Off-grid site report

Kay County, OK

36.7390, -97.0714 · 1,073 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Kay County, OK, 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 rulesKay County, OK

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyKay County's site references a 'Statement as to Zoning Ordinances,' consistent with non-zoned-county status for unincorporated land, but full text wasn't confirmed. Incorporated towns like Ponca City have their own separate zoning codes that apply inside city limits. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Unclear - verifyNo county-level ordinance on tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, or RV occupancy was found; not confirmed, so ask the County Clerk or, if inside a town, that town's building department.

Building permits & codes

Varies locallyKay County appears to have filed a resolution disclaiming a mandatory countywide building code, but the full text wasn't retrieved to confirm. Ponca City and other incorporated towns enforce their own building permits and inspections. source

Septic & composting toilets

RestrictedAll on-site sewage systems are regulated statewide by Oklahoma DEQ, which requires an Authorization to Construct before installation or modification; the Kay County Health Department serves as the local point of contact. source

Greywater reuse

Generally allowedNo Kay County rule modifies the state's general allowance for residential greywater reuse for irrigation without a permit under state volume limits.

Rainwater harvesting

Generally allowedNo Kay County rule was found altering the state's general allowance of rooftop rainwater collection for non-potable use.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedDomestic wells follow Oklahoma Water Resources Board and DEQ construction rules statewide; Kay County directs residents to DEQ and the county health department rather than running its own water authority. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Varies locallyUnincorporated Kay County appears to lack a countywide zoning or building code mandate, suggesting more freedom to live off-grid there, but incorporated towns like Ponca City may impose their own occupancy or utility-hookup requirements. source

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 5.4 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 4.1 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,529 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 35 in/yr
Snowfall: 8 in/yr
Heating degree days: 4,095 (moderate)
Frost-free season: Apr 10 to Oct 28

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital INTEGRIS Health Ponca City Hospital: 1.0 mi
Fire station: none within range
Hardware store Lowe's: 0.6 mi
Grocery ALDI: 0.1 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 74604).

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.