Off-grid site report

Henry County, MO

38.3686, -93.7783 · 804 ft elevation
Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Henry 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 rulesHenry County, MO

Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Varies locallyHenry County itself has no countywide zoning ordinance. Zoning authority rests with individual townships, and a recent vote left five townships with zoning and five without, so whether you can occupy raw land depends entirely on your specific township or whether you're inside an incorporated city with its own code.
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyI couldn't confirm any county-issued standard for dwelling size, tiny homes, or RV residency on Henry County's official site. Since zoning only applies in some townships, rules on this would be set (or not set) at the township or city level, so you'll want to check with your specific township or city clerk.
Building permits & codes
Unclear - verifyI found no official Henry County page confirming a countywide building code like the IRC or IBC. The Health Center's septic guidance does mention plot-plan approval tied to construction, but that's not evidence of a standalone county building code, so check with your city or township. source
Septic & composting toilets
RestrictedThe Henry County Health Center administers septic permitting on top of Missouri DHSS statewide standards. Every septic system, including lagoons, needs a permit, inspection, and a septic tank, but landowners with 10 acres or more may self-install after registering with the Health Center. Composting toilets aren't specifically addressed, so ask the Health Center directly. source
Greywater reuse
Unclear - verifyI found no Henry County ordinance or Health Center policy specifically addressing greywater reuse, which matches the state's lack of a statewide DNR or DHSS rule. Confirm directly with the Henry County Health Center before installing a greywater system. source
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedI didn't find any Henry County ordinance restricting rainwater collection, so the state baseline protecting rainwater harvesting in Missouri applies here.
Private wells & water rights
RestrictedPrivate wells in Missouri are regulated at the state level by DNR under the Water Well Drillers Act and the Well Construction Rules, requiring a non-restricted well installation permit. I found no additional Henry County well ordinance, though the county Health Center can help with water testing. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Generally allowedI found no Henry County ordinance requiring you to hook up to public water, sewer, or utilities in order to live on your property, so the state baseline allowing off-grid living applies, as long as your septic and well setups meet the required state and county permitting.

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)
3.8 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
1,436 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND

Weather1991-2020

Precipitation
45 in/yr
Snowfall
12 in/yr
Heating degree days
4,995 (moderate)
Frost-free season
Apr 16 to Oct 21

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital
Golden Valley Memorial Hospital
1.5 mi
Fire station
none within range
Hardware store
none within range
Grocery
ALDI
1.2 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 64735).

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.