Just because nearly everyone clears some land does not mean it is necessary. You will tend to kill trees that are 5 feet from a foundation so most remove them. Nothing like having a dead 50 ft tree 5 feet from a house.

There is very little clearance actually required. But you need to get utilities in and if they are underground, that will require at least a strip of clearance on one side. You need land sloping away from house for drainage and that requires 5 feet for sure (but this maybe very regional).

You also have to think that building a house in 1977 was a bit different. The biggest thing that comes to mind is underground utilities.

Out here in "regulatoryfornia" trees must be 5' from any given point of the structure. You need to consider root systems of the various species of trees in your area and check in with your local building dept to check out regulations there if any. You could also check in with local aborists as well.

"But you need to get utilities in ..."

Run them up the driveway.

It could cost you driveway repairs if they utilities need work, but that should be a very long way off on new construction.

Trees and houses are not a good combination, technically speaking. I have seen oak roots large than my arm grown under the footings of houses. Not good.

"Trees and houses are not a good combination, technically speaking"

That's why it makes no sense to set a certain footage boundary as some species have invasive root systems that are spread out larger than the tree itself. It's simply a matter of common sense. 5' away isn't going to prevent a tree that has invasive root systems from causing damage. Like all aspects of building, always a safe bet to research. Check out existing tree types as well as what you plan on planting before digging.

"I have seen oak roots large than my arm grown under the footings of houses."

With only about 600 spices of oaks this is not all that useful a data point.

Fire must not be a problem with trees that close to a house.

"Fire must not be a problem with trees that close to a house."

A lot of places are not dry enough to have much risk at all.

Large forest fires are not common on the east coast.
Most of the states have far more rain than the west & south.

That being said, we (NC) had a few very large forest fires this year ... near the coast. And rainfall has not been a major problem this year (ie no drought).

It certainly is possible to build right up next to a tree. If I were of a mind to, I would build a house on piers to minimize the impact to the root system. Many trees, such as white oak and poplar are very sensitive to disturbed or compacted soil within the drip line of the tree. Even the weight of heavy equipment going too close to a tree can compact the soil enough to kill it- eventually. The bad part is that it can take several years for a large tree to die. By then, it's hard to assign blame, and it's also expensive and dangerous to remove a large tree very close to a house.

If you don't live in an area impacted by snow, ice, or wind, it might be nice, but that leaves out many areas. Typical frame house are easily crushed by a large tree. Personally, I don't like large trees close to the house for the above reasons. Once our new house is done, I'll plant smaller, slower growing trees closer to the house, but no closer than 20' or so.

Having lived in a "little house in the woods on a river" for 15 years I agree with 'flgargoyle'. It looked so pretty when we bought the place and even after living there 5 years or so we took down some trees close to the house, but, there were lots more....the wind blew, the trees swayed, I freaked!!!
Never again...we sold in 2008 and moved across the state to retire and built a lovely home with NO trees close to the house! We planted a cute little maple out front and it is perfect!