Off-grid site report

Hubbard County, MN

46.8369, -95.0092 · 1,421 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Hubbard County, MN, 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 rulesHubbard County, MN

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyHubbard County runs countywide zoning through its Environmental Services Department; shoreland areas near lakes and rivers have detailed setbacks (75 to 150 feet depending on classification). The county recommends an appointment to review plans before building. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Unclear - verifyNo official county source confirms specific tiny-home size minimums or RV occupancy limits; nonconforming older structures have their own shoreland rules. Contact Environmental Services for specifics. source

Building permits & codes

Varies locallyHubbard County issues its own permits tied to shoreland and septic compliance, but the exact adoption status of the Minnesota State Building Code outside the metro area is not confirmed for this county. Confirm directly with the county's Environmental Services office. source

Septic & composting toilets

Generally allowedHubbard County has adopted Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080 into its own SSTS ordinance and explicitly permits privies and holding tanks under specific conditions, including required inspections and maintenance contracts. source

Greywater reuse

Unclear - verifyNo standalone Hubbard County greywater ordinance was found; greywater appears to be handled within the state's SSTS (Chapter 7080) framework the county has adopted. Ask Environmental Services about separate greywater systems.

Rainwater harvesting

Unclear - verifyNo Hubbard County ordinance addressing rainwater catchment was found; indoor plumbed systems remain a state Department of Labor and Industry plumbing-code matter, and rain barrels appear unaddressed locally.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedWells are governed by the Minnesota Department of Health under state statute and rule, with the Bemidji district office serving Hubbard County; septic-to-well setbacks are also required locally. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Unclear - verifyNo Hubbard County ordinance was found requiring grid or municipal utility hookup; off-grid living appears governed indirectly through septic and building compliance. Confirm with Environmental Services for township-specific rules.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 4.6 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 2.6 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,363 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 26 in/yr
Snowfall: 44 in/yr
Heating degree days: 9,600 (severe)
Frost-free season: May 19 to Sep 22

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital CHI St. Joseph's Health: 6.0 mi
Fire station Park Rapids Fire Department: 5.8 mi
Hardware store Cwikla Ace Hardware: 6.1 mi
Grocery Aldi: 6.0 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 56464).

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.