Ok, most of us - I think - recognize that building permits are ok to guarantee the design integrity and safety of a structure, and these people apparently did not go through the process. What to do? They have created a work of art that would be a shame to destroy. Inspect the building retroactively, and if it seems safe, levy a small fine for not getting the permit initially and leave it alone. But, no, the government says to knock it down. This smacks of bully government, government by a**hole, a government of arrogance.
No. I deny the fundamental premise. I do not acknowledge that building permits are necessary to guarantee the design integrity and safety of a structure. They are a tool to assist government with assessments so that property tax revenues are maximized. They are an invasion of privacy. They are a means of exerting control. Anyone in the building trades can tell horror stories about building departments tormenting homeowners and adding many, many unnecessary dollars to construction costs. Adding to construction costs of course means that fewer people can afford to become homeowners and must remain in rental or government-controlled housing. See how that works? Higher property costs + higher taxes = more people unfree and under rigid control.
I'm enough of a libertarian to believe that if I want to build something stupid on my own property, that is my risk and my concern so long as it does not impinge on the value of or use of my neighbors' properties.
Nothing wrong with having limited special exemptions from building codes. Such as this couple could agree to hold classes a few time a year on unique home building. How to do some of what they did.
“Ok, most of us - I think - recognize that building permits are ok to guarantee the design integrity and safety of a structure,”
Nope. For my part, if my neighbor wanted to live in a tin and tarpaper shack he built himself, I’m good with that.