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Zoning restrictions and new "sanitation laws" make it pretty difficult to live 100 percent off grid, independent of all utility companies and monthly bills. Has anyone tried off-grid living and succeeded? If so, how did you do it? The main obstacle I'm seeing is zoning restrictions, requirements to install a septic tank, etc.
Hmm...I posted here, but maybe this would be better in the real estate section?
..to live 100 percent off grid, independent of all utility companies and monthly bills
In the township where I am in Pennsylvania, there are sewer laws that went into effect about 25 years ago. The garage above the apartment is still hooked to a septic system, but the house had to be hooked up to the sewer.
But 100% is a bit of a fantasy and it would undoubtedly be ultra expensive. You can't really build an electrical generation and distribution system on your own for less than you can buy electricity from a utility company.
Zoning restrictions and new "sanitation laws" make it pretty difficult to live 100 percent off grid, independent of all utility companies and monthly bills. Has anyone tried off-grid living and succeeded? If so, how did you do it? The main obstacle I'm seeing is zoning restrictions, requirements to install a septic tank, etc.
Hmm...I posted here, but maybe this would be better in the real estate section?
My husband and I have been 100% off grid for 8 years now but we are in TN. Zoning is your issue.
This is my original story though I haven't posted there in years: https://www.city-data.com/forum/tenne...see-story.html
Now it would be cheaper to do what we did…plus we learned a lot in the process.
My husband and I have been 100% off grid for 8 years now but we are in TN. Zoning is your issue.
This is my original story though I haven't posted there in years: https://www.city-data.com/forum/tenne...see-story.html
Now it would be cheaper to do what we did…plus we learned a lot in the process.
Stop feeling bad about dead dreams and start fighting. Get together in a group and make a point. Visit the county, protest legally, petition. Smaller the town, the better it works. There's bravery in numbers, I've seen it. Most people aren't brave enough to speak up until they receive a form of group validation.
It is possible to go off-the-grid 100% (though it depends on what you mean, property tax will always be a thing), but it's a dying dream, and quickly.
Stop feeling bad about dead dreams and start fighting. Get together in a group and make a point. Visit the county, protest legally, petition. Smaller the town, the better it works. There's bravery in numbers, I've seen it. Most people aren't brave enough to speak up until they receive a form of group validation.
It is possible to go off-the-grid 100% (though it depends on what you mean, property tax will always be a thing), but it's a dying dream, and quickly.
I WISH I knew people who actually owned land who felt as strongly about this as I do!
Well, I read that composting toilets are illegal in Alabama, and I'm guessing this even applies to when staying in a camper or RV, which I think is ridiculous. Yes, I would like to get the laws changed, and I would like to be able to buy a reasonable plot of land, park a tiny house on it, and enjoy some almost completely off-grid living close to town, but I don't know where to begin in making that request.
Youtube has lots of offgridders . Search fixedbydoc he and his girlfriend live offgrid in PA. He is alittle looney but they do it. Another one is "thediyworld" he lives in upstate NY offgrid.
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