Off-grid site report

Winston County, AL

34.1445, -87.3278 · 745 ft elevation
Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Winston County, AL, 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 rulesWinston County, AL

Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Varies locallyWinston County has no countywide zoning ordinance; zoning only exists inside incorporated cities like Haleyville, which has adopted its own zoning code and Zoning Board of Adjustments. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyNo county ordinance on tiny homes or RV occupancy was found; not confirmed for unincorporated land, and municipalities like Haleyville would need to be checked individually.
Building permits & codes
Unclear - verifyNo dedicated Winston County building department or countywide code was found on an official source; confirm with the County Commission or relevant municipality. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedSeptic systems are regulated under Alabama's statewide onsite sewage program, administered locally by the Winston County Health Department (an ADPH office), and require a permit/Approval for Use. source
Greywater reuse
RestrictedGreywater disposal falls under the same statewide ADPH onsite sewage rules enforced through the county health department; no county-specific variance was found. source
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedNo Winston County or municipal restriction on residential rainwater collection was found; this follows the general state baseline allowing it.
Private wells & water rights
Generally allowedNo county-specific well ordinance was found; well construction is governed by state standards through ADEM and licensed drillers.
Living disconnected from utilities
Generally allowedNo Winston County ordinance requiring utility hookup was found, so off-grid utility disconnection appears unregulated at the county level; check municipalities separately.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average
5.1 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
3.7 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
1,377 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND

Weather1991-2020

Precipitation
58 in/yr
Snowfall
0 in/yr
Heating degree days
3,346 (moderate)

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital
Lakeland Community Hospital
16.5 mi
Fire station
Delmar Volunteer Fire Department
16.0 mi
Hardware store
Ace Hardware of Curry
15.4 mi
Grocery
FoodLand
5.1 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 35553).

Size a solar systemHeat loss & insulationFirewood per winterRainwater harvestGarden sizePanel tilt

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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.