The Off Grid Guide - Part 8 | Zoning & Financing

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:03 Zoning & Financing Issues
13:44 Finding The Right Land & Community
29:03 Basic of Zoning Off Grid
39:50 Financing Off Grid Land, Systems, & Homes

Zoning and Financing for Off-Grid Living
Introduction
Navigating zoning and financing for alternative dwellings, like tiny homes or earthships, presents unique challenges. Let’s explore these hurdles and potential solutions for those who seek to live off the grid.

Zoning Challenges

Restrictions: Many areas have zoning laws tailored for conventional housing, limiting options for alternative dwellings like tiny homes or earthships. 🏠
Lack of Clarity: Vague definitions create confusion and uncertainty, making it hard to start projects.
Local Resistance: Communities often resist unconventional housing due to NIMBY ("Not In My Backyard") attitudes.
Permitting Complexities: Obtaining permits for non-traditional homes is often lengthy, costly, and bureaucratic.
Infrastructure Limitations: Zoning rules may not consider off-grid needs like solar panels or composting toilets, restricting access to vital utilities.
Cultural Norms: Traditional community standards resist non-traditional housing, hindering the adoption of alternative dwellings.
Financing Issues

Limited Options: Conventional lenders are often hesitant to finance unconventional homes, and lack of comparable properties complicates appraisals.
High Upfront Costs: Purchasing land and building non-traditional homes can be prohibitively expensive without traditional financing options.
Insurance Challenges: Unconventional homes face limited insurance options and are often classified as high-risk, making coverage expensive.
Advocacy and Policy Change

Legal Reforms Needed: Updated policies are essential to include alternative dwellings. Grassroots activism can drive these changes.
Community Involvement: Both young and older generations need to push for zoning changes to allow more diverse and affordable housing options.
Strategies for Success

Research Local Zoning: Understand what’s permissible in your area and advocate for necessary changes.
Consider Alternative Financing: Explore microloans, personal loans, and community-based funding models.
Build Incrementally: Start small and expand over time, using sweat equity and pay-as-you-go strategies to avoid large debts.
Seek Community: Align with like-minded individuals for support and collective action in overcoming zoning and financing barriers.
Land Selection for Off-Grid Living

Criteria for Ideal Land:
Rich Soil: Supports sustainable food production and agriculture. 🌱
Temperate Climate: Reduces energy costs and enhances year-round comfort.
Reliable Water: Essential for drinking, irrigation, and sanitation.
Low Zoning Restrictions: Allows for flexibility in building and living arrangements.
Proximity to Like-Minded People: Offers community support and shared resources.
States Favorable for Off-Grid Living

Best States: Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, Missouri, Mississippi, West Virginia. These regions generally have lower regulations and are more conducive to off-grid living.
Financing Off-Grid Homes

Assess Finances: Review savings, credit score, and budget to determine how much you can allocate to your project.
Explore Diverse Financing: Options include lenders experienced with off-grid properties, microloans, and personal loans.
Consider Grants and Subsidies: Some regions offer incentives for sustainable construction.
Sweat Equity: Reduce costs by investing your own labor and skills.
Long-Term Planning: Work with financial advisors to balance short-term and long-term costs, aligning them with your lifestyle goals.
Conclusion
Zoning and financing present complex challenges for those pursuing off-grid living. However, with research, community support, and creative financial strategies, it's possible to overcome these obstacles and achieve a sustainable lifestyle.

Next Steps

Join Advocacy Groups: Work to push for zoning reforms in your area.
Explore Financing Options: Look into various loans and grants to support your off-grid ambitions.
Network with Communities: Find or form groups with similar values to share knowledge and resources.
Thank you for joining today's lesson. Keep advocating for change and exploring sustainable living options! 🌳🏡

Your next steps:

Visit LandWatch, Zillow, or Land Search to find potential off-grid land.
Consider creating a buying co-op with like-minded individuals.
Stay engaged with local zoning discussions to influence future policies.
See you in the next lesson on “Finding the Right Land and Community!” 👋

[alexanderwhittemore]

I lived on a farm of only a few acres where our entire diet was grown by us. Certainly possible.

I do appreciate the videos!

[tThisNThat]

Love your channel. NO ALL in my FEED...ty YT... NOT! I wish YT wouldn't only give me recommends based on my current addictions...Interrogations LOL I had to start watching gardening videos again, to have your videos show up. And yet I am subbed...all notifications on. Guess I get to binge watch now!

[siddid]

Thanks for your information. I will become a farmer one day.

[danielgagne]

Im looking at land in south east Kentucky. Still good deals, all seasons, water, and not as cold as it is here in Maine.. ive got enough cash now to purchase 5 to 20 acres. Just looking atm. Hopefully purchase this spring.

[pascalxus]

zoning restrictions and tiny house regulations are absolutely awful.

[matthewmcmahon]

What does no zoning mean exactly? Does that mean mobile homes and trailers are okay? Does it mean you can build any type of shelter?

[maylakoi]

Alaska seems to be the best option for no zoning zoning is not good from what I’ve seen

[EchelonDon]

Money is literally the only reason why I am not on 100+ acres yet (as Im sure is the reason for nearly everyone else who wants similar). My only other concern in having decently fast wifi for work.

[DerfyPoo]

The fact that you can’t even rent out your own property without someone issuing some form of overreach rules which boil down to money is beyond my comprehension of why we call America land of the free. Idk I’m mad for you! Lol shit drives me nuts.

[GLG_YT]

Why on earth did you post 8 videos in one minute???

[UntetheredBanshee]

Really that much hate for communal living in the same breath as saying community is important? Maybe it's not right for you, but that doesn't mean it's not good for anyone. And certainly it seems like maybe you're not entirely aware of the many, many, many different forms it takes? You say you don't agree with communal living in any way, shape or form, But what you're describing is literally one of the many forms of community that the intentional communities movement is bringing to the forefront. Cohousing and co-ops are an important part of that, just as the many other types of communities are. Sometimes you don't have the down payment, sometimes you might need to rent, sometimes someone might have Labor to contribute but not money. Don't be so rigid in that thought!