One book I like is "Building with straw bales" [0], by Barbara Jones. It's mostly very practical. Reassuring also when it comes to using a less usual building technique. A tad bit to the eco hippie side for my taste, but only in minor details. All the important bits are very much grounded in sound practice.

If you want to gather practical experience, come help me fiddle with our straw bale house next spring or summer :-)

[0] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23281280-building-with-s...

Thank you, and sadly the eco-hippie vibe seems to hinder a lot of otherwise good ideas from spreading.

Regulation is going to be particular to your municipal or county government. Unless you’re in a major city, the permits desk will probably be approachable and will take the time to explain what you can and can’t do. They will probably entertain a variance unless you seem like you’re really out of your depth. They may be able to tell you about other bale construction in your area.