Live/work intentional community forming...where to buy land with no building zoning/codes?

I'm in the beginning stages of developing a sustainable live/work intentional community that serves several purposes & will attract eco-conscious people who have a yearning to return to nature & self-reliance.

My vision is to purchase a house with acreage (Minimum of 5 acres) or just land that has no building code/zoning limits, or very few. The community's goal will be to utilize the land for multiple income opportunities, such as farming, entrepreneurism, teaching, building & leasing plots of land for tiny house on wheels (or off) parking. Other natural building options will be utilized such as yurts & cob/straw bales.

The community will need to be no further than 30 minutes from the nearest town & not too isolated. Are there any areas that can fulfill these goals, mainly on the open zoning side?

I prefer states such as Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Missouri & North Carolina. My budget is $150K. Also, overly religious/conservative areas will not be a good fit.

tristan Fabish wrote:I'm in the beginning stages of developing a sustainable live/work intentional community that serves several purposes & will attract eco-conscious people who have a yearning to return to nature & self-reliance.

My vision is to purchase a house with acreage (Minimum of 5 acres) or just land that has no building code/zoning limits, or very few. The community's goal will be to utilize the land for multiple income opportunities, such as farming, entrepreneurism, teaching, building & leasing plots of land for tiny house on wheels (or off) parking. Other natural building options will be utilized such as yurts & cob/straw bales.

The community will need to be no further than 30 minutes from the nearest town & not too isolated. Are there any areas that can fulfill these goals, mainly on the open zoning side?

I prefer states such as Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Missouri & North Carolina. My budget is $150K. Also, overly religious/conservative areas will not be a good fit.

That is where you would find that type of land.

I've noticed it's very difficult to find simple information on building codes. I've also heard enforceability of codes is entirely subjective based on who's in charge. Maybe try contacting other sustainable builders or contractors in the areas you're interested in? They may have a better idea on what flys and where.

yeah, i don't know what the policy is so i won't post a link but if you do a search for 'earthship' you will find a link to Mike Reynolds's site where he has an interactive map of the US the show what he calls 'pockets of freedom' where alternative building techniques are ok because there are no codes.

...here is a copy i saved from maybe 4 or 5 years ago that shows the pockets of freedom, aka county's without building codes, in green and those countys that are too restrictive in red.

...yeah, i'm not seeing the picture so i think maybe it's not uploading but you need to go to Mike's site for an up to date map anyway.

peace, Rick

Hi Tristan
I am currently helping here in the Appalachian mountains at the very edge of northwest NC and they have built an earthen building and seems to be no problems. Also I have been looking for land for a friend and the land around here seems to be quite cheap, for your budget you can get a lot more than 5 acres but with no buildings, but i have seen 20+ fro half of the money you have. Also the land is beutifull great for agroforestry and with great energy! I you get something I will definitely help you build your community! If you need more help please let me know.

Cheers,
Rod.

I found all of that in Arizona! Having a great time. Cheap, fun, accessible, usable land. Good climate, good people. My county pretty much just wants to be informed about whats going on - not many restrictions at all! I think I need a permit to build towers over 30' tall, but that's about it (that will be important in my plans, why I mention it)... Plus I am fascinated with the geology of the area, and the wildlife is amazing. All around, its where I want to raise my family.
Now find your own state!

We have virtually no building code enforcement in Del Norte County, CA and the highest biomass on earth. Come on down to Caltucky!