Off-grid site report

Sheridan County, ND

47.4600, -100.5585 · 1,988 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Sheridan County, ND, 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 rulesSheridan County, ND

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Unclear - verifySheridan County has a zoning ordinance on file with the state (referenced in ND Dept. of Environmental Quality animal feeding operation review), implying a zoning administrator exists, but the actual land-use rules for raw land and dwelling placement are not confirmed from an official county source. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Unclear - verifyNo Sheridan County-specific rule on tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, or RV occupancy was found. North Dakota sets no statewide minimum, so this is a local call not yet confirmed.

Building permits & codes

Unclear - verifyBuilding permits are typically handled at the county level in North Dakota, but no official Sheridan County building code or permit process was confirmed. Ask the county directly. source

Septic & composting toilets

RestrictedThe First District Health Unit, a multi-county health district covering Sheridan County, requires a permit for installing or repairing any onsite sewage system, done by a licensed contractor or certified owner, with a required final inspection before backfilling. source

Greywater reuse

Unclear - verifyNo standalone greywater reuse policy was found from First District Health Unit or Sheridan County; likely folded into general septic rules but not confirmed.

Rainwater harvesting

Generally allowedNo Sheridan County rule was found restricting rainwater harvesting, so the North Dakota state baseline of no prohibition applies by default.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedNorth Dakota doesn't regulate private well placement or water quality, but well drilling and pump installation must be done by a state-licensed contractor, and domestic use under 12.5 acre-feet/year doesn't need an appropriation permit though it must be reported to the Department of Water Resources. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Generally allowedNo Sheridan County ordinance requiring grid utility connection was found, so the state baseline of no mandatory hookup, with off-grid solar being legal, applies.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 4.7 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 2.7 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,368 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 18 in/yr
Snowfall: 43 in/yr
Heating degree days: 8,608 (severe)
Frost-free season: May 7 to Sep 29

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital CHI Saint Alexius Health Turtle Lake: 16.2 mi
Fire station: none within range
Hardware store: none within range
Grocery Holen's SuperValue: 5.7 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 58463).

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.