Off-grid site report

Preston County, WV

39.4351, -79.6856 · 1,355 ft elevation
Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Preston County, WV, 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 rulesPreston County, WV

Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Unclear - verifyPreston County has no countywide zoning ordinance, per the county's own FAQ. Incorporated towns may have their own zoning, confirm with the specific town hall if inside city limits. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyWith no county zoning, there's no confirmed occupancy rule for tiny homes or RVs at the county level. Not confirmed for towns; check with local city hall.
Building permits & codes
RestrictedThere's no separate county zoning/building department, but the Preston County Health Department requires a septic permit before any building permit is issued. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedSeptic systems are permitted but must meet state minimum design standards (set by WV's Office of Environmental Health Services) and are administered locally by the Preston County Health Department. source
Greywater reuse
RestrictedNo Preston County-specific greywater rule was found; it falls under the same statewide sewage design standards the health department applies to all wastewater.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedNo Preston County restriction on rainwater catchment was found; the health department's water page covers only septic, wells, and testing. Not confirmed for potable use.
Private wells & water rights
Generally allowedWells are permitted but regulated under state law requiring certified drillers, permits, and minimum construction standards; the county health department also offers water testing.
Living disconnected from utilities
Unclear - verifyNo ordinance requiring connection to public water, sewer, or electric was found for unincorporated Preston County; septic and well permitting are the real compliance points. Not confirmed as a legal requirement countywide.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average
4.4 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
2.6 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
1,217 kWh
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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation
56 in/yr
Snowfall
171 in/yr
Heating degree days
6,159 (cold)
Frost-free season
May 1 to Oct 13

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital
Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital
2.1 mi
Fire station
Company 5 - Kingwood VFD
2.4 mi
Hardware store
Ace Hardware
2.4 mi
Grocery
Save-A-Lot
2.5 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 26537).

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.