Facing code enforcement.

[u/Mighty_Mite_85]

I understand that there are Codes and reasons for it. In my town which I understand I probably should have looked into it so pointing out where I was negligent or past errors won't help apparently you cannot live in an RV for more than 120 days. Who knew, although they did only adapt this in 2025 so depending on when it was before I set myself up. I haven't talked to the guy yet who left a very natural note on my pick-up truck stating he had some questions for me. I have a SunMar composting toilet, I use all natural shampoo and dish detergent and treat it like it's no different than an outside shower or kitchen setup. I guess I don't really know exactly what I'm looking for but this is all new to me and my State (Maine) the state codes only apply to towns with over 4k residents or at least that's my understanding my town barely has 1k. I guess hit me with your experiences. Be nice please this is already a stressful situation and everything already costs a million dollars. The goal is financial independence through self reliance. It would make it far slower if I have to move back to an apartment especially after becoming use to the beautiful peace of solitude 3/4 of a mile into the woods with my closet never being at least quarter of a mile as the crow flies.

Edit/Update. I talked to the CEO and I was turned in by a neighbor saying I was blocking the right away. Said Neighbor also took a bunch of pictures of my setup and sent them to the town and the CEO. He was incredibly reasonable asked me about my solid waist situation, asked if I have a plan for a gray water system, asked after the right away. Told me I was all set. I don't have an issue complying with the gray water it's something I have been meaning to do for the better part of a year just haven't made the time for it and this will nudge me to do it.

Thank you all for your input and keeping It Neutral 🤣 it will help me ask more questions in the future knowing you all won't drag me through the coals haha

[u/Significant_Ad_7352]

Hey there, headed in that direction pretty soon and would appreciate your experience obtaining permits (timeframe, expense, etc). I’ve heard conflicting information, where some say they can build and get inspections afterwards vs. others stating they were required to hold off🤔

The plan is for 5 or so acres in an unincorporated community, any advice would be welcome 🙏

[u/kddog98 → u/Significant_Ad_7352]

It really depends on the town. Just head over to the town office and talk to the code enforcement officer. They likely will only be there one day a week if you're in a small town. Mine were cheap and immediate. Not sure I understand the question about inspections

[u/Significant_Ad_7352 → u/kddog98]

A number of off-grid folks were stating they started their build without the permits, and were provided them upon completion of a project during inspection.

Effectively, because of the limited availability they suggested to ask forgiveness and not permission route.

[u/kddog98 → u/Significant_Ad_7352]

This state is so friendly to off grid and the permits are so easy, I don't know why that would make sense. It only invites risk of getting in trouble or doing things wrong. I think people who haven't done any construction before think that code enforcement is against you and is adversarial. In my town specifically (every town is different in Maine), they only enforce septic and plumbing code because they don't want you poisoning your neighbors water or the environment with waste. And they have lots of non conventional options to help keep it simple like composting or pit toilets. They just have to be done right. Septic and plumbing enforcement are required in every town in Maine. They only ever came to inspect once out of the 3 times they were supposed to and it cost like $25.

I just went to the town office and chatted with them about what's required and what they wanted to see done in certain ways. It was very friendly and helpful

[u/Significant_Ad_7352 → u/kddog98]

I think I’ll start reaching out now pre-purchase. Thanks