Off-Grid Living in McLean County, North Dakota

I've been digging through McLean County, North Dakota's rules for anyone thinking about building or living off-grid out here, and here's what I found, with the caveat that some of this needs a follow-up call to confirm.

Zoning. McLean County runs a countywide zoning ordinance, administered by the county's Planning & Zoning Commission and a Land Use Administrator. Here's an important local wrinkle: no organized township within the county has adopted its own zoning ordinance, so outside of city limits (like Washburn, which has its own separate municipal zoning), the county ordinance is what governs your land. Agricultural and rural districts tend to be the most permissive, but you'll want to confirm your specific parcel's district and setback rules with the county before you plan anything. Variances are available through the Commission if you need setback relief.

Dwellings, tiny homes, RVs. The county ordinance covers setbacks (there's a known case involving a variance for building closer than 15 feet to a side lot line) and permit applications distinguish between homes built on-site versus moved onto the site. I could not confirm a specific minimum dwelling square footage for McLean County, so ask the Land Use Administrator directly if you're planning something unconventional.

Building permits. The county requires a building permit application, site plan, floor plans, and (if applicable) your septic permit from First District Health Unit before you build. There is a fee structure tied to construction cost, with a stated minimum and maximum for residential property, so check current figures with the county office rather than relying on any number I might quote secondhand. If you need a variance, that has to be sorted before you submit your building permit application.

Septic and composting toilets. Septic systems are permitted here but First District Health Unit (FDHU) requires a permit before any installation or repair work begins, and a final inspection before backfilling, or the system is considered illegal. Work must be done by a state-licensed installer (licensing runs through the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality) or a certified property owner.

Greywater. I couldn't find a McLean County-specific greywater ordinance. Treat greywater as falling under FDHU's general onsite wastewater permitting until told otherwise by that office.

Rainwater harvesting. No county-specific rule found; this seems to inherit the state's generally permissive baseline. If you're installing structural or underground storage tanks, that may trigger the standard county building permit process, so it's worth asking.

Wells. Private domestic wells are permitted, and most fall well below the state's water appropriation permitting threshold set by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources. Whoever drills or repairs your well needs to be licensed by the State Board of Water Well Contractors. The McLean-Sheridan Rural Water District also serves parts of the county if you'd rather skip a private well.

Off-grid utilities. I found no McLean County ordinance requiring a home to connect to grid electricity. That said, my review of the ordinance wasn't exhaustive, so I'd confirm this directly with the Land Use Administrator before you commit to a fully off-grid electrical setup.

Bottom line: this is a county with real off-grid potential thanks to unzoned townships and generally state-deferential rules on water and power, but septic and building permitting are non-negotiable steps you need to follow through FDHU and the county's Land Use office.