Off-grid site report

Ulster County, NY

41.9606, -74.0108 · 148 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Ulster County, NY, 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 rulesUlster County, NY

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyUlster County has no countywide zoning code; each town, village, and the City of Kingston has its own zoning law and planning/zoning board that controls buildable status and lot requirements. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Varies locallyNot confirmed at the county or official town level; rules on tiny homes and RVs depend on the specific town's zoning and building department, so confirm directly with that office.

Building permits & codes

RestrictedBuilding permits are issued and codes enforced by each town or city building department (for example the Town of Ulster or City of Kingston), under the statewide NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. source

Septic & composting toilets

RestrictedThe Ulster County Department of Health, Environmental Health Services Division, permits septic systems countywide and requires a design from a licensed engineer, architect, or exempt surveyor; composting toilet rules are not separately confirmed. source

Greywater reuse

Unclear - verifyNo county-specific greywater ordinance was found; it likely falls under the county's general wastewater regulation authority, but you should ask the county Health Department directly. source

Rainwater harvesting

Generally allowedNo Ulster County ordinance restricting rainwater harvesting was found; this appears to follow the New York State baseline, which generally allows it for non-potable use.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedThe Ulster County Health Department oversees private wells countywide, including testing programs, with construction following New York State Residential Code and DOH standards via a DEC-registered contractor. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Varies locallyNo countywide rule requires grid connection; this is governed by individual town codes, and many towns require compliant septic and well systems before issuing occupancy approval regardless of electrical grid status.

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): 3.2 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,289 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 48 in/yr
Snowfall: 46 in/yr
Heating degree days: 6,240 (cold)
Frost-free season: Apr 11 to Nov 5
Design low: -1 °F

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital HealthAlliance Hospital Broadway Campus: 2.5 mi
Fire station Ulster Hose Company No. 5: 1.0 mi
Hardware store Harbor Freight Tools: 1.0 mi
Grocery ALDI: 1.0 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 12449).

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.