Use Your Georgia Land to Live Off-Grid

By Hurdle Land & Realty

It seems like anytime we turn on the television, we see news of rising prices and inflation or terrifying stories of contaminated produce. Wouldn’t life be much easier if we could go back to the way things used to be? Back to the basics? Some people call this going “off-grid.” They disconnect from city life, technology, social media, and their reliance on public utilities. Some will stay partially connected to services like the internet if they have school-aged children. In contrast, others will go completely off-grid, severing their dependence on everything from public electricity to water and sewer. If this sounds like the kind of life for you, buying undeveloped land in Georgia is the next step.

Is it Legal to Live Off-Grid in Georgia?

While Georgia legally allows off-grid living and using off-grid electricity systems like solar, wind, and hydro, it’s important to check your local regulations. Some counties won’t require permits or building codes, while others will have strict regulations on septic tank installations or requirements to connect to the public sewer line.

Off-Grid Electricity

Solar

Although Georgia doesn’t offer state rebates for installing solar panels, the state does offer net metering, buying the excess solar electricity you produce. Since Georgia sees its fair share of sunshine, you know your electricity would be reliable (and passively profitable).

Wind

Since wind isn’t as reliable as sunshine, this off-grid electricity is better as a backup. However, wind turbines can provide clean, renewable energy to homes, especially if those homes consistently see winds of 10mph or more.

Hydro

A sufficient amount of falling water is necessary to build a micro-hydropower system and head for math. This is the type of project for a more permanent off-grid installation.

Georgia Off-Grid Living Laws

While Georgia may allow off-grid living, the state has very strict zoning laws that vary from county to county. One county will allow mobile homes while another won’t, and another requires you to be on commercial agricultural land if you have more than 50 animals. There are rural counties with stricter laws on raising chickens than some areas around Atlanta.

When it comes to water, the state of Georgia pretty much believes that if it’s on your property, it belongs to you. This includes surface water, well water, and rainwater. When it comes to the surface or moving water, you cannot alter the course of the water or deprive neighbors of their water, and you must put it to beneficial use. Some states prohibit rainwater harvesting, but Georgia offers incentives up to $2,500 to those installing rainwater barrels.

If you’d like to disconnect from society or improve your connection to nature and go off-grid with a piece of heart here in Georgia, just reach out to one of our Hurdle Land & Realty Professionals! We can get you started on your off-grid dreams for less than $300 down with owner-financing backed by 50 years of experience. Call today!