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So Glad I found this forum some good info and hopefully I can contribute one day! Okay here it goes. After pondering and lightly researching for a half a decade, my wife and I are ready to take a risk and leave our comforts in SE alaska and live Off Grid w/ sustainability in mind.
My basic question has how inexpensive can we legally live it land structure is purchased outright?
We would like to do solar,compost, gardening, dairy/poultry ect with pride and stewardship. But I am fearful buying land and an inexpensive structure only to find out we cannot legally live a certain way and need to spend insane money to be up to a certain regulation.
Here me clearly We do not want to be bums, just live a lifestyle we already semi-have and do so with less income requirements.
Thank in advance.
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Not sure is very answerable as asked - way too general and lacking specifics.
Would highly recommend you spend a few hours with the search function in the related sub forums. Lots of info there that might allow you to ask more specific questions.
David
Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com
Ninole Resident
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Thanks! After reading other relevent threads, my question is how big of a deal is a structurally
sound un-permited home? I do not want to buy something that seems like a good deal and tear it down again.
Looks like compost toilets are illegal as well?
Cool, thanks in advance.
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You might to look for land that either borders a stream or has one running through it. A mini hydro electric system is a great 24/7/365 way to power your farm.
-Veritas odium parit”(Terence 195–159 BC))-"Truth begets hatred".
-Veritas odium parit”(Terence 195–159 BC))-"Truth begets hatred".
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This organization is working to amend the building code to allow sustainable alternatives. They are Puna-based with members around the island and links to another like-minded group on Maui.
http://hawaiisustainablecommunity.org/
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It seems to me that a visit to Hawaii is what you will need to do to really get answers. No matter what you are told, it's all subjective, not really knowing what you will and will not be happy with. Many people before you have come, and those who were successful are now occupying "your" spot.
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The only thing I am sure of, is if you do use a compost toilet- you still have to install a cesspool to deal with the grey water! So what is the point? If I ever try and live in an unpermitted shack I'll probably just hire a "portapotty" and have it delivered and changed out periodically. I have no idea of the cost, but I will find out at that time. Does anyone know if this is economical at all?
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it would probably be easier to start with a small or beat up permitted house then go from there
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quote:
Originally posted by Seeb
it would probably be easier to start with a small or beat up permitted house then go from there
We made the move from SE AK nearly a year ago and have never looked back. With many of the same objectives that you have stated. And well along our way. +1 what Seeb said. While the market here is recovering, you can probably score 3 acres and a legal domicile for less than it would cost you to buy 3 acres and building supplies.
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Re compost toilet and greywater:
it is possible to have a compost toilet without a cesspool.
We have a 100% permitted house with a compost toilet and greywater distribution system under a flower bed. Ours was the first residential permitted greywater system in the state of Hawaii.
