#### Land Generalities | Scenario | Years to Windbreak Maturity | Implementation Cost | Land Purchase Cost (per acre) | Notes | | ------------------------ | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **A. Forested Land** | 0 (if mature trees exist) | Moderate to High (forest thinning, planting food species) | $3,500 – $10,000 | Immediate structure; needs clearing for pasture; some existing canopy may be usable | | **B. Farmland** | 10–20 years | High (new planting, food forest setup) | ~$6,300 | Clear ground; soil may be well-prepped; flexible layout | | **C. Grassland/Pasture** | 10–20 years | High (similar to farmland) | ~$2,970 | Cheapest land; ready for grazing; full install needed for trees | #### Parcels - $260K, 122 acres [121 E 36th St, Newaygo, MI 49337](https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/121-81-E-36th-St-Newaygo-MI-49337/2056562602_zpid/) - $3.95M, 1,012 acres [755 52nd St, Pullman, MI 49450](https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/755-52nd-St-Pullman-MI-49450/440198799_zpid/) - 1 house - 7 acre blueberry farm - old growth oak/pines - $2.6M, 795 acres [0 V/l W #13, Bitely, MI 49309](https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/0-V-l-W-13-Bitely-MI-49309/352069332_zpid/) old growth forest, dirt access road #### Legalities and Incorporation Regulations ##### Classification | Classification | Advantages | Disadvantages | Typical Requirements | | ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Intentional Community | - Recognized legal status<br>- Flexible internal structure<br>- Can include multiple uses<br>- Often allows alternative building methods | - May face public skepticism<br>- Varied legal recognition<br>- May need extensive documentation<br>- Could face bias | - Governance structure<br>- Safety compliance<br>- Occupancy limits<br>- Infrastructure plans | | Conservation Development | - Tax benefits<br>- Environmental flexibility<br>- Easier approval in rural areas<br>- Grant eligibility | - Development restrictions<br>- Permanent easements<br>- Regular monitoring<br>- Limited commercial use | - Conservation plan<br>- Protected area designation<br>- Environmental impact study<br>- Ongoing maintenance plans | | Agricultural Cooperative | - Clear legal framework<br>- Tax advantages<br>- Easier financing<br>- Familiar to regulators | - Agricultural production requirements<br>- Limited residential density<br>- Commercial restrictions<br>- Member requirements | - Production plans<br>- Member structures<br>- Distribution systems<br>- Agricultural reporting | | Institutional Zoning | - Broader use allowances<br>- Fewer density restrictions<br>- More flexible building codes<br>- Simplified approval process | - Higher development standards<br>- More parking requirements<br>- Stricter safety codes<br>- Public access expectations | - Master plan<br>- Traffic studies<br>- Impact assessments<br>- Professional management | | Aspect | Intentional Community | Agricultural Cooperative | Conservation Development | | ------------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------------------ | -------------------------- | | Primary Purpose | Community living & sustainability | Agricultural production | Environmental preservation | | Food Production | Allowed for self-sufficiency | Required for market | Limited to low-impact | | Housing Density | Flexible, community-based | Limited, worker-focused | Very limited, clustered | | Commercial Activity | Allowed as secondary use | Expected as primary use | Often restricted | | Infrastructure | Alternative systems allowed | Agricultural focus | Minimal impact required | | Public Interface | Optional/flexible | Usually required | Often limited | | Future Flexibility | More adaptable | Production-tied | Permanently restricted | | Environmental Focus | Can be strong component | Secondary consideration | Primary requirement | | Funding Access | Diverse options | Agricultural grants | Conservation grants | | Regulatory Burden | Moderate | High for agriculture | High for environment | - can often combine elements of different classifications ###### Intentional Community primary with Agricultural & Conservation Elements - Focuses on shared living and community values - Allows mixed residential styles - Supports communal ownership structure - Accommodates alternative infrastructure - Permits internal economy/resource sharing ##### Zoning Designation - Planned Unit Development (PUD) - Development Flexibility - mix use - Single approval process - Negotiated requirements - Phased development possible - cons - Usually longer approval time - Higher upfront costs - More detailed planning required - Extensive documentation needed ##### Variance Approval - likely needed for composting toilets ##### Style - Campus-Style Development: - Buildings arranged around shared open spaces - Connected by pedestrian paths - Centralized parking areas - Unified architectural approach - Common infrastructure systems - Emphasis on pedestrian circulation - Integrated landscape planning ##### Tax Exemption | Scenario | Developed ($/acre/year) | Agricultural ($/acre/year) | Example Annual Cost | |----------|-------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------| | No Special Status | $2,917 | $88 | 6 × $2,917 + 320 × $88 = $45,502 | | Agricultural Exemptions | $2,917 | $44 | 6 × $2,917 + 320 × $44 = $31,702 | | 501(c)(3) + Ag Exemptions | $1,000 | $25 | 6 × $1,000 + 320 × $25 = $14,000 |