Difference Between "Camps" and "Houses"? (vacation home, buyer)

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by retiredtinbender

Ahh, the rep "problem" Is that a shot? LOL

THAT is a bullseye! <where's the smirk smiley?>

[Northern Maine Land Man]

"The Code" is a recommendation and a good reference. It was developed by a club. It is not law by itself. That said, some towns are enthusiastic regulators that compete with Augusta for regulations. In some Maine towns you can build a solar powered straw bale house that has stucco, inside and out. No code anywhere describes such an energy efficient and quiet home.

Do your homework. If you want an energy efficient home with character incorporating your own design you can do it in Maine. You just need to ask around and avoid towns that don't want you there.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

"The Code" is a recommendation and a good reference. It was developed by a club. It is not law by itself. That said, some towns are enthusiastic regulators that compete with Augusta for regulations. In some Maine towns you can build a solar powered straw bale house that has stucco, inside and out. No code anywhere describes such an energy efficient and quiet home.

Do your homework. If you want an energy efficient home with character incorporating your own design you can do it in Maine. You just need to ask around and avoid towns that don't want you there.

Sweet !

[Westernfrog45]

I live in a Yurt, and can pretty well put it anywhere, including on the waters edge or in wetland. No town can regulate it, nor tax it as a structure. Why? It is considered a temporary structure.

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by The-Raven

I live in a Yurt, and can pretty well put it anywhere, including on the waters edge or in wetland. No town can regulate it, nor tax it as a structure. Why? It is considered a temporary structure.

Better not have that yurt on the waters edge for more than 6 months and 1 day...

[tarragon]

I have both! I live in a house on the lake with my cabin next door! They both have electricity, bathroom, telephone and cable. We turn the cable off during winter months at the camp.

[Westernfrog45]

Originally Posted by AustinB

Better not have that yurt on the waters edge for more than 6 months and 1 day...

Why? It is considered a tent. The town tried to tax me, but Maine revenue said it was a no no. It does suck that I can't have insurance though.

I asked DEP if tents are subject to wetland zoning and they laughed. 6mo and a day, 10 years and a day. Yurts are the way to go. If someone does whine, I move it a foot and smile.

In any case, I'm not on a lake, but could build that close if I chose to unlike a traditional house/camp that needs to abide by the setbacks.

[daxbr]

Are camps taxed the same as houses?

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by daxbr

Are camps taxed the same as houses?

No.

[Safecracker]

Originally Posted by The-Raven

Why? It is considered a tent. The town tried to tax me, but Maine revenue said it was a no no. It does suck that I can't have insurance though.

I asked DEP if tents are subject to wetland zoning and they laughed. 6mo and a day, 10 years and a day. Yurts are the way to go. If someone does whine, I move it a foot and smile.

In any case, I'm not on a lake, but could build that close if I chose to unlike a traditional house/camp that needs to abide by the setbacks.

I love yurts, you should check out the Tiny House blog...all about people living in Tiny Structures, and they love yurts. You should contact Kent there about an article on you and your yurt. Would love to see some photos of it as well.