Off-grid living in New York: a property guide
New York supplies statewide well, wastewater and building standards. Local health departments, code offices, protected watersheds and special regions can add the decisive layer.
Read every applicable layer
Minimum does not mean complete.
Appendix 75-A establishes minimum residential onsite-wastewater standards for covered flows.
County departments or state district offices administer approvals and may have stricter rules.
NYC water-supply watersheds, Adirondack Park and other protected areas can add review.
Town, village or city zoning decides the residential use, dwelling and temporary occupancy.
Appendix 75-A
State minimum for residential flows up to 1,000 gpd.
The DOH handbook describes Appendix 75-A as the statewide minimum for new residential onsite systems serving year-round and seasonal dwellings at 1,000 gallons per day or less. The site appraisal, flow, design and local approval still belong to the actual project.
Protected-water overlay
One watershed can add another approval.
Appendix 75-A says systems in public-water watersheds or wellhead areas must follow the protective rules. In the New York City water-supply watershed, NYC Department of Environmental Protection approval is also required. Local health departments can set density and minimum-lot rules over drinking-water aquifers.
Read the other-agency ruleIndividual well
Notice, drill, report, then close the building file.
- 01
Use a DEC-registered water-well contractor.
- 02
Contractor files preliminary notice before drilling.
- 03
Build to DOH Appendix 5-B and any local approval.
- 04
Contractor files the completion report and gives the owner a copy.
- 05
Code official reviews location/construction for building and occupancy decisions.
2025 Uniform Code
Statewide outside New York City; locally enforced.
The 2025 Uniform and Energy Codes became fully effective December 31, 2025. Cities, towns and villages generally administer the code; New York City has its own construction code. Local governments may obtain approval for higher or more restrictive construction standards.
Building compliance does not decide zoning, Adirondack/shoreline jurisdiction, wastewater approval, water-source adequacy, RV occupancy or deed restrictions.
New York buyer file
Map the overlay before testing the soil.
- town/village/city jurisdiction and zoning
- local health or state district office
- watershed, aquifer and Adirondack overlays
- Appendix 75-A site and design evidence
- registered driller, well log, yield and tests
- 2025 code permits and occupancy
- seasonal/RV use and private restrictions
Evidence ledger
Official New York sources
Reviewed September 26, 2026. The state standard is a floor; the local health department and special jurisdiction may require more.
- NY1Residential Drinking Water Regulations
New York State Department of Health · Appendix 75-A, well standards and subdivision laws
- NY2Residential Onsite Wastewater Design Handbook
New York State Department of Health · State minimum design and local implementation guidance
- NY3Appendix 75-A.2 — Other Agencies
New York Codes, Rules and Regulations · Local, Adirondack and NYC watershed overlays
- NY4Individual Water Supply Wells — Code Officials
New York State Department of Health · Well review before building permits and occupancy
- NY5Water Well Contractor Program
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · Registration, pre-drill notice and completion reports
- NY6Building Standards and Codes FAQ
New York Department of State · 2025 Uniform and Energy Codes effective statewide
- NY7Uniform Code and Local Authority
New York Department of State · Local enforcement and more-restrictive standards