Off-grid site report

Rice County, MN

44.4287, -93.1980 · 922 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Rice County, MN, not legal advice and not a guarantee. Rules change, and the deciding facts on any specific parcel (setbacks, perc results, overlay districts, deed restrictions, road frontage) live at the county or town office, not in any database. Before you buy land or build, confirm the current rules directly with the local zoning and health offices - the sources on this page tell you exactly who to call.

The local rulesRice County, MN

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyRice County Planning and Zoning administers zoning countywide, but only in unincorporated areas; cities and Bridgewater Township handle their own zoning entirely. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Unclear - verifyNo official Rice County text was found specifying rules for RV or tiny-home occupancy as a dwelling; you need to confirm directly with Rice County Planning & Zoning. source

Building permits & codes

RestrictedRice County's Building Division enforces the state's Minnesota Building Code in unincorporated areas and requires permits for most new structures, with some small structures possibly exempt (confirm current exemptions with the county). source

Septic & composting toilets

Generally allowedSeptic systems are permitted and inspected by Rice County Environmental Health under a county ordinance required by Minnesota's statewide SSTS rules (state rule chapter 7080); composting toilets are not explicitly addressed and should be confirmed with the county. source

Greywater reuse

Unclear - verifyNo standalone Rice County or state rule on greywater reuse was found; it likely falls under the same septic/wastewater ordinance, but this isn't confirmed and should be asked of Environmental Health. source

Rainwater harvesting

Unclear - verifyNo Rice County ordinance addressing rainwater catchment was found; not confirmed either way at the county level.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedPrivate wells are permitted and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health statewide, with Rice County additionally requiring a well disclosure filing at property transfer. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Unclear - verifyNo Rice County ordinance was found requiring or prohibiting off-grid utility disconnection; this likely depends on how the Building Division treats habitability for permits, so ask them directly. source

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 4.6 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 2.7 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,352 kWh

JFMAMJJASOND

Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 33 in/yr
Snowfall: 43 in/yr
Heating degree days: 8,136 (severe)
Frost-free season: May 6 to Sep 29

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital Northfield Hospital: 3.1 mi
Fire station Northfield Fire Department: 2.4 mi
Hardware store Menards: 0.2 mi
Grocery ALDI: 0.3 mi

From OpenStreetMap. Road miles will be longer, often much longer in hill country.

Plan this spot

These open with this location's real numbers already filled in (ZIP 55019).

Size a solar system Heat loss & insulation Firewood per winter Rainwater harvest Garden size Panel tilt

Sources: US Census Bureau geocoder; NLR PVWatts v8 (solar); NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals (nearest station) or Open-Meteo (ZIP-centroid) for weather; Open-Elevation; OpenStreetMap contributors. Public data retrieved Aug 22, 2026; agencies update their layers on their own schedules. Planning data, not a survey or legal advice.