Retired Engineer with 28 years in commercial construction and 23 years as Engineer, Senior Inspector, Assistant Building Official, and Building Official. In little cities like Las Vegas, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, Louisville, and the Cayman Islands. Currently in Puerto Rico! Just finished building a woodshop and Chicken Coop for my neighbors. If you're interested in how I would resolve this, You can reach out to me. Although retired I have been used in the in past as a Code Expert in resolving matters. Yours is a unique problem with a legal fix but one that is creative!

Just a couple tips..get a good digging bar to use with the post hole digger…When u put wood post in the ground with cement,put the post in then put 4 or so inches of soil in, compact it good,then put your cement in..post will last much longer..if u put cement in & post is sitting on bottom of hole, sometimes wet cement slides under post bottom & forms like a bowl..Then when it rains,water can seep down along sides of post & start rotting from the bottom..Blessings

IDEA: Build a permanent "add-on" to the structure which would turn the whole structure into a permanent structure

The immediate supervisor of the bureaucrat who decided that your cabin is a "ready-removeable" should be required to read Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-126-303, to wit: "According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-126-303, *ready-removable structures include, but are not limited to, stadium press boxes, guard shelters, or structures that contain only electrical, electronic, or mechanical equipment that are solely occupied for service or maintenance of such equipment* ....It is against state law to modify ready-removable structures for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in Tennessee."

Welcome to Tennessee those beautiful yellow flowers are covered in chiggers

Welcome to Tennessee from D&J homestead Meigs County Tennessee, from raw land to homestead by ourselves at 67 yrs old. Keep it up.

Put some wheels on your house and register it as a home-built camper at the courthouse. That would be one way of getting around it.

Make sure to place "No Tresspass" signs on 4 corners of your property!

I literally went through something very similar to you guys this year. I'm from North Georgia, and the county I bought land in went as far as to create a minimum size requirement of 1000 sq. 3 months after I purchased the land. There wasn't enough time to get the permits, so I missed out on being able to build my dream cabin. There's so much strict ordinances and codes going in place now that people are returning to the country. It's so frustrating to think about, but what can you do when faced with an unsympathetic attitude from the government, and people trying to protect their property values. At some point we'll just have to ignore their rules in order to live our lives. It sounds like your county in Tennessee is much more human than some. Don't give up!

When living off grid it helps to be a bit of an outlaw.

Being a builder I can tell you that if you put a foundation down and attach that structure to the foundation then it becomes a permanent residence and no longer movable.

this shows that you are Honest folks and want to be legal in all that you do. I appreciate honesty you are great people

See if you can get an Ag ( agricultural exemption) on your land for taxes. Also homestead property exemption.. see what qualifies and requirements. Ag exemptions also apply to purchases on equipment for that use too.

Might I suggest you putting your unit you're charging behind the solar panel so they have a little shade so it doesn't over heat in full sun

In my state/county, tie-downs to make the home a non-removeable structure is all that's required. I live in a tiny home for 5 years now. The steel tie-down straps are connected to concrete pillars that were sunk into the ground 30".

You two are inspirational. Don't Give In. Don't Give Up. It's your Land. Remember that and the reason behind it.

Looking like You two are going to love Tennessee. I live in upper east Tennessee and I don't want to be anywhere else. Welcome Home.

I'm glad to see life is looking up for you guy's. It's sad when someone or something comes along and trys too step on your dream. These law's people run into are man made so they can be changed. No need in ruining someone's life over a simplicity that can be fixed. Hang in there guy's God is on your side. Have a great week ahead 😀. Peace 🙏

The evening golden hour is beautiful, and it's a beautiful time to relax after a hard day's work. Best of luck to you guys.

Aloha, I live off grid on Maui the side of Haleakala. Your channel came across my feed as I was just drinking. some coffee overlooking the Islands. I wanted to say you two are a really cool couple, such wonderful energy. Life is good for me. I don't have much but because it's simple and beautiful here all is good. I farm about 15 acres for a local family Persimmons, Cabbage, Kula onions. ..Stay Blessed

For future questions you have about codes you can always call the state or local jurisdiction and talk in hypotheticals. That will allow you to get clarification without cause issues with what you are currently doing. You will get through all the legal stuff and your homestead will be amazing!

Literally walking out the door to go fishing and get the alert. Back in sit down and have my soul lifted. You two are special. A modern day Ma and Pa Ingalls. Thank you for showing the world there is joy in all things. As always stay safe and love ya!

We went down to Chattanooga yesterday and I wondered what the yellow flowers were along the highway. Swamp Sunflowers! You're making great progress with ALL the things - mailbox, garden, road, water, etc. Keep plugging along!! 😊

I'm a driveway mechanic too. A large piece of cardbord, unfolded box etc. works well. I have huge box that saves that skin and mine being glossy I can slide on it to get out pretty well.

Check the state code, does a structure without a roof fall in the regulation as a removable, if so take it off buil up 6" an reinstall it. An by county rules you built it.

HEY MATT AND CASS PUT YOUR LIL HOUSE ON A BLOCK FOUNDATION THAT WAY IT WILL BE TAXED AS A PERMENATE STUCTURE.

Put the post in the hole THEN put the concrete around the post in the hole.

I'm so happy for you guys! Things will all work out with the cabin just put it in Gods Hands things happen for a reason. 😊

Made me smile when you said the plant that is flourishing

For future reference, your chop saw has a depth stop that is adjustable, which would have given you a correct depth instead of your skill saw, and the slide would have given you the width needed for a full depth joint. Something to remember for the next project were the skill saw fails to full fill its duties.

The government is insane you can't have anything without them trying to take it or spend a arm and a leg trying to keep what you bought.

Hey guys really good seeing you, I think that's the best approach as far as the cabin is concerned I pray everything is going to workout, great content as usual

Country living has the best sunsets.

The whole time I watch you guys I have a smile on my face, you both have great energy!

Thank You. For the update. I'm in southern Maryland. I hike daily. All over Maryland after work. Enjoy Your channel !

So far, I'm learning from ya'll Thanx so much

Thanks for sharing another great video with us... The fall flowers are awesome.... Nice mail box installation too... Take care & be safe

No one likes overbearing laws and regulations

I'm so glad I came across your video last week. I'm enjoying every minute.

Hey you guys you inspire me. Im 70 and bought land in the San Luis valley Colorado to do the same as you. I read a previous post which reminded me , mobile homes are tied to the ground with anchors,huh then skirted. I've built homes since 14 years old and have high hopes for both of you.

BEST OF LUCK. Gods Blessings

You guys are totally living the DREAM! Hang in there, can't wait to see where this journey takes you!!

I'm very proud of your projects and the choices you both have made in your lives. Nice channel.

Cass your positivity, up beat, always happy, and excited. You are amazing!!

Say thank you dude, you have the most beautiful and coolest girl in America 👍

The ending of the video 21:36 when Cass was talking about the golden hour made me tear up because thats all i want myself! I cant wait to get there and i wish you two the best of luck!

Such an inspiration to watch how upbeat you folks are! Keep smiling and keep up the work! You will achieve your dream! And don’t give up on the Amish Cabin being your "home" keep fighting for your rights as landowners

Cook trout skin down and let it cook through till done then use spatula to scoup flesh leaving skin right on the grill. Do it with any fish you grill and by doing it that way you won't loose meat stuck to the grill.

Sometimes the honest guy is the one that finds out those that wrote the “laws” don’t fully understand them & cannot translate what they mean!😂 It sounds right. They can’t make things simple & without some “red tape” somewhere. Always been this way, probably always will!!!💕💕 Nothing negates the fact you have absolutely beautiful land!!

If that water is only for the garden and not to drink, add water soluble humic acid, great for root development, feeds the plants and darkens the water and algae wont grow in it

I envy anyone that has a property like yours. It's just Awesome‼

Thank you two for your videos! Love learning and watching you guys grow!

I'd hit the hardware store for A roll of aluminum screen and screen line roller it has A groove inside of end wheel and one solid wheel.

Pennsylvania mountains in the house! Yahoo simple fix to the cabin! Put a addition on to it like a bathroom or kitchen!! And the rest is used for storage!!! Yep storage/ bedroom

Their experience shows how important it is to be sure what the county zoning/permit/inspection requirements are *before* buying land for a homestead, and specifically make sure the county does not prohibit living in an RV on your own property. If at all possible, buy land in a county with no zoning or permit requirements (hard to find, but they do exist). Don't try to get a pre-built "shed" approved as a "dwelling" because - as they found out - the "safety" requirements for a "dwelling" (where people sleep) can turn out to be a deal-breaker. In this case, their Amish-built shed is considered to be a "ready-removable structure" and *Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-126-303 prohibits using or modifying a ready-removable structure for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in Tennessee.*

Thanks for today's smiles.

to inprove your soil plant winter rye and grow it for a few years. should have looked to upper michigan as it is nice up here.

I'm a new fan love watching yall in your new journey

Just wanted to thank you for sharing your lives! I enjoy watching all that you guys do

You will figure it out! But those building codes are actually there to protect you and your neighbors. poop runs downhill.

I see you are doing it. Great news. I am happy.

Blessings from Oregon.

FYI, bumble bees arent the kind you want to build a hive for

I've lived in a canvas tent-very comfortable. This could be your "home" temporarily and the nice structure you bought could be a "workshop"...temporarily again. By the time the bureaucrats catch up your home's foundations could be in place and the permits thereof obtained...permanently.😂

NUMBER ONE " PUT A GREAT UP NOW TO KEEP THE STATE AT THE ROAD TO KEEP YOU SAFE "

The Fall garden is my favorite. Fewer weeds, fewer bugs and it isnt so freaking HOT. My bok choi did great last fall.

I love what you two are doing,stay focused,god bless!!❤

Well heck, I thought I was the only one who used a slim pinch bar as a chisel

keep a large flattened cardboard box for laying on when under vehicles, makes moving around under them much more comfy

Same here guys I'm almost new watching your journey, wishing you both all the best 🇯🇲💯💯👍

rootin for you!

I would have bought a small used mobile home to put on that spot for starters . Just my thinking.

Good morning you guys hope you guys are having a wonderful morning hope you guys got that thing straightened out so that way you guys to stay there all right God bless you guys❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I really enjoy your new homestead journey. I’m very new watching. It looks so exciting ❤

Right On Brother and Sister!! Keep on keeping on!! Love your work.

Good job 👍

We wanted to say hi! Love what yall are doing. My wife and I live in East Tennessee and are in the process of building our off grid homestead as well. Don't know how close yall are but wanted to encourage yall and share that there's like minded people around you and say hi

Blessings to you both, And may you continue to obtain favor with God and with man

Thanks so much! I’ll check it out 😊

You guys are doing fine. You live in a beautiful area you have a plan and it will all work out the way it’s supposed to

If jerks hit&ruin your mailbox post. Then use Metal Pole wld with 2nd pile so it swivels. Cement in ground too. 😉✌️

Just found and subscribed to your channel. Looks like fun...can't wait to watch more!

Next time use the miter saw sitting behind you. Most of them have depth stops and they do the job really nicely.

im on this road building my house off grid here in az. been 4 yrs and lemme just warn you that you will have days where everything just seems to fall apart and you will lose it screaming in frustration. my advice would be to put in something to help you relieve stress, ie a punching bag, fishin spot, case of pbr...whatever is your thing. them ryobi tools r awesome. ive built everything here so far w that lil cordless trim saw. LOVE RYOBI also get a lg bottle of ibuprofen and 1 of tylenol. numerous aches and pains incoming lol

when it comes to choosing where you put your hive make sure you don't put it adjacent to the flowers you want them to target, they often don't gather pollen from the adjacent flowers. it sounds weird at first but makes sense once you learn more.

Love what you guys are doing much success

So awesome 👏🏻 great videos that you two always put together.🙃😉

Loved the flowers, especially the purple ones

I'm not sure where things are, as I only saw "can't live here vid"... To be simple, the way you remove "removable instantly" is to remove running boards underneath, that allow for safe load and removal... Like on a mobile home, would be just remove axles. On your structure, you have boards underneath, to support weight & be able to fit on trailer securely. You simply change that & for safe measure add "permanent foundation" that's how you work around it. I've helped do this, all over Tennessee & adding them to utility systems legally... We never had 1 denied, but you are correct about Clayton having hand in law existing, along with many builders too (as they lose money as well). Good luck in your endeavors. Laws come, go, change, & officials can be most confused about it. Hence loopholes even existing at all...

Good luck and I wish y’all the best of everything 🙏🙏🙏

I like your idea of getting some honeybee hives with all those flowers around. You could always plant or find wild milkweed and help them grow in abundance for the monarch butterflies.

Well, I saw your other video first and left a protracted answer. Sounds like you are doing better.

What a great video! So calm and relaxing. I'll bet it's just beautiful there. There are all kinds of new blooms here also.

In Pennsylvania you have 2 options. Either build a traditional house with water and septic or sign an affidavit for a recreational cabin. The latter gives you a lot of wiggle room and far less inspections. We ran 200 amp electric service so that box had to be inspected. Since our structure is 24x24 they had to approve of its foundation (slab). The last inspection is the only one you are guaranteed and its to make sure you have a fire extinguisher and smoke/CO detectors. We also had to provide a bunch of measurements from the dirt road were on. They will ask you what you are doing with waste (incinerating toilet) and gray water (dry cabin). The stipulations of this agreement follows. 1. Will be utilized for recreational activities only. 2. Will not be utilized as a domicile or residence by myself or any other person for any period of time. 3. Will not be used for any commercial purposes. 4. Will not exceed two stories in height (excluding the basement, if any). 5. Will not be used as a place of employment. 6. Will not be a mailing address for bills or correspondence. 7. Will not be listed as any individual’s place of residence on a tax return, driver’s license, vehicle registration or voter registration

Other people were mentioning things like pouring cement Foundation putting lag bolts to your structure and then a skirting around that now it's permanent structure! Not already removable. And your delivery was a partial construction piece not a finished product!. I'm not a lawyer but it's worth looking into.

Love your shirt from Redfish Idaho. Born and raised in Idaho ❤❤❤

I got one word for today’s video…. Serenity ❤✌🏼😎🇺🇸🙏

Rainwater is good, but you can manually drill a "shallow well" by hand depending on local water tables and with filtering you can use the water for bathing irrigation and car washing etc ( not for drinking ) using tools you can buy for under $200 - $300 and drill it and plumb it in a day or two, three tops. get a cheap lowes 110v well jet pump for $100 ish and a bladder tank ( for great water pressure ) run off solar or battery backup ( with an inverter ) or a porteble generator. Also at a minimum build a full comfortable/spacious bathroom and a kitchen in the shed/house even if you keep sleeping in the camper.

Hey folks you are awsom keep up the good work God bless Best wishes to you both😊

Happy Thanksgiving, gate and mailbox looks good . A little tip when pouring motor oil with less spillage always pour from the side of the container as opposed to the front, same way with antifreeze.