Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Resources for Very Small Group?

[Rob Sandelin (floriferous]

Land ownership laws are defined at the State level.  So your first bit of
research should be to go unto the IC list of communities in Oregon and
contact or visit them and find out how they are legally structured.  It is
usually not helpful to get such information from other states because your
state law defines what options you have.  Having said that, you might look
into what kinds of land trust setups are available in Oregon. In many other
states, land trusts can be used to hold property in common, while creating
private lease options for housing.  The downside/upside to this model is
that often it is difficult or impossible to get bank financing (mortgages)
because there is nothing the bank can use to foreclose and sell. 

The Northwest Intentional Communities Association website at
http://www.ic.org/nica/  has information about Oregon Communities and also
hosts an annual communities gathering which every other year is held in
Oregon. These gatherings are great places to meet people from communities.

Rob Sandelin
Sharingwood Community
Snohomish County, WA