Off-grid site report

Dawson County, NE

40.8700, -99.6821 · 2,474 ft elevation
Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Dawson County, NE, 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 rulesDawson County, NE

Zoning & raw-land occupancy
RestrictedDawson County has adopted a formal countywide zoning resolution, administered by its Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator, unlike some unzoned Nebraska counties. Specific district rules and setbacks weren't confirmed beyond the zoning definitions, so confirm with the county office. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Varies locallyState law prevents the county from banning HUD/modular-sealed manufactured homes outright, but Dawson County can require them to meet site-built standards for foundation, utilities, and setbacks. RV/tiny-home treatment as temporary structures is implied by the zoning definitions but not confirmed in detail. source
Building permits & codes
RestrictedDawson County Planning & Zoning issues permits for primary and accessory structures and enforces the zoning resolution. The specific adopted building code edition was not confirmed; ask the office directly. source
Septic & composting toilets
RestrictedSeptic systems statewide, including in Dawson County, are governed by Nebraska NDEE's Title 124 Onsite Wastewater Program, requiring certified professionals for siting, construction, and inspection. No county-specific environmental health office was confirmed for Dawson County. source
Greywater reuse
RestrictedNo Dawson County-specific greywater rule was found; this falls under the same state Title 124 onsite wastewater framework, meaning untreated discharge isn't allowed and reuse needs treatment and separate plumbing. source
Rainwater harvesting
Unclear - verifyNo Dawson County ordinance or state ban on rainwater harvesting was found in the research; this is not confirmed either way locally, so check with the county planning office if you have a specific system in mind.
Private wells & water rights
RestrictedDawson County lies within the Central Platte Natural Resources District, which permits high-capacity wells and registers smaller ones, and administers Groundwater Management Area rules that can restrict new wells and transfers in parts of the county. Well construction must also meet state DHHS standards.
Living disconnected from utilities
Varies locallyNothing forces a grid or municipal hookup, but any off-grid dwelling still must satisfy state septic and well rules plus Dawson County's zoning and building permit review for the structure itself. source

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average
5.4 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
4.1 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
1,563 kWh
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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation
23 in/yr
Snowfall
21 in/yr
Heating degree days
6,267 (cold)
Frost-free season
Apr 27 to Oct 8

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital
Lexington Regional Health Center
7.1 mi
Fire station
Lexington Fire Station
6.9 mi
Hardware store
none within range
Grocery
Dollar Fresh Market
7.7 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 68850).

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.