In North Carolina, living off the grid is totally legal. Outhouses and ponds are unexpectedly permissible on your property, according to the law.
Almost every off-grid system you wish to build on your property, however, would require a permission and inspections.
North Carolina Zoning Laws and Off-Grid Living
Local zoning restrictions will ultimately determine whether or not you may go off-grid lawfully in North Carolina. North Carolina, unfortunately, has some of the most perplexing zoning laws in the country. The meanings and words used in different counties frequently differ dramatically.
For example, some counties may refer to property set aside for agricultural purposes as “Working Lands,” while others refer to it as “Rural Residential” or “Rural Preservation.”
However, the state of North Carolina has revised its zoning laws.
Beginning in July 2021, all counties will be governed under the Chapter 160D statutes.
Zoning Law Restrictions in NC
You’ll probably face a number of constraints on how you may utilize the land if it’s categorized as neighborhood residential or waterfront. You may even be obliged to connect to the local water supply, making it illegal to go off the grid.
You’ll be able to produce or raise animals on land classified for rural or agricultural use because it has the fewest limitations.
However, zoning rules may make it illegal for you to earn money in other ways while living off the grid, such as by opening a bed and breakfast on your property.
Also, keep in mind the rules regarding minimum lot sizes.
It’s possible that you’ll need at least 5 acres each home. A minimum lot size of 20 acres per dwelling may be allowed on open-space preservation land. If you wish to build more dwellings on your land in the future, this can be an issue.
However, if you qualify as a farm, you may be exempt from some zoning restrictions. Certain zoning requirements, such as setbacks and the number of homes, do not apply to farms under the NC Farm Act.
Qualifying as a Farm in North Carolina
In North Carolina, if you qualify as a farmer, your land will be taxed at its use value rather than its market value.
- A minimum of 10 acres of agricultural land is required. A minimum of 5 acres is required for horticulture, and a minimum of 20 acres is required for forestland. Smaller tracts may be counted under specific circumstances.
- To be eligible, you must earn at least $1,000 per year in gross income.
Other benefits for farmers in North Carolina include a lower sales tax and different grants and subsidies. The qualifications for these incentives, on the other hand, are more stringent. To qualify, you must make at least $10,000 in gross income from farming. More information is available here.
Due to different rules, farmer income standards in North Carolina may be difficult to satisfy. For example, if you want to sell food to markets, you may need a certificate. More information on those rules can be found here.
You might find this article helpful: How to Get a Homestead Declaration for Your Property.
In North Carolina, is it lawful to live in a shed?
The North Carolina State Construction Code requires a permit for any accessory building, such as a shed, with a dimension greater than 12 feet, though a 12’x12′ shed is usually exempt. This process is handled differently by each county or local municipality, with varied fee structures.
In North Carolina, is it possible to live in a tiny house?
Is it allowed to live in a tiny house in North Carolina? Yes, in a nutshell. The long answer is that the definition of a lawful tiny house varies from town to town, city to city, and county to county. Tiny homes on foundations are usually acknowledged as viable living spaces, however tiny homes on wheels are not permitted to be utilized as a year-round residence.
Is it legal for me to live in an RV on my North Carolina property?
Yes, living in an RV is legal. You must observe local zoning regulations and ordinances that may regulate where you can park your RV in order to stay within the law. If you plan to park in one location or on your own land on a long-term basis, you may additionally require access to water and sewer.
What happens if you construct in North Carolina without a permit?
Failure to get a permit when required may result in hefty fines, the removal of the offending project, or the incurring of expenditures to certify conformity with the applicable codes; it all depends. Many seemingly modest improvements/repairs may require a permit, which may surprise licensees.
Is there any land available for free in North Carolina?
It’s been years since anyone has lived there, and you’re certain it’s absolutely empty. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as “free land” in the United States, with everyone owning a piece of land.
In North Carolina, are I allowed to do my own electrical work?
The state of North Carolina enables homeowners to put their own wiring in their homes if they intend to live in the home and it is not for rent or for sale within one year of completion.
Is it possible to have an outhouse in North Carolina?
According to Johanna Reese of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, both straight-piping and outhouses can cause major health hazards. People can get ear, nose, and throat infections, as well as urinary and gastro-intestinal disorders, if they drink, swim, or fish in rivers contaminated with human waste. If human waste seeps into the groundwater and contaminates drinking wells, the concerns are same with outhouses.
In North Carolina, where may I put a tiny house?
This tiny house in Carolina Beach was turned from a shipping container into something sleek and large, ideal for a beach or surf vacation. It’s been covered in a number of national newspapers recently, so the word is spreading out!
It’s a short walk from the beach and a short drive from Carolina Beach State Park, and it’s tastefully decorated. This accommodation is also pet-friendly.