Off-grid site report

Scott County, MO

37.0984, -89.5622 · 443 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Scott County, MO, 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 rulesScott County, MO

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Unclear - verifyScott County has adopted no countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land, per the county's Office of County Development. Incorporated cities like Scott City, Benton, and Sikeston have their own zoning that applies only inside city limits. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Varies locallyNo county-level rule on tiny homes or RVs in unincorporated Scott County was found. Scott City permits tiny homes in small home villages with a minimum size, foundation, and utility hookup, and Benton uses the International Building Code, but these apply only within those city limits. source

Building permits & codes

Varies locallyMissouri has no statewide building code, and Scott County has adopted none for unincorporated areas. Scott City has its own building code and permit/fee schedule that applies only inside city limits. source

Septic & composting toilets

RestrictedThe Scott County Health Department is the local permitting authority for septic systems, operating under Missouri DHSS statewide onsite wastewater treatment standards; plans and site evaluations are required before installation. source

Greywater reuse

Unclear - verifyNo Scott County or Missouri DHSS/DNR page specifically addresses greywater reuse. Not confirmed, so check directly with the Scott County Health Department.

Rainwater harvesting

Generally allowedNo Scott County ordinance restricting rainwater collection was found, and state-level protections appear to serve as the baseline.

Private wells & water rights

RestrictedWell construction is governed by Missouri DNR's statewide water well drilling rules rather than a separate county ordinance; the Scott County Health Department offers private well water testing on request.

Living disconnected from utilities

Varies locallyNo county rule mandates utility connections in unincorporated Scott County, but municipalities like Scott City can require tiny homes to hook up to utilities within city limits.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 5.0 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 3.4 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,427 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 47 in/yr
Snowfall: 11 in/yr
Heating degree days: 4,391 (moderate)
Frost-free season: Apr 10 to Oct 21

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital Saint Francis Medical Center: 14.2 mi
Fire station Scott City Fire Department Station 1: 8.7 mi
Hardware store Menards: 13.1 mi
Grocery Bob's Food Liner: 8.3 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 63736).

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.