Off-grid site report
Robertson County, TX
31.0365, -96.4670 · 433 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Robertson County, TX, 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 rulesRobertson County, TX
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Unclear - verifyTexas counties generally lack zoning authority over unincorporated land unless specially granted by the Legislature under Chapter 231; no evidence Robertson County has that authority. Zoning could apply inside incorporated towns like Franklin, Hearne, or Calvert, but that's a separate city-level check.
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyNo Robertson County ordinance on minimum dwelling size, tiny homes, or RV occupancy was found. Texas counties have optional, limited authority to adopt such standards since 2009; whether Robertson County did so is not confirmed, so ask the Commissioners Court. source
Building permits & codes
Unclear - verifyNo official page shows Robertson County adopting a general building code like the IRC/IBC. Rural Texas counties often have narrow authority limited to floodplain, septic, and platting matters, which seems consistent with what's confirmed here. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedRobertson County administers OSSF (septic) permitting under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285, both set by the state; a permit and approved plan are required before construction. source
Greywater reuse
Unclear - verifyNo separate county or TCEQ page addresses greywater specifically; it appears to be handled within the standard OSSF permitting process. Confirm treatment of greywater systems with the county's OSSF office.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedNo Robertson County restriction was found on rainwater harvesting; this follows the state-level framework promoted by the Texas Water Development Board.
Private wells & water rights
Varies locallyRobertson County lies within the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District, created by the Texas Legislature (H.B. 3835). Domestic and livestock wells producing under 50,000 gallons per day are exempt from district permitting, but larger or non-domestic wells require a district permit. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Unclear - verifyNo Robertson County requirement was found mandating connection to electric, water, or sewer utilities on unincorporated land; such rules, if any, would typically come from a city ordinance instead.
Sun30-year normals
- Peak-sun hours, annual average
- 5.4 hrs/day
- Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
- 3.9 hrs/day
- Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
- 1,498 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 40 in/yr
- Snowfall
- 1 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 1,838 (mild)
- Frost-free season
- Mar 8 to Nov 22
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
CHI Saint Joseph Health Regional Hospital - 27.3 mi
- Fire station
Franklin Volunteer Fire Department - 1.3 mi
- Hardware store
- none within range
- Grocery
Brookshire Brothers - 13.5 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 77870).
Size a solar systemHeat loss & insulationFirewood per winterRainwater harvestGarden sizePanel tilt
Looking at a specific parcel in Robertson County, TX?The rules above are the jurisdiction. The land check runs the parcel itself: flood zone, soils and septic suitability, wetlands, slope, access, climate, and these verdicts, from a parcel number or coordinates.
Check a parcel →Share or save this report:New report
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.
New here, or not sure where this fits? Start here walks through the whole thing in order.