I've asked that same question to inspectors all have said no but recently one said yes. The one thing Sac. county does is provide a sheet on how to build your own ufer. I'll see if I can post it.
Basically, if you don't have a water pipe or a ufer you are to make your own ufer.
Dig a trench 20' long, 1' deep, 1' wide. From the panel run a continous piece of #4 to the trench and it's length. Support the #4 3" above the dirt and then fill with concrete. Believe it or not there is a pre-concrete inspection required for the ufer.
[This message has been edited by bwise121 (edited 11-20-2006).]
