Off-grid site report
Somervell County, TX
32.2350, -97.7557 · 630 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Somervell 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 rulesSomervell County, TX
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Varies locallyNo countywide zoning ordinance was found on Somervell County's official site; Texas counties generally lack general zoning power over unincorporated land. If your property is inside Glen Rose city limits or ETJ, the city's zoning would apply instead. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyNo county ordinance specifically addressing tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, or RV living was found. Any structure needing septic or sitting in a flood hazard area will still trigger separate permitting.
Building permits & codes
Unclear - verifyNo general countywide building code was found on the county's official site, though the county does administer its own floodplain ordinance tied to FEMA flood maps for both the county and City of Glen Rose. Confirm directly with the county whether any building code applies to your project. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedSomervell County is TCEQ's authorized local agent for on-site sewage facility (OSSF) permitting, handled through the county's Environmental Office, including the deed-recording affidavit some systems require under state law. source
Greywater reuse
Varies locallyNo standalone county greywater ordinance was found; greywater is handled within the same state OSSF framework (30 TAC Chapter 285) administered locally by the county's Environmental Office.
Rainwater harvesting
Unclear - verifyNo Somervell County-specific rainwater harvesting rule, permit, or restriction was found on the county's official site, so the general state-level baseline appears to apply. Not confirmed either way for local restrictions.
Private wells & water rights
RestrictedWells in Somervell County are regulated by the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District, created by the Texas Legislature, which sets well spacing, minimum tract size, and registration requirements.
Living disconnected from utilities
Unclear - verifyNo Somervell County ordinance mandating connection to electric, water, or sewer utilities for unincorporated land was found. Any such requirement would come from the City of Glen Rose or a water district like Somervell County Water District, not the county generally.
Sun30-year normals
- Peak-sun hours, annual average
- 5.6 hrs/day
- Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
- 4.6 hrs/day
- Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
- 1,567 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 37 in/yr
- Snowfall
- 1 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 2,725 (mild)
- Frost-free season
- Apr 8 to Oct 22
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
Glen Rose Medical Center - 0.7 mi
- Fire station
Walnut Springs Volunteer Fire Department - 12.2 mi
- Hardware store
Higginbotham Brothers - 0.3 mi
- Grocery
David's - 0.3 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 76043).
Size a solar systemHeat loss & insulationFirewood per winterRainwater harvestGarden sizePanel tilt
Looking at a specific parcel in Somervell 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.