Off-grid site report

Putnam County, OH

41.0192, -84.0472 · 738 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Putnam County, OH, 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 rulesPutnam County, OH

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyThere is no countywide zoning ordinance; 12 of 15 townships are zoned and each sets its own rules, so you must check with your specific township zoning inspector. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Varies locallyPermanently sited manufactured homes are protected under Ohio state law (ORC 519.212) from most zoning exclusions, but travel trailers, park trailers, and non-permanently sited homes can be restricted by township zoning; tiny home rules are not confirmed by an official county source. source

Building permits & codes

Varies locallyThere is no county building department; building permits are issued by your township (if outside a village) or your village government, with requirements varying locally. source

Septic & composting toilets

Generally allowedThe Putnam County Health Department issues sewage system permits under the statewide ODH framework, requiring a site evaluation before installation and an ongoing Operation & Maintenance permit with periodic tank pumping.

Greywater reuse

Unclear - verifyNo Putnam-specific greywater page was found; it likely falls under the state ODH sewage framework administered locally by the county Health Department, but this is not confirmed, so ask them directly.

Rainwater harvesting

Unclear - verifyNo Putnam-specific rainwater or cistern page was found; the state's private water system rules likely apply through the county Health Department, but this is not confirmed.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedA private water system permit through the Putnam County Health Department is required before installing a well, under the statewide ORC/OAC private water system framework.

Living disconnected from utilities

Unclear - verifyNo official Putnam County source states a mandatory utility-hookup requirement, but any habitable dwelling still needs township building approval and county-approved septic and water systems.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 4.5 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 2.4 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,294 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 37 in/yr
Snowfall: 31 in/yr
Heating degree days: 6,099 (cold)
Frost-free season: Apr 26 to Oct 13

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital Bluffton Hospital: 12.0 mi
Fire station Ottawa Fire Station No. 101: 0.1 mi
Hardware store Maag's Paint Center: 0.1 mi
Grocery Lucero's Mexican Store: 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 45875).

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.