Off-grid site report
Pike County, IN
38.4653, -87.4347 · 466 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Pike County, IN, 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 rulesPike County, IN
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Generally allowedPike County has adopted no countywide zoning ordinance, so unincorporated land is unregulated for land use. Inside Petersburg, Winslow, or Spurgeon, the county directs you to that town's city hall for zoning rules. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyNo Pike County document specifically addresses tiny homes or RVs as dwellings; not confirmed for unincorporated land, and the three incorporated towns require permits but their specific standards weren't found. Ask the county or the relevant town hall.
Building permits & codes
Varies locallyPike County's official FAQ says the county no longer requires a building permit outside town limits, but Petersburg, Winslow, and Spurgeon do require permits inside their jurisdictions. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedThe Pike County Health Department requires a permit for all new septic installations or repairs, under state rule 410 IAC 6-8.3, with soil evaluation by a certified soil scientist and installation generally by a licensed installer. source
Greywater reuse
Unclear - verifyNo Pike County-specific greywater rule was found; it likely falls under the same state septic permitting rule that covers all sewage disposal, but this is not confirmed. Check with the Health Department.
Rainwater harvesting
Unclear - verifyNo Pike County or Indiana state source was found addressing rainwater harvesting directly, so this is not confirmed either way.
Private wells & water rights
Generally allowedIndiana DNR generally does not require a permit for an ordinary domestic well, though drillers must file a state well record for every well. The county Health Department may ask for a Water Authority letter as part of building paperwork.
Living disconnected from utilities
Generally allowedWith no countywide zoning or building permit mandate, unincorporated Pike County appears to have no rule forcing utility hookups; this is not confirmed for the incorporated towns, which may differ. source
Sun30-year normals
- Peak-sun hours, annual average
- 4.8 hrs/day
- Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
- 2.9 hrs/day
- Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
- 1,383 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 49 in/yr
- Snowfall
- 10 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 4,908 (moderate)
- Frost-free season
- Apr 13 to Oct 24
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
Deaconess Gibson Hospital - 11.1 mi
- Fire station
OC Fire Station - 9.9 mi
- Hardware store
Petersburg Hardware - 9.0 mi
- Grocery
Jay C's Food Store - 7.8 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 47640).
Size a solar systemHeat loss & insulationFirewood per winterRainwater harvestGarden sizePanel tilt
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 22, 2026; agencies update their layers on their own schedules. Planning data, not a survey or legal advice.