Werner Meinert is living off the grid in the heart of Colorado Springs. His tiny house is not connected to city electricity, sewer or water service.

But this is not a story about a greenie saving the environment. It's another example of what can occur when people flout city codes governing how homes are built.

So far, the city has attached a lien against Meinert's house on East San Rafael Street. And unless he complies, Meinert might be headed to court, joining accountant Antonio Villa and architect Holger Christiansen in legal battles over city codes and permits.

Unlike the others, Meinert flatly rejects the city's rules. He just wants to be left alone on his land.

"I used to be a builder," Meinert said, explaining how he experienced religious and philosophical revelations in 1994 that led him to embrace Christianity and reject many of the laws that govern American life.

"I just wanted a little place for myself," he said, describing how he built his 375-square foot home in 1998.

(See photos and a map on my Side Streets blog)

It has no foundation. It's wired for 12-volt electric current and powered by solar panels. His water comes from a 500-gallon cistern in the front yard. A septic tank handles his sewage.

"Basically, he's camping on his lot," said Terry Brunette, special investigator for regional building. "It's a tough, tough enforcement case. That house needs to be knocked down.

But we can't just do that."

City codes require any house within 300 feet of power lines to be hooked to the city electric grid, said Ken Lewis, code enforcement administrator. Same for water and sewer.

"Our minimum housing standards say he must be connected," he said.

There are reasons for the codes. For example, Meinert's lot isn't large enough to support a septic system, making it unsanitary, said Pam Brady, city zoning inspector.

She wants to work with Meinert to get it on a foundation, rewire it for 110 volts and attach it to utilities.

Don't hold your breath. Meinert doesn't care for most laws and works hard to avoid conforming to society.

He doesn't care for American government - "We live in a fascist state" - paper money, taxes or the idea you must buy a license to build a house, drive, fish, marry or anything else.

"I believe in American money - silver," Meinert said, pulling a shiny silver dollar from his pocket. "This is real money - 371.25 grains of fine silver. That defines a dollar."
He doesn't believe in the "socialist security system" or the idea of paying a chunk of your income in taxes.

"We're all tax mules hitched to the tax plows. Then you pretend you are free."

He doesn't drive because he refuses to buy buy license plates. His cars gather dust in his yard. Today, he rides an electric bike.

He's given up most of his "toys" like his motorcycles, boat, jet ski and snowmobile.

Though off the grid, Meinert remains plugged in. He still has a television, computer and cell phone. And he teaches people how to make money trading commodities. But he is not a trader.

"You have to be licensed," he said.

Meinert swears he isn't crazy, though even his mother thinks so, he said. And he fears being lumped in with the "tinfoil hat crowd."

Still, he is convinced the end is near.

"I firmly believe the mark of the beast will be upon us soon. Soon, we are going to be useless eaters and I believe bugs will be engineered to kill off a majority of the population."

Any bets on how soon he comes into compliance with zoning rules?

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Tell me about your neighborhood: 636-0193 or bill.vogrin@gazette.com