There are some areas here that don't require permits for some things, too. Rural areas mostly. I think it was maryjane that posted some pictures of a house built on a cliff in Texas. The cliff broke away taking part of the house. They later burned the remainder of the house. Maryjane said that in that county, building permits or inspections weren't required even though the home and surrounding homes appeared to be in the $500K range.
For years there have been small power turbines available for the individual. but putting them in the back yard in suburbia would likely get the same result as your article.
