These Backyard Projects Might Get Banned in the Future

To most, being on my own land means I should be able to do with it what I see fit. However, as most preppers have already experienced, this isn’t always the case.

As local, state, and federal governments begin to seek control, we will see more legislation geared towards preventing us from preparing for our own survival.

In this article we are going to look at some backyard projects which have the potential of being banned.

Rainwater Collection

We put this at the top of our list because it’s perhaps the craziest one of all. Rain falls from the sky by God’s hands and falls where it may. Nobody owns it so why the big fuss about collecting it? Right?

It’s true. Nobody technically owns the water that falls from the heavens.

However, many localities rely on rainwater to supply local crops and streams. Some municipalities even rely on rainwater for their town’s water supply.

So, what does this mean for the prepper?

The truth is most places aren’t going to be too concerned about you collecting rainwater in a 55-gallon drum. What would start to raise concern is if you dug a large “pond” on your property and collected rainwater in it. Many laws will see that as diverting resources from others who might need it.

If you have a rainwater supply, you should keep it safe from potential threats such as looters and nosy neighbors. In times of crisis, it’s common for unprepared individuals to seek out resources like water, sometimes resorting to force. Learn here how to hide and protect your water supply.

Composting

Composting is one of the premier ways homesteaders and preppers alike create nutrient-rich fertilizer for their gardens. Ironically enough, it’s been on the chopping block in many local governments across the country. And to be clear, this isn’t only relevant for peat moss composting.

Some states have a ban in place that prohibits the disposal of organic materials in landfills.

This includes items such as yard waste, tree trimmings, and food waste. The problem, though, comes when the law is interpreted to apply to homeowners in their own backyard.

What this means is that some local municipalities will interpret these laws to mean composting is considered having a landfill.

Another reason, which primarily relates to those living in a more urban setting, is the number of pests which may be drawn to the compost bin, as well as the smells.

There are, however, ways you can prevent pests and odors and allow your compost bin to go undetected. This can include limiting the amount of grass clippings you add in and being sure to mix your pile to allow good oxygenation.

Off-Grid Energy

In truth, most laws passed which govern DIY Backyard projects are done so based on the mighty dollar. They require permits and zoning laws to be changed which adds money to their balance sheet. In the case of going completely off grid with regards to your power consumption, money is everything.

You will be hard pressed to find a local government which will stop you from installing solar grids, backyard wind turbines, or anything which would generate electricity.

In fact, when it comes to solar panels especially, many will give you major incentives, either in the form of tax breaks or direct payouts. However, they won’t allow you to completely disconnect from the power grid or, if they allow it, will charge a hefty fee.

This is the case even if you are generating 100% of your own power. In fact, what is often the case is the power company will start to owe you money because any extra power you generate will be directed back to the grid.

The problem with this is that any attack meant to take out the power grid will also likely take out your power system.

Zoning laws and safety regulations can also impede on your ability to go off-grid, especially in urban areas. HOAs, for example, are more likely to ban going off-grid, or any prepper activity for that matter, simply due to aesthetics.

Underground Bunkers and Shelters

Even as celebrities such as Mark Zuckerberg are building personal bunkers, many municipalities are either banning them or creating labyrinths of red tape around their construction. Most of the push back comes from zoning laws and issues with neighbors.

As with most of these backyard projects, most of the issues will be faced in an urban setting where placing an underground bunker makes you the crazy person in town. Or so they say.

⇒ How to Build a Cheap Bunker in Your Backyard

While they may not be completely banned in your area, you’ll likely be required to take out a permit.

The problem most have with this, however, is that it makes the underground bunker public knowledge. And in a SHTF scenario, the fewer people who know of your shelter the better.

Backyard Animals

Even many rural towns have started to crack down on the act of keeping and raising livestock on your property, especially within city limits. What it boils down to is many neighbors don’t want to be forced to deal with the smells and sounds which come with having livestock.

For example, one town in Montana limits the number of chickens you can have on your property within city limits to 10. However, they also require you get the approval of your neighbors before doing so.

In other areas across the country, the right to farm laws are often interpreted to only benefit farmers and ranchers. These laws designate what is considered a farm by how many acres the property has. Some requirements are as low as 10 acres while others can be as high as 50.

Covenants can also dictate what you can and cannot do on your property, including whether you can have livestock or not. When purchasing property, it’s important to check if any covenants exist. If so, you may be required to go through the process of changing the covenants, which will require upwards of 75% of homeowners to sign off on it.

The sad reality is that the closer we get to our prepping becoming our reality, more laws will be conjured up by men in suits whose only desire is to make the country dependent on the government.

The more people depend on the government, the more control the government has. That means our freedom to do as we choose on our property to facilitate our own survival is at risk.

As irritating as it is, we still must do our due diligence to ensure we operate within the law. And, sadly, to many this means moving to a place with fewer rules and regulations on prepping activities.

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