Bolthole Index

Plumas County, California

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Plumas County, California

47Index Score / 100
#20 of 58 in California

Unincorporated Plumas County, California requires building permits and applies county zoning and land-use standards12. The Plumas County Building Department issues building permits and inspects the work, the Planning Department handles zoning, and Environmental Health oversees septic systems and wells3456. Private-land RV camping is temporary and zone-dependent7.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated Plumas County; permitted work must pass county inspections89
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated areas; lot size and setbacks depend on the district21011
Septic permits
Plumas County Environmental Health oversees onsite wastewater systems and sewage-disposal permits1213
RV living
Not year-round; private-land camping is zone-dependent and subject to time, sanitation and owner-consent limits7
Tiny home
A tiny home on wheels is treated as an RV; other tiny homes need an approved code-compliant classification and location1415
Owner-builder
A conditional contractor-license exemption is available, but the owner must complete the county acknowledgment before permit issuance1617
Water well
A county permit and a state-licensed, bonded drilling contractor are required18

Who to call

Building permits

Plumas County Building Department

Building permits, plan review and inspections

(530) 283-7011

555 Main Street, Quincy, CA 95971

Zoning

Plumas County Planning Department

Parcel zoning, land-use and development requirements for unincorporated Plumas County

(530) 283-7011

555 Main Street, Quincy, CA 95971

Septic permits

Plumas County Environmental Health

Septic and well permits, site review and inspections

(530) 283-6355

quincyenv@countyofplumas.com

270 County Hospital Road, Suite 127, Quincy, CA 95971

Roads & driveways

Plumas County Department of Public Works

Encroachment permits for drive approaches and other work in county-maintained road rights-of-way

(530) 283-6268

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Plumas County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Plumas County, California?

Yes. Unincorporated Plumas County requires building permits and has adopted the California building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire codes1. Permit applications made in 2026 or later fall under the statewide 2025 California Building Standards Code19. Work performed under a Plumas County building permit must be inspected and approved by a county building inspector9. A Limited Density Rural Dwelling also needs a permit, approved plans, and Environmental Health approval of sewage disposal and potable water before issuance20. Plumas County publishes development-review and permit fees, but the total depends on the project and applicable reviews21. An owner-builder may qualify for a contractor-license exemption, but must sign the county declaration before the permit is issued16.

Who is the Plumas County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Plumas County Building Department provides permit review and inspection services at 555 Main Street in Quincy; call (530) 283-7011 before submitting plans3. A complete submission with required documents, engineering, signatures, and planning and zoning requirements averages 2–4 weeks, while corrections and workload can add time22. Planning is a separate review at the same address and phone number; the Plumas County Planning Department handles parcel zoning, land-use and development requirements4. Start with Planning when the project depends on allowed use, setbacks, lot area or a combining zone, then coordinate construction documents with Building2311. Ask Building for a project-specific fee estimate; the county publishes development-review and permit fees21.

Does Plumas County have zoning?

Plumas County zoning applies to unincorporated land; check the parcel's district and combining zones in the county GIS Map Portal224. Inside Portola, the city administers its own zoning, while Plumas County Environmental Health oversees septic systems countywide2512. Residential minimum lot area and lot coverage vary by district1026. In the districts covered by the county's residential table, front setbacks are 20 feet; side and rear setbacks are 5 feet per story for parcels under 1 acre and 30 feet for parcels over 1 acre, with a 35-foot height limit1127. Unincorporated Plumas County allows ADUs where dwellings are permitted, subject to building standards and sewage approval; complete applications on lots with an existing dwelling require a decision within 60 days28. A qualifying statewide-exemption ADU may be up to 800 square feet and 16 feet high with 4-foot side and rear setbacks29.

How do septic permits work in Plumas County?

Plumas County Environmental Health oversees onsite wastewater systems and holding tanks12. A county permit is required before a sewage-disposal system is installed, repaired, replaced or abandoned, and before qualifying construction or changes that require sewage disposal13. Once a sewage disposal permit is issued, the installation must be finished within one year, with a one-time extension available30. Plumas County Environmental Health schedules septic and well inspections; an installed septic system must be approved before backfilling, and engineered or alternative systems also need a registered professional’s inspection3132. A qualifying occupied building within 200 feet of an approved public sewer must connect when right-of-way is available and the sewer manager certifies capacity33. Off-grid sewage disposal is possible only with Environmental Health approval; cesspools and pit privies are unlawful, and holding vaults need special written permission34. Call Environmental Health at (530) 283-6355 or visit 270 County Hospital Road, Suite 127, in Quincy35. Only about 1.5% of county soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before purchase; the soil rating does not mean septic is impossible36.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Plumas County?

Private-land RV camping in unincorporated Plumas County is limited to 120 days per calendar year, with owner consent and compliance with county health rules; stays beyond 17 consecutive days require proper health and sanitation, such as well and septic hookups37. Camping is prohibited in Single-Family Residential, Multiple-Family Residential and the listed commercial districts, but allowed in districts including Suburban, Rural, General Agriculture and Timberland Production; confirm the exact parcel zoning with Planning before using an RV during construction384. The permitted RV count also depends on the dwelling units, additional quarters and guest house allowed by zoning, minus those already on the property37. Plumas County treats a tiny home on wheels as an RV subject to those camping rules14. A foundation-built tiny home requires a county building permit and plans regardless of size, and must meet current zoning and construction standards15.

Building a home in Plumas County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask the Planning Department to confirm zoning, permitted residential use, lot standards and combining zones before design begins426.
  2. Determine sewage disposal and water early: Environmental Health handles septic and well review, and only a state-licensed, bonded C-57 contractor may drill the well56.
  3. Prepare a complete code-compliant submission and call the Building Department before scheduling delivery of plans and construction documents1922.
  4. If acting as owner-builder, sign the county acknowledgment and declare the contractor-license exemption basis before permit issuance1716.
  5. Obtain a Public Works permit for work in a county right-of-way; residential permits outside Local Response Areas also require a Fire Safe Driveway permit reviewed by Engineering3940.
  6. Schedule and pass required inspections; a Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwelling receives a certificate of occupancy only after required inspections and approval941.

What should you check before buying land in Plumas County?

Start with parcel zoning, minimum lot area, setbacks, lot coverage and the Flood Plain Combining Zone; Plumas County regulates floodplain development for reasonable safety from flood hazards, but applicability must be checked parcel by parcel102642. Obtain a septic site evaluation: only about 1.5% of county soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field, which does not mean septic is impossible36. Check the distance to public sewer because a qualifying occupied building within 200 feet must connect when right-of-way and certified capacity are available33. Confirm well siting and access before closing; a new well needs county review and a permit, while driveway requirements depend on the road and fire-response area64039. A proposed single-family subdivision needs Tentative Map Review, including Zoning Administrator approval; the county lists an estimated 12-month total processing time43.

Watch-outs

  • Private-land RV camping is not year-round housing: it is capped at 120 days per calendar year, and stays beyond 17 consecutive days require proper health and sanitation44.
  • A tiny home on wheels is an RV in Plumas County and cannot be lived in year-round15.
  • We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling floor area or a general agricultural building exemption in unincorporated Plumas County; ask Planning about dwelling size and Building about the proposed agricultural structure43.
  • Cesspools and pit privies are unlawful, and an off-grid sewage arrangement needs Environmental Health approval34.
  • Plumas County’s Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwelling program requires a building permit and approved inspections for a certificate of occupancy, plus a recorded covenant restricting occupancy to the owner-builder and family for at least 3 years2045.

Sources

  1. Plumas County 2019–2024 Housing Element, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning Department | Plumas County, CA, quoted and re-checked
  3. Plumas County Building Department (plumascounty.us)
  4. Plumas County Planning Department (plumascounty.us)
  5. Liquid Waste, quoted and re-checked
  6. Plumas County Well Manual, quoted and re-checked
  7. plumascounty.us, quoted and re-checked
  8. Exhibit A — Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings (2026 county census)
  9. Inspection Request, quoted and re-checked
  10. Plumas County 2019–2024 Housing Element, quoted and re-checked
  11. Plumas County 2019–2024 Housing Element, quoted and re-checked
  12. Liquid Waste, quoted and re-checked
  13. Local Agency Management Plan for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  14. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  15. Tiny Home Information Guide, quoted and re-checked
  16. Single Family Dwelling - New Construction Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  17. Property Owner’s Package — Disclosures & Forms for Owner-Builders Applying for Construction Permits, quoted and re-checked
  18. Plumas County Well Manual, quoted and re-checked
  19. Approved Building Standards (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Exhibit A — Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings, quoted and re-checked
  21. Permits and Fees, quoted and re-checked
  22. Building Department | Plumas County, CA - Official Website, quoted and re-checked
  23. Planning Department | Plumas County, CA, quoted and re-checked
  24. Planning Department | Plumas County, CA - Official Website, quoted and re-checked
  25. Portola: City of Portola 6th Cycle Housing Element Update (Plumas County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Plumas County 2019–2024 Housing Element, quoted and re-checked
  27. Plumas County 2019–2024 Housing Element, quoted and re-checked
  28. Ordinance No. 2024-1154, quoted and re-checked
  29. Ordinance No. 2024-1154, quoted and re-checked
  30. Liquid Waste, quoted and re-checked
  31. plumascounty.us, quoted and re-checked
  32. Inspection FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  33. plumascounty.us, quoted and re-checked
  34. Local Agency Management Plan for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  35. Plumas County Environmental Health (plumascounty.us)
  36. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  37. plumascounty.us, quoted and re-checked
  38. plumascounty.us, quoted and re-checked
  39. Plumas County Department of Public Works (plumascounty.us)
  40. Fire Safe Driveways | Plumas County, CA - Official Website, quoted and re-checked
  41. Exhibit A — Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings, quoted and re-checked
  42. Planning Department, quoted and re-checked
  43. Plumas County 2019–2024 Housing Element, quoted and re-checked
  44. plumascounty.us, quoted and re-checked
  45. Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings Ordinance, quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Plumas County requires a building permit for a home.

RulePlumas CountyLassen CountySierra CountyButte CountyNevada CountyYuba CountyPlacer County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Public Health AgencyCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Health Div.County Env. Health Dept.County Env. HealthCounty Env. Health

County locator

Plumas County in California

47
County map
Plumas County highlighted among the California counties · colored by Index score

How Plumas County scores

Seclusion71100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency47100% ev.
Admin Boringness3690% ev.
Durability20100% ev.
Property Autonomy56100% ev.
Carry Cost70100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$371kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$4,222Land / acre
41.3"Annual rain
36% of yrsSevere drought
1.7 / yr (+1.5)Mid-century 100°F days
48.6 daysMid-century dry spell
2.89" (+4.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.11×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,459Home insurance / yr
11.6% / yrInsurance growth
3.37%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
8,413Radius comparison (15 mi)
7.5People / sq mi
73.3%Federal land
21.7%Land at 15% slope or less
1.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
20,883 acWorkable land screen
63.6%Wooded land
70.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
47.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Plumas County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Answers from the rulebook for Plumas County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Plumas County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings and appurtenant structures in the unincorporated areas of Plumas County.

    • The cited chapter applies to Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings in unincorporated areas.
    • The application, plans, and other data must be reviewed by appropriate County departments.
    • No more than two initial-construction building permits for an owner-built, owner-occupied dwelling in a rural area may be issued to the same person in any five-year period.
    • Permits are not required for small or unimportant work, or alterations or repairs that do not present a health or safety hazard and conform to Title 8 Building Regulations.
    • Permit issuance is contingent on Plumas County Building Department approval of plans and construction documents.
    • Plumas County Environmental Health Department approval of sewage disposal and potable water is required before issuance.
    • Building permits approved before the ordinance's effective date are excluded from the chapter; the cited passage does not state the effective date.

    maximum initial-construction permits to same person: per 2 permits per five-year period (Owner-built, owner-occupied dwelling in a rural area)

    “Permits shall be required for the construction of Limited Density Rural Dwellings and their appurtenant structures.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of Limited Density Rural Dwellings and their appurtenant structures in unincorporated Plumas County.
      “Permits shall be required for the construction of Limited Density Rural Dwellings and their appurtenant structures.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Applicants seeking a Plumas County building permit as an owner-builder.

    • The property owner or employees whose wages are their sole compensation may perform all or part of the work when the structure is not intended or offered for sale.
    • If the building or improvement is sold within one year of completion, the owner-builder bears the burden of proving it was not built or improved for sale.
    • The exemption also applies when the owner exclusively contracts with licensed contractors.
    • The owner-builder must sign the declaration and provide the basis for the claimed exemption before permit issuance.
    • Except for a personal residence in which the owner must have resided for at least one year before completion, an owner-builder generally cannot legally sell a structure not constructed entirely by licensed contractors.

    sale lookback period: 1 year after completion (owner-builder bears the burden of proving no intent to sell)

    “I, as owner of the property, or my employees with wages as their sole compensation, will do all of or portions of the work, and the structure is not intended or offered for sale”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building standards enforced by Plumas County in the unincorporated area, including the California Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Codes, State Housing Law, WUI standards, and county SRA FireSafe regulations.

    • The source states that no local amendments have been made.
    • New state-adopted revised codes are locally adopted without the need to amend the ordinance every three years.
    • WUI Building Standards apply in High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
    • The County has adopted local certified SRA FireSafe regulations in lieu of state regulations.

    California Building Code adoption: 2007 and all subsequent editions (2016) · International Building Code adoption: 2006 · California Electrical Code adoption: 2007 and all subsequent editions (2016) · California Mechanical Code adoption: 2007 and all subsequent editions (2016) · California Plumbing Code adoption: 2007 and all subsequent editions (2016) · California Fire Code adoption: 2007 and all subsequent editions (2016)

    “Plumas County has adopted: 2007 and all subsequent editions (2016) of the California Building Code”
  • InspectionsRequired

    All work being done under a Plumas County building permit.

    • The permit number, inspection type, property address, requested date, and attending contractor or designated representative are required to schedule an inspection.
    • Inspection requests must be received by 3:00 PM on the working day before the requested inspection.
    • Work must not be covered until approved by a County Building Inspector.
    • Final inspections for all related records must be requested to close out a permit.
    • Bucks Lake and LaPorte may be inaccessible for inspections during winter months.

    inspection request deadline: 3:00 PM on the working day before the requested inspection (Weekend and County-holiday requests are scheduled under the page's stated rules)

    “Note: Inspections and approval by a County Building Inspector are required for all work being done with a permit.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings and appurtenant structures in the designated unincorporated areas of Plumas County.

    • The structure must be completed for occupancy.
    • All inspections required by the Building Services Department must have been conducted and the work approved.
    • For existing as-built structures, an application, fee, and successful inspection are required within three years from adoption of the ordinance.
    • Occupancy is limited to the owner-builder and the owner-builder's family for no less than three years under the recorded covenant provisions.
    • Sale, lease, rent, or employee occupancy by the owner-builder within three years after issuance may be presumptive evidence for revocation.

    existing as-built application period: <= 3 years from ordinance adoption (Must include fee payment and successful inspection) · owner/family occupancy restriction: >= 3 years (Recorded covenant applies)

    “After the structure(s) is/are completed for occupancy and any inspections which have been required by the Building Services Department have been conducted, and work approved, the Building Services Department shall issue a certificate of occupancy for such dwelling and appurtenant structure.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings and appurtenant structures regulated under the cited Plumas County chapter.
      “After the structure(s) is/are completed for occupancy and any inspections which have been required by the Building Services Department have been conducted, and work approved, the Building Services Department shall issue a certificate of occupancy for such dwelling and appurtenant structure.”
    • Required — Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings and appurtenant structures after completion for occupancy.
      “After the structure(s) is/are completed for occupancy and any inspections which have been required by the Building Services Department have been conducted, and work approved, the Building Services Department shall issue a certificate of occupancy for such dwelling and appurtenant structure.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning and land-use development requirements administered by Plumas County Planning and Building Services for the unincorporated area.

    • The Planning Department describes land-use and development requirements administered by the Planning and Building Services Departments.
    • Specific development outcomes depend on the applicable zoning district, General Plan requirements, and other applicable regulations.
    “The County’s share of the regional housing need will be met through the identification of available sites that are suitable and appropriately zoned for residential uses.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning and land-use development requirements in the unincorporated area of Plumas County.

    • Requirements are administered through the Plumas County Planning and Building Services Departments.
    • Controls are organized by zoning districts and may impose district-specific requirements.
    • The cited evidence does not establish rules administered by incorporated municipalities within Plumas County.
    • Ordinance No. 2026-1165 became effective February 19, 2026.
    “The amendments are to Plumas County Code Title 9 Planning and Zoning, Chapter 2 Zoning [...] This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after the adoption date, or February 19, 2026.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts and combining zones applicable to parcels in unincorporated Plumas County.

    • The applicable zoning is parcel-specific and should be checked through the Plumas County GIS Map Portal.
    • The cited Title 9 ordinance excerpt demonstrates district classifications including the Suburban Zone (S-1); other zoning districts have separate Title 9 articles and standards.
    • This claim does not assert that incorporated municipalities use the county ordinance.

    documented zoning district: Suburban Zone (S-1) · documented zoning district: Multiple-Family Residential Zone (M-R) · documented zoning district: Rural Zones (R-10 and R-20) · documented zoning district: Core Commercial Zone (C-1) · documented zoning district: Periphery Commercial Zone (C-2) · documented zoning district: Convenience Commercial Zone (C-3) · documented zoning district: Recreation Zones (Rec-P, Rec-1, Rec-3, Rec-10, Rec-20) · documented zoning district: Agricultural Preserve Zone (AP) · documented zoning district: General Agriculture Zone (GA) · documented zoning district: General Forest Zone (GF) · documented zoning district: Mining Zone (M)

    “Refer to Title 9, Planning and Zoning, Chapter 2 Zoning, Articles 13 through Article 34 for the zoning districts”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    New residential development in unincorporated Plumas County zoning districts.

    • The source states these standards apply to all new residential developments.
    • Manufactured Home Combining Zone (MH) standards are those required by the primary zoning with which MH is combined.
    • The listed lot-area standards are county zoning standards and may not describe incorporated municipalities.

    minimum lot area by district: 2-R: 21,780 sq ft; 3-R: 14,520 sq ft; 7-R: 6,223 sq ft; M-R: 6,000 sq ft; S-1: 43,560 sq ft; S-3: 130,680 sq ft; R-10: 435,600 sq ft; R-20: 871,200 sq ft; AP: 3,484,800 sq ft; GA: 1,742,400 sq ft

    “Table 22 presents the County’s development standards, which are applied to all new residential developments. [...] 2-R 35 ft 60 ft 20 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 21,780 - 50% [...] GA 35 ft 300 ft 20 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 1,742,400 - 1 Acre7”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum residential yard setbacks in unincorporated Plumas County zoning districts.

    • Front setback is 20 feet in the listed districts.
    • For parcels under one acre, side and rear setbacks are 5 feet per story.
    • For parcels over one acre, side and rear setbacks are 30 feet.
    • MH standards are those required by the primary zoning with which MH is combined.
    • The source identifies these as standards applied to all new residential developments.

    front yard setback: 20 ft (Listed districts in Table 22) · side and rear yard setback for parcels under 1 acre: 5 ft/story (Listed districts in Table 22) · side and rear yard setback for parcels over 1 acre: 30 ft (Listed districts in Table 22)

    “Minimum Yard Setback [...] Front Side [...] Parcels < 1 acre [...] Parcels > 1 acre [...] Rear Parcels < 1 acre [...] Rear Parcels > 1 acre [...] 2-R 35 ft 60 ft 20 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 21,780 - 50%”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum lot coverage for new residential development in unincorporated Plumas County zoning districts.

    • Maximum lot coverage is 50% in 2-R, 3-R, 7-R, M-R, S-1, S-3, and R-10.
    • R-20 has no maximum lot-coverage figure shown in the table.
    • AP and GA show one-acre coverage limits.
    • For S-1 parcels at least one acre, each dwelling unit and accessory buildings shall cover no more than one acre.
    • For S-3 parcels at least three acres, each dwelling unit and accessory buildings shall cover no more than one acre.
    • For R-10 parcels at least ten acres, each dwelling unit and accessory buildings shall cover no more than one acre.
    • For R-20 parcels at least twenty acres, each dwelling unit and accessory buildings shall cover no more than one acre.
    • For AP and GA, each dwelling unit and accessory buildings shall cover no more than one acre; miscellaneous permitted compatible uses shall cover no more than one acre.
    • MH standards are those required by the primary zoning with which MH is combined.

    maximum lot coverage: 2-R: 50%; 3-R: 50%; 7-R: 50%; M-R: 50%; S-1: 50%; S-3: 50%; R-10: 50%; R-20: not stated in table; AP: 1 acre; GA: 1 acre (See parcel-size exceptions in conditions)

    “S-1 35 ft 120 ft 20 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 43,560 - 50%3 [...] R-20 35 ft 300 ft 20 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 871,200 - - [...] 6 For parcels at least twenty (20) acres in size, each dwelling unit and accessory buildings shall cover no more than one acre. 7 Each dwelling unit and accessory buildings shall cover no more than one acre. Miscellaneous permitted compatible uses shall cover no more than one acre”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum building height for new residential development in unincorporated Plumas County zoning districts.

    • The maximum height shown is 35 feet for 2-R, 3-R, 7-R, M-R, S-1, S-3, R-10, R-20, AP, and GA.
    • The source states the height limit does not apply to the number of stories.
    • MH standards are those required by the primary zoning with which MH is combined.

    maximum building height: 35 ft (Height limit only; does not apply to number of stories)

    “2-R 35 ft 60 ft 20 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 21,780 - 50% [...] GA 35 ft 300 ft 20 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 5 ft/story 30 ft 1,742,400 - 1 Acre7 [...] 2 Height limit only, does not apply to number of stories.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Use of recreational vehicles for camping or human habitation on private, noncommercial land in Plumas County.

    • Camping is permitted for no more than 120 days in a calendar year.
    • All County health regulations must be met.
    • The property owner must concur.
    • After 17 consecutive days, proper health and sanitation is required, such as an RV hookup for well and septic.
    • The number of RVs used for camping may be at least one and otherwise may not exceed the number of dwelling units, additional quarters, and guest house permitted by zoning, less the number already on the property.
    • Camping is prohibited in 2-R, 3-R, 7-R, M-R, C-1, C-2, C-3, Rec-OS, OS, and L zones.
    • Camping is allowed in S-1, S-3, R-10, R-20, R-C, Rec-P, Rec-1, Rec-3, Rec-10, Rec-20, I-1, I-2, AP, GA, TPZ, GF, and M zones.

    maximum camping period: <= 120 days per calendar year · health and sanitation threshold: > 17 consecutive days

    “Camping is permitted on private land (non-commercial/not a campground) for no more than 120 days in a calendar year if all aspects of the County health regulations are met and subject to the concurrence of the property owner.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Camping and human habitation in recreational vehicles on private land in unincorporated Plumas County.
      “Camping is permitted on private land (non-commercial/not a campground) for no more than 120 days in a calendar year if all aspects of the County health regulations are met and subject to the concurrence of the property owner. After 17 consecutive days proper health and sanitation is required (e.g., RV hook up for well and septic).”
    • Limited — Camping or occupancy of recreational vehicles on private, non-commercial land that is not a campground in Plumas County.
      “Camping is permitted on private land (non-commercial/not a campground) for no more than 120 days in a calendar year if all aspects of the County health regulations are met and subject to the concurrence of the property owner. After 17 consecutive days proper health and sanitation is required (e.g., RV hook up for well and septic).”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping on private, noncommercial land in Plumas County.

    • Camping is subject to zoning district restrictions and is prohibited in the listed residential, commercial, recreation-open-space, open-space, and lake zones.
    • Camping is allowed in the listed suburban, rural, recreation-commercial, recreation, industrial, agricultural, timberland, forest, and mining zones.
    • County health regulations apply.
    • Owner concurrence is required.
    • After 17 consecutive days, proper health and sanitation is required.
    • RV quantity is limited by the number of permitted dwelling units, additional quarters, and guest house, less existing dwelling units.

    maximum camping period: <= 120 days per calendar year · health and sanitation threshold: > 17 consecutive days

    “After 17 consecutive days proper health and sanitation is required (e.g., RV hook up for well and septic).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Plumas County.
      “Camping is permitted on private land (non-commercial/not a campground) for no more than 120 days in a calendar year if all aspects of the County health regulations are met and subject to the concurrence of the property owner. After 17 consecutive days proper health and sanitation is required (e.g., RV hook up for well and septic).”
    • Limited — Temporary camping on private, non-commercial land that is not a campground in Plumas County.
      “*Camping is prohibited countywide in Single-Family Residential Zones (2-R, 3-R, 7-R), Multiple-Family Residential Zone (M-R), Core Commercial Zone (C-1), Periphery Commercial Zone (C-2), Convenience Commercial Zone (C-3), Recreation-Open Space Zone (Rec-OS), Open Space Zone (OS), and Lake Zone (L).”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes on wheels and foundation-built tiny homes in Plumas County.

    • A tiny home on wheels is treated as an RV and cannot be lived in year-round.
    • An RV used for human habitation must be in an RV park, campground, or comply with County camping zoning limitations.
    • Camping is not allowed in single-family residential areas and is limited to no more than 120 days per calendar year where permitted.
    • Owner consent and County health requirements apply; water and sanitation requirements apply after 17 consecutive days.
    • A prefabricated or site-built tiny home on a foundation requires a County building permit and plans regardless of size.
    • Foundation-built tiny homes must meet current zoning, building, energy, snow-load, wind-load, seismic, wildland-urban-interface, and solar-mandate requirements and require residential fire sprinklers.

    maximum RV camping period: <= 120 days per calendar year · health and sanitation threshold: > 17 consecutive days

    “An RV by definition is considered a vehicle and not a structure therefore cannot be lived in year-round.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Year-round or temporary occupancy of a tiny home on wheels in Plumas County.
      “No, a tiny home on wheels is considered an RV in Plumas County. See above “camping” rules for RVs.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Attached, detached, conversion, and junior accessory dwelling units in Plumas County zoning districts where a dwelling unit is permitted.

    • ADUs and JADUs are subject to Article 45 of Chapter 2 of Title 9 of the Plumas County Code and applicable state law.
    • The Building Department must approve or deny a ministerial building permit without discretionary review or a hearing within 60 days after submission of a complete application when an existing single-family dwelling unit or multiple-family dwelling structure is on the lot.
    • For parcels with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling unit, the ordinance permits one attached or conversion ADU, one new detached ADU, and one JADU.
    • For parcels with an existing or proposed multiple-family dwelling structure, the ordinance permits two detached ADUs and at least one conversion ADU from non-living-area space, with interior conversions limited to no more than 25 percent of dwelling units and not less than one.
    • A statewide-exemption ADU may be up to 800 square feet, 16 feet high, and have four-foot side and rear setbacks; lot coverage, floor-area-ratio, open-space, or minimum-lot-area rules may not preclude it.
    • Attached ADUs are limited to the greater of 50 percent of the existing primary-dwelling living area or 800 square feet, but never more than 1,200 square feet; detached ADUs may not exceed 1,200 square feet, subject to stated conversion and multifamily exceptions.
    • ADUs are subject to California Building Code requirements, applicable yard and height standards, utility and water-supply approvals, fire-sprinkler rules, and solar-PV requirements for new detached ADUs.
    • One off-street parking space is generally required, subject to listed exceptions including proximity to public transit, historic-district location, conversion within an existing dwelling or accessory structure, certain parking-permit circumstances, car-share proximity, and concurrent new-dwelling applications.
    • ADUs served by onsite septic, a community sewage-disposal system, or public sanitary sewer must comply with Chapter 6 of Title 6 and receive Environmental Health or applicable sewer-management approval.
    • ADUs are not subject to impact fees; no public improvements are required for creation or conversion; and applicants need not correct nonconforming zoning conditions as a condition of ministerial approval.

    ministerial permit decision deadline: 60 days (After submittal of a complete building permit application when an existing single-family dwelling unit or multiple-family dwelling structure is on the lot.) · statewide exemption ADU maximum living area: <= 800 square feet · statewide exemption ADU maximum height: <= 16 feet · statewide exemption ADU side and rear setbacks: 4 feet · detached ADU maximum living area: <= 1200 square feet (The ordinance states that certain conversions and detached ADUs associated with multiple-family structures have no unit-size limitation.) · general ADU off-street parking: 1 space (Listed statutory and ordinance exceptions apply.)

    “Attached, detached, and conversion accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units shall be permitted in any zone where a dwelling unit or dwelling units are permitted subject to the provisions of this article.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in Plumas County zoning districts where a dwelling unit is permitted, subject to Article 45 standards.
      “An accessory dwelling unit up to 800 square feet, sixteen (16’) feet in height, and with four (4’) foot side and rear yard setbacks shall be known as a statewide exemption ADU and shall not be prohibited.”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Attached, detached, conversion, and junior accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Plumas County zoning districts where a dwelling unit is permitted.
      “Attached, detached, and conversion accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units shall be permitted in any zone where a dwelling unit or dwelling units are permitted subject to the provisions of this article.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Design, construction, installation, and oversight of onsite wastewater treatment systems and wastewater holding tanks in Plumas County.

    • The County Environmental Health Department oversees onsite wastewater systems and holding tanks.
    • Alternative or engineered systems may also require inspection by a registered professional.
    “The Department of Environmental Health oversees the design, construction, and installation of all on-site wastewater treatment systems and wastewater holding tanks.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — On-site wastewater treatment systems and wastewater holding tanks in Plumas County.
      “The Department of Environmental Health oversees the design, construction, and installation of all on-site wastewater treatment systems and wastewater holding tanks.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Abandoning, constructing, building, installing, repairing, or replacing a sewage disposal system, and constructing or modifying a building or structure requiring sewage disposal, throughout Plumas County.

    • Title 6, Chapter 6 applies to all territory of the County.
    • A valid Environmental Health Department permit is required before abandoning, constructing, building, installing, repairing, or replacing a sewage disposal system.
    • A building or structure where people congregate, reside, or are employed requires an Environmental Health installation permit unless connected to a public sanitary sewer.
    • A remodel, rebuild, or change of use that increases sewage requires an Environmental Health installation permit unless connected to a public sanitary sewer.
    • The Director of Environmental Health may waive the remodel or change-of-use permit requirement when the existing system, including the leachfield replacement area, is demonstrated to be adequate.
    • Work begun without a required permit is subject to a special investigation and an investigation fee equal to the permit fee.
    • Applications must include applicable site information and a scaled preliminary plot plan.

    public sewer connection threshold: <= 200 feet (Connection is required only when right-of-way can be obtained and the public sewer manager certifies adequate capacity.) · unauthorized-work investigation fee: equal to the permit fee USD

    “No person shall abandon, construct, build, install, repair or replace or allow any other person to abandon, construct, build, install, repair or replace, any sewage disposal system without first obtaining a valid permit for completion of such work from the Environmental Health Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of on-site wastewater treatment systems in Plumas County.
      “Regardless of the type of system, you must follow the step-by-step procedure to complete the installation in the time frame that is allotted to the sewage disposal permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Construction and installation inspections for onsite sewage disposal systems in Plumas County.

    • Well and septic inspections are scheduled and inspected by the Department of Environmental Health.
    • An accurate description of the installed system location must be submitted to Environmental Health at the time of or before the construction inspection.
    • The sewage disposal system may not be covered or backfilled until the required information is submitted to and approved by Environmental Health.
    • If a standard system cannot be installed, an engineered or alternative system is inspected by Environmental Health and a registered professional.
    “After installation, but before covering with earth, contact Environmental Health for a Final Inspection, 24 hours notice is recommended.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Septic inspections in Plumas County, including inspections coordinated through Environmental Health.
      “No. Well and septic inspections are scheduled and inspected by the Department of Environmental Health. Call (530) 283-6355 for more information.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Private or onsite sewage disposal for residences, businesses, and other structures in Plumas County when approved by the County Environmental Health Department.

    • A building or facility must have means for sewage disposal approved by the Director of Environmental Health.
    • A sewage disposal installation permit is required unless the building is connected to a public sanitary sewer.
    • Public sewer connection is required for qualifying structures within 200 feet of an approved public sanitary sewer when right-of-way is obtainable and capacity is certified.
    • Cesspools and pit privies are unlawful.
    • Sewage holding vaults require a special written permit from the Director of Environmental Health.
    • Occupancy or residence for 17 consecutive days or more requires a sewage disposal system meeting Chapter 6 requirements.

    minimum continuous occupancy triggering sewage-service requirement: >= 17 days (The property must be served by a sewage disposal system meeting Chapter 6.)

    “It shall be unlawful to construct, maintain or use any residence, place of business, or other building, structure or facility where any individual resides, or where people congregate, or are employed, which is not provided with means for sewage disposal approved by the Director of Environmental Health.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of water wells in Plumas County.

    • The completed Application for Permit to Construct a Water Well and a preliminary scaled plot plan must be submitted to the Planning and Building Services Agency with the appropriate fee.
    • The application is processed for land-use and setback compliance and then forwarded to Environmental Health.
    • Environmental Health schedules a site inspection.
    • If the proposed location meets all requirements, Environmental Health issues the construction permit and notes special conditions on the plot plan.
    • Only a state-licensed and bonded C-57 drilling contractor is authorized to drill a well.
    • For an agricultural production well in the Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District, the District must review the application before Environmental Health can issue the permit.

    water-well permit validity: 1 year from date of issue (A one-time renewal for up to one year may be requested with the appropriate fee before expiration.)

    “Submit the completed Application for Permit to Construct a Water Well and a preliminary plot plan drawn to scale on an 8 ½" X 11" sheet to the Planning and Building Services Agency with the appropriate fee.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of water wells in Plumas County.
      “Submit the completed Application for Permit to Construct a Water Well and a preliminary plot plan drawn to scale on an 8 ½" X 11" sheet to the Planning and Building Services Agency with the appropriate fee.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Every building or structure where persons reside, congregate, or are employed and that is within 200 feet of an approved public sanitary sewer.

    • Right-of-way must be obtainable.
    • The manager of the public sanitary sewer must certify that adequate capacity exists to serve the building or structure.
    • When the conditions are met, connection to the public sanitary sewer is required and all private sewage disposal facilities must be abandoned.
    • The chapter applies throughout Plumas County.

    distance from approved public sanitary sewer: <= 200 feet (Requirement does not apply until adequate capacity is certified by the public sewer manager.)

    “Every building or structure where persons reside, congregate or are employed which is within 200 feet of an approved public sanitary sewer, provided right-of-way can be obtained, shall be connected to the public sanitary sewer and all private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned. This requirement shall not apply until the manager of the public sanitary sewer certifies that adequate capacity exists to serve the building or structure.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Single-family-unit subdivisions in unincorporated Plumas County.

    • Tentative Map Review is required, including approval by the Zoning Administrator.
    • The source lists an estimated total processing time of 12 months for a single-family unit subdivision.
    • Other project types have different listed requirements and timelines.

    estimated total processing time: 12 months (Source labels this as an estimate)

    “Table 26 Typical Processing Procedures by Project Type [...] Tentative Map Review (including approval by Zoning Administrator) [...] Est. Total Processing Time 4-8 weeks 12 months 8 weeks 12 weeks”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    All residential building permits outside Local Response Areas within Plumas County

    • The requirement applies outside Local Response Areas.
    • The requirement is stated to arise under Plumas County Code Section 8-14.02(g).
    • As of November 17, 2023, new Fire Safe Driveway permits must be submitted directly to the Engineering Department.
    • Review occurs in two parts: Approval for Construction and Final Inspection by Engineering Department staff.
    “A Fire Safe Driveway permit is required for all Residential Building Permits outside of Local Response Areas within Plumas County per Plumas County Code Section 8-14.02. (g). As of Nov. 17, 2023, all new Fire Safe Driveway permits shall be submitted directly to the Engineering Dept. and reviewed in two parts: 1) Approval for Construction, 2) Final Inspection by Engineering Department Staff.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in the Plumas County Flood Plain Combining Zone (FP).

    • The FP combining zone regulates development to achieve reasonable safety from flood hazards.
    • Parcel-specific applicability must be checked through the County zoning/GIS information and FEMA floodplain maps.
    • The cited source does not state a universal permit requirement or numeric development standard.
    “Flood Plain Combing Zone (FP) regulates development to achieve reasonable safety from flood hazards.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County development-project review and related permits in unincorporated Plumas County.

    • New fees are enacted by resolution of the Plumas County Board of Supervisors.
    • The resolution formally amends the County Master Fee Schedule.
    • Fees become effective 60 days after Board adoption.
    • The page identifies Resolution 24-8957 as approved 10/8/24 and effective 12/7/24 for Department of Public Works fees, and Resolution 24-8958 as approved 10/8/24 and effective 12/7/24 for Engineering Department fees.
    “A description of the application fees and fee amount is included on the following pages.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit submissions handled by the Plumas County Building Department

    • A complete submittal must include all required documents, engineering, signatures, and planning / zoning requirements.
    • The average processing time is 2-4 weeks and depends on department workload at submission.
    • Applicants are instructed to call the department before scheduling submission of plans and construction documents.
    • Corrections or revisions add additional time.
    • The process also depends on timely and accurate responses from design professionals.

    average processing time: 2-4 weeks (Depends on department workload; corrections or revisions add additional time.)

    “A complete submittal (all required documents, engineering, signatures, and planning / zoning requirements) will take an average of 2-4 weeks. This also depends on the department’s workload at the time of submittal. Call the department at (530) 283-7011 before you schedule to submit your plans and construction documents. Any corrections or revisions will add additional time. The length of the process also depends on the timely and accurate response of your design professionals.”

California rules that apply here

  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Efficiency units permitted by a California city, county, or city and county.

    • The local jurisdiction must adopt an ordinance permitting the efficiency unit.
    • Occupancy is limited to no more than two persons.
    • The unit may have partial kitchen or bathroom facilities as specified by the local ordinance.
    • All other applicable minimum standards under Health and Safety Code Part 1.5 continue to apply.

    minimum floor area: >= 150 square feet · maximum occupancy: <= 2 persons

    “Notwithstanding Sections 17922, 17958, and 17958.5, a city, county, or city and county may, by ordinance, permit efficiency units for occupancy by no more than two persons which have a minimum floor area of 150 square feet and which may also have partial kitchen or bathroom facilities, as specified by the ordinance.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of manufactured homes inside or outside mobilehome parks in California.

    • The manufactured home must satisfy applicable federal standards and California Manufactured Housing Act and Title 25 requirements.
    • Installation and approval for occupancy are governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act.
    • HCD or a local enforcement agency with assumed Mobilehome Parks Act authority is responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory construction and maintenance requirements.
    • Local agency approvals may be necessary for the project.

    minimum width for a new manufactured home: >= 8 body feet (The statutory definition also includes units at least 40 body feet in length.) · minimum erected floor area for a new manufactured home: >= 320 square feet

    “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Occupancy and use of manufactured homes and mobilehomes in California mobilehome parks and other locations subject to HCD jurisdiction.

    • HCD administers titling and registration for manufactured homes and mobilehomes.
    • HCD-inspected mobilehome parks are subject to health and safety enforcement where local government has not assumed enforcement.
    • Manufactured/mobilehome park regulations address construction, use, maintenance, and occupancy.
    • Separate local land-use, building, fire, health, and utility requirements may apply.
    “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy and use of recreational vehicles in California special occupancy parks and designated RV sections of mobilehome parks.
      “Unless otherwise allowed by a local ordinance, RVs generally may be occupied only in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    California county legislative bodies' authority to adopt zoning ordinances regulating buildings, structures, land uses, lots, yards, open space, lot coverage, intensity of use, parking, loading, and setbacks within county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised pursuant to Government Code Chapter 4, Zoning Regulations.
    • The statute separately authorizes city legislative bodies; incorporated municipalities may exercise their own zoning authority.
    • Government Code Section 65850 also lists authority to regulate signs and billboards, building and structure location, height, bulk, number of stories, and size, lot and open-space size and use, lot coverage, intensity of land use, offstreet parking and loading, and building setback lines.
    • The cited section states it was amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 376, Sec. 1, effective January 1, 2018.
    “The legislative body of any county or city may, pursuant to this chapter, adopt ordinances that do any of the following:”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    California counties administering and enforcing state building standards through county building departments, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • Each county must maintain building standards and state building regulations in the office of the building official responsible for administration and enforcement of state building standards.
    • The statewide Title 24 standards apply subject to statutory exceptions and any authorized local amendments or local requirements.
    • The cited HCD bulletin concerns the 2019 California Building Standards Code and its July 1, 2021 supplement; later code editions may supersede those particular edition dates.
    “These codes shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of state building standards”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Agricultural exemption — Possible agricultural exemptions from county building, zoning, or development requirements in unincorporated Plumas County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Plumas County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Plumas County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from California’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellPermit required — restricted

California requires no STATE permit for a domestic well — wells are permitted by the county — but under SGMA a Groundwater Sustainability Agency can meter or restrict new wells in medium/high-priority and critically overdrafted basins, and Executive Order N-7-22 requires counties in those basins to get GSA verification that a new well is consistent with the Groundwater Sustainability Plan before permitting.

Limit: 2 acre-feet/year de minimis under SGMA (Water Code §10721(e)) — largely exempt from GSA metering/fees

California DWR / State Water Board — SGMA de minimis & EO N-7-22 Action 9 FAQ ↗
  • Sierra Valley Basin — Medium Prioritypartial of county

    Medium-priority SGMA basin (DWR 2019 Basin Prioritization) requiring an adopted Groundwater Sustainability Plan; a new well is subject to GSA consistency review under Executive Order N-7-22. De minimis domestic wells (<2 af/yr) are generally exempt from GSA metering but still need a county permit.

    California DWR — SGMA Basin Prioritization (2019) ↗

Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the California state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Plumas County, California

Is Plumas County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Plumas County scores 47/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 8,413 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: elevated current hazard exposure and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Plumas County, California?

Plumas County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Plumas County Public Health Agency, Environmental Health Division. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Plumas County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Plumas County is limited to specific cases: Use of recreational vehicles for camping or human habitation on private, noncommercial land in Plumas County. Camping is permitted for no more than 120 days in a calendar year. All County health regulations must be met. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Plumas County, California?

Land in Plumas County runs about $4,222 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Plumas County?

Plumas County gets about 41.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 36% of years. On water rights, Plumas County lies in the Sierra Valley Basin — Medium Priority — Medium-priority SGMA basin (DWR 2019 Basin Prioritization) requiring an adopted Groundwater Sustainability Plan; a new well is subject to GSA consistency review under Executive Order N-7-22. De minimis domestic wells (<2 af/yr) are generally exempt from GSA metering but still need a county permit..

How remote is Plumas County?

A typical private-land location has about 8,413 people within 15 miles and 1,369,152 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Plumas compares in California

Compare side-by-side →See all 58 California counties ranked →