Off-grid site report
Champaign County, OH
40.0984, -83.7447 · 1,073 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Champaign County, OH, 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 rulesChampaign County, OH
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Varies locallyChampaign County has no countywide zoning ordinance; zoning is set separately by each township (e.g., Wayne, Union, Adams) and by incorporated villages/the City of Urbana. You must contact the specific township or village zoning inspector for your parcel. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Unclear - verifyNo county-specific rule on tiny homes or RV occupancy was found; the state baseline for manufactured homes applies, but occupancy and size rules depend on local township/village zoning. Not confirmed beyond that, ask the local zoning inspector. source
Building permits & codes
RestrictedChampaign County Building Regulations enforces the state Residential Code of Ohio and issues permits, including an agricultural exemption application; a use classified as agricultural by a township zoning inspector may be exempt but switching to residential use requires a change-of-occupancy permit. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedThe Champaign Health District permits, inspects, and enforces septic systems under Ohio's statewide sewage treatment system code, including site evaluations for undeveloped land and a required operation permit renewed on a state-set cycle. source
Greywater reuse
Generally allowedGreywater recycling systems fall under the same statewide sewage treatment system regulations administered locally by the Champaign Health District; no separate county greywater page exists.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedNo Champaign County-specific rainwater restriction was found; cisterns are treated similarly to other private water systems under the state framework.
Private wells & water rights
Generally allowedThe Champaign Health District issues permits required under Ohio Administrative Code before you can construct, alter, or seal a private water system, and inspects and samples new wells as part of approval.
Living disconnected from utilities
Unclear - verifyNo Champaign County or township rule was found requiring connection to electric, water, or sewer utilities; habitability still depends on meeting the state building code and having an approved septic/water system if plumbing is installed.
Sun30-year normals
- Peak-sun hours, annual average
- 4.5 hrs/day
- Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
- 2.5 hrs/day
- Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
- 1,294 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 42 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 5,914 (cold)
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
Urbana Hospital - 1.0 mi
- Fire station
Pleasant Township Fire Department - 9.5 mi
- Hardware store
Do It Hardware - 0.8 mi
- Grocery
Kroger - 1.3 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 43078).
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 22, 2026; agencies update their layers on their own schedules. Planning data, not a survey or legal advice.