Off-grid site report

Stutsman County, ND

46.9314, -98.7201 · 1,473 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Stutsman County, ND, 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 rulesStutsman County, ND

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyStutsman County has no uniform countywide zoning. Sixteen townships near Jamestown have their own zoning rules, and the County Zoning Ordinance only fills in for townships that lack their own. Before doing anything on a parcel, confirm with the County Zoning Administrator whether county or township rules apply. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Unclear - verifyThe county ordinance recognizes mobile/manufactured homes as a distinct use with siting rules (like detached garages), but I could not find a specific minimum square footage or tiny-home standard in the official text reviewed. Confirm current dimensional standards with the Stutsman County Zoning Administrator. source

Building permits & codes

RestrictedA building permit is required at the county/township level, and the ordinance ties permit issuance directly to prior approval of your septic site by the County Sanitarian. Minimum lot sizes also depend on soil suitability for sewage disposal, so check with the Zoning Administrator and Central Valley Health District before you plan a build. source

Septic & composting toilets

Generally allowedSeptic systems, including alternatives, are permitted but need a permit and inspection through Central Valley Health District, the public health authority covering Stutsman County, not the county government itself. The zoning ordinance also flags certain local soils that must be avoided or specially engineered around for septic siting. source

Greywater reuse

Unclear - verifyI found no Stutsman County or Central Valley Health District rule specifically addressing residential greywater reuse. This is genuinely unaddressed in the official sources I reviewed, so ask Central Valley Health District's Environmental Health division directly before setting up a greywater system.

Rainwater harvesting

Unclear - verifyNo Stutsman County ordinance or health department page specifically permits or restricts rainwater harvesting in what I reviewed. North Dakota generally has no law prohibiting it, but I'd still confirm there's nothing local before relying on that.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedPrivate wells are permitted, and North Dakota does not regulate well placement or water quality directly, but well construction and pump/pitless unit installation must be done by a licensed contractor under state Water Well Construction Rules. If your project involves drainage or obstruction of water near your well site, the Stutsman County Water Resource Board may also need to approve it. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Unclear - verifyI did not find a Stutsman County ordinance requiring a grid electrical hookup, and North Dakota has no statewide mandate either, but I only had partial ordinance text to review, so this isn't fully confirmed. Verify directly with the Zoning Administrator before committing to a fully off-grid setup.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 4.7 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 2.7 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,379 kWh

JFMAMJJASOND

Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 19 in/yr
Snowfall: 45 in/yr
Heating degree days: 9,013 (severe)
Frost-free season: May 12 to Sep 25

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital Jamestown Regional Medical Center: 3.1 mi
Fire station: none within range
Hardware store Menards: 3.1 mi
Grocery Hugo's: 1.8 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 58401).

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.