Environment Task Force Newsletter
Ohio State University Extension
Spring, 1998, v1 #4

Moving? Rural Areas Can Bring Surprises

Larry Ault, Northeast District, Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Specialist

Thousands of nonfarm people in Ohio either live in a rural setting or are contemplating a move to the country. For those who have never lived in the country there are many environmentally oriented questions they may want to answer before buying their 5-acre to 50-acre mini farm.

Before buying land or moving to the country decide on the amount of land you can properly care for, answer questions about how to control erosion, and find out if "wetland" conditions exist that limit land use or change. Owners normally need to learn how to get soil tested to apply proper amounts of lime and fertilizer, and what to do to avoid surface or ground water pollution. Animal production on small sites may require special handling procedures for processing or disposing of livestock waste.

Ask questions

Living in the country is different. In some areas, zoning rules and regulations may prohibit certain uses of your property. Check with the township zoning inspector, township trustees or possibly your county or regional planning commission to determine if your intended land use or building plans fit the existing rules and regulations. Some questions to ask may include:

• Can farm and domestic animals be raised?
• Can you build new structures or add on to existing structures? Are there required setbacks from property lines or existing buildings?
• Can a small business be operated and can you employ help to run the business?
• What is the current zoning status on the land?

New experiences

Moving to the country may introduce families to new experiences such as owning, maintaining and using a private water system; maintaining or installing septic tanks and waste systems; coping with snow removal from your lane or driveway; installing snow fencing or live fencing to control drifting snow; or facing situations brought on by electrical or mechanical failures. Some may not realize that contending with an extended power failure is out of their control and can have drastic impacts on heating, water supply, care of animals and safety for those who need special health care.

Living in the country may mean getting accustomed to less lighting at night, traveling on county and township road systems, and getting to know your farm neighbors, their families and employees. Some people may be concerned about rural safety such as fire protection and emergency squad response time. Some will need to get accustomed to distinct country odors, dust from farming operations, noise from farm equipment, and conditioning noises such as the grain dryers and conveying systems.

Investigate these and other questions thoroughly before making a decision to live in a more rural community.