Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Common house building code classification

[Unnat (Zen]

We had to re-iterate that the common house is for  PRIVATE  use, not
public. It is an extension of each householder's living space.  Not
commercial or business premises, not to be hired out.  Let them know if
the location of the c/house mitigates against public access.
We've been upfront about the use of the common house - kitchen, pantry,
shared meals, office, meeting/activities room, bathroom (no bath),
laundry and the library/quiet room, which also happens to be the guest
room.  'Members' club house sounds good.

Have you met and spoken to the 'rubber-stamper' personally.  I've found
that informal, face to face, on site, enlisting their support - "how can
you help us?" - often works with these ribbon bound technicalities.
Most people like to be acknowledged for their expertise and advice.
Perhaps clarifying safety aspects, eg location of fire extinguishers and
supportive info from local fire dept (unless they're complete fascists)
or communal accessibility, eg every householder has a key.  (BTW we had
the common house keyed to all other houses, ie my house's door key opens
the c/house.  There is only one master key for every external door in
Pinakarri.)

A clear, confident, well presented supporting document - I like to
include pictures of us - often goes down well.

Warmly
Robyn Williams
Pinakarri Community
Fremantle, Western Australia