Tapered columns are very common around here also, so much so lately that they are probably the norm for new construction now.

The usual practice is to dig a double-slope rectangular hole or 'slot' with a backhoe, the kind of double slope you end up with from a single position dig with the hoe. Then a tapered wood form is lowered in with the hoe and poured full. After the concrete has setup the forms are removed and the concrete is 'damp-proofed'. The remainder of the hole, normally online with the building line, is then backfilled with clear stone or sand fill.

As was stated previously, this gives the frost very little opportunity to grip and therefore move the footing. The other benefit is that the load-bearing portion of the footing is larger this way, supporting the load better, and giving you more excess fill material with which to create a water-shedding slope around the building afterwards.

Best of luck.

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