Off-Grid Living in Northwood, New Hampshire

I've been digging into what it actually takes to live off-grid in Northwood, New Hampshire, and the honest answer is: some of it is clear, some of it needs a phone call. Here's where things stand based on official town and state sources.

Zoning. Northwood is a zoned town, not open countryside where anything goes. The Land Use Department oversees planning, zoning, and conservation, and a Zoning Board of Adjustment handles variances, special exceptions, and appeals when a project doesn't fit the ordinance as written. The town has also been actively updating its zoning (it adopted a workforce housing provision in 2023), so whatever rules apply to your parcel are worth confirming fresh rather than assuming they're static.

Dwellings, tiny homes, and RVs. This is one of the gaps in my research. I could not locate the specific dimensional or use-table language in Northwood's zoning ordinance that would tell you whether a tiny house on wheels, an RV, or an alternative dwelling qualifies as a legal residence on a given lot. The Building, Health, and Code Enforcement Department confirms all construction has to comply with the Town Building Code and Zoning Ordinance, but I'd call the Land Use Department directly for the full ordinance text before you buy land or move a structure in.

Building permits. Permits are required and administered locally. Under RSA 155-A (a state statute the town operates under), Northwood's Building Department enforces the New Hampshire Building Code and State Fire Code. For most residential projects, the town says a permit is typically issued in about a week once you've submitted everything needed; larger nonresidential or multi-unit projects follow a longer state-mandated review window.

Septic and composting toilets. Septic is a two-layer system here: the state (NH DES) and the town both play a role. NHDES issues Approval for Construction and, separately, Approval for Operation before a system can be used, and plans have to come from a state-permitted septic designer. Northwood's own Health Department reviews and approves septic designs locally too. Composting toilets aren't addressed anywhere I found specific to Northwood, so treat that as unconfirmed.

Greywater and rainwater. I found no Northwood-specific ordinance and no clear state rule addressing residential greywater reuse or rainwater harvesting. That doesn't mean it's prohibited, it means nobody's spelled it out in what I could access, so ask the Building/Health Department before you design a system around either.

Wells. No Northwood-specific well ordinance turned up. State septic rules (Env-Wq 1000) do cross-reference well siting when a septic system and well share a lot, and a water supply permit may be needed depending on placement, but this looks like it follows the general state process rather than a town-specific one.

Utility disconnection. I didn't find a Northwood health ordinance requiring hookup to water, sewer, or electric utilities. That's encouraging for off-grid intent, but absence of evidence isn't confirmation, so check with the Health Department before assuming it's a non-issue.

Bottom line: Northwood gives you real infrastructure (zoning, a building department, a health department) rather than an unregulated free-for-all, but several of the specific off-grid questions, dwellings on wheels, greywater, rainwater, need a direct conversation with town staff before you commit.