Off-grid site report
Humboldt County, NV
40.9597, -117.7462 · 4,295 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Humboldt County, NV, 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 rulesHumboldt County, NV
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Varies locallyHumboldt County has countywide zoning under NRS 278.090, administered by the Planning and Zoning Department; what's allowed depends entirely on the district. Raw land occupancy without a well/septic is capped at 30 days by county FAQ. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
RestrictedRVs or shelters can only be used as permanent (non-transient) dwellings in AG or M-3 zones, or an approved RV/mobile home park, meeting IBC and plumbing code standards, with a county set-up permit; no dedicated tiny-home code was found. source
Building permits & codes
Varies locallyCounty-adopted IRC/UPC/UMC-style codes require permits for most structures; small accessory buildings under 130 sq ft don't need a structural permit, but added electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work does. Modular homes need separate Nevada state approval. source
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedIndividual septic systems (OWTS) are permitted by the county Building Department following state standard NAC 444.8306, with required percolation tests; a well must be drilled before the septic permit is issued. Composting toilets are not addressed in county documents. source
Greywater reuse
Unclear - verifyNo Humboldt County, NV-specific greywater ordinance was found; it likely falls under the adopted plumbing code, so confirm directly with the county Building Department.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedNo Humboldt County-specific restriction was found on rooftop rainwater collection for non-potable use; it appears to follow the state baseline allowance.
Private wells & water rights
Generally allowedDomestic wells are approved and administered by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, exempt from standard water-right permitting under NRS 534.080/534.180 and capped at two acre-feet annually; hauled water is not accepted as a substitute, and NDWR actively inspects wells in this river basin. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Generally allowedLiving off the electrical grid is not separately restricted by the county, but the 30-day grace period for well/septic still applies, and reconnecting disconnected gas service requires Building Department authorization and a witnessed test. source
Sun30-year normals
- Peak-sun hours, annual average
- 5.8 hrs/day
- Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
- 3.4 hrs/day
- Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
- 1,639 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 9 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 6,208 (cold)
- Frost-free season
- May 18 to Sep 23
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
Humboldt General Hospital - 1.3 mi
- Fire station
Winnemucca Rural Fire Department - 1.2 mi
- Hardware store
Big R - 0.3 mi
- Grocery
Walmart Supercenter - 0.4 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 89445).
Size a solar systemHeat loss & insulationFirewood per winterRainwater harvestGarden sizePanel tilt
Looking at a specific parcel in Humboldt County, NV?The rules above are the jurisdiction. The land check runs the parcel itself: flood zone, soils and septic suitability, wetlands, slope, access, climate, and these verdicts, from a parcel number or coordinates.
Check a parcel →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.