Off-Grid Living in Henry County, Ohio

Henry County, Ohio is a real patchwork when it comes to going off-grid, and I want to be upfront about that from the start. There's no single county zoning ordinance covering unincorporated land here. Under Ohio law (ORC Chapter 519), zoning power belongs to individual townships, each with its own Zoning Inspector. So whether you can plunk a tiny house or off-grid cabin on raw land, and under what conditions, really depends on which township that parcel sits in. The Henry County Planning Commission plays a supporting role, handling subdivision and floodplain review and assisting township officials, but it doesn't set or enforce a countywide zoning code itself.

One thing that IS consistent statewide: Ohio law (ORC 519.212) says townships can't ban permanently sited manufactured homes from districts where single-family homes are allowed, and those homes have to meet the same zoning standards as site-built houses (except roof pitch). Beyond that floor, minimum floor area rules, RV living, and tiny home specifics are set township by township. I saw a claim floating around about a 900 sq ft minimum, but I couldn't verify that on any official Henry County or township page, so treat it as unconfirmed and check directly with your township zoning inspector.

Building permit authority for unincorporated Henry County wasn't clearly pinned down in my research. The Residential Code of Ohio applies as the statewide baseline, but I couldn't confirm which office does plan review and inspections here, so that's a call to make before you build.

Where Henry County is much clearer is water and waste, all administered by the Henry County Health Department under Ohio Department of Health rules. Septic systems require a permit, a soil evaluation from a qualified soil evaluator, and a design plan, followed by the health department's site review. Henry County also adopted a state-mandated operation and maintenance program for septic systems in 2023. Private water systems, including wells, ponds, hauled water tanks, and cisterns, all require a permit before installation, per state rule OAC 3701-28-03(A), and the county will test your well water for bacteria on request. Rainwater harvesting for potable use appears to be covered under that same cistern permitting umbrella, though I found no page specifically labeled "rainwater harvesting." Greywater doesn't have a dedicated Henry County page either; it's reasonable to assume the state ODH greywater framework applies with a local permit, but that's my inference, not a confirmed county policy, so ask the health department directly.

Finally, on disconnecting from utilities entirely, I found no Henry County or township rule requiring hookup to electric, water, or sewer. As always, your dwelling still needs to meet the Residential Code of Ohio and get whatever septic/well permits apply.

Bottom line: call your township zoning inspector first, then the county health department for water and waste, before you make any off-grid plans here.