Off Grid in Upstate NY?

Hey Ya'll ~

I'm a Missourian who wants to put down roots in a colder climate. So far, upstate NY seems to have everything I care about environmentally speaking. My goal is to purchase 50-100 acres and parcel 10 acre lots to slowly form an off the grid permaculture land trust neighborhood. There seems to be strict zoning and septic restrictions for the entire state as far as I can tell. What I'd like to know is if there's anyone here who has or is living off the grid and built their own dwelling and got away with no septic or building permits?

Clearly Missouri is one of the best states in the USA to live this way with no restrictions, but I am sure there are Amish folk and other off grid folk in NY right?

Your time and wisdom on the matter is deeply appreciated!  

It depends on the county. but you might try to ask Diane Vukovic specific questions, she has a lot of experience there, here's one of her articles, https://www.primalsurvivor.net/new-york-off-grid-laws/

Marta Winter wrote:
It depends on the county. but you might try to ask Diane Vukovic specific questions, she has a lot of experience there, here's one of her articles, https://www.primalsurvivor.net/new-york-off-grid-laws/

This is very helpful, thank you Marta!

They have one law per square foot in NY 😭 You're welcome Sara

I am not familiar with New York laws, but it’s possible parts of Vermont (or other northern New England states) would be more lenient comparatively. I don’t think you’ll find anywhere like Missouri though—as I understand it most towns have zoning laws. (“Parts”—some more affluent towns mandate you paint your house a certain color, or require a permit to cut down a tree!) But mainly, Vermont has a good permaculture community and it shouldn’t be hard to connect with other permaculturists.

Would you say that your intention is similar to what is called “gardening gardeners” that Paul Wheaton has talked about?

Yes. and if everybody gets more exposure to the inventions (particularly the college people), I know that they will opt for more permaculture freedom in new yuck. I mean york!!

Marta,

I see what you're saying about New Yuck.. the regulations are thorough and debilitating for off grid living. Researching further and the Amish have also struggled but The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) of 2000 has helped to protect their liberties against strict regulations.

What a disappointment!  

M Ljin,

Thank you for your reply! Very good to know about Vermont, I will look into it more. And I'm unfamiliar with  Paul Wheaton's idea of “gardening gardeners”.

Sara, still might be worth while to move here, if you're interested you're welcome to ask anything and I'll try to find out the answer for you. Cheers!

Sara Lov wrote:Hey Ya'll ~

I'm a Missourian who wants to put down roots in a colder climate. So far, upstate NY seems to have everything I care about environmentally speaking. My goal is to purchase 50-100 acres and parcel 10 acre lots to slowly form an off the grid permaculture land trust neighborhood. There seems to be strict zoning and septic restrictions for the entire state as far as I can tell. What I'd like to know is if there's anyone here who has or is living off the grid and built their own dwelling and got away with no septic or building permits?

Clearly Missouri is one of the best states in the USA to live this way with no restrictions, but I am sure there are Amish folk and other off grid folk in NY right?

Your time and wisdom on the matter is deeply appreciated!  

Hi there, lived here in NY for 32 years, owned 80 acres in VT for a decade. VT and NY both have zoning laws, largely depending on where you are living what you want to do. Forming an intentional community with multiple 10 acres plots would require you to subdivide your property legally first in both states. Where we live, the Right to Farm is an amazing grace that allows us so much freedom. I LOVE Rensselaer County, NY, especially the eastern part of the county. You can IM me if you want to know more. Jules

hey Sara,

Search about using Biodigesters, I ignore NY laws