Green light was given to a woman who went viral after digging a huge tunnel under the house.
Tiktok Account @Engineer. Everyshing’s homeowner, creator and creator’s name, “Kala,” earned 7.7 million views when he recorded himself by digging a bunker under his home in Herndon, Virginia.
Kara, known on social media as “Tunnel Girl,” posted a video on Monday, announcing that her plans were approved after paying a $2,000 fee. Her project had been suspended in 2024 due to a potential building violation.
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“I paid the fee and the tunnel plan was approved. Finally, floor plans, structural plans, construction specifications, load engineering, electrical plans and other trade plans were all approved,” she announced on Tiktok video.
Fox News Digital has contacted Kala for comment.
A woman from Herndon, Virginia approved the tunnel project after “finally” suspending the drilling for a violation. (Engineer. Everything/Tiktok)
The tunnel system extends 22 feet into the ground with a 30-foot entrance below her home.
A spokesman for the town of Herndon confirmed to Fox News Digital that a permit was issued for construction.
“The initial inspection by staff occurred earlier this week with approval for partial concrete injection of ceilings. The underground structure per approved plan must not exceed the footprint of the home,” the spokesman added.
Fox 5 DC says neighbors in the detached home community have expressed some concerns about Kara building her “storm shelter.”
Rosie Hernandez, who told Fox 5 she has been living in the neighborhood for about three years, told her she would not hear or see any ongoing projects.
“It’s strange to me. It’s new because I’ve never seen anything before…” Hernandez said. “I can’t see anything like a machine. I can’t see anything.”
“Tunnel Girl” attracted millions of viewers in Tiktok.
Those following the online viral journey – those claiming to be residents nearby commented on concerns about the safety and legality of the project while construction is still underway.
“That’s a bit weird. It’s a bit weird, I’m not going to lie. But the areas around us have no doubt some concerns that the areas around us are soil and are like that.”
“We just need to make sure she’s not hurting the properties around her,” the woman added.
Chris Colgan, owner of Chris Colgan’s real estate, who lives in an area near Kara, spoke to Fox News Digital about her neighbor’s sentiment regarding the drilling.
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“When she first stopped, I think most people in the community thought it would be the last time we’ve heard of this,” Colgan said.
“So when she actually got permission, it was amazing. There are concerns about the potential property damage to the surrounding area, but most of the neighbors I’ve spoken to find the whole situation interesting and a little unusual,” he added.
Kara told Fox5 that after the engineering evaluation, the tunnel was confirmed to be adequate and stable, “I feel safe and celebrated.”
“We felt we were making progress as we came back from the start with 60 comments on our first submission to the government. And I settled them, came back with 30 comments and came back with 12 comments.
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Approximately 2,000 Tiktokers have taken the comment section on Kala’s latest update.
“Digging is one thing, but navigating the complicated permitting process after work is done is almost miraculous. Well done,” one user said.
Kara, known on social media as “Tunnel Girl,” posted a video on Monday, announcing that her plans were approved after paying a $2,000 fee. (Engineer. Everything/Tiktok)
“I was here from the beginning. This was the first strange Tiktok thing I’ve invested in, and it’s the only thing I’m still investing in,” another person said.
“Yes, Kara needs this for a good 2025,” commented one woman.
“More than a year ago, I posted that no matter how hard you try, you can’t get a bureaucracy here. I’m so glad you proved me wrong.”
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“I didn’t think this would be approved,” the user commented.
“The tunnel is back,” the woman wrote.
“Yes, Kara needs this for a good 2025,” commented one woman. (Engineer. Everything/Tiktok)
“What a pull of a Lord, not my bingo card,” said another Tiktcar.
On the FEMA website, the agency states, “Having a safe room in your home helps you and your family provide almost ambiguous protection from injuries and death.”
“Having a safe room can also alleviate some of the anxiety caused by the approaching tornadoes and hurricane threats,” the website adds.
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FEMA provides approved design plans for the construction or installation of safe rooms.
Fox News Digital reached out to FEMA for comments.
Sydney Borchers of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
