Off-grid site report
Runnels County, TX
31.7906, -99.9558 · 1,683 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Runnels 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 rulesRunnels County, TX
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Unclear - verifyNo countywide zoning was confirmed for unincorporated Runnels County; Texas commissioners courts generally lack broad zoning authority unless state law specifically grants it. Cities like Ballinger and Winters handle zoning within their limits.
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyNo Runnels County ordinance on tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, or RV occupancy was found; not confirmed at the county level, so ask the county directly.
Building permits & codes
Unclear - verifyNo countywide building permit program or code was confirmed for unincorporated areas; building permitting in Texas is typically handled at the city level. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedSeptic (OSSF) systems are permitted and regulated statewide by TCEQ under Health & Safety Code Ch. 366 and 30 TAC 285; a permit and approved plan are required before construction. It's not confirmed whether Runnels County has its own authorized local agent or defers to the TCEQ regional office. source
Greywater reuse
Unclear - verifyNo standalone greywater rule was found; greywater appears to be covered under the same statewide OSSF/30 TAC 285 framework rather than regulated separately.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedRainwater harvesting is encouraged at the state level in Texas and no Runnels County restriction was found.
Private wells & water rights
Varies locallyAt least part of Runnels County appears to fall within the Lipan-Kickapoo Groundwater Conservation District, meaning district rules (not just state rule of capture) may apply to well permitting; confirm coverage with the district. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Unclear - verifyNo state or county law was found requiring utility hookups in unincorporated Runnels County; any such mandate would be a city ordinance inside Ballinger or Winters.
Sun30-year normals
- Peak-sun hours, annual average
- 5.9 hrs/day
- Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
- 4.9 hrs/day
- Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
- 1,659 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 24 in/yr
- Snowfall
- 1 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 2,476 (mild)
- Frost-free season
- Mar 25 to Nov 10
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
Ballinger Memorial Hospital - 2.8 mi
- Fire station
Rowena VFD - 11.3 mi
- Hardware store
- none within range
- Grocery
Bronte Supermarket - 20.9 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 76821).
Size a solar systemHeat loss & insulationFirewood per winterRainwater harvestGarden sizePanel tilt
Looking at a specific parcel in Runnels 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 21, 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.