Hi Don! We are one of those couples who could not afford a "regular" home,nor did we want one! We are so grateful to be in Cochise Co.where the opt out is available.We built an off grid cob/strawbale/slipstraw 600sq. ft. home about 10 yrs. ago. As Don mentioned the staff at the planning and zoning office were a tremendous help and happy to do it . Great video Don!karen and bob
Hi guys! First of all thank you for opening up your beautiful home and your kind hospitality. I think your home should be a model for the Opt Out Permit showing how someone can build a super cost effective but beautifully layed out and charming place to live! As I mentioned when hanging out with you guys its way way sharper than any vid illustrates.
Great, informative video Don. Isn't it amazing to hear that there are government offices out there that are actually helpful and responsive to the needs of the citizens! We have had nothing but great experiences when dealing with the Cochise County Office of Planning and Zoning in Bisbee. Let's hope this fantastic option for owner/builders remains available for years to come!
Bill I never know when I create a video if folks are going to find it helpful or enjoyable so this is great encouragement from you and Yvonne. Yes let's hope that owner/builders permit remains for a long time. It's my key pathway to retiring with my own home.
Wishing u the best. Excited I found u and looking forward to more uploads. So nice to see an older person like us starting a new life and making their dreams come true.
Such affirming and encouraging comments Nancy! So great having you on board! I will be posting a video later this evening and I can't wait! It's going to be one of the most important for me since I moved here!
We just bought in McNeal this was so helpful, thank you so much. I too will be doing the shed to home conversion. Just closed tuesday on my property. I appreciate that you took the time to create this video!.....blessings to you
Hi there, I am just starting the process of owner builder in cochise county. I have created my log in for the online portal and I am having trouble finding which permit is correct or is there an application first? Do u have some direction or a link name of permit or application?
Hi Sheri. Once you log in you need to go to the section: apply for a permit. I havent visited this section for 2 years so it may have changed some. One thing that did surprise me is that there isnt a separate permit for the Owner Builder Opt out. You just go ahead and fill out the regular permit until the last section when you have the opportunity to choose the owner builder opt out section. What I did was fill out the permit as best as I could, print it out and then take it to the county office for specific help. The staff was super helpful. I would highly encourage you to join the facebook page Supporters of the Cochise County Building Permit Opt Out. Many folks there. Including the Cochise County staff so its important to be respectful etc. Hope that helps!
I’m really happy for you, so great to see you living the dream, I actually purchased 4 acres in Cochise recently. I’m curious if you could give a ball park estimate for how much the septic installation was?
The basic septic for a 1000 gal tank was aprox $5000. This was several months ago so prices may have changed. Here is a vid showing it being put in. ruclips.net/video/CjRy1mmmNfc/видео.html
Septic is $3000 to 5000. You can get an port a Jon and have a company clean it every month to 2 months, keep all the receipts to show county permit inspectors if there is a problem. They just want to know that it's being cleaned. That's what I do.
I started with the insulation video, and am now watching all the videos in order. What really impresses me is how honestly thankful you are of all the people you have hired along the way, as well as nameless county officials. Living off grid in the desert would be a dream of mine if I were younger and in better health. I will enjoy watching your progress.
Dan I am incredibly blessed so saying thinks is the easy part to so many who have offered their services. They are key to finally having a beautiful place to retire. I was so thrilled you watched so many of my videos. There are so many great off-grid videos to watch so thanks for watching mine.
MorgansNCAdventures. Yes that is my understanding. For clarity though check in with the County before you make any moves in any purchase of an opt out property.
I just didn't realize that sink waste was an issue. Are you planning a grey water reservoir to recycle that water thru your planting beds? Does the shed serve as an RV alternative? Does the county require an on demand hot water heater right at the beginning of the project? I really do appreciate your thoughtful approach. We are of similar generations, so I am in-line with your thought process. I admire your intentions!
Jim sink waste from the kitchen is classified as blackwater and has to be disposed of in a septic system. You can't just recycle it for plants etc. The bathroom sink and shower is a different story as I explain in this vid. Good question about the hot water heater. No the hot water heater on demand will be checked on when you complete your build and do your final inspection. A shed that is 200sq ft or less does not require a permit. So my understanding is that it can be lived in while constructing the real home temporarily. It can also be the real home as well but the County has to have that information that it will be your primary future dwelling place. Then all permitting guidelines apply. Of course check in with the County for the final say. Thanks for your kind words of affirmation.
Two. The first to establish that the septic man performed things correctly and that the home to be will be in the correct place and not causing any issues with washes/water ways etc. The final one will be to determine that there is 2 outlets for grey water and that the hotwater heater is efficient and doesnt cause one to waste water.
I know this is old vid. But it has answered a few questions I had. Hoping to start my build I. The next year or two. Only have a few months left on land payments. Then it's regular trips to cochise County from north central Texas to make ready and do the build. Wana do something like an earthship home in the side of a 175' hill. Found a nice piece for an experimental farm on land most would think impossible to farm. Just found your video 2 days ago.. I feel a binge watch coming on.Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the explanation, I'll be filing for my Opt-out permit in about a month! Happily, my property is now acquired outside of Bisbee for a "shipping container" type home.
Thanks for watching my video abialo2010. Excellent question. While I am obviously not a county official from what I understand this is based on size of the property and what has been placed on the property. Your property value goes up with septic (which I have) and any improvements to the land. As to the specific criteria the county uses I am not totally sure to be honest. They are pretty forthright and easy to communicate with so I would check in with them when you are able to. www.cochise.az.gov/202/Development-Services
shhhhhh. LOL Yes Robert that was indeed a sneak peek. Will feature the beautiful little building in an upcoming video. Thanks for such affirming comments about the vid and its content! Really encouraging!
Buddy u mentioned septic but that isn't including well? I bought property in California and they require a well while Arizona offers well or water hauled in.
Kaleb. The reason I am in Arizona (I moved from California) is that the permit process is very relaxed and user friendly. The permit process demands you have a septic of some type. After that many rules/regulations can be opted out of with the Opt out Permit. You are correct you can use a rainwater harvesting method for water or do a well. Hope the vid describing the process helps. Cheers.
Hi Don…..you mentioned in the video that a move was underway to terminate the opt out program. Since that was two years ago, have you heard whether they followed through?
The normal way to do it is to park the RV on the property and use the built in recepticle that is in the vehicle. Then dump it as needed. The County is pretty black and white about what septic is like.
One the matter of insurance: there's insurance for a house; but there's also insurance for a car; the question is, will the AUTO INSURANCE companies accept the residence address as valid?
rnsuttell. Not that I am aware of. The major requirement is that your land is labeled RU4 or one of the others I mention and is 4 acres or larger. I know Tiny homes that are only about 200 sq ft put on the land and on the other end of the spectrum large Earth Bag structures. The opt out is very flexible in so many ways.
Thanks so much, Don for all this wonderful info. Question, if going the opt-out route in Cochise County in one of those 3 areas where permitted mentioned in video----can one avoid installing septic & just use a regular composting toilet? Is staying on land allowed in a small pullable trailer? If this isn't allowed in Cochise---is it permitted anywhere else in AZ? Thanks. Matt
Yes you can use just a composting toilet but you will still need a perk test done and a modified septic tank to take care of kitchen water. The county considers it blackwater just like a toilet. Once your septic is approved you can stay in an RV on your property. Give the county office a call for details. Also you might want to check out the facebook group: Cochise County Opt Out. Just make sure you fact check any info with the county itself. I have heard that other counties in AZ are even more relaxed than Cochise but you need to check this out with others as I have limited knowledge of other counties. Hope that helps.
Good morning Don. Question about having a street address there.... Do you get mail and deliveries to your place? Or is the address just proof of living? Thanks, take care
Sorry for the late reply. The address is simply proof that my property is registered with the county. I do get deliveries from fed ex and UPS but all mail goes to a box. Hope that helps.
Can you elaborate more on the Certificate of Occupation? How important is that Certificate? How are you able to live in the dwelling if you don't have a Certificate?
Hi there. A Certificate of Occupation is only granted to a residence that has passed traditional inspections for plumbing/heating/ sewer etc. I am under the Opt Out permitting system. If you review the video you will note that there are certain things I need to do to pass my special permit. Once those are done I am legally permitted to live in the the dwelling. That said some mortgages will not allow a loan against a property that doesnt have a certificate of occupation, also some insurance companies wont insure your home either. Hope that makes sense.
Thanks! No even folks I know miles from those areas were mandated by the County to undergo inspections for hot water on demand. I believe its a county wide stipulation. If in doubt jump on live chat with the county office. They can help.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Does this mean that a photovoltaic system can be installed under this process? I'm in Cochise County and I want to do grid tied, not off grid.
If you have 5 acres or more that has been or can be used for agriculture or a number of other things you can apply for an exemption from ALL county regulation. The Arizona law is ARS 11-830.A2. This has been fought by Yuma and Pinal county (at least) and the counties lost. there is case law upholding it.
Seems like 11-830 is gone but there's is now 11-812. 11-822.A2 includes the same wording as the old 11-830.A2 but they have now added in section 11-812.A4 that states: ...shall not: "Prevent, restrict or otherwise regulate the otherwise lawful discharge of a firearm or air gun or use of archery equipment on a private lot or parcel of land that is not open to the public on a commercial or membership basis." So new number, but guns added!
Wow! I was watching another channel about how to properly plant a tree in the desert and read your comment under that video which made me want to investigate about Affordable Desert Living. I started from the first one and found you so informative, interesting and inspiring that now I forgot all about planting my tree 😅 I will be watching some more, catching up. Thank you 🙏
@@VG-yh3ci Yes I have to provide paperwork to the post office. Because I dont have a certificate of occupation I might be thwarted in the process but we shall see...
Hi Don, I’ve been watching most of your videos a lot of great information you are sharing. I’ve been looking for property out that way for a off grid shed/home for myself. I have a few questions if you can answer them for me. With a opt out permit do you have to higher a contractor to install the septic tank or can you do it yourself? And can you get some kind of property insurance since you don’t have occupancy permit? And can you build a small 1000sq ft home without a building permit?
Great questions Travel Camp 365. You can do your septic yourself but your going to need to go into the county office and get specifics on what will pass their inspection. Otherwise its a lot of work to redo it. You have to keep shopping locally for insurance until you hit up a company that will insure you. Go to the Cochise County Opt Out Permit facebook page and ask around. Someone will share with you what they used. Yes the beauty of the Opt out is that once you have a septic in and your Opt out permit then you can build a home any size that is 296 sq ft or larger to your specifications. Your opt out permit is the only one you need. Hope that helps.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Don thank you so much. I’m a DIYer type person, if I can do it myself to save a few pennies I will. Lol Oh love the lawyer getting your neighbors to sign off on water sharing. 👍🏻 something I would look into for myself. Your videos are a lot of help and has answered a lot of my questions. Thanks again. Be safe out there and enjoy.
Since this is raw land without a certificate of occupancy you may not be able to get a typical loan/mortgage for the land. But if you have a good credit rating you can go to your financial institution and they can often agree to a personal loan. Of course the interest rate for those is pretty rugged. Something like 12%. But if you have a financial plan to pay it off then you can. Also remember some sellers will float the loan themselves. So where there is a will there is a way!
Hello and thank you sooo much this really helps me out! Very nice! So what’s your next step water tank? Or do you already have this? Also how are you getting intranet? Your place is really coming along lovely. I hope to have something similar in a couple of years and hopefully Cochise county won’t change the regulations by then. 🌸☀️
@@VG-yh3ci So glad this was helpful. Next step is plumbing a low-flush toilet and all other plumbing. Internet works very well through a company called USmobile and using my cell phone as a hot spot. Fortunately they use verizon towers and verison is king in this area. Sadly I feel Cochise County will get rid of the easy permit process. But we shall see. Best of luck!
Setbacks are the minimum distance you can build or place buildings or other important items from your property line. ie. 20 ft from a property line to put up a garden shed. 50' from the nearest street road for your septic. Egress/utility easement means that a power company has the right to put big old power poles on your property if they want or need to. If anyone has more details chime in.
@@DesertDog8989 All the best and hope your septic guy does a good job. You may have watched it already but I documented my septic install with Mike Goodman. Great guy and reasonable price.
Having fairly extensive experience with California Los Angeles building codes building the house I have now I can appreciate the simplicity of what you did
I find ALL of your videos very very helpful!! Thank you so much. I have a question: Do septic companies finance? Because many of us don’t have 5 or 7 K just laying around. How much was the septic installation?
This is an excellent question. I had to pull life savings to have mine done and its a big chunk of cash for sure! I am not sure if septic installs will do that. You would need to phone around and check in with them. I hope they do! Also I am DELIGHTED that my videos are helpful. That is one of their main purposes. To provide a guidebook for others wanting to live off-grid in Arizona.
Don ive been following your adventure ...i need to ask i thought a new land owner can use composting toilet and small septic for kitchen sink grey water ?
John You can definitely do this and have a mini septic that is super cost effective. You will still need to have a perc test that passes the county inspection, and your mini septic will be used for your kitchen sink black water. Once your composting toilet has broken down all the "interesting parts" then its like dirt and can be used for planting trees etc. You dont have to put that into your small septic. Remember to live on your land you will still need to get your permit to do so. Hope that helps. Check out jim and Jess at the Green Dream Project. They have done just this. Hope this helps and thanks so much for following my adventure!
You're doing great, just keep moving forward. As a fellow Ornithologist, I hope you have time to do the 'Bird Thing" while you're so busy with your build. You're living the dream, don't ever stop. I'm tuned in till you get 'er done. I'm getting on the road in Sept. in a Dodge Promaster Van if all goes well. My daughter and son in law live over in Marana north of Tuscon...Gee, can I come see your progress if I'm in the area? I looked at Sierra Vista in mid November last year. Just didn't get a good vibe. Nice visitors center though. As a 76 year old, I never say never, and neither should you and you're proof that it can be done if you have the desire. Take care, I'll be in touch as you produce more videos. Thanks for the inspiration.
Pat. Once I am set up I am planning on doing an Airbnb for birders! I have no end to facinating birds right in my yard! Pyrloxia's, Curve-billed Thrashers, 7 species of hummers etc. Any youtube subscribers get a discount when staying here! Hope to be operational in 2022.
Just wanted to say hello. you said that you were from San Rafael ca. Me to born and raised their not any more little more Northern California. I like your videos thanks for sharing 👍
Bryan happy to hear that you found a home in Northern California. Yes San Rafael is a great little city and I really loved it there. So so expensive now!
Oh how I wished I would have known about this before buying my two and a half acres zoned as RU2 😭 I love the land I bought but I was really hoping to do a shed to home conversion. Like you I'm a senior with a limited amount of income. This would be such a blessing. Anyhow thank you for the very informative video Don!
Thanks Cat. Yes zoning is everything. One thing you can do though is look into a 300 sq ft Tiny House. They are permitted on a foundation with septic for many counties in AZ.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Yep that's going to have to be the plan. I got a great deal on the land so I'm not going to complain I'll just do the best I can with what I've got. Always enjoy your videos 😉
This is quite an amazing bit of information for a lot of people, including me. It takes a lot of time to search, as you also found out, and it is difficult to find such a great openness.
Very informative Don! I have one and a quarter acre in Florida but thinking to get a 4 acre in your county in the near future.. hopefully they’re not going to change the building codes
My advice for anyone thinking seriously of Cochise County is this. JUMP ON IT. This is going to change and already has. Prices going up as so many people take advantage of this amazing area. The Opt Out permit I think will be gone at some point. Not positive but government mindset is to obtain maximum cash from taxes and keep housing development all scripted and uniform. Opt out flies in the face of that.
This is wonderfully helpful information. Thank you for sharing your experiences and congratulations on your inspiring new home. Gives us all kinds of ideas!
Delighted to offer some help to others. I went through some real puzzles on a variety of issues re: Acquiring land and permits here. Wishing you well and your ideas coming to fruition.
John the road to my property is now deemed public when in actuality it belongs to us residents. So we all chip in for grading of the road etc. Any public person can access it including government vehicles etc. There is no gate on it and no control on who uses it. I will do rainwater catchment and when its light on rain potable water is inexpensive to purchase here in my area. MUCH MUCH cheaper than plunking down thousands for a well.
Hey Don, It’s me again! I was just wondering if you have heard anymore regarding the elimination of the Opt-Out permit by Cochise county? I’m wanting to purchase 5 acres and start building an off-grid homestead this summer. Hopefully I can also apply for one before they get rid of this provision for people like us! Thanks for all your videos! You’re an inspiration for others with the same mindset. Thanks 🙏 again, Gunner
Hi Gunnar. So far the owner builder opt out is still alive and well. Just make sure your property is the right zoning. www.cochise.az.gov/212/Owner-Builder-Amendment
@@affordabledesertliving3487 thanks Don. I’m hoping that one guy still wants to sell me that 5 acres for $6K in Cochise county which he’s claiming is zoned same as yours. 🤷♂️
@@WildlifePatrol You will want to have this information confirmed by a real estate agent or the County. I would DEFINITELY not take anyone's word for zoning unless it was someone qualified in real estate sales or a county representative.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 yes no doubt. Prior to purchasing property I will make sure I cross reference the parcel # etc with the Cochise county office to ensure that the property is in the proper zones so I can take advantage of the OPT-OUT permit option. Thanks again for the advice Don. I just found out that the 5 acres was sold yesterday so I’m still looking! Hopefully I will find something close to Bisbee. I really like that place!
Greetings, Don! Is buying less than 4 acres frowned upon? I’m assuming it disqualifies someone like yourself from the “opt-out” process, but what were the disadvantages (economically) that steered you away from, say, a 3-acre parcel? Thanks!
With less than 4 acres no opt out is available as an option. That means automatically you have to contract with licensed electricians/plumbers/foundation construction staff etc. That automatically makes my retirement unaffordable. That simple.
Wow! Thanks for clarifying that. So that pretty much excludes anyone from designing and building an alternative-style home with hay bales, containers, earthen/clay structures, etc. Did you run across any other AZ counties that would have allowed you to follow your approach without a lot of red tape and extra cost?
@@mrbilllollar Cochise County with its off-grid friendly opt out permit process is pretty hard to beat. That said I believe there are other counties that will allow you to live simply and with the equivalent of an opt out. The trick will be to find a smaller property that allows those special rural guidelines for permitting. I simply have not discovered and/or researched them. Check in with Robert who lives outside of Tucson. Here is his channel.ruclips.net/user/deserthorizons. Thanks for watching!
I was just curious why your septic was so much more substantial than Green dream projects small simple one? Is that because they do humanure? Did Cochise require you to get a bigger one for some reason?
Jay this is an excellent question. Mine is 1000 gallons so that in the future I hope to have an airbnb for extra income. So in short. Low flush toilet is the reason. I am fine with using a compost system like Green Dream Project folks but guests.... not so much I figure. So if I wasnt using low flush toilets then I could duplicate Green Dream Projects situation. Thanks for watching!
lwatson153. Thanks so much for your kind comments. Not sure if I will have time to cover PIMA too. We shall see though. Cheers and thanks for watching!
Hi Lonnie. Delighted you stopped by to view my videos. Thanks for all of your lovely comments about my little home. I am super thankful! One of my projects for later this summer is to install my ground rack and solar panels. Currently I have power through my generator that charges my super system called. a Titan. Charge it for a few hours and I am good for 24 hours including power for fridge, toaster, computers, lights etc.
Very neat. I have no idea how I ended up here, but as a kid I grew up in Benson. My dad still has a home there, and I just visited him in November. I do a lot of geocaching, and was all over the area for 10 days. Good luck on all your future endeavors.
Amanda. It took me years to be honest to locate my property. That said it can often take less. As I have mentioned Zillow is your biggest friend. Also check out Landwatch. www.landwatch.com/arizona-land-for-sale/cochise-county. With enough searching it can happen. I am living proof.
I dont believe there is a max size for a dwelling residence Electric Poliville. Hop on to the Cochise County website though and send them a quick question on their instant chat. Thanks for watching!
Tim it snowed about 6" or so here the last few days. Some of my relatives from Canada want to come and visit but I will purposefully steer them away from snowy periods! They dont need more of that!
OPT OUT PROPERTY SIZE REQUIREMENT [6:26] The Opt Out Permit shown here includes a map of the property boundaries and the septic system. The property line on the Frontage on the road is 528.85 feet, and the property line on the Length is 330.81 feet. This is less than 4.0 acres, which is 174,240 square feet (4 x 43,560 sqft). It seems that the County Permit Department staff were eager to overlook the insufficient property size to be eligible for the Opt Out Permit. You are very lucky. Best wishes.
Hi Don! We are one of those couples who could not afford a "regular" home,nor did we want one! We are so grateful to be in Cochise Co.where the opt out is available.We built an off grid cob/strawbale/slipstraw 600sq. ft. home about 10 yrs. ago. As Don mentioned the staff at the planning and zoning office were a tremendous help and happy to do it . Great video Don!karen and bob
Hi guys! First of all thank you for opening up your beautiful home and your kind hospitality. I think your home should be a model for the Opt Out Permit showing how someone can build a super cost effective but beautifully layed out and charming place to live! As I mentioned when hanging out with you guys its way way sharper than any vid illustrates.
Great, informative video Don. Isn't it amazing to hear that there are government offices out there that are actually helpful and responsive to the needs of the citizens! We have had nothing but great experiences when dealing with the Cochise County Office of Planning and Zoning in Bisbee. Let's hope this fantastic option for owner/builders remains available for years to come!
Bill I never know when I create a video if folks are going to find it helpful or enjoyable so this is great encouragement from you and Yvonne. Yes let's hope that owner/builders permit remains for a long time. It's my key pathway to retiring with my own home.
Wishing u the best. Excited I found u and looking forward to more uploads. So nice to see an older person like us starting a new life and making their dreams come true.
Such affirming and encouraging comments Nancy! So great having you on board! I will be posting a video later this evening and I can't wait! It's going to be one of the most important for me since I moved here!
Most informative process as of yet by any vlogger, thank you heaps! I hope they never vote out the opt-out....
Thats very high praise Makabruddah. Many thanks! For others sake I hope the opt out permitting continues to be available.
So proud of my cousin Don!
Patti hugs to you sweet Cousin. I appreciate you checking this out even though you are in B.C. Canada. So supportive thank you!
We just bought in McNeal this was so helpful, thank you so much. I too will be doing the shed to home conversion. Just closed tuesday on my property. I appreciate that you took the time to create this video!.....blessings to you
So glad it was helpful Stacey!
This is helpful information. 😊❤️
Glad to hear it Pam! Nice to connect with you and Brian. Hope to visit soon.
Hi there, I am just starting the process of owner builder in cochise county. I have created my log in for the online portal and I am having trouble finding which permit is correct or is there an application first? Do u have some direction or a link name of permit or application?
Hi Sheri. Once you log in you need to go to the section: apply for a permit. I havent visited this section for 2 years so it may have changed some. One thing that did surprise me is that there isnt a separate permit for the Owner Builder Opt out. You just go ahead and fill out the regular permit until the last section when you have the opportunity to choose the owner builder opt out section. What I did was fill out the permit as best as I could, print it out and then take it to the county office for specific help. The staff was super helpful. I would highly encourage you to join the facebook page Supporters of the Cochise County Building Permit Opt Out. Many folks there. Including the Cochise County staff so its important to be respectful etc. Hope that helps!
I’m really happy for you, so great to see you living the dream, I actually purchased 4 acres in Cochise recently. I’m curious if you could give a ball park estimate for how much the septic installation was?
The basic septic for a 1000 gal tank was aprox $5000. This was several months ago so prices may have changed. Here is a vid showing it being put in. ruclips.net/video/CjRy1mmmNfc/видео.html
I paid the same in Mohave county.
@@RVBadlands2015 wonderfully inexpensive overall.
Thanks for watching!
Septic is $3000 to 5000. You can get an port a Jon and have a company clean it every month to 2 months, keep all the receipts to show county permit inspectors if there is a problem. They just want to know that it's being cleaned. That's what I do.
@@anniewhiddon2316 How much does it cost you for the port a jon service if you don't mind me asking. Thank You.😊
I started with the insulation video, and am now watching all the videos in order. What really impresses me is how honestly thankful you are of all the people you have hired along the way, as well as nameless county officials.
Living off grid in the desert would be a dream of mine if I were younger and in better health.
I will enjoy watching your progress.
Dan I am incredibly blessed so saying thinks is the easy part to so many who have offered their services. They are key to finally having a beautiful place to retire. I was so thrilled you watched so many of my videos. There are so many great off-grid videos to watch so thanks for watching mine.
Is the opt out permit transferable to another owner if you decide to sell?
MorgansNCAdventures. Yes that is my understanding. For clarity though check in with the County before you make any moves in any purchase of an opt out property.
I just didn't realize that sink waste was an issue. Are you planning a grey water reservoir to recycle that water thru your planting beds? Does the shed serve as an RV alternative? Does the county require an on demand hot water heater right at the beginning of the project? I really do appreciate your thoughtful approach. We are of similar generations, so I am in-line with your thought process. I admire your intentions!
Jim sink waste from the kitchen is classified as blackwater and has to be disposed of in a septic system. You can't just recycle it for plants etc. The bathroom sink and shower is a different story as I explain in this vid. Good question about the hot water heater. No the hot water heater on demand will be checked on when you complete your build and do your final inspection. A shed that is 200sq ft or less does not require a permit. So my understanding is that it can be lived in while constructing the real home temporarily. It can also be the real home as well but the County has to have that information that it will be your primary future dwelling place. Then all permitting guidelines apply. Of course check in with the County for the final say. Thanks for your kind words of affirmation.
This shows a government too big.
So far Cochise County is pretty flexible but who knows for how long.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 we do not need flexible. We need freedom.
How many inspections do you have.
Two. The first to establish that the septic man performed things correctly and that the home to be will be in the correct place and not causing any issues with washes/water ways etc. The final one will be to determine that there is 2 outlets for grey water and that the hotwater heater is efficient and doesnt cause one to waste water.
I know this is old vid. But it has answered a few questions I had. Hoping to start my build I. The next year or two. Only have a few months left on land payments. Then it's regular trips to cochise County from north central Texas to make ready and do the build. Wana do something like an earthship home in the side of a 175' hill. Found a nice piece for an experimental farm on land most would think impossible to farm. Just found your video 2 days ago.. I feel a binge watch coming on.Thanks for the info.
Thanks cheifreal. Binge away! That would be super.
Thanks for the explanation, I'll be filing for my Opt-out permit in about a month! Happily, my property is now acquired outside of Bisbee for a "shipping container" type home.
Your welcome and all the best! Super excited for you!
how do they determine what your property taxes should be if you cant get a certificate of occupancy?
Thanks for watching my video abialo2010. Excellent question. While I am obviously not a county official from what I understand this is based on size of the property and what has been placed on the property. Your property value goes up with septic (which I have) and any improvements to the land. As to the specific criteria the county uses I am not totally sure to be honest. They are pretty forthright and easy to communicate with so I would check in with them when you are able to.
www.cochise.az.gov/202/Development-Services
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Great info. Thanks for sharing your experience. Youre living the dream
Excellent video of permitting in Cochise county.. The best go-to guide on the subject.. .. 👍🌵😉🌵🌵🌵🌵
so was that a sneak peek of your tiny shed/home.?
shhhhhh. LOL Yes Robert that was indeed a sneak peek. Will feature the beautiful little building in an upcoming video. Thanks for such affirming comments about the vid and its content! Really encouraging!
Very helpful, thank you. 🙂👍
Super glad it was helpful Joe. Thanks for coming by and watching!
Thanks!
Totally welcome Jennifer!
Buddy u mentioned septic but that isn't including well? I bought property in California and they require a well while Arizona offers well or water hauled in.
Kaleb. The reason I am in Arizona (I moved from California) is that the permit process is very relaxed and user friendly. The permit process demands you have a septic of some type. After that many rules/regulations can be opted out of with the Opt out Permit. You are correct you can use a rainwater harvesting method for water or do a well. Hope the vid describing the process helps. Cheers.
I’m happy with your growth... keep up the good work.
Thanks GreenHorn. Great to see folks continuing to follow the progress.
So informative and thoughtful, keep them coming!
Very affirming comment Zoey many thanks!
You are a good man
What a kind thing to say. Many thanks.
I've been watching and studying, ready to take the leap (I think). I sent you an email, hoping to touch base.
All the best with your adventure. It does take a lot of time to study out etc.
I read. You can I only stay 6mnths in an RV as long a house was on the property. Someone plz confirm this.
Yes 6 months once you have your initial permit. Check with the county. They are super helpful.
Hi Don…..you mentioned in the video that a move was underway to terminate the opt out program. Since that was two years ago, have you heard whether they followed through?
It hasn’t been terminated yet, but they have altered it significantly. You used to have three Years to make progress on your home now it’s six months.
Do they allow alternative septic systems like RV honey pots until you put a conventional septic in?
The normal way to do it is to park the RV on the property and use the built in recepticle that is in the vehicle. Then dump it as needed. The County is pretty black and white about what septic is like.
One the matter of insurance: there's insurance for a house; but there's also insurance for a car; the question is, will the AUTO INSURANCE companies accept the residence address as valid?
Yes indeed. No issues here at all with auto insurance. My toyota "pickup" is totally insured and with my current address at my Opt out Homestead.
@affordabledesertliving3487 thanks for the response.
great job "don" ! ,getting some great info.
Glad to see this is helpful! It was kind of confusing for me to wade through so thought I would offer help to others.
Thier are places where you don't need a permit to put a double wide mobile home on your property but you still need a septic tank
Yes septic is a big deal for sure. Here in Cochise it seems like its the no 1 requirement.
About how much was septic?
Is one able to dona compost toilet?
My septic was $5000.00 Check out the video on it.
Hi Don. Is there a maximum or minimum square footage requirement for opt out?
rnsuttell. Not that I am aware of. The major requirement is that your land is labeled RU4 or one of the others I mention and is 4 acres or larger. I know Tiny homes that are only about 200 sq ft put on the land and on the other end of the spectrum large Earth Bag structures. The opt out is very flexible in so many ways.
Thanks so much, Don for all this wonderful info. Question, if going the opt-out route in Cochise County in one of those 3 areas where permitted mentioned in video----can one avoid installing septic & just use a regular composting toilet? Is staying on land allowed in a small pullable trailer? If this isn't allowed in Cochise---is it permitted anywhere else in AZ? Thanks.
Matt
Yes you can use just a composting toilet but you will still need a perk test done and a modified septic tank to take care of kitchen water. The county considers it blackwater just like a toilet. Once your septic is approved you can stay in an RV on your property. Give the county office a call for details. Also you might want to check out the facebook group: Cochise County Opt Out. Just make sure you fact check any info with the county itself. I have heard that other counties in AZ are even more relaxed than Cochise but you need to check this out with others as I have limited knowledge of other counties. Hope that helps.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 , thank you so very much. Yes, this helps greatly. Much thanks, Don.
Sincerely & Respectfully,
Matt
What was the largest built shed to home you could have.
There are no limits that I am aware of.
Good morning Don. Question about having a street address there....
Do you get mail and deliveries to your place? Or is the address just proof of living?
Thanks, take care
Sorry for the late reply. The address is simply proof that my property is registered with the county. I do get deliveries from fed ex and UPS but all mail goes to a box. Hope that helps.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 it truly does. Thank you.
I'm looking at a few different properties in Cochise County and the agent wasn't sure
i hope all is going well on your project and looking forward to see up dates as well on you channel. have a great day
Things are going great RG Homestead! Many more vids coming. Thanks for watching!
I haven’t seen a new video for a while, hope everything is ok . I really enjoyed following along on your journey.
Hi Billy! Did you see the one I put up 2 weeks ago on my shed/cottage arrival? New one coming out this week!
Can you elaborate more on the Certificate of Occupation? How important is that Certificate? How are you able to live in the dwelling if you don't have a Certificate?
Hi there. A Certificate of Occupation is only granted to a residence that has passed traditional inspections for plumbing/heating/ sewer etc. I am under the Opt Out permitting system. If you review the video you will note that there are certain things I need to do to pass my special permit. Once those are done I am legally permitted to live in the the dwelling. That said some mortgages will not allow a loan against a property that doesnt have a certificate of occupation, also some insurance companies wont insure your home either. Hope that makes sense.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Thank you for following up! That makes perfect sense. Keep up the great videos.
Amen~!
Great video!!!
Thanks for watching Jeff!
Isn't the hot water on demand clause only in the Sierra Vista and Sunnysides areas? Please elaborate. Thank you. Great info.
Thanks! No even folks I know miles from those areas were mandated by the County to undergo inspections for hot water on demand. I believe its a county wide stipulation. If in doubt jump on live chat with the county office. They can help.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Great. Thanks.
Is the opt out option still available?
Yep still available Roger but as always you never know how long for.
"Off-grid" is never mentioned once in this video. Why is it in the title?
John folks that use the opt out permitting system are for the most part off-grid. The video's focus is designed to provide info for those who are.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Does this mean that a photovoltaic system can be installed under this process? I'm in Cochise County and I want to do grid tied, not off grid.
If you have 5 acres or more that has been or can be used for agriculture or a number of other things you can apply for an exemption from ALL county regulation. The Arizona law is ARS 11-830.A2. This has been fought by Yuma and Pinal county (at least) and the counties lost. there is case law upholding it.
Very interesting re: Pinal and Yuma Counties.
Seems like 11-830 is gone but there's is now 11-812. 11-822.A2 includes the same wording as the old 11-830.A2 but they have now added in section 11-812.A4 that states: ...shall not: "Prevent, restrict or otherwise regulate the otherwise lawful discharge of a firearm or air gun or use of archery equipment on a private lot or parcel of land that is not open to the public on a commercial or membership basis."
So new number, but guns added!
@@DonnyS. wait, am I able to use my bow on my own property? Can't own a gun but I am learning to bow hunt. I'll be moving to northern Arizona/Seligman
@@mendoblendo321 is says archery... so yes.
👍👍👍👍
2nd viewing.
Thank you Affordable.
Thank you Cochise County.
(Many levels).
Without the county relaxed opt out permitting I couldnt afford to be here. Plain and simple.
yea, this is a free country!
Appreciate you watching Jack! Cheers!
Wow! I was watching another channel about how to properly plant a tree in the desert and read your comment under that video which made me want to investigate about Affordable Desert Living. I started from the first one and found you so informative, interesting and inspiring that now I forgot all about planting my tree 😅 I will be watching some more, catching up. Thank you 🙏
Thats so kind of you to watch so many of the vids. Hope they are helpful. Thanks Sylvie and Cookie!
Today, I have watched some of your videos , you bought a beautiful place. Thanks for the information given in this video.
Your so very welcome.
can i do a compost toilet instead of a septic? Thank you
yes you can but you have to have a mini septic system to take care of kitchen sink water. The county considers it black water just like a toilet.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 damn... thank you
What office did you go to
Go to Bisbee. Much more helpful than Sierra Vista.
Wonderful information! I think you have done well Don. I enjoy your videos😊
Thanks so kindly for all of that affirmation sgRvtl. and for being here.
Do you have a mailbox on the property or do you have to pick up your mail in the post office?
At present mail doesnt come to my road but I will soon have access to a rural delivery situation.
Thank you so much for your reply 😊 This is great to hear.. do you have to sign paperwork with the post office or with someone to have this option?
@@VG-yh3ci Yes I have to provide paperwork to the post office. Because I dont have a certificate of occupation I might be thwarted in the process but we shall see...
Hi Don, I’ve been watching most of your videos a lot of great information you are sharing. I’ve been looking for property out that way for a off grid shed/home for myself. I have a few questions if you can answer them for me. With a opt out permit do you have to higher a contractor to install the septic tank or can you do it yourself? And can you get some kind of property insurance since you don’t have occupancy permit? And can you build a small 1000sq ft home without a building permit?
Great questions Travel Camp 365. You can do your septic yourself but your going to need to go into the county office and get specifics on what will pass their inspection. Otherwise its a lot of work to redo it. You have to keep shopping locally for insurance until you hit up a company that will insure you. Go to the Cochise County Opt Out Permit facebook page and ask around. Someone will share with you what they used. Yes the beauty of the Opt out is that once you have a septic in and your Opt out permit then you can build a home any size that is 296 sq ft or larger to your specifications. Your opt out permit is the only one you need. Hope that helps.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Don thank you so much. I’m a DIYer type person, if I can do it myself to save a few pennies I will. Lol Oh love the lawyer getting your neighbors to sign off on water sharing. 👍🏻 something I would look into for myself. Your videos are a lot of help and has answered a lot of my questions. Thanks again. Be safe out there and enjoy.
To buy land similar to yours do you have to pay cash or can you get a loan somewhere?
Since this is raw land without a certificate of occupancy you may not be able to get a typical loan/mortgage for the land. But if you have a good credit rating you can go to your financial institution and they can often agree to a personal loan. Of course the interest rate for those is pretty rugged. Something like 12%. But if you have a financial plan to pay it off then you can. Also remember some sellers will float the loan themselves. So where there is a will there is a way!
Hello and thank you sooo much this really helps me out! Very nice! So what’s your next step water tank? Or do you already have this? Also how are you getting intranet? Your place is really coming along lovely. I hope to have something similar in a couple of years and hopefully Cochise county won’t change the regulations by then. 🌸☀️
@@VG-yh3ci So glad this was helpful. Next step is plumbing a low-flush toilet and all other plumbing. Internet works very well through a company called USmobile and using my cell phone as a hot spot. Fortunately they use verizon towers and verison is king in this area. Sadly I feel Cochise County will get rid of the easy permit process. But we shall see. Best of luck!
Hey Don, that was quite helpful, your not alone with seniors wanting a piece of mind. Take care and be safe and God bless amen.
Thanks so much and God bless as well!
Thank you for posting this. Alot more easy to understand! God bless
Glad it was helpful!
Please can I ask what are setbacks from property line and/or egress/utility easements?
Setbacks are the minimum distance you can build or place buildings or other important items from your property line. ie. 20 ft from a property line to put up a garden shed. 50' from the nearest street road for your septic. Egress/utility easement means that a power company has the right to put big old power poles on your property if they want or need to. If anyone has more details chime in.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Thanks. Just about to install septic, but not as far in as you are. Thanks for the info.
@@DesertDog8989 All the best and hope your septic guy does a good job. You may have watched it already but I documented my septic install with Mike Goodman. Great guy and reasonable price.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 I've got him on the calendar. Thank you. Someone else suggested him, too. Appreciate YOU!
Having fairly extensive experience with California Los Angeles building codes building the house I have now I can appreciate the simplicity of what you did
Yes indeed. Without the relaxed Cochise County owner builder opt out I couldnt afford to be here.
Excellent video, I am your fan, you are the best. I bought three years ago, I did not move yet. I have to get OPT OUT permit soon. It will go way
Yes smart to jump on an Opt out as soon as you can. Thanks for your kind comments!
I find ALL of your videos very very helpful!! Thank you so much. I have a question:
Do septic companies finance? Because many of us don’t have 5 or 7 K just laying around. How much was the septic installation?
This is an excellent question. I had to pull life savings to have mine done and its a big chunk of cash for sure! I am not sure if septic installs will do that. You would need to phone around and check in with them. I hope they do! Also I am DELIGHTED that my videos are helpful. That is one of their main purposes. To provide a guidebook for others wanting to live off-grid in Arizona.
Don ive been following your adventure ...i need to ask i thought a new land owner can use composting toilet and small septic for kitchen sink grey water ?
John You can definitely do this and have a mini septic that is super cost effective. You will still need to have a perc test that passes the county inspection, and your mini septic will be used for your kitchen sink black water. Once your composting toilet has broken down all the "interesting parts" then its like dirt and can be used for planting trees etc. You dont have to put that into your small septic. Remember to live on your land you will still need to get your permit to do so. Hope that helps. Check out jim and Jess at the Green Dream Project. They have done just this. Hope this helps and thanks so much for following my adventure!
You're doing great, just keep moving forward. As a fellow Ornithologist, I hope you have time to do the 'Bird Thing" while you're so busy with your build. You're living the dream, don't ever stop. I'm tuned in till you get 'er done. I'm getting on the road in Sept. in a Dodge Promaster Van if all goes well. My daughter and son in law live over in Marana north of Tuscon...Gee, can I come see your progress if I'm in the area? I looked at Sierra Vista in mid November last year. Just didn't get a good vibe. Nice visitors center though. As a 76 year old, I never say never, and neither should you and you're proof that it can be done if you have the desire. Take care, I'll be in touch as you produce more videos. Thanks for the inspiration.
Pat. Once I am set up I am planning on doing an Airbnb for birders! I have no end to facinating birds right in my yard! Pyrloxia's, Curve-billed Thrashers, 7 species of hummers etc. Any youtube subscribers get a discount when staying here! Hope to be operational in 2022.
Just wanted to say hello. you said that you were from San Rafael ca. Me to born and raised their not any more little more Northern California. I like your videos thanks for sharing 👍
Bryan happy to hear that you found a home in Northern California. Yes San Rafael is a great little city and I really loved it there. So so expensive now!
Oh how I wished I would have known about this before buying my two and a half acres zoned as RU2 😭 I love the land I bought but I was really hoping to do a shed to home conversion. Like you I'm a senior with a limited amount of income. This would be such a blessing. Anyhow thank you for the very informative video Don!
Thanks Cat. Yes zoning is everything. One thing you can do though is look into a 300 sq ft Tiny House. They are permitted on a foundation with septic for many counties in AZ.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Yep that's going to have to be the plan. I got a great deal on the land so I'm not going to complain I'll just do the best I can with what I've got.
Always enjoy your videos 😉
This is quite an amazing bit of information for a lot of people, including me. It takes a lot of time to search, as you also found out, and it is difficult to find such a great openness.
Hope it was helpful. That was the goal. To help others.
Very informative Don! I have one and a quarter acre in Florida but thinking to get a 4 acre in your county in the near future.. hopefully they’re not going to change the building codes
My advice for anyone thinking seriously of Cochise County is this. JUMP ON IT. This is going to change and already has. Prices going up as so many people take advantage of this amazing area. The Opt Out permit I think will be gone at some point. Not positive but government mindset is to obtain maximum cash from taxes and keep housing development all scripted and uniform. Opt out flies in the face of that.
This is wonderfully helpful information. Thank you for sharing your experiences and congratulations on your inspiring new home. Gives us all kinds of ideas!
Delighted to offer some help to others. I went through some real puzzles on a variety of issues re: Acquiring land and permits here. Wishing you well and your ideas coming to fruition.
What are your plans for potable water? Who controls the access road to your property?
John the road to my property is now deemed public when in actuality it belongs to us residents. So we all chip in for grading of the road etc. Any public person can access it including government vehicles etc. There is no gate on it and no control on who uses it. I will do rainwater catchment and when its light on rain potable water is inexpensive to purchase here in my area. MUCH MUCH cheaper than plunking down thousands for a well.
Great informative Video! are you living on site during the build process?
Yes I am onsite. Thanks for your kind comments!
Thanks for sharing 💎 it's very helpful.
Javier Montes. Delighted I can help others on the path that I have taken and save them some stress figuring out things that had me scratching my head.
Exciting, how about the desert heat how do you live with that?
Hi Billy thanks for watching. I am odd for a Canadian hardly even break a sweat or am uncomfortable until about 100 F. Always been this way.
Hey Don,
It’s me again! I was just wondering if you have heard anymore regarding the elimination of the Opt-Out permit by Cochise county? I’m wanting to purchase 5 acres and start building an off-grid homestead this summer. Hopefully I can also apply for one before they get rid of this provision for people like us! Thanks for all your videos! You’re an inspiration for others with the same mindset. Thanks 🙏 again, Gunner
Hi Gunnar. So far the owner builder opt out is still alive and well. Just make sure your property is the right zoning. www.cochise.az.gov/212/Owner-Builder-Amendment
@@affordabledesertliving3487 thanks Don. I’m hoping that one guy still wants to sell me that 5 acres for $6K in Cochise county which he’s claiming is zoned same as yours. 🤷♂️
@@WildlifePatrol You will want to have this information confirmed by a real estate agent or the County. I would DEFINITELY not take anyone's word for zoning unless it was someone qualified in real estate sales or a county representative.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 yes no doubt. Prior to purchasing property I will make sure I cross reference the parcel # etc with the Cochise county office to ensure that the property is in the proper zones so I can take advantage of the OPT-OUT permit option. Thanks again for the advice Don. I just found out that the 5 acres was sold yesterday so I’m still looking! Hopefully I will find something close to Bisbee. I really like that place!
Greetings, Don! Is buying less than 4 acres frowned upon? I’m assuming it disqualifies someone like yourself from the “opt-out” process, but what were the disadvantages (economically) that steered you away from, say, a 3-acre parcel? Thanks!
With less than 4 acres no opt out is available as an option. That means automatically you have to contract with licensed electricians/plumbers/foundation construction staff etc. That automatically makes my retirement unaffordable. That simple.
Wow! Thanks for clarifying that. So that pretty much excludes anyone from designing and building an alternative-style home with hay bales, containers, earthen/clay structures, etc. Did you run across any other AZ counties that would have allowed you to follow your approach without a lot of red tape and extra cost?
@@mrbilllollar Cochise County with its off-grid friendly opt out permit process is pretty hard to beat. That said I believe there are other counties that will allow you to live simply and with the equivalent of an opt out. The trick will be to find a smaller property that allows those special rural guidelines for permitting. I simply have not discovered and/or researched them. Check in with Robert who lives outside of Tucson. Here is his channel.ruclips.net/user/deserthorizons. Thanks for watching!
Great job on this video Don! Really appreciate the info.
Wow thanks Larry! Thanks for coming by and watching these. I have tons more coming!
I was just curious why your septic was so much more substantial than Green dream projects small simple one? Is that because they do humanure? Did Cochise require you to get a bigger one for some reason?
Jay this is an excellent question. Mine is 1000 gallons so that in the future I hope to have an airbnb for extra income. So in short. Low flush toilet is the reason. I am fine with using a compost system like Green Dream Project folks but guests.... not so much I figure. So if I wasnt using low flush toilets then I could duplicate Green Dream Projects situation. Thanks for watching!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Oh pretty cool, neat idea!
@@Jay-pc6jx Thanks for your encouragement Jay.
Love your video, can you do a video for Pima County.
lwatson153. Thanks so much for your kind comments. Not sure if I will have time to cover PIMA too. We shall see though. Cheers and thanks for watching!
Hi don My name is Lonnie you have a awesome little home I was wondering what kind of power sure you have think you
Hi Lonnie. Delighted you stopped by to view my videos. Thanks for all of your lovely comments about my little home. I am super thankful! One of my projects for later this summer is to install my ground rack and solar panels. Currently I have power through my generator that charges my super system called. a Titan. Charge it for a few hours and I am good for 24 hours including power for fridge, toaster, computers, lights etc.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Don think you so much for getting back with me I have learned so much from your videos your going to love solar!!
@@lonniearrington4400 Fantastic Thanks!
This was well worth watching; this film was well done.
Very kind and affirming. I really appreciate your watching it Barton.
Very neat. I have no idea how I ended up here, but as a kid I grew up in Benson. My dad still has a home there, and I just visited him in November. I do a lot of geocaching, and was all over the area for 10 days. Good luck on all your future endeavors.
Thanks so much for watching. I occasionally visit Benson and go to a locally famous mexican restaurant.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 - Taco Bell? Just kidding! Guessing it is Mi Casa?
@@Patrick_Ross That would be correct
Thank you so much Don, peace and grace to you 🙏
You’re so welcome James thank you so much for watching
I am really struggling to find land
Amanda. It took me years to be honest to locate my property. That said it can often take less. As I have mentioned Zillow is your biggest friend. Also check out Landwatch. www.landwatch.com/arizona-land-for-sale/cochise-county. With enough searching it can happen. I am living proof.
Very informative Don, thank you
James my hope is always been that these videos would help others and make things a little easier than spending so much time researching like I did
Awesome video full of information
Thanks so much Nae Ru. Glad it was useful!
What's the max size in an opt out permit?
I dont believe there is a max size for a dwelling residence Electric Poliville. Hop on to the Cochise County website though and send them a quick question on their instant chat. Thanks for watching!
Amazing Video Thank You.
So glad this was helpful!
I enjoy your your videos, they are very informative.
So glad they are enjoyable and informative Billy!
What great information in this video
Thanks so much Sunlinebeeches!
❤️ for the algorithm
Thanks Karen!
Great info great video
Many thanks Daniel! Glad it was helpful.
Thanks, You young man.
Your so welcome. Hope it was helpful. Thanks for watching Ken!
Great video!! ✌️
Thanks Scott. your watching a ton of these. I appreciate it.
Great video
Leo delighted that you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching!
Very cool video!
Thanks for watching it Michael!
Well.done!
Michael thanks a lot for watching and all of the affirmation! Cheers!
Wow great video well spoken like a pro. Awesome video. Peace from phoenix.
Carl thats a lovely comment and I so appreciate your super encouragement along the way during this journey.
Great video any way gotta go shovel some snow eh,
Tim it snowed about 6" or so here the last few days. Some of my relatives from Canada want to come and visit but I will purposefully steer them away from snowy periods! They dont need more of that!
Wow that is 5 inches more than what we got last night .@@affordabledesertliving3487 wow
@@timklassen421 remind me where you are geographically please.
A@@affordabledesertliving3487 Strathmore Alberta
@@timklassen421 sorry just clicked in and remembered. You coming down this way in the future did you say?
Bin the "music" !!!
OPT OUT PROPERTY SIZE REQUIREMENT
[6:26] The Opt Out Permit shown here includes a map of the property boundaries and the septic system.
The property line on the Frontage on the road is 528.85 feet, and the property line on the Length is 330.81 feet. This is less than 4.0 acres, which is 174,240 square feet (4 x 43,560 sqft).
It seems that the County Permit Department staff were eager to overlook the insufficient property size to be eligible for the Opt Out Permit. You are very lucky. Best wishes.
Yes indeed.
528x330 is exactly 4 acres.
@@AJTarnas Much thanks for your reply. You are correct. My math was mistaken. Everything is satisfactory. Peace.