How to Start a Naturist Club - Legalities

Legalities

When you have finally found the right land, of a size to contain all the facilities you hope to develop, in a pleasant and private environment and at a price you can well afford, then comes the task of obtaining all necessary approvals. This is a process that will vary widely depending on the requirements of the municipal zoning bylaws.

The proposed ownership of land will also have a considerable bearing on your zoning category. If you intend to own land in the name of your group. That will first require an incorporation process for which you will require a lawyer to guide you through - a fairly simple and straightforward action. This should also state the interests of every member in any property to be acquired, how subsequent members will acquire an interest and how retiring members may give up their interest at a future date. You will find that there is a variety of ways in which you can be incorporated - as a co-operative, a shareholder group or some other arrangement - these should be carefully investigated and evaluated as to the best suited to your interests.

You may find that for owning land as a private club the zoning requirements will be less demanding than as a commercial enterprise. But here again there are many possible variations. Hopefully you can qualify under the permitted land uses for your proposed property or with minor adjustments to one of them. Both the combination of land uses and their interpretation can vary considerably in each municipality. And if there is to be a zoning adjustment or change, it could be wise to meet your future neighbours to give them a true understanding of the naturist lifestyle and to prevent any serious objections to the zoning change.

As well as the municipal government, a variety of other organizations will have a say in your property development. For example, the county health department will want to know all your plans for water supply and sewage and garbage disposal. And if there is a stream or pond that will be used for swimming, this must also be checked for water quality.

As all this approving may take some time, depending on the complexity of the municipal planning a development requirements, you will need to hold the property by means of an accepted offer that states your purchase will be conditional on being able to obtain all necessary government approvals. This should include a period of time, say thirty days or more, for any possible reversal of approval by some government department. This has happened.