Off-grid site report

Providence County, RI

41.9529, -71.4664 · 236 ft elevation
Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Providence County, RI, 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 rulesProvidence County, RI (state framework; no county page yet)

Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Varies locallyThe state Zoning Enabling Act (RIGL Chapter 45-24) lets each city/town set its own districts and permitted uses; there's no statewide right to occupy raw land, so check your specific town. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Varies locallyNo dedicated state tiny-home law; foundation dwellings fall under the State Building Code and RVs/tiny homes on wheels are governed by local zoning and building rules. source
Building permits & codes
Generally allowedA mandatory statewide code exists under RIGL Chapter 23-27.3, but local building officials issue the actual permits and certificates of occupancy; no off-grid exemption exists. source
Septic & composting toilets
RestrictedDEM requires OWTS to be designed and installed by DEM-licensed professionals; composting toilets are allowed as an alternative system but greywater still needs a DEM-approved disposal method. source
Greywater reuse
RestrictedDEM regulates greywater as part of the OWTS system rather than as a freely reusable stream; it generally must go through an approved leachfield or holding tank.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedState law (RIGL ยง 44-30-28) defines cisterns of 50+ gallons and offers a tax credit for installing one; the plumbing code also addresses nonpotable rainwater systems.
Private wells & water rights
RestrictedRIDOH's Office of Private Well Water Contamination regulates private wells statewide, requiring testing and a Well Completion Report; local building officials may add requirements. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Varies locallyNo state law bans grid disconnection, but occupancy still requires a certificate of occupancy tied to an approved water source and wastewater system, issued by the local building official. source

Open the full state page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average
4.7 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
3.2 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
1,316 kWh
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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation
51 in/yr
Snowfall
36 in/yr
Heating degree days
6,115 (cold)

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital
Hasbro Children's Hospital
10.2 mi
Fire station
Albion Fire Department
0.6 mi
Hardware store
Lowe's
6.3 mi
Grocery
Dave's Marketplace
6.2 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 02802).

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.