Homestead Laws

DawnSwink · #1 05/27/14, 09:50 AM

Hello all,
Been reading many sites searching for Answers and this is the best site we have found. My Husband and I are wanting to start Homesteading for a long time so some of the Questions I have are about the Homesteading Laws in 3 states we are interested in and want to compare the differance between them, they are: Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.

Been reading them online but not sure about them so figured ask those who live in the States who understand the Laws better. Any information would great. Thank you.

rambler · #2 05/27/14, 10:11 AM

Are you looking at rules and regulations as to what is allowed on a certain few acres?

Many times the local county or town will have many more restrictions, the state often just has a small outline on such issues. You would need to check on the local situation.

We are dealing with some zoning rules in my county, they don't want to allow repair shops out in the country need to be in an incorporated town. Silly, odd, stupid. Anyhow, as I am attending several meetings to see what is up on these rules, it appears those sitting in charge feel more and more that these rules are only applied when there is a complaint by a neighbor and so the rules aren't really a big deal easy to follow.....

Yet, the hourly wage people who work in the departments and are not voted in get to rule over us. And just say no to anything, not allowed, see its here in the rules......

It sets up a very odd double standard.

Paul

Jim-mi · #3 05/27/14, 10:32 AM

You are talking about zoning and the likes of "home owners associations"......both very bad news.
Some HOA's will restrict you to what color you can paint a closet........more than stupid . . .avoid at all cost.
There is a whole gammit of zoning . . The good-- the bad-- the ugly. . . . mostly bad.

Totally up to you to "find out" about any "spot" that interests you.....

Want chickens . .?? . . . Don't expect to do so if you find a place in a town/city/village.

sisterpine · #4 05/27/14, 10:35 AM

In AZ and MT when you homestead your property you prevent it from being part of the assets in a law suit or judgement...is that what you mean?

Every single city and town has its own rules regarding livestock, farming, ranching etc.

grandma12703 · #5 05/27/14, 10:59 AM

Missouri is a great state for homesteading. Few zoning regulations, building codes, etc. especially down in the southern/southcentral/southeastern parts.

simi-steading · #6 05/27/14, 11:06 AM

When in doubt, it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.. .and keeping your business quiet goes a long way...

Find a county with few regulations, and life should be pretty simple..

**Terri** · #7 05/27/14, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simi-steading

When in doubt, it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.. .and keeping your business quiet goes a long way...

Find a county with few regulations, and life should be pretty simple..

Not when dealing with the government it isn't! They do things like charge you a fine for every day you are not in compliance!

If you are interested in a particular area, go the the website of the county or the city and look it up. I found a lot under animal control: things like you must own at least 3 acres to have a horse. Also check the zoning and the building regulations for your chosen areas. The availability of city water might also be important: I paid less for my 5 acres because water was not due for 3 years.

Batt · #8 05/27/14, 02:02 PM

I understand what you are looking for, but of the states you have mentioned are pretty loose on state regulations. County regulations might be another matter. I purchased 20 acres, and have built 5 buildings...Had to get 1 permit...water well was withing 1/4 mile of a lake ($200), that's it.

fordy · #9 05/27/14, 03:51 PM

.................Tx is a fairly decent place to H.stead , BUT......
.................(1) property taxes are High........
.................(2) Tx has a little tax called...'Roll back Tax' , this comes into play when you purchase acreage that has been classified 'Ag' and has very low taxes........IF , you purchase a small tract <than 15 acres or so the tax authority will retrogress 5 years and RE figure the tax rate at a NON Ag rate and give YOU the Bill . So , the buyer has to pay the tax by law , instead of the seller............who has received all the benefit of the 'Ag' rate of taxation !!!!! It's a real Screw job for the Purchaser of the property . It's been a while since I had to deal with this issue so do your due diligence before any purchase in Tx . , fordy

Wolf mom · #10 05/27/14, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sisterpine

In AZ and MT when you homestead your property you prevent it from being part of the assets in a law suit or judgement...is that what you mean?

Every single city and town has its own rules regarding livestock, farming, ranching etc.

Yuppers, if you file, the first $100,000 is protected.

Along with checking with the city and town you're interested in, check the county also. Here, any county that has a population over X (dunno the number) they attach a meter to your well and charge you for usage... Ugh.

DawnSwink · #11 05/28/14, 12:33 AM

You all are wonderful some of the information is more than I thought. Yes I am looking at what I can grow and raise hopefully with out the County, State or Goverment can fine us on. Will go look on the internet you all gave me new area's to look into and More Questions will be on the way. In some of the Laws these area's are not addressed glad to talk to you all about them.

Thank you so much

**Shrek** · #12 05/28/14, 12:55 AM

Homestead law in the U.S. strictly applies to the tax exemption/reduction status of ones primary residence.

Laws pertaining to the agricultural privileges allowed on small parcel modern homesteading ventures fall under the realm of property zoning laws.

To best ensure the most agricultural latitude regardless of the size of land parcel and home you choose , it is best to select property located in agriculturally zoned areas away from subdivisions and possible HOA restrictions and preferably beside large acreage livestock or farming operations as generally the larger interests will preserve their agricultural zoning and if you own a small parcel bordering them or better yet surrounded on two or three sides by them, you gain the advantage of being covered by the zone umbrella buffer most larger ag interests generally strive to maintain around their farms or ranches.

When I chose the 4 acres here I chose it because a beefmaster rancher owned the 900 acres across the road in front of my house and property and a 400 acre pasture 600 feet behind me and the other property sticking into the 600 foot void was part of a 200 acre soybean field owned by an area farmer.

I knew that the cattle rancher and the soybean farmer would head off efforts by the county to try to rezone the area suburb residential, which they did and the new agricultural interest who purchased the cattle ranch when the last of the rancher family passed away continues to keep the agricultural zone umbrella in place to my advantage and as I always have done I try to keep an eye on the farm field and cattle pasture I can see from my home and call the owners if I see trespassers or predators as a form of support for them taking the point to preserve my environment within their zone umbrella.

ChristieAcres · #13 05/28/14, 02:06 AM

When we were looking at properties, we chose one outside of the Dungeness Water Rule, which restricts the use of well water, as well as irrigation. The wells within the area of this Rule, are metered. Properties within part of this area, can only have a well for domestic use (metered). There is a 92 acre property for sale, with only a right for domestic use (forget livestock, horses, and any degree of gardening or farming). You guessed it, still for sale. Since our property is outside of this Rule, our well isn't metered, nor is our use restricted. Fortunately, we not only have a good well with excellent water, but also have natural springs, and a high water table on one of our 5 acres. With less rain here, this is a blessing!

Research is very important and so is choosing a professional Realtor. My latest Client had no knowledge of the Dungeness Water Rule and was looking at homes within the designated area. I explained the Rule and confirmed his criteria for use. He has also chosen to purchase outside of the Rule area.

I hope you find a great property!

okiemom · #14 06/02/14, 12:15 PM

more than one house per property is not allowed in rogers county no matter how big the acerage

DawnSwink · #15 06/23/14, 10:27 AM

With all the research my Husband and I have been doing and a lot of it. Never there was so many regulations on Land, Home and Animals. Learning a whole lot. We finally narrowed down what we want and where to buy our land. Now to save and find our Dream land. Thanks for all the help. Our first step will be taking small weekend trips to the area's we are considering and go from there.

CountryWannabe · #16 06/23/14, 11:40 AM

Regulations will vary even within counties, depending on local jurisdiction. I would advise that you take your time, find several properties that would suit your purpose and research each one of them carefully. Shrek is right about large agricultural neighbors being protection for your own ambitions - if you can find a place that is within an agricultural community you will be better off.

Mary

DawnSwink · #17 06/24/14, 09:48 AM

Those are the reasons we are traveling to the different locations and hopefully find some local events to attend. That way we can talk to people and see what is in the area. Maybe there something there that is not on Paper you never know. My Husband is very cautious when it comes to big changes like this. 😊

DawnSwink · #18 11/24/14, 11:59 AM

Haven't come across what we want did a lot of traveling this last Summer. And found information beyond what we expected. Now we are looking for how to buy land cheap and My Husband found a You Tube Video that hit our Questions and More so I am sharing this info so to all in hopes it will help as it is helping us.

It is from SolarCabins How to buy cheap Land it has 2 parts

http://youtu.be/wRNftek7WNg

FarmboyBill · #19 11/25/14, 05:30 PM

I don't kn ow of anything that is NOT allowed in Creek Co Okla. I have a Homestead Tax Exemption. It effects the amount of county taxes I pay a year SUPPOSEDLY. Nothing else. I have 7 buildings here that I put here or built here. Never had a problem