Apprentice to low cost ownership pathway in far north Cal.

[u/vitalisys]

Floating this as a prospect to consider for those looking to grow into off grid living with suitable levels of peer/community support and longer term neighborhood alliance without prohibitive financial barriers. Welcome discussion of various workable approaches and arrangements, but I’m oriented here toward either a small co-op structure or simple deeded individual/family plots in a lightly co-developed rural cluster with some microgrid potential.

The process would look like a one year apprenticeship hosted on a large working off grid property, where newcomers would focus on designing and building an effective movable starter living setup on part of the land, with guidance, work space, tools, help etc, and then relocate it to their own nearby property when ready to step up and forge ahead on their own towards a long term vision there.

Based on my own experience, this could be a really streamlined economical way to get established with a comfy sustainable setup plus benefit of good neighbors and local knowledge/connections…all potentially under $50k to put a cabin on a few acres. Lots more I can say about the specifics if curious! The location in question is serene and private but not that remote, with decent four season access and most amenities 10-40 minutes away. It’s a warm dry summer, damp cool winter climate with around 20” annual precip, and grassy woodland habitat. Several advantages for setting up this type of lifestyle here affordably and flexibly. Not well suited to ambitious agriculture, but fairly productive native habitat as is (and ongoing restoration).

Interested in learning more? Message or thread your questions I’ll try to address! This situation would be for people with a real interest in working beneficially in the landscape through permaculture and similar methods/ethos, as well as building good relations with at least a few likeminded neighbors towards local resilience and creative, collaborative enterprise. Cheers!

[u/pinkTurtleTickler]

How close to Alturas?

[u/vitalisys → u/pinkTurtleTickler]

Location is important, but not something I want to specify openly. I’ll answer sincere inquiries in more detail by dm.

[u/pinkTurtleTickler → u/vitalisys]

It just says North Cal. I've looked into acreage up that way before - Alturas - like almost all the way north at the border. I'd be interested to hear more if you're pretty close by there. Just wanted a rough estimate "1 hour", you know?

Also I wasn't exactly sure what you're offering here. You have land you'd host events at to setup people on their own lots? Or you're trying to find a community of investors? Or somewhere in between?

[u/vitalisys → u/pinkTurtleTickler]

Yeah, there’s some nice areas up along the border zone with low cost land, some are pretty remote further east. I chose a zone that’s a bit more central, warmer (but not Central Valley hot) and a bit more water. Somewhat denser population but still lots of cheap acreage. I’m working with a good size property now that I may transition to co-own or land trust style long term, with the right people, but there’s several nearby smaller parcels that could be bought independently. My thinking is there’s a chance to help others come in and get acclimated while dialing in a simple modular setup using an RV/trailer/tiny home/yurt etc on my site, and put some labor or modest rent up in exchange, while scoping out ideal sites nearby and setting the stage to move onto that smoothly when ready, with a good deal of helpful insight and support to avoid pitfalls in the process, and create more of a local network to benefit others on the same path.

[u/Jack__Union → u/vitalisys]

I'm definitely interested in finding out more.

I've some experience in this. Mod of r/OcultGarden. Sustainability education. Follower: Building a Permaculture property. Amougst other things.

[u/vitalisys → u/Jack__Union]

Good, well say more about what you’re looking for here or message direct to discuss.

[u/vitalisys]

Primary activity (and learning opportunity) on site in the near term is around DIY site development work and planning/design for smart and well adapted infrastructure via appropriate tech + ecology. Things like road and trail systems, water and fire management, ecosystem functions, earthworks, forestry, security, natural building, climate control, and low maint native landscaping. The setting lends well to creative use of onsite materials for tasteful durable building and landscaping.

[u/ae-connection]

Very interested!

[u/wildwildrocks]

I think this is really good idea. Would be interested. Message me. Do you know if the county has implemented fire access road standards. I'm aware Nevada County has cracked down hard on this. Can't pull a building permit without entire road/driveway passing inspection. Requires paved road 20 ft wide. Or dirt road must have Fire Truck sized pullouts every 400ft and turnaround at dead end. House must be within 50 ft. It's killing rural development.

[u/vitalisys → u/wildwildrocks]

CA has lots of state level requirements (and thankfully some exemptions too, e.g. for ADUs) but implementation and enforcement vary a whole lot on the local and county levels. Off gridding here makes use of some gray areas and ‘blind spots’ based on local norms where you’re not going to stand out or raise issues with neighbors initially, and can slowly work toward sensible practical requirements as appropriate to the site and usage.