Off-grid site report

Johnson County, MO

38.7795, -93.7364 · 830 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Johnson County, MO, 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 rulesJohnson County, MO

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Generally allowedJohnson County states plainly it has no planning and zoning regulations for unincorporated areas, except within 3,000 feet of Whiteman Air Force Base where a state-mandated overlay applies. Incorporated cities like Warrensburg or Knob Noster set their own zoning independently. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Generally allowedNo countywide rule on dwelling size, tiny homes, or RV residency in unincorporated Johnson County, since the county has no building code there. Recorded subdivision covenants, held by the County Recorder, may still restrict specific parcels.

Building permits & codes

Generally allowedNo building permits, inspections, or occupancy certificates required in unincorporated Johnson County, except a permit from the county Emergency Management office if building in a mapped flood hazard area. Incorporated cities require their own permits. source

Septic & composting toilets

RestrictedOnsite wastewater systems require a permit issued locally by Johnson County Community Health Services - Environmental Health, under Missouri DHSS minimum state standards. Composting toilets are not separately addressed in the materials found, so confirm with the health department. source

Greywater reuse

Unclear - verifyNo Johnson County or state page specifically addressing greywater reuse was found; the county's OWTS materials don't separate it out. Best to confirm directly with Johnson County Community Health Services - Environmental Health.

Rainwater harvesting

Generally allowedNo Johnson County ordinance restricting rainwater collection was found in official county planning, health, or courthouse sources reviewed.

Private wells & water rights

RestrictedWell construction is governed statewide by Missouri's Water Well Drillers Act and Well Construction Rules under the Department of Natural Resources; a permit is generally required for installers, though landowners drilling their own well are exempt from that specific permit but must follow the construction standards. No added Johnson County well ordinance was found. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Generally allowedBecause unincorporated Johnson County has no building code or occupancy certificate requirement, there's no local mandate to connect to electric, water, or sewer utilities. Septic and well work must still meet state DHSS/DNR standards regardless.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 5.0 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 3.7 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,421 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 43 in/yr
Heating degree days: 5,121 (moderate)
Frost-free season: Apr 17 to Oct 18

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital Western Missouri Medical Center: 1.2 mi
Fire station Fire Station #1: 1.2 mi
Hardware store Wood Shed: 0.2 mi
Grocery Walmart Supercenter: 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 64093).

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.