Where can you build a Dome?

Zoning pertains to whether a residential, commercial or industrial building can be constructed on a property. Besides zoning ordinances controlling the use of the land, they determine setbacks from property lines, size and height limits and similar things, but we have never heard of a zoning restriction on domes.

Building Departments do not deal with appearance. They are concerned about strength and code compliance. Deed restrictions and homeowner associations can limit the type structure that can be built. Our dome design has proved itself by withstanding hurricane Andrew's 200 mph winds, four hurricanes in 2004, sub zero temperatures and heavy snow loads of Canada and the Northwest Territory, a large tree impact and many other conditions over a 33 year period.

Our dome cannot be built in Dade or Broward County Florida even though one of our domes went through Hurricane Andrew with no structural damage. Our building complies with the new 2002 Florida Building Code. We have been informed that Dade and Broward Counties require additional testing to verify that the wall segments are capable of withstanding missile impact. Due to the cost and complexity of the tests, we have concluded it is not economical for us to perform this test. If the building departments will accept a Florida registered engineer’s assertion that our buildings pass this test, this documentation can be provided at a reasonable fee.

Sometimes in California if the dome is being built near a large city, the building department might require the building kit to be certified by the State of California.  We have not pursued this certification due to its cost.  If you are builiding in Californa you will want to find out what the building department requires to give you a building permit.

For assistance with your building departments, selecting subcontractors, etc. we know of a Pre-Construction Consultant. Click on Pre-Construction Consultant to learn more about this service.

If you do not have the time or do not want to assemble the dome shell kit, click on Kit Assembly Consultant to learn about this service. He will supervise your or your contractor's laborers and get the shell assembled.

Prior to purchasing Building Plans you need to assure you have answers to the following questions:

1. Does the deed for your land have any restrictions on domes?
2. If there is a Home Owners’ Association governing your land, you will need to check with them and make sure you can build a dome.
3. You can ask your building department, “What are the requirements for a residential building permit? Are there any additional requirements to build a geodesic dome? Is an Architect’s or Engineer’s seal required on the plans?”
4. Do you have your financing secured?