Off-grid site report

Jackson County, OR

42.3327, -122.8669 · 1,355 ft elevation
Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Jackson County, OR, 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 rulesJackson County, OR

Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Varies locallyJackson County has its own countywide Land Development Ordinance rather than relying only on state minimums; minimum lot sizes and dwelling density depend on the zone (e.g., RR-5 requires 5-acre parcels, one dwelling per 5 acres). Resource zones like EFU and Forest are stricter and governed by state law as implemented in the county's LDO. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
RestrictedDwellings, including guest houses/accessory units, require a building permit and must fit the zone's allowed density; a guest house counts as a second dwelling requiring adequate acreage. Whether Jackson County allows RVs as permanent dwellings under Oregon's SB 1013 program is not confirmed. source
Building permits & codes
RestrictedJackson County's Building Division requires permits for constructing, enlarging, altering, or moving one- or two-family dwellings, administering the state's structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and manufactured-dwelling codes. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedSeptic systems are permitted, but uniquely, Jackson County residents apply directly to the state DEQ's Medford office rather than a county health department; composting toilets fall under the same DEQ framework. source
Greywater reuse
Unclear - verifyNo Jackson County-specific greywater ordinance was found; DEQ, which directly permits septic here, likely also handles greywater, but that county-level detail is not confirmed. Ask the DEQ Medford office directly. source
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedNo Jackson County-specific rainwater ordinance was found; roof-collected rainwater harvesting is generally allowed under Oregon's state exemption, with nothing additional confirmed at the county level.
Private wells & water rights
Generally allowedWells and water rights are handled locally through the OWRD District 13 Watermaster's Office, which serves Jackson County; domestic wells still need a water-use exemption under Oregon water law, and the county's Health Department recommends regular private well testing since it's not otherwise mandated. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Generally allowedNo countywide ban on disconnecting from utilities was found; the practical requirements are a building permit and DEQ septic/wastewater authorization before occupancy. source

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average
5.1 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
2.5 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
1,380 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND

Weather1991-2020

Precipitation
18 in/yr
Snowfall
4 in/yr
Heating degree days
4,250 (moderate)
Frost-free season
Apr 13 to Oct 28

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital
Providence Medford Medical Center
0.5 mi
Fire station
Fire Station 3
1.2 mi
Hardware store
Crater Chainsaw
0.7 mi
Grocery
Safeway
0.2 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 97504).

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.