Do you have a zeal for an environment-friendly lifestyle? If so, then living off-grid in Massachusetts might be something you fancy. It enables you to reconnect with nature, reduce your carbon footprint, and live a more eco-conscious life. However, you may wonder if it is legal to live off grid in Massachusetts? If this is something that interests you, then read this blog post to know more about Massachusetts’s off-grid laws and how to make the most out of this alternative way of life.
Is It Legal to Live Off Grid in Massachusetts?
To your surprise, living off grid in Massachusetts is partly legal in a few specific places. This is because other restricted areas require you to connect to a water system or municipal sewer which makes it illegal to live 100% off the grid. In addition to this, Massachusetts residents have to follow certain building codes that further make everything more challenging than ever. Keep on reading to know more about what are Massachusetts off-grid laws.
Can You Live Off Grid in Massachusetts? What are Massachusetts Off-Grid Laws?
Yes, as mentioned already, you can live off grid in Massachusetts. Although it is possible in some places, it also requires careful consideration and adherence to various codes and regulations.
1. Off-Grid Living Codes
In Massachusetts, it is against the law to live completely off the grid in some locations. This necessitates tying into the public water and /or sewer system. The state’s building regulations, which are based on international standards, can make it difficult to employ some alternative systems or building materials, but they do not render off-grid living entirely unlawful.
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2. Off-Grid Living Zoning Laws
Countries, towns, and cities in Massachusetts have zoning laws that dictate what you can legally do on your property. Living in a manufactured home on wheels is usually illegal in Massachusetts, and some areas have zoning laws that set minimum dwelling sizes, which can be a challenge for tiny home enthusiasts.
3. Electricity in Off-Grid Living
Although off-grid electricity is legal in Massachusetts, living a primitive type of off-grid life can be illegal. Parts of the International Residential Code require a certain number of locations in Massachusetts to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before living in a building.
4. Water in Off-Grid Living
Massachusetts is a water-rich state, but state restrictions make it exceedingly difficult to use greywater or rainwater indoors lawfully. Moreover, local laws can make it unlawful to drill wells in some circumstances. In Massachusetts, navigable water is publicly owned and may be used reasonably by property owners as long as it does not interfere with the riparian rights of others. Under the Water Management Act, you need a water-use permit if you use an average of 100,000 gallons per day for three consecutive months of the year or use 9 million unregistered gallons over a three-month period.
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5. Off-Grid Living With Solar and Wind
Getting a permit for solar power systems is relatively easy. However, following regulations under the State Building Code and other zoning laws can make it challenging to use wind power.
6. Off-Grid Living With Wells
Massachusetts allows only a registered well driller to drill all wells. Nonetheless, private wells are not subject to state-wide regulation in Massachusetts. Instead, local health departments are responsible for doing so. Massachusetts allows rainwater gathering but only for non-potable outdoor uses like watering your lawn.
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Is Off-Grid Living Easy in Massachusetts?
By far, you are equipped with the answer to if it is legal to live off grid in Massachusetts. But is it easy? Off-grid living in Massachusetts may not be the easiest choice, but it is possible. The state’s high cost of living, high property taxes, and harsh climate are some of the main reasons why it is not a popular destination for off-grid living. However, if you have the financial means, you can set up an off-grid homestead, but be prepared for high taxes.
- For those who live off the grid, heating over the winter will be one of the toughest concerns. As a backup, it is advised to keep an electric space heater. Traveling throughout the winter might be difficult due to the state’s excessive humidity.
- Due to the difficult climate, there are few possibilities for cultivating crops. The most typical crops are field crops like hay and sweet corn. However, Massachusetts has many greenhouses that grow everything from vegetables to nursery goods, as well as many farms that raise livestock and make dairy products.
- Freshwater is plentiful in Massachusetts due to its location where rain is abundant. However, some groundwater in the eastern part of the state is contaminated with saltwater, while runoff from dairy farms in the western part of the state can also pollute groundwater.
- Although Massachusetts does not have a problem with access to roadways, its high property taxes and cost of living deter off-gridders from moving there. The state’s healthcare and educational systems, on the other hand, are excellent.
In conclusion, although living off the grid in Massachusetts may not be ideal, it is doable if you have the resources to get over the state’s obstacles. It is a unique opportunity that comes with its own set of practical challenges. Living without access to amenities such as running water and electricity might be tough, but it’s worth giving it a shot. Ultimately, you will decide if you want to live off the grid in Massachusetts or not.
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