Currently, there is a growing number of people disconnecting from public utilities and moving “off the grid.” However, in the United States, there are potential legal ramifications for those seeking to undergo this kind of self-sufficient lifestyle. That is, there may be zoning restrictions and ordinances that limit residents from undertaking certain actions on their property. Firstly, local governments might require minimal housing sizes of 500-1000 square feet. They may also require residents to be connected to the public water supply. Additionally, residents may be obligated to remain connected to their city or county’s electric power grid as well. Governments will typically compel homeowners to install a minimum size septic system. They can also restrict what kind of livestock is permitted on the land, or properties might not be zoned for farm animals at all. Luckily, the further one moves away from a city, the less restrictive the ordinances tend to be. Nonetheless, those seeking to move “off the grid” ought to proceed with caution.
