Off-grid site report
Hardin County, TX
30.2562, -94.2158 · 69 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Hardin County, TX, 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 rulesHardin County, TX
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Generally allowedUnincorporated Hardin County has no general use-zoning; the county instead regulates land through subdivision/platting rules adopted under state law. Any zoning would exist only inside an incorporated town within the county. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyNo specific Hardin County standard for tiny homes or RV occupancy was confirmed; the county does reference a separate Manufactured Home Ordinance. Confirm specifics with the county.
Building permits & codes
Varies locallyBuilding permits are required within platted subdivisions and tied to subdivision compliance, but no comprehensive countywide building code for standalone rural lots was confirmed. Ask the county's Commissioners Court / development office directly. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedSeptic (OSSF) systems are permitted and regulated under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and TCEQ's 30 TAC 285, administered locally through a county-authorized agent. Composting toilets are not separately addressed in county materials. source
Greywater reuse
Unclear - verifyNo Hardin County-specific greywater program was found; greywater disposal would fall under the same state OSSF framework as septic. Confirm with the county's OSSF authorized agent.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedNo Hardin County ordinance restricting rainwater harvesting was found, consistent with the state's general encouragement of rainwater collection.
Private wells & water rights
RestrictedHardin County is inside the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District, which requires well registration for all wells, including exempt domestic, agricultural, and livestock wells, even though those exempt wells don't need production permits or fees. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Unclear - verifyNo state or Hardin County ordinance requiring utility hookup on unincorporated land was found; any mandatory-connection rule would more likely exist inside an incorporated town within the county.
Sun30-year normals
- Peak-sun hours, annual average
- 5.2 hrs/day
- Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
- 4.0 hrs/day
- Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
- 1,367 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 61 in/yr
- Snowfall
- 0 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 1,763 (mild)
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - Saint Elizabeth - 12.7 mi
- Fire station
Lumberton Volunteer Fire Department - 1.0 mi
- Hardware store
Harbor Freight Tools - 9.2 mi
- Grocery
Walmart Supercenter - 0.2 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 77657).
Size a solar systemHeat loss & insulationFirewood per winterRainwater harvestGarden sizePanel tilt
Looking at a specific parcel in Hardin County, TX?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.