Topic: Permit

While researching federal regulations, David Blume discovered a loophole for an "experimental distillers license" that allowed for fuel production without expensive beverage permits. After obtaining the permit for $100 and notifying the authorities, Blume's facility was raided by an ATF SWAT team. The event was filmed by invited press members to highlight the government's aggressive stance against independent fuel producers.

During his trial, David Blume successfully used his valid federal permit to have his charges dismissed and his handcuffs removed in open court. The resulting publicity led to a Congressional hearing chaired by Senator George McGovern. Blume subsequently authored a simplified one-page permit for fuel alcohol production that remains the federal standard, allowing citizens to produce up to 5,000 gallons annually.

The long-term construction roadmap for One Community includes seven distinct housing models, ranging from simple EarthBag structures to complex subterranean "Hobbit Homes" and treehouses. Sable explains that the sequence of construction is designed to build a relationship with county permitting offices, starting with simpler designs and moving toward more complex engineering. Each phase utilizes materials and revenue from the previous village to expand.

Advice is provided for individuals looking to build cheap, efficient homes using unconventional materials like cob or earthbags. Sable warns that the primary obstacle in the United States is county regulation and the risk of being forced to demolish unpermitted structures. One Community aims to solve this by providing pre-permitted blueprints that individuals can present to their local authorities with confidence.