Building permits, zoning and land rules in Clark County, Ohio
35Index Score / 100 #84 of 88 in Ohio
Unincorporated Clark County, Ohio requires building permits for covered work, issued by the county Building Department, which also covers New Carlisle and the listed villages1. Zoning depends on the parcel: the county zones seven townships, while German, Pike and Springfield Townships, New Carlisle, Enon and the other cities and villages zone separately234. The Clark County Combined Health District issues septic and new-well permits everywhere56.
At a glance
Building permit
Required for covered work in unincorporated Clark County; some repairs and replacements are exceptions1
Residential code
The county lists the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio, based on the 2018 International Residential Code7
Zoning
Varies by location; the county zones seven townships, while three townships, New Carlisle, Enon and other places zone separately2834
Septic permit
Installation, alteration and operation permits go through the Clark County Combined Health District591011
Well permit
Health district permit required for a new private well6
Lot size and setbacks
District-specific; A-1 and AR residential uses have published lot and yard standards121314
RV or tiny home
County zoning limits RV housing to emergency or A-1 construction-period use; tiny homes on wheels may only be parked in campgrounds151617
Zoning certificates and zoning questions for Bethel, Green, Harmony, Mad River, Madison, Moorefield and Pleasant Townships; German, Pike and Springfield Townships each run their own zoning office instead
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Do you need a building permit in Clark County, Ohio?
Yes. Building permits are required for covered work in unincorporated Clark County and in the listed cities and villages, although repairs and certain replacements may not need one1. Clark County lists the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio, based on the 2018 International Residential Code, for residential construction under its jurisdiction7. Submit plans, drawings and specifications before construction; work cannot begin until the building department with jurisdiction approves them1819. Applicable residential projects go through a sequence of inspections that can include lot-line, footing, foundation, rough trades, framing, energy and final inspections20. A certificate of occupancy follows final inspection for projects that require one, after the listed septic, safe-water, blower-door and any applicable elevation documents are submitted21.
Who issues building permits in Clark County, Ohio, and how do you reach them?
Clark County's Building Department handles building permits for unincorporated Clark County from Community & Economic Development at 3130 East Main Street, Springfield, Ohio 4550322. The county's online process lets applicants apply for building permits and zoning approval, check status, pay fees, and review inspection activity and results2324. Contractors need an access code and can call (937) 521-2160 for help22. The county will not issue a building permit until all required submittals arrive and fees are paid2322. Clark County's residential schedule lists a $42 application fee and a required 1% state fee; project-specific permit and inspection fees may add to that total25.
Does Clark County, Ohio have zoning, and who administers it?
Yes, but zoning administration depends on where the parcel sits in Clark County8. Clark County zoning applies to unincorporated land in Bethel, Green, Harmony, Mad River, Madison, Moorefield and Pleasant Townships; German, Pike and Springfield Townships administer their own zoning, so zoning approval there comes from the township, not the county263. Inside New Carlisle the city issues its own zoning permit, and the county Building Department still handles building permits there427. The Village of Enon also zones its own land28. Springfield and the other villages list separate zoning contacts29. Septic and well permits stay with the health district wherever a parcel is zoned56. For the zoning district on a specific parcel, the county sends people to the Clark County Auditor's GIS website for downloadable zoning maps30. County-zoned land is divided into agricultural, residential, business, industrial, mixed-use, planned-development, manufactured-home-park, floodplain and other special districts31. For single-family homes, A-1 has a 40-acre standard with a 1-acre lot-split exception, while AR-1, AR-2, AR-5, AR-10 and AR-25 require the acreage in the district name12. A-1 and AR single-family residential tables show 40-foot front, 25-foot side and 60-foot rear setbacks; other districts, such as industrial ones, have larger setbacks131432. In county-zoned areas, a qualifying agricultural structure can avoid a zoning certificate, but that does not waive building-code, fire-code or septic requirements33.
How do septic permits work in Clark County, Ohio?
The Clark County Combined Health District administers household septic systems, which must be designed and installed under permit and follow state and local rules3435. Before accepting an installation application, Ohio rules generally require a site review with a fee, soil evaluation and system design; an installation or alteration permit is valid for one year and may receive a six-month extension36. Clark County publishes a $50 site-approval fee37. New, replacement and altered systems receive installation inspection and another operating check no later than 12 months after approval38. Real-estate or refinancing inspections are different: the health district conducts them on request, a lender may require one, and no law requires a local-health-district inspection merely to sell a house; a septic tank must be pumped by a registered pumper and a pumping report submitted for that inspection3940. Only about 14% of mapped Clark County soils avoid a “very limited” rating for a conventional drain field, so make site suitability an early contingency41.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clark County?
On land subject to Clark County zoning, living in an RV is limited to two temporary cases. First, a Temporary Zoning Certificate can allow one RV on a lot for a resident whose dwelling became uninhabitable from flooding, fire, wind or another catastrophe; it needs approved water and sewer connections and must leave within 60 days after the replacement home's certificate of occupancy1542. Second, an RV may house an owner while a permanent home is built, only in the A-1 District and not in a platted subdivision, after the Chief Building Official approves the plans, with the same utility and 60-day removal conditions1643. Outside those cases, a parked RV cannot be a dwelling: stored RVs, trailers and boats in A-1, R or PD districts are limited to two unenclosed per parcel, in the side or rear yard at least 3 feet from a lot line, with no fixed utility connections and no dwelling use44. A tiny house on wheels is treated as an RV and may only be parked in a campground; a foundation-built tiny house is an accessory dwelling unit needing electricity plus approved sewage disposal and water supply17. These are county-zoning rules, so parcels under township, city or village zoning need an answer from that separate authority3. Manufactured homes outside a manufactured-home park are a conditioned use in A-1 and R districts, and must be at least 22 feet wide and 22 feet long at one point with at least 900 square feet of living area, on a foundation, with hitches and wheels removed4546.
Building a home in Clark County, Ohio: what to do, in order
Identify the parcel's zoning authority and district using the county jurisdiction information and published maps830.
Confirm the proposed use, lot size and setbacks; county A-1 and AR districts have specific residential acreage and yard standards121314.
Secure a driveway permit from the Clark County Engineer or township road department for a new or relocated driveway; repairs do not require that permit47.
Complete the health district's septic site review and obtain the required permit; the published site-approval fee is $503537.
If the property needs a new private well, obtain the health district permit before drilling6.
Submit the building application and required plans, then pay the applicable fees before issuance23.
Do not begin covered building work until the plans are approved19.
Complete the applicable building and septic inspections, then submit the listed final documents before a certificate of occupancy is issued when required203821.
What should you check before buying land in Clark County, Ohio?
Before buying, identify the zoning authority and district, then verify the proposed home, accessory structures and RV use with that authority4831. For county-zoned A-1 or AR land, compare the parcel against the published lot-size and setback standards before ordering plans121314. Confirm legal road access and whether a new or relocated driveway needs county-engineer or township approval47. Make septic suitability a contract contingency: only about 14% of mapped soils avoid a “very limited” rating for a conventional drain field41. If public sewer is accessible and available under Ohio's distance and capacity rules, connection may be required instead of onsite disposal49. Ohio requires a health-board permit for construction, alteration or sealing of a private well, subject to limited exceptions50. We could not confirm Clark County's floodplain-development requirements, so ask the Building Department about floodplain review before closing.
Watch-outs
Zoning in Clark County is not handled by one office: the correct county, township, city or village authority depends on the parcel's location48.
County-zoned land does not have general residential RV permission: temporary use is limited to a catastrophe replacement or to A-1 outside a platted subdivision during construction, and stored RVs may not be lived in151644.
Real-estate septic inspections are performed on request, and no law requires a local-health-district inspection merely because a house is sold39.
A new or relocated driveway needs a permit from the Clark County Engineer or township road department; driveway repairs do not47.
Written October 14, 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.
Clark County highlighted among the Ohio counties · colored by Index score
How Clark County scores
Seclusion11100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency59100% ev.
Admin Boringness4090% ev.
Durability85100% ev.
Property Autonomy35100% ev.
Carry Cost66100% 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 →
$206kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$9,200Land / acre
42.3"Annual rain
0.7% of yrsSevere drought
3 / yr (+3)Mid-century 100°F days
12.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.69" (+7.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.89×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,258Home insurance / yr
2.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.92%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
428,080People within 30 min
7,295,355People within 2 hr
162,127Radius comparison (15 mi)
339.2People / sq mi
7.5%Federal land
98%Land at 15% slope or less
13.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Clark County
Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.
Not yet researched: Bethel Township · Village of Catawba · Village of Donnelsville · Village of Enon · German Township · Green Township · Harmony Township · Mad River Township · Madison Township · Moorefield Township · Village of North Hampton · Pike Township · Pleasant Township · Village of South Charleston · Village of South Vienna · Springfield · Springfield Township · Village of Tremont City
Answers from the rulebook for Clark County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Clark County rules
Building permitRequired
Building work in unincorporated Clark County and the listed municipalities and villages.
The guide states that building permits are required in the listed incorporated places and unincorporated Clark County.
Specific activities have exceptions or limited requirements; for example, repairs and certain replacements may not require a permit.
Permits will not be issued until required submittals and fees are received.
“Building permits are required in the City of New Carlisle, the villages of Catawba, Enon, Donnelsville, North Hampton, South Charleston and South Vienna and the un-incorporated areas of Clark County.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Residential construction subject to the Clark County building department’s listed codes.
The county lists the residential code as the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio, OAC 4101:8, based on the 2018 International Residential Code.
The listed document is marked Revised 03/13/2024; that revision date is not treated as an effective date.
residential code: 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO), OAC 4101:8
“RESIDENTIAL: 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) OAC 4101:8 (Based on the 2018 International Residential Code).”
InspectionsRequired
Projects subject to Clark County building-plan approval and inspection.
Approved documents must be printed and available at each inspection.
The residential fee schedule lists inspection counts for multiple project types and a separate additional inspection/reinspection fee.
“APPROVED PLANS: The approved documents will be uploaded to the portal. You are responsible for printing all approved documents and having them available at the time of each inspection.”
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Building projects for which Clark County issues a certificate of occupancy after final inspection.
The inspection list states that specified items must be submitted before the CO may be issued.
The page does not establish that every project requires a CO.
“Applicant to submit the following before the CO may be issued; BOH - Final septic, BOH - approved Safe-Water sample, blower-door testing and if applicable Elevation Certification.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning in unincorporated areas regulated by county zoning approval.
The regulations apply to unincorporated land areas regulated by county zoning through township approval under ORC Chapter 303.
The code identifies Bethel, Green, Harmony, Madison, Mad River, Moorefield, and Pleasant Townships.
“The provisions of these Regulations shall apply to all unincorporated land areas of Clark County that are regulated by County Zoning by having voted approval, as provided by Chapter 303 of the Ohio Revised Code, and as indicated on the Official Zoning District Map(s).”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning in specified unincorporated Clark County townships.
“Bethel, Green, Harmony, Mad River, Madison, Moorefield, and Pleasant townships | J. Alex Dietz / Stephanie Dunlap | 937-521-2160”
Present (with conditions) — Unincorporated land in Bethel, Green, Harmony, Mad River, Madison, Moorefield, and Pleasant Townships that is subject to Clark County zoning.
“Clark County Zoning covers Bethel, Green, Harmony, Mad River, Madison, Moorefield, and Pleasant Townships.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of township and municipal zoning jurisdictions in Clark County; the county does not administer every local ordinance.
Clark County administers zoning in seven townships.
German, Pike, and Springfield Townships administer their own zoning.
Incorporated municipalities and villages may have separate zoning authorities.
“German, Pike, and Springfield Townships administer their own zoning.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate zoning administration across Clark County; the county page identifies different county, municipal, township, and village contacts rather than one uniform local zoning administrator.
“Based on your property location, please use the numbers listed below for zoning-related questions.”
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate zoning status across Clark County townships, cities, and villages.
“Based on your property location, please use the numbers listed below for zoning-related questions.”
Zoning districtsPublished
Availability of zoning maps and jurisdiction information for Clark County properties.
The county directs users to the Clark County Auditor GIS website for downloadable zoning maps.
The applicable zoning authority depends on property location.
“Please visit the Clark County Auditor GIS website for downloadable zoning maps.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published — Zoning districts in unincorporated areas subject to Clark County zoning.
“For the purposes in Section 101, the unincorporated territory of Clark County, Ohio that is subject to these Zoning Regulations is hereby divided into the following Zoning Districts:”
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Manufactured homes used outside a residential manufactured-home park in Clark County's A-1 and R Districts.
The structure must be installed upon and properly attached to a foundation compliant with the Residential Code of Ohio or approved by the Manufactured Home Commission.
All hitches, axles, wheels, and conveyance mechanisms must be removed.
The structure must comply with all other requirements of the applicable district.
minimum width at one point: >= 22 feet · minimum length at one point: >= 22 feet · minimum total living area excluding garages, porches, or attachments: >= 900 square feet
“Section 732 Manufactured Home in Districts Other Than Residential Manufactured Home Park District (R-MHP) [eff. 3-29-1990] 732.01 Zoning Districts Where Permitted as Conditioned Use: [eff. 4-4-1996] A-1, R Districts. [...] 732.05 The structure, excluding any addition, has a width of at least twenty-two (22) feet at one point, a length of at least twenty-two (22) feet at one point, and a total living area of at least nine hundred (900) square feet, excluding garages, porches, or attachments.”
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Residential and agricultural/residential zoning districts governed by the Clark County Zoning Regulations.
A-1 single-family residential has a 40-acre standard, with a 1-acre exception restricted to lot splits.
AR district minimum lot sizes are district-specific: AR-1, AR-2, AR-5, AR-10, and AR-25.
A-1 single-family residential standard lot size: 40 acres (1-acre exception restricted to lot splits) · AR-1 minimum lot size: 1 acre · AR-2 minimum lot size: 2 acres · AR-5 minimum lot size: 5 acres · AR-10 minimum lot size: 10 acres · AR-25 minimum lot size: 25 acres
District specific (with conditions) — Minimum lot area in county zoning districts in the unincorporated areas governed by the Clark County zoning code.
“MINIMUM LOT AREA 10,000 square feet (subject to Footnote 1)”
SetbacksSpecified
Single-family residential use in the Clark County A-1 Agricultural District.
The quoted A-1 table applies to the county zoning district and includes a 40-acre standard and a 1-acre lot-split exception for single-family residential use.
Other district-specific rules, health requirements, and applicable building-code setbacks may also apply.
minimum front setback: 40 feet · minimum side setback, least width: 25 feet · minimum rear setback: 60 feet
District specific (with conditions) — Setbacks in county zoning districts in the unincorporated areas governed by the Clark County zoning code.
“MINIMUM FRONT YARD SETBACK 50’ MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT 50’ – 3 Stories MINIMUM BUILDING SIDE AND REAR SETBACKS When abutting any District except “O”, “B” Districts Minimum Side Setback = 40’ Minimum Rear Setback = 100’ When abutting any “O”, “B”, Districts Minimum Side Setback = 10’ Minimum Rear Setback = 40’”
Specified — Single-family residences in Clark County AR-1, AR-2, AR-5, AR-10, and AR-25 Agricultural/Residential districts.
“Section 203 AR, Agricultural / Residential Districts [...] YARD REQUIREMENTS (Feet) [...] FRONT (Setback) ** SIDE REAR (Setback) LEAST WIDTH SUM of BOTH [...] 4. Single-Family Residences Y Y Y Y Y 40 25 60 60 35 2, 4, 5, 6”
Living in an RVLimited
Parking or storage of recreational vehicles, utility trailers, and boats in A-1, R, or PD zoning districts governed by the Clark County zoning regulations; this provision does not authorize dwelling use.
Vehicles should be stored entirely within an enclosed building.
If not enclosed, no more than two may be parked on a parcel.
They must be in the side or rear yard at least three feet from any lot line, subject to corner-lot rules.
They may not be parked or stored on a public road.
Front-yard placement requires a Zoning Inspector finding that ordinary compliance is not possible, at least three feet from adjoining property, at least five feet from the street right-of-way, no hazardous visibility obstruction, and a concrete, asphalt, gravel, or similar surface.
Loading and unloading is limited to forty-eight hours.
They may not have fixed electricity, gas, water, or sanitary sewer connections and may not be used as a dwelling.
maximum unenclosed vehicles per parcel: <= 2 vehicles · side/rear lot-line separation: >= 3 feet (unless front-yard exception applies) · front-yard street-right-of-way separation: >= 5 feet (only under Section 807.01.02) · loading and unloading period: <= 48 hours
“If not within an enclosed building, no more than two (2) such vehicles, trailers or boats shall be parked on any parcel and shall be parked or stored in the side or rear yard not less than three (3) feet from any lot line.”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational-vehicle occupancy as temporary housing in the unincorporated area subject to Clark County zoning regulations.
“808.08.01 Emergency Housing: The Zoning Inspector may, in times of emergency, issue a Temporary Zoning Certificate for the placement of not more than one (1) manufactured home or a recreational vehicle on a lot for use as temporary housing by any family or resident whose dwelling has been rendered uninhabitable by flooding, fire, wind, or other catastrophe. Such manufactured home or recreational vehicle may remain on the parcel during construction of the new dwelling. Such manufactured home or recreational vehicle shall be removed within sixty (60) days after a certificate of occupancy for the ‘new’ dwelling has been issued. Said manufactured home or recreational vehicle shall have appropriate water and sanitary sewer connection approved by the proper authority.”
Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational-vehicle occupancy while a permanent dwelling is being constructed in the county-zoned unincorporated areas of Clark County.
“808.08.02 Temporary Housing, Purpose: to allow a property owner housing on site while the permanent dwelling is being constructed. Temporary housing shall be a Recreational Vehicle, as herein defined, allowed only in the A-1 District and not in a platted subdivision. A Temporary Zoning Certificate may be issued only after the construction plans have been approved by the Chief Building Official. The recreational vehicle shall be removed within sixty (60) days after a Certificate of Occupancy for the ‘new’ dwelling has been issued. Said recreational vehicle shall have appropriate water and sanitary sewer connection approved by the proper authority.”
Temporary only (with conditions) — Temporary housing in a recreational vehicle on property governed by the Clark County zoning regulations.
“Temporary housing shall be a Recreational Vehicle, as herein defined, allowed only in the A-1 District and not in a platted subdivision. A Temporary Zoning Certificate may be issued only after the construction plans have been approved by the Chief Building Official. The recreational vehicle shall be removed within sixty (60) days after a Certificate of Occupancy for the ‘new’ dwelling has been issued.”
Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational-vehicle occupancy as emergency temporary housing in the county-zoned unincorporated areas of Bethel, Green, Harmony, Madison, Mad River, Moorefield, and Pleasant Townships.
“808.08.01 Emergency Housing: The Zoning Inspector may, in times of emergency, issue a Temporary Zoning Certificate for the placement of not more than one (1) manufactured home or a recreational vehicle on a lot for use as temporary housing by any family or resident whose dwelling has been rendered uninhabitable by flooding, fire, wind, or other catastrophe. Such manufactured home or recreational vehicle may remain on the parcel during construction of the new dwelling. Such manufactured home or recreational vehicle shall be removed within sixty (60) days after a certificate of occupancy for the ‘new’ dwelling has been issued. Said manufactured home or recreational vehicle shall have appropriate water and sanitary sewer connection approved by the proper authority.”
Tiny homesLimited
Tiny houses under Clark County zoning regulations in the unincorporated area subject to those regulations.
A tiny house on wheels is classified as a recreational vehicle and may only be parked in campgrounds.
A tiny house on a foundation is classified as an Accessory Dwelling Unit and must have electric service and an approved sewage-disposal and water-supply method.
“Tiny House: A dwelling typically sized under 400 sq. ft.; some are built on foundations, others on trailers. A Tiny House on wheels (built on a trailer) shall be considered a recreational vehicle and can only be parked in campgrounds. A Tiny House on a foundation shall be considered an Accessory Dwelling Unit and must be connected to electric and an approved method of sewage disposal and water supply.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured-home use in the county zoning jurisdiction.
The zoning code contains a Residential Manufactured Home Park District and a specific section for manufactured homes in other districts.
The verified materials do not establish a single countywide manufactured-home occupancy rule.
“732.01 Zoning Districts Where Permitted as Conditioned Use: [eff. 4-4-1996] A-1, R Districts.”
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
Household sewage treatment systems in Clark County.
The program also requires compliance with state and local regulations.
“The Household Sewage Treatment System Program ensures that septic systems are designed and installed under permit and follow state and local regulations.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
County (with conditions) — Household sewage treatment systems administered by the Clark County Health Department/Combined Health District.
“The Household Sewage Treatment System Program ensures that septic systems are designed and installed under permit and follow state and local regulations.”
Mixed (with conditions) — Household sewage treatment systems in Clark County, administered through the Clark County Health Department under state and local requirements.
“CCHD does site approvals [...] The Ohio Administrative Code requires a ten-foot isolation distance”
Septic permitRequired
Household sewage treatment systems in Clark County.
Systems must follow state and local regulations.
“The Household Sewage Treatment System Program ensures that septic systems are designed and installed under permit and follow state and local regulations.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Installation, alteration, and operation of household sewage treatment systems in the Clark County Health District.
“Permit To Install or Alter a Sewage Treatment System [...] Application for a Permit to Operate”
Required — Design and installation of household sewage treatment systems in Clark County.
“Permit To Install or Alter a Sewage Treatment System”
Septic inspectionLimited
Sewage-disposal-system inspections for real-estate transfers and refinancing.
Inspections are conducted on request.
There is no law requiring inspection by the local health district to sell a house.
If a septic tank is present, it must be pumped by a registered pumper approved by the Health Department and a pumping report must be submitted.
Pumping and servicing must occur after the Health Department inspection and must be arranged and paid for by the buyer or seller.
“The Clark County Health Department conducts inspections of sewage disposal systems and private water systems, on request, for the purposes of real estate transfers and refinancing. These inspections are sometimes required by the lender or may be requested by the buyer or seller. There is no law requiring an inspection of these systems by the local health district in order to sell a house.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Sewage disposal system inspections requested for real-estate transfers or refinancing.
“The Clark County Health Department conducts inspections of sewage disposal systems and private water systems, on request, for the purposes of real estate transfers and refinancing. These inspections are sometimes required by the lender or may be requested by the buyer or seller. There is no law requiring an inspection of these systems by the local health district in order to sell a house.”
Limited — Health-district inspections of sewage disposal systems for real-estate transfers and refinancing.
“The Clark County Health Department conducts inspections of sewage disposal systems and private water systems, on request, for the purposes of real estate transfers and refinancing. These inspections are sometimes required by the lender or may be requested by the buyer or seller. There is no law requiring an inspection of these systems by the local health district in order to sell a house.”
Well permitRequired
New private wells, alterations to existing wells, and sealing out-of-service wells in Clark County.
The permit may be applied for by the property owner or registered contractor.
Major installations, alterations, and repairs must be performed by a registered private water-systems contractor.
A homeowner performing specified work must obtain a homeowner's private water systems registration from the Ohio Department of Health.
“The drilling of a new well [...] requires a permit from our office.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Agricultural land uses and structures incident to agricultural use in areas governed by the Clark County zoning regulations.
The exception is expressly subject to Section 102.03 and other applicable law.
The quoted provision concerns zoning certificates; it does not establish exemption from building-code, fire-code, septic, or other requirements.
“A Zoning Certificate shall not be required for the construction or use of a building or structure incident to the use for agricultural purpose of the land on which such building or structure is located if: (A) the parcel is five (5) acres or larger; or (B) for parcels between 1.01 acres and 5 acres, said parcel is not located in a platted subdivision or an area of fifteen (15) or more lots approved under ORC Section 711.131.”
Driveway accessRequired
New or relocated driveways in Clark County where the county engineer or township road department has jurisdiction.
A driveway permit is required from the Clark County Engineer or Township Road Department.
Repairs do not require a permit.
“Driveway – New / Relocations: Requires a driveway permit from Clark Co. Engineer or Township Road Department. Repairs do not require a permit.”
Permit feesPublished
Clark County residential building permit fees.
The fee schedule is identified by the county as effective January 5, 2026.
Fees may include application, plan review, inspection, certificate, state, online-application, and payment-processing charges.
residential application fee: 42 USD · state fee: 1 percent of total (required)
“Residential Application Fee $ 42.00 Required”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Fees associated with Clark County permit processing, to the extent shown on official pages.
“Applications may be submitted in person at the Clark County Health Department and the fee is $50.00”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Clark County building permit application and plan-approval process.
Applicants may apply through the online permit portal.
Applicants must submit required submittals and pay fees before issuance.
The residential plan checklist calls for a completed, signed, and dated application, a building notice, site approval for structures not on public sewer, and two sets of building plans.
The portal requires an account; contractors need an access code, while property owners do not.
“The Online Permit Portal gives you the ability to: Apply for Building and Zoning permits. Check the status of your application/permit. Pay application/permit fees online. Review inspection activity and results.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Clark County building and zoning permit applications.
“The Online Permit Portal gives you the ability to: Apply for Building and Zoning permits. Check the status of your application/permit. Pay application/permit fees online. Review inspection activity and results.”
Ohio rules that apply here
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Electrical and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning work performed as contracting within an Ohio county; the statute authorizes, but does not itself impose, county licensing rules.
A board of county commissioners may adopt licensing rules by resolution for electrical and HVAC contractors not required to hold a valid and unexpired Chapter 4740 license.
County rules may be enforced in unincorporated areas and in municipalities that contract with the county for enforcement.
A county rule may require examinations, technical-skill demonstrations, fees, and additional licensing requirements.
A county board may accept a valid and unexpired Chapter 4740 license for construction, replacement, maintenance, or repair of one-, two-, or three-family dwellings or incidental accessory structures.
The statute does not establish a statewide owner-builder electrical or HVAC contractor-license exemption; county and municipal rules must be checked for the specific location.
“Each board of county commissioners may adopt, by resolution, rules establishing standards and providing for the licensing of electrical and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning contractors who are not required to hold a valid and unexpired license pursuant to Chapter 4740. of the Revised Code.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — An owner-builder constructing, erecting, altering, or equipping a building covered by Ohio Revised Code section 3781.06, including residential buildings, where a certified municipal, township, or county building department has jurisdiction.
“No owner shall proceed with the construction, erection, alteration, or equipment of any building until the plans or drawings, specifications, and data have been approved as this section requires, or the industrialized unit inspected at the point of origin.”
Conditional — An owner performing contractor-regulated construction, improvement, or renovation on the owner's own primary residential building in Ohio.
“(F) "Construction project" means a construction project involving a building or structure subject to Chapter 3781. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under that chapter, but not an industrialized unit or a residential building as defined in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code.”
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Township zoning regulation of height for agricultural buildings or structures on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres in qualifying platted subdivisions or qualifying areas of fifteen or more contiguous lots.
The local regulation must arise under a township zoning resolution or amendment.
The subdivision or area must meet the statutory qualification in section 519.21(B).
The statute does not provide a statewide numeric height limit.
Township zoning may not regulate agriculture, agricultural buildings or structures, or dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres under division (B).
lot size lower threshold: > 1 acre · lot size upper threshold: <= 5 acres
“Buildings or structures incident to the use of land for agricultural purposes [...] height;”
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Disposal of sewage where an existing publicly owned or regional sanitary sewer is accessible and available.
The sewer connection may not conflict with an areawide waste-treatment plan, approved regional sewage-service and treatment plan, or connection ban.
The receiving disposal system must have or be expected to have capacity to collect and treat the sewage.
For an existing structure, any part of the structure generating waste must be within 300 feet of the nearest sanitary-sewer right-of-way boundary.
For a proposed structure outside a larger common plan, any lot property line must be within 300 feet.
For two or more proposed structures, the threshold is 200 feet multiplied by the number of proposed structures, up to 5,000 feet.
The director may grant an exemption when technical, financial, environmental, legal, or physical barriers prevent connection and the alternative will not adversely affect human health or the environment.
When a sewer later becomes accessible and available, a non-public or non-regional disposal system must generally be abandoned and connection made within three years unless the director authorizes another timeframe.
existing structure sewer-distance threshold: <= 300 feet (Measured to the nearest boundary of the sanitary-sewer right-of-way.) · proposed structure sewer-distance threshold: <= 300 feet (Measured from any property line of the lot.) · multiple proposed structures threshold: 200 feet multiplied by the number of proposed structures (Maximum distance is 5,000 feet.) · connection deadline after accessibility becomes available: 3 years (Unless an alternative timeframe is authorized by the director.)
“Connection into existing publicly owned or regional sanitary sewers is required for the disposal of sewage when said sewers are accessible and available.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and platting of land in Ohio, including divisions of parcels and plats outside municipal corporations.
A subdivision includes division of a parcel into two or more parcels, sites, or lots when any one is less than five acres for immediate or future transfer of ownership.
A division or partition into parcels of more than five acres is exempt when it does not involve new streets or easements of access.
A sale or exchange between adjoining lot owners is exempt when it does not create additional building sites.
A planning authority may adopt a rule under section 711.133 exempting parcels of four acres or more within the size range delineated in that rule.
Improvement of land involving division or allocation for opening, widening, or extension of public or private streets, or for common open spaces or utility easements, is also included in the statutory subdivision definition.
No plat certifying lands outside a municipal corporation may be recorded without approval by the board of county commissioners, except where approval is required from a planning commission under sections 711.09 or 711.10.
The cited section 711.001 states an effective date of July 1, 2010; the cited section 711.041 states an effective date of October 6, 1955.
subdivision parcel threshold: < 5 acres (The statutory definition applies when any resulting parcel, site, or lot is less than five acres.) · exempt parcel size: > 5 acres (Division or partition into parcels of more than five acres is exempt if no new streets or easements of access are involved.) · possible planning-authority exemption threshold: >= 4 acres (Only if the planning authority adopts a rule under section 711.133 and only within the size range delineated in that rule.)
“No plat certifying lands outside a municipal corporation may be recorded without the approval thereon of the board of county commissioners”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in a recreational vehicle park, recreation camp, combined park-camp, or temporary park-camp located within a one-hundred-year flood plain.
In a municipal corporation, the permit is obtained from the municipal corporation under its floodplain-management ordinance.
In an unincorporated area, the permit is obtained from the board of county commissioners under the county floodplain-management resolution adopted under Revised Code section 307.37.
When development occurs on a site where a recreational vehicle or portable camping unit is or will be located, the owner and operator must jointly obtain the permit, except that for a temporary park-camp the temporary park-camp owner must obtain it.
Municipal and county permit fees are not regulated by the director of health.
statutory effective date: 2012-09-10
“No person shall cause development to occur within any portion of a recreational vehicle park, recreation camp, combined park-camp, or temporary park-camp that is located within a one-hundred-year flood plain in an unincorporated area unless the person first obtains a permit therefor from the board of county commissioners of the county in which the development is to occur in accordance with the flood plain management resolution of the county adopted under section 307.37 of the Revised Code.”
Campground & park staysLimited
Roadside camping at designated Ohio state forests along public roads maintained by the division of forestry.
Permitted only at designated state forests, along public roads maintained by the division of forestry, during certain legally established hunting seasons.
The chief of the division of forestry must authorize the applicable season.
Only self-contained camping units meeting Rule 1501:3-3-04 are permitted unless restroom facilities are available.
Vehicles must be parked sufficiently far off the roadway not to present a hazard and may not block roads, trails, or gated access areas.
Other restrictions in Rule 1501:3-3-06 apply.
“Roadside camping is permitted at designated state forests, along public roads maintained by the division of forestry, during certain legally established hunting seasons as authorized by the chief of the division of forestry.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Occupancy and placement of recreational vehicles in Ohio-licensed campgrounds and temporary campgrounds.
“Recreational vehicles or portable camping units shall be parked only on sites that have been verified as complying with plans approved by the director, or in the case of a temporary campground, by the licensor;”
Prohibited — Camping in Ohio state forests outside areas, sites, or campgrounds designated by the chief of the division of forestry or an authorized agent.
“No person shall camp in a state forest except in areas, sites or campgrounds designated by the chief of the division of forestry or authorized agent.”
county zoning authorityGeneral
County commissioners may adopt zoning resolutions regulating building, structures, land uses, and districts or zones in unincorporated territory statewide.
The authority is exercised by resolution and must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
The authority applies to unincorporated territory of the county.
The statute begins with the exception phrase “Except as otherwise provided in this section,” so the limitations in ORC Chapter 303 apply.
For nonresidential property only, the county may regulate height, bulk, number of stories, size, lot coverage, yards, courts, open spaces, and population density.
Agricultural uses and agricultural buildings are subject to the limitations in ORC 303.21; the statute also contains limitations for public utilities, railroads, telecommunications towers, alcoholic-beverage sales, oil and gas drilling, and permanently sited manufactured homes.
Activities regulated under ORC Chapters 1513 and 1514 may be regulated only in the interest of public health or safety, and Chapter 1514 activities must be provided for as permitted or conditional uses as specified by ORC 303.02.
“the board of county commissioners may regulate by resolution, in accordance with a comprehensive plan”
county building authorityGeneral
County commissioners may adopt and enforce local residential building regulations in unincorporated areas and may operate certified county building departments that enforce state residential and nonresidential building codes, accept and approve plans, and conduct inspections.
Local residential building regulations may be enforced within the unincorporated area or within districts established in the unincorporated area.
A local residential building regulation may not differ from the state residential building code unless it addresses subject matter not addressed by that code or is adopted under ORC 3781.01.
An existing structures code must concern subject matter not addressed by, and may not conflict with, the state residential building code.
County building departments may enforce state codes only for the types of buildings and subject matters for which they are certified.
Certification permits enforcement authority, plan approval, and inspections; the certification application identifies whether it covers residential or nonresidential buildings and whether residential certification covers new construction only or also repair and alteration.
The board may adopt flood-hazard, Lake Erie coastal-erosion, and drainage regulations, subject to the statutory limits and exceptions in ORC 307.37.
Local regulations, codes, or amendments require public hearings at not fewer than two regular or special board sessions; they take effect on the thirty-first day after adoption.
Regulations adopted under ORC 307.37 generally do not affect buildings or structures existing, or under construction, before adoption, except as provided for an existing structures code.
The state residential building code is effective as a uniform requirement in areas with a building department certified to enforce it.
“The board of county commissioners may adopt local residential building regulations governing residential buildings as defined in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
General — Ohio boards of county commissioners adopting and enforcing local residential building regulations in unincorporated county areas, including districts established within those areas, and administering state building codes when certified.
“The board of county commissioners may adopt local residential building regulations governing residential buildings”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In Ohio, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Clark County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Lot coverage
Camping on your land
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation and household sewage treatment systems in the Clark County Health District.
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.
Living off-grid in Clark County, Ohio
Is Clark County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Clark County scores 35/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 428,080 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Clark County, Ohio?
Clark County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Clark County Combined Health District. 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 Clark County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Clark County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Recreational-vehicle occupancy as emergency temporary housing in the county-zoned unincorporated areas of Bethel, Green, Harmony, Madison, Mad River, Moorefield, and Pleasant Townships. The Zoning Inspector may issue a Temporary Zoning Certificate only in times of emergency. The dwelling must have been rendered uninhabitable by flooding, fire, wind, or other catastrophe. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Clark County, Ohio?
Land in Clark County runs about $9,200 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Clark County?
Clark County gets about 42.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.7% of years.
How remote is Clark County?
A representative private-land location has about 428,080 people within a 30-minute drive and 7,295,355 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
