Off-grid living itself isn`t illegal, especially when it comes to generating your own electricity, growing your own food, or building your own home. However, the problem with an off-grid lifestyle arises when local ordinances and zoning restrictions make it illegal to make certain tithes on or with your own property. If you haven`t listed your dream state above, don`t worry, states like Hawaii, Vermont, Alaska, and California also allow off-grid living, but come with a higher price tag than most. And while they don`t make it illegal per se, some states like New Jersey and Connecticut make it quite difficult to remove energy sources from the grid. Maryland law explicitly allows off-grid solar systems. As a general rule, however, permits and inspections are still required. To learn more, click here. Vermont is one of the best states for off-grid living, and the laws are generally very permissive. The state actively promotes environmentally friendly building practices, which means off-grid systems such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting.
However, the state allows each county to establish its own zoning laws, including building codes that may require you to be connected to the electric, water, or sewer company. Obtaining water rights can be problematic, and there is currently no guarantee that wells will not dry up. You may also encounter a law that requires you to connect to the municipal sewer system if there is one nearby, which would make it illegal for you to completely exit the network in California. We are currently working on a more detailed page with laws for each state (Missouri is not ready yet). Septic septy is almost always the biggest problem when you`re trying to get completely off the grid. Before you realize your wish to opt out of the network, it`s important to determine which states allow you to live off the net, both legally and logistically. I tried to find an area in Arkansas, Florida or Louisiana where the code is not strict. I have to sell all my properties in a large metropolitan area in southeast Louisiana because of the endless harassment of the code, no matter what they can imagine. They obviously don`t respect something like “non-compliant” or “grandfather” for older properties. I considered Little Rock, Arkansas, Jacksonville, FL, St.
Augustine, FL, or New Iberia, LA. I thought about getting off the grid, but I think I`d settle for solar panels. I am not interested in dealing with a septic tank or a complete toilet. According to many local laws, all permanent dwellings must be connected to the power grid, which means that you are subject to utility charges. Areas without zoning laws will be more relaxed when it comes to completely disconnecting from the grid. Similarly, in areas where the International Property Maintenance Code has not been adopted, you are more likely to be able to disconnect completely from the network. These three things would go a long way toward making everyone`s life much easier, and it would also generate more revenue for counties and communities in the United States. Do you want to start living off-grid? It`s not as easy as buying land and building a house or parking an RV. While off-grid living isn`t illegal in any of the 50 U.S. states, there are plenty of laws that could restrict whether you can truly live off-grid.
Off-grid solar appears to be legal in Nebraska, as many people and communities live completely separate from the electric utility. A lot of land in Nebraska is still unzoned and has very loose building codes. Counties should add permits for off-grid living and update their ordinances to reflect current technology. Originally, all regulations were published for two main reasons: health and safety. The other reason could be to generate revenue for the county through permits and taxes. That is correct and fair. Off-grid solar is legal in Florida. You can have a solar system completely off-grid. If you choose a grid-connected system, you must have safety features in place if you want to use the system during a power outage.
In Florida, there is net metering for grid-connected solar systems. (27) Not only is it legal to use off-grid solar in many locations in Illinois, but the state also has a very advanced microgrid policy. The Directive allows individuals or groups to be considered as their own public utilities and to operate an alternative energy system. (35, 36) Each state differs in what it can offer its off-grid residents, so start by evaluating the following aspects and their importance to your specific needs. In sparsely populated states, where many people have no choice but to live off-grid, local authorities help them with rebates and tax credits when investing in renewable energy. In some states, off-grid life is considered normal, while in others it is even frowned upon. If you want to move to an off-grid location, be sure to check local laws on what is allowed and what is restricted. Colorado was one of the best states to live off the grid.
Many areas had relaxed zoning laws and many off-grid communities had emerged. Now, however, counties are stricter in issuing permits to people who live in tiny homes, RVs or cabins. (22) Off-grid solar energy is legal in Rhode Island. The state offers many incentives for installing solar systems and has net metering for grid-connected systems. This makes Rhode Island one of the best states for off-grid solar installations. All states have a minimum required lot size, in urban areas these are usually quite small, but in rural areas they can be quite large. The fragmentation of your land also brings a lot of problems, for example, in most cases you have to build a road, connect it to the power grid, etc. Although, if you want to buy a small plot for a farm, then don`t worry, the laws regarding the size of the plot are mainly for landowners. There are, in fact, dozens of off-grid communities and green ecovillages in the United States.
