New York State Off-Grid Laws: A Detailed Guide (2023)

New York State is known for having some of the strictest building codes and off-grid living laws in the country. Don't let that stop you from disconnecting from the network, though. If you're willing to work, NY can be a great place to live off the grid.

Somehow make these lawsEasierGo offline in New York because there are no gray areas: you don't have to guess whether your system passes, because the requirements are clearly defined by law.

This is not always the case in other states, where the decision is left to local authorities who may or may not be aware of new off-grid technologies.

Is it legal to live off the grid in New York State?

Living off the grid is generally legal in remote or rural parts of New York State. Some areas have laws that require connection to municipal sewerage, if one exists, making it illegal to live entirely off the grid. New York State also has strict building codes that make it difficult or expensive to legally take off the grid.

New York State Building Codes

New York State has strict building codes that must be followed if you want to legally live off the grid. For example, you may need to install automatic sprinkler systems if you have multiple families living in one home or if you are planning to build a three story home.

• New York State Building Code:Adopts IBC 2018 with changes
• New York State Housing Code:Adopts IRC 2018 with changes
• Existing NYS Building Code:Adopts IEBC 2018 with amendments
• NYS activation code:Adopts CPI 2018 with changes
• Mechanical NYS code:Approves BMI 2018 with changes
• NYS Combustible Gas Code:Adopts IECC 2018 with changes
• New York State Property Management Code:Adopts IPMC 2018 with changes
• Accessible and usable buildings and facilities:Adopts 2009 A117.1 with no changes
• Standard for the installation of sprinkler systems:Adopts 2016 NFPA 13 with no changes
• National Electrical Code:Adopts 2017 NFPA 70 with no changes
• National signaling and fire alarm code:Adopts 2016 NFPA 72 with no changes
• Security code for elevators and escalators:Adopts ASME A17.1 of 2016 with no changes
• Construction law requirements for structural concrete:Adopts 2014 ACI 318 with changes

Are there New York State building codes?

Because inspections are required to obtain a certificate of habitability, there is no way around New York State building codes.

The state prioritizes compliance, and fines for violating the code can be large. Currently, the law imposes a fine of $25 per day after 180 days of violation. After 360 days, the penalty doubles to $50 per day. The maximum fine is $1,000 per day.

However, there are many legislative changes that exempt owner-occupied dwellings that lack electricity, plumbing or other utilities. This can create loopholes that make it easier to get permits and pass inspections.

The 144 square meter waiver

In many locations in upstate New York, buildings 144 square feet or less do not require planning permission if they do not have plumbing, heating, or electrical systems. I've heard from many people who have used this pond to build small cottages off the grid without permission. However, the exemption only applies to storage sheds and does not apply to apartments. You might get away with it for a while, but you might also find yourself in a slew of code violations.

New York State Camping, Hunting and Fishing Cabin Regulations

You can circumvent some of New York's most stringent building codes and regulations by building a cabin yourself. Underto her, a storage unit is defined as,

"A tent, camp hut, recreational vehicle, or other type of portable shelter intended, constructed, or used for the temporary employment of humans."

(Video) The TRUTH about OFF GRID LIVING that NO ONE WILL TELL YOU.

A member of the Adirondack Park Agencystricter definitionsWhat counts as a cabin:

"A hut, camp, or shed, or other similar structure, designed and used for occasional occupancy only and principally for hunting, fishing, and the like, and which:

(1) is a one-story structure but may contain a mezzanine;
(2) it is built on posts or pillars and has no permanent foundation;
(3) has a toilet or chemical toilet and no conventional sewage treatment system;
(4) has no pressurized or internal plumbing (this prohibition does not preclude a kitchen sink with a suitable gray water leach pit); j
(5) not connected to public services (electricity, telephone, cable, water or sewage).

But even off-grid cabins are not exempt from regulations. You must purchase a license for your cabin and the license is only valid for a maximum of three years. Code exceptions only apply if you live at the cabin seasonally rather than full-time.

I've heard of plenty of people living in their cabins full time and not getting caught, but it's a significant risk.

New York Zoning Laws and Off-the-Grid Living

except to knowConditionBuilding regulations for your off-grid property also require you to comply with local zoning laws. These laws sometimes make certain off-net technologies completely illegal. They can also make it illegal to live the off-grid life you desire. For example, zoning laws often limit how many buildings you can build on your property, whether you can use wind energy, and whether you can keep livestock.

Zoning laws vary by county. You must carefully review each location's zoning laws before purchasing a property to ensure you understand what is permitted. In general, lands classified as agricultural or rural are the most tolerant.

Small houses and mobile homes

New York State has improved a lot lately when it comes to allowing small homes.Anhang QIRC deals with homes that are 400 square feet or less. Defines requirements for stairs, ceiling heights, emergency exits, etc. However, some areas of New York State may still have zoning laws that set minimum dwelling sizes. These zoning laws would make it illegal to live in a small house on your property.

As in most US states, the rules for living in an RV are much stricter. Zoning laws often prohibit RV living or restrict it to certain areas.

Off-Grid-Strom in New York

Off-grid power is legal in New York. However, you must follow the state's strict building codes and inspection procedures.

It becomes more complicated if you do not want to have any electrical installations in the house. If you don't have electricity, you can't comply with parts of the Fire Safety Act. The state also requires that all homes have a habitability certificate. The inspector cannot issue the certificate without an electrical connection. In that sense, living entirely off the grid in New York may be illegal.

Solar Energy Laws

Off-grid solar power is legal in New York State. There are numerous financial incentives for installing solar power. State laws prohibit homeowners' associations from imposing "unreasonable restrictions" on solar systems.

Although legal, installing solar power in New York is not always easy. They require approval, a process that usually involves submitting various documents such as a "worker's compensation certificate" and invoices. Many counties require that solar panels, even small installations, be installed by certified professionals.

Wind Energy in New York

New York State laws make it surprisingly easy to harness wind energy. The rules are laid out clearly so you don't have to worry about getting a special permit from the zoning authorities (as is the case in many parts of the US).

Most zoning ordinances have a 35 foot height limit for residential properties. Noise limits are usually 50 decibels. Many communities have farm and farmland exemptions that allow a wind turbine to be installed without a permit, as long as the restrictions are followed.

New York off-grid water laws

New York State has strict rules for off-grid water. The fire safety code requires all new construction to have wet pipes.

Existing buildings often have to have pressurized running drinking water.

The Installation Law states that

"Structures equipped with sanitary facilities and used for dwelling or dwelling shall be supplied with potable water in the quantities and pressures specified in this chapter" and "Potable water shall be supplied only to sanitation establishments supplying water for drinking or bathing or culinary products or for processing food, medical or pharmaceutical products. Unless otherwise specified in this Code, all plumbing shall be supplied with potable water.”

Because the building code (Section 2902) requires homes to have at least one shower or bath and sink, you cannot circumvent the law by simply not installing lighting fixtures in your home.

For example, it is strictly forbidden to bring rainwater into the house for showering. In order to comply and maintain your certificate of habitability, you will likely need to be connected to a public water supply, dig a well, or install an expensive system that pumps and treats water from nonpotable sources.

Brunnenwasser

All wells in upstate New York must be drilled by a DEC registered water well contractor. You can't dig your own well in New York. The state does not need a permit to drill a well as long as it does not pump more than 45 gallons per minute. However, some local counties may require a license or have more stringent requirements. Testing is required by law for all new wells and wells that have not been used for a long period of time.

Learn more about fountains in NYherejhereand test informationhere.

Rainwater harvesting laws in New York City

Harvesting rainwater is legal in New York and even subsidized by the state. However, there are strict regulations for rainwater harvesting systems. These are addressed inSection 1303of the New York Installation Act.

Some of these regulations include:

• Rainwater can only be collected from roof surfaces that are impermeable above ground. In some cases, you can collect rainwater from sidewalks or parking lots.
• Dirt deflectors must be used on gutters and ladders.
• If used, a diverter for the first flush must function automatically and not manually.
• Rainwater may need to be treated for some applications.

In addition to these rules, rainwater tanks must meet the requirements for domestic water storage (Sections 1301.9 and 1303.10.1 through 1303.10.3). For example, you must respect social distancing rules and only collect rainwater in opaque barrels if you don't protect them from the sun.

Disposal of waste water and waste

Complying with local wastewater treatment laws is often one of the most challenging parts of off-grid living.

In the state of New York, you cannot obtain planning permission if an approved sewage system is not available. In most cases, this means connecting to the public sewage system or installing a septic tank. However, there are some exceptions for the use of alternative off-grid waste disposal systems.

Required for connection to the public sewage system

Although not currently required by law, many New York boroughs require you to be connected to the public sewer system if one is nearby. This effectively makes it illegal in many parts of New York to live entirely off the grid.

grey water

If you want to recycle gray water or use other non-potable water for things like flushing the toilet, you're going to have a hard time legally in New York State. By law, all gray water in bathrooms must be disinfected. Even non-potable water from rainwater harvesting must be filtered through a 100 micron or finer filter before it can legally be used to flush toilets.

There are exceptions for treated water, which is defined as "non-potable water resulting from the treatment of wastewater by a facility or system licensed or authorized to produce water that meets the jurisdiction's water requirements for its intended uses." “.

You must check with your local health inspector for water quality approval requirements as treated water.

composting toilets

Composting toilets are legal in New York. They must be certified to NSF Standard 41 or equivalent and have a minimum 5 year warranty.

It's even legal to use a composting toilet or other non-water based system on your property. The law states that these systems are allowed:

"In certain areas of the state where running water is unavailable or too scarce to fund toilets,Ö where water needs or wants to be saved.“

However, the law continues to say that

“Waste water treatment from sinks, showers and other facilities must be provided when flush toilets are installed. Domestic wastewater without sanitary waste is referred to as gray water.

Because of this last requirement, a septic tank or gray water treatment system must be installed.

Are latrines legal in New York?

Outhouses, known in law as "pit toilets," are surprisingly still legal in many parts of upstate New York, such as the Catskills. However, it is generally illegal to build a new toilet. You must keep all existing pit toilets in good condition if you wish to continue using them legally.

New York Wood Stove Laws

You must obtain a permit for any heating system in your New York home, including wood stoves. The US EPA regulates new indoor wood stoves through the New Source Performance Standard (40 CFR 60, Subpart AAA). According to these rules, wood heating systems must be certified to meet clean air standards. see more informationhere.

Also, if you plan to source your own firewood, remember that it is illegal to import untreated firewood from other states. Raw firewood from New York may not be shipped more than 50 air miles from its original source. "Treated" means it has been heated to 160°F for a minimum of 75 minutes. This means you can only get firewood near your property.

Are you living off the grid in New York? Do let us know your experience in the comments section below.