~ 4 Tips for Buying Land in Alaska ~
Article and Images By: Ryan Tollefsen ~
Buying land in Alaska is the ideal location for those interested in living off the grid. Clean air, an abundance of natural resources and untamed land as far as the eye can see are just a few of the many advantages that Alaska holds for adventures like this. The following tips can help focus the search for land that is likely to meet the goals of those who want to live off the grid.
1. Check the Local Zoning and Planning Ordinances
Depending on where in Alaska the land is located, there might be certain restrictions that dictate what the owner can do with and on the property. For example, some localities require that homes measure a certain square footage. If a tiny house is desired, the county could prohibit it. The same thing applies if the owner wants to camp on the property on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Many jurisdictions restrict the amount of time that a person can camp on their own property. They often tie the occurrence to an event such as the building of a permanent home.
2. Research for Covenants
Covenants and other restrictions are often put into place by the land developers to ensure that the property follows the same rules that were originally intended. Some examples of common covenants include those that restrict the size and type of structures and other buildings that can be placed there as well as those that limit or prohibit gardening or raising livestock.
3. Double Check for Access
The right parcel of land allows the owner to enjoy access to everything that is desired and needed. The following are just a few necessities:
- Property access
A property can have what appears to be all the right features at an attractive price but it might not allow the owner to easily access it. If there is no way to legally access the property -- by foot, four-wheeler, snowmobile, vehicle or some other method -- it's going to be useless to someone who wants to live off the grid. Consider, too, whether the property is accessible year round. Does the snow cut off access during the winter?
- Access to solar power
Access to solar power is considered a vital component of their success to many people who want to live off the grid. A parcel of land should provide a location that is large enough and positioned well to allow southern exposure after allowing for the slope of the land, shade and the land's other natural elements. This is a bit more difficult as far north as Alaska, but it is still extremely viable.
- Water access
As beautiful and remote as a property might be, if it lacks a nearby source of potable water, it could make living off the grid difficult. A clean and natural source of water that is dependable year round and located within a reasonable distance ensures that the land is sustainable. Too much energy, time and fuel is required in order to haul water in from afar for daily use.
- Access to natural materials
A property that has a natural source of trees, stone, clay, rock and other building materials helps make a life of living off the grid more smooth and sustainable. Ideally, a parcel of land should contain any building materials that are necessary for living off the grid in order to save time and money.
4. Consider Agricultural Land
Land that is zoned for agricultural use in Alaska is likely going to support all the ventures that a person living off the grid would require. Depending on how off the grid you plan to live, being able to raise animals or put in a suitable garden can help immensely.
Alaska offers a plethora of opportunities for those who want to live off the grid. By following the above tips, those interested in property in Alaska can find expansive plots of land with access to numerous natural resources that meet their needs.
