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Permalink Reply by Sally Carroll on December 29, 2008 at 7:03am

Hi Rhiannon --

I'd love to use gray water in my yard, but I haven't found much info on Fresno regulations or technology. We planted a low-water front yard and are working on a xeric or low water backyard. I do collect shower water in summer and I've been considering installing rainbarrels. I agree about the need for more agressive water conservation. Fresno is only now moving toward water metering, so there's not much motivation for the average household. City of Fresno does water patrol, but I still see lots of sprinkler water running down the street.

We bought a new Granville Home. They are ahead of the common standard in green construction, but not as far as you are talking. We added photovoltaic. Our church was built to LEED standards, but we didn't go as far as composting toilets. I think the co-housing units are LEED, but they have standard plumbing.

We're new to Fresno, so I've never dealt with permits.

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Permalink Reply by Marla on January 6, 2009 at 12:06pm

Fresno is more concerned with secretly altering the city's water system for upcoming water diversion. According to Wilbert Swieso (former employee of the city, head of the fake work crews), this is the continuation of Bonadelle's "secret water operation." What has been done to structures throughout Fresno over the past 50 yrs is beyond belief. With plat/parcel maps and aerial views altered to cover up the evidence, no one questions anything. Tragic.
http://www.myspace.com/marlalk4

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Permalink Reply by Sabrina Hammon on March 16, 2009 at 6:38pm

Hi Rhiannon, I have worked with architects, engineers and contractors who are also interested in green building and have designed homes using some of these techniques. I'd love to talk with you further and would be happy to put you in contact with other like-minded individuals.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Popenoe on April 26, 2010 at 12:37am

I'm appalled that Fresno uses conventional construction! It's ridiculous! My dream is to dig a house in the ground at an empty lot in downtown Fresno (after buying the lot, I guess). I don't even know what I'm doing, but it's a sure thing that it'd be a nicer place to be in the summer (May thru October) than where I live now. C'mon Fresno!!! As an energy and water strapped city with extreme summer temperatures, by now we should have all this figured out and be an intellectual resource for the world.

Let's do it, guys! Woohoo!

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Permalink Reply by James C. Comegys on January 2, 2011 at 2:37pm

Hi Steve,

I just happen to have a complete set of books on "Earthships" plus another one about ancillary systems.  Besides that I havge several more books on underground houses.  For my money, any of the ones on earthships are best because they have been perfected over a period of time and are entireloy off-grid.  No back up systems; they have to get the main system right.

 

Contact me.  Come see my collection/library.  jim

Steve Popenoe said:

I'm appalled that Fresno uses conventional construction! It's ridiculous! My dream is to dig a house in the ground at an empty lot in downtown Fresno (after buying the lot, I guess). I don't even know what I'm doing, but it's a sure thing that it'd be a nicer place to be in the summer (May thru October) than where I live now. C'mon Fresno!!! As an energy and water strapped city with extreme summer temperatures, by now we should have all this figured out and be an intellectual resource for the world.

Let's do it, guys! Woohoo!

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