Off-grid site report
Arapahoe County, CO
39.5818, -105.0279 · 5,368 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Arapahoe County, CO, 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 rulesArapahoe County, CO
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Varies locallyArapahoe County's Land Development Code governs unincorporated land, with rural zones like A-E and A-1 meant for low-density agricultural use; whether a dwelling is allowed depends on the specific zone district and lot standards. Incorporated cities within the county administer their own separate codes. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
RestrictedThe county has a tiny-home framework tied to affordable housing goals, but exact size and permit rules aren't confirmed from official text; RV living as a permanent dwelling has no confirmed formal pathway in Arapahoe County. Confirm specifics with the Zoning Division. source
Building permits & codes
RestrictedArapahoe County's Building Division processes all building permits for unincorporated areas; a narrow exemption exists for three-sided agricultural buildings in certain rural zones with an approved affidavit. source
Septic & composting toilets
RestrictedArapahoe County Public Health runs its own OWTS (septic) permitting program, requiring permits for installation, repair, and use, plus licensing for installers and designers. Composting toilet rules aren't confirmed; ask Public Health directly. source
Greywater reuse
Unclear - verifyState law allows greywater reuse but only where a local program is adopted; no evidence was found that Arapahoe County has adopted one, so confirm directly with Arapahoe County Public Health before assuming it's allowed.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedColorado's statewide rule, administered by the Division of Water Resources, allows rain barrel collection up to 110 gallons total from a residential roof for outdoor use on the same property, with no county-specific add-on found for Arapahoe. source
Private wells & water rights
RestrictedAll new wells need a permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources (State Engineer); Arapahoe County's role is limited to referring water-supply-adequacy questions during subdivision review. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Varies locallyNo Arapahoe County ordinance requires connection to electric or municipal water utilities, but any dwelling still must meet the county's zoning and building code requirements as enforced by the Zoning Division. source
Sun30-year normals
- Peak-sun hours, annual average
- 5.6 hrs/day
- Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
- 4.6 hrs/day
- Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
- 1,592 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 18 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 5,941 (cold)
- Frost-free season
- May 2 to Oct 9
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
University of Colorado Hospital - 14.9 mi
- Fire station
South Metro Fire Rescue Station 11 - 2.6 mi
- Hardware store
Ace Hardware - 4.1 mi
- Grocery
Safeway - 2.0 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 80120).
Size a solar systemHeat loss & insulationFirewood per winterRainwater harvestGarden sizePanel tilt
Looking at a specific parcel in Arapahoe County, CO?The rules above are the jurisdiction. The land check runs the parcel itself: flood zone, soils and septic suitability, wetlands, slope, access, climate, and these verdicts, from a parcel number or coordinates.
Check a parcel →Share or save this report:New report
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 21, 2026; agencies update their layers on their own schedules. Planning data, not a survey or legal advice.
New here, or not sure where this fits? Start here walks through the whole thing in order.