CA just has a lot of restrictions.

This is true in general, but the eastern Mojave desert is not typical California in most respects. I lived off-grid out there many years w/ zero problems (and loved it , though its certainly not for everyone). Code enforcement in eastern San Bernardino Co and adjacent remote, low population counties is basically non-existent. Any kind of enforcement is non-existent tbh... for better or worse. San Bernardino Co alone is bigger than 9 US states, and the eastern half of it definitely still has that almost lawless, no mans land vibe. These places are a lot more like AZ/NV than they are the rest of CA - in terms of terrain, general vibe, and regulations.