Bob Tank Dash
Bob Tank Dash
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 MIDWEST MOTOCYCLES COMPLETE DASH KIT  US $173.59
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 Image Chrome Dash Panel for Harley Davidson Fat Bob Gas Tanks US $140.00
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 Drag Specialties Plain Dash Panel US $32.49
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 Extended Dash Style Tank Kit For Harley 1995 03 XL Models except 1200S US $463.99
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 Extended Rubber Mount Quickbob Tank Kit for Harley US $489.99
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 Harley Davidson Leather Dash Panel for Softail Split Fatbob Tanks Fat Bob US $9.99
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 KURYAKYN ZOMBIE BRAKE PEDAL PAD FOR HARLEY FX 4405 US $35.99
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 KURYAKYN DELUXE ISO BRAKE PEDAL PAD HARLEY FX 7588 US $31.49
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 KURYAKYN WIDOW BRAKE PEDAL PAD FXST FXDWG 7534 US $35.99
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 KURYAKYN FLAMIN BRAKE PEDAL PAD HARLEY FX 7519 US $35.99
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 KURYAKYN LIBERATOR BRAKE PEDAL PAD FOR HARLEY FX 4594 US $35.99
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 KURYAKYN FORWARD CONTROL EXTENDERS 4 03 UP DYNA 9049 US $169.99
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 ARLEN NESS BOB DRON FAIRING WINDSHIELD SMOKED GREY HARLEY ROADKING ALL 06 951 US $89.96
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 ARLEN NESS 1 FAT BOB DRILLED DIMPLED DRAG BAR CHROME HARLEY ALL MODELS 08 009 US $143.96
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 ARLEN NESS FAT BOB DRAG BAR 1 DIMPLED CHROME HARLEY FLT SPRINGERS 82 10 08 006 US $152.96
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 ARLEN NESS BOB DRON FAIRING QUICK RELEASE SMOKED WINDSHIELD FLHR 94 12 06 950 US $269.96
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 3 light Bob tank mounted dash speedometer housing from 1988 Sportster US $19.99
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Regulations Stand In Way Of Yurt Independence
Attempting to try to live life a little differently from the "norm" is a lot like trying to outrun Usain Bolt while he is running the 100 yard dash and you are doing the hurdles. It is more than a challenge; it is a nightmare.
Lucky for us, when we began to plan the building of our yurt, we were aware of the myriad of building code, zoning and environmental issues that we had to overcome.
First, the building code. Although the universal building code is intended to provide a consistent standard of construction across Canada (and the USA), each jurisdiction is empowered to tinker with its specifics. In cities, of course, there is a need for consistency, to protect neighbours, to ensure fire risks are minimized and to protect future occupants of a home or building. Yet, each geographical area has its own challenges, so supplementary regulations are enacted. To a lesser degree, in rural settings, these standards are upheld.
However, the plethora of farm buildings that are constructed to meet unique needs – hay barns, cattle calving pens, machine sheds, etc. are hardly likely to become homes for families, so standards for outbuildings are less stringent. Many rural authorities turn a blind eye to poorly constructed shelters and outbuildings.
Nonetheless, innovative structures such as straw houses, bermed buildings and alternative design concepts are rejected by community planners. In fact, such a simple variation on a basement such as construction with pressure-treated lumber instead of concrete requires an engineer's stamp of approval.
Many authorities also require adherence (justifiably so!) to environmental regulations. Waste disposal is just one of these concerns. However, even the height of a wind turbine is regulated. Over a specific height will require an environmental site assessment, a permit, and appropriate lighting to warn off low-flying aircraft. This regulation is enforced, even in extremely remote environments, where many of the trees or geographical features exceed the height requirements for permitting.
We have made several concessions to our local authorities regarding construction standards. However, our design may still violate legal requirements. For instance, our interior walls are not fire-rated to the minimum one hour. It's hard to fire-rate a tarpaulin structure for that period! We have no holding tank. Not much need when we anaerobically digest our effluent, and use composting toilets. We do not have concrete piles to anchor our structure. It is overkill to anchor a structure that weighs about the same as a half-ton truck. Our bedroom does not have a regulation-sized escape window. On the other hand, our bedroom has no walls, and the rest of the yurt has four windows and a door. We have no electrical network that is inspected. Truth is, we have only a 12-volt power system with an inverter for some minor appliances, but a home does need wiring and plumbing, according to the building code.
So, we do not have a home. Our yurt is a "temporary" structure, like a workshop or barn, not intended to live within. At least, that is how our municipality sees it. I look forward to spending my retirement years living in my barn, thank you!
About the Author
Bob Lee is a former business developer and owner of Biz Dynamics (www.bizdynamics.ca). His wife, Janice, is currently employed as a casual customer service representative for a national bank, and is gradually "giving up her day job" to work with Bob on developing their small market garden and dream home -- a yurt in the backwoods. Janice & Bob began their "living green and lean" journey in 2006. Visit our blog at http://movingtoayurt.blogspot.com/