argument for any builder as the Amish live with no electricity, no indoor plumbing, no wallboard, etc.....

It would be pretty hard to take a modern built home and try to pass it off as Amish as if it were genuine as it would be blatently apparent it was not.

Anyone masquerading as an Amish person wouldn't want to live in such harsh conditions.

The point is the regulations would have to institute a test as to what constitutes being Amish. Should the State really determine how a person lives constitutes Amishness or not?!

Ex: Someone who leaves the Amish community, subscribes to all their underlying religious and social values, however believe in having electricity. Should the State now decide that they're not Amish because they use electricity even though this person self-describes as Amish?

[kaydee457 13]

I say they grandfather the existing dwellings and future homes have to be built up to code.

Otherwise, what's to stop someone from claiming being Amish as an excuse to build homes not up to code?

I don't think that's a viable argument for any builder as the Amish live with no electricity, no indoor plumbing, no wallboard, etc.....

It would be pretty hard to take a modern built home and try to pass it off as Amish as if it were genuine as it would be blatently apparent it was not.

Anyone masquerading as an Amish person wouldn't want to live in such harsh conditions.

The point is the regulations would have to institute a test as to what constitutes being Amish. Should the State really determine how a person lives constitutes Amishness or not?!

Ex: Someone who leaves the Amish community, subscribes to all their underlying religious and social values, however believe in having electricity. Should the State now decide that they're not Amish because they use electricity even though this person self-describes as Amish?

Perhaps we're overthinking this....but yes, I suppose some provable connection the community as a whole might be necessary.

I still don't understand what the advantage would be of contructing a house with some amenities and not all if sales are limited to the Amish amongst themselves through the deed covenants.

The house would only be marketable to a potential Amish buyer who may of course reject the purchase over the fact that it has electricity installed, wallboard, or plumbing......

I think if the construction happens with the established Amish community (they tend to live in clusters) then there's no need for any "proof" or qualifying proof that they practice the religion.

[Danno 1,228]

Building inspectors as well as other petty Govt positions actually believe "They are the last link" between society as we know it and insanity.

If you question (or G_d forbid) challenge one, you can count on his never ending effort at proving

"he is in control" for as long as you do business with their cubical.

Obviously building a house without a permit is not a small issue so I can only try to imagine how puffed out the chests were in this event.

Building codes are a wonderful example of Gov't creep" what started out as codes in cites to prevent your "fire-trap" from burning down several city blocks has evolved into the most silly

and meaningless detail.

Codes have also become a wonderful political tool as well.

Certain groups can lobby and get passed into code-law water restricting fixtures, planting of trees and shrubs, to even color schemes. Rest assured, the Creep will continue to protect you, from yourself, for it is the nature of Government.

[pedroh 21]

Amish know how to reprezent.. no messin' with them says el Presidente