Off-grid site report

Daniels County, MT

48.7896, -105.4212 · 2,471 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Daniels County, MT, 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 rulesDaniels County, MT

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyDaniels County has adopted a countywide Zoning Resolution (1983) under state enabling law, administered by the Planning Board and County Commissioners; incorporated towns like Scobey use their own zoning instead. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Unclear - verifyNo Daniels County-specific rule on tiny homes or RV occupancy was found; the state baseline (IRC Appendix Q for foundation-built tiny homes, RV rules for wheeled units) likely applies but should be confirmed with the Planning Board. source

Building permits & codes

Unclear - verifyNo local building department was found, and Montana exempts single-family homes from state building permitting unless a county opts in; no evidence Daniels County has opted in, but confirm with the state Building Codes Program. source

Septic & composting toilets

Generally allowedThe Daniels County Health Department administers septic permitting locally under the statewide DEQ wastewater rule (ARM 17.36), requiring a site evaluation for placement, type, and sizing. source

Greywater reuse

RestrictedNo Daniels County greywater rule was found; the state ARM 17.36 baseline allows in-home greywater reuse without a permit through a compliant system, with added requirements for subsurface irrigation use.

Rainwater harvesting

Generally allowedNo Daniels County or state restriction on rooftop rainwater collection for personal, non-potable use was found.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedWells are administered under Montana DNRC's statewide exempt-well program; no Daniels County-specific well ordinance was found. DNRC also owns a large share of county land, giving it a strong local presence. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Unclear - verifyNo Daniels County or state rule was found either requiring or prohibiting disconnection from utilities for a private single-family home; septic siting rules may indirectly affect infrastructure choices.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 4.6 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 2.4 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,331 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 13 in/yr
Heating degree days: 9,203 (severe)

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center: 0.2 mi
Fire station Scobey Fire Department: 0.2 mi
Hardware store: none within range
Grocery Co-op: 22.7 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 59263).

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 21, 2026; agencies update their layers on their own schedules. Planning data, not a survey or legal advice.