Off-grid site report
Sullivan County, NY
41.9454, -74.9129 · 1,299 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Sullivan County, NY, 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 rulesSullivan County, NY
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Varies locallySullivan County has no countywide zoning ordinance; each of the 15 towns (e.g., Town of Sullivan, Town of Tusten, Town of Fremont) sets and enforces its own zoning code via a local Code Enforcement Officer. The County Planning Division only handles certain referrals and technical assistance. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyNo countywide standard found for tiny homes or RVs as permanent dwellings; this is governed town by town. Not confirmed at the county level, check the specific town's zoning code.
Building permits & codes
RestrictedTowns enforce the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code through their own Code Enforcement Officers; for example, the Town of Tusten Building Inspector issues permits for structural work and requires licensed electricians and multi-stage inspections. source
Septic & composting toilets
RestrictedThe state Department of Health sets the wastewater treatment standard (Appendix 75-A), while Sullivan County Public Health Services administers actual septic permitting locally through an online portal. Specific fees and timelines are not confirmed. source
Greywater reuse
RestrictedNo Sullivan County or town-specific greywater rule was found; the general New York State baseline, which restricts greywater reuse especially indoors, likely applies. Not confirmed locally.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedNo county or town restriction on rainwater harvesting was found; it appears to follow the general state baseline allowing it for non-potable use. Not confirmed whether any town adds tank or setback rules.
Private wells & water rights
Generally allowedWell contractors must register with the state DEC under Environmental Conservation Law, and the local county health department has jurisdiction over approving deviations from standard well-siting rules. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Varies locallyNo county or town ordinance explicitly requiring grid connection was found, but this has not been confirmed across all 15 towns individually; it falls under each town's building/zoning code.
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
- 1,228 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 47 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 7,132 (cold)
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills, Grover M. Hermann - 15.8 mi
- Fire station
Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department - 0.8 mi
- Hardware store
The Trading Post - 14.9 mi
- Grocery
Roscoe Supermarket - 0.9 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 12776).
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 21, 2026; agencies update their layers on their own schedules. Planning data, not a survey or legal advice.