Building permits, zoning and land rules in Delaware County, Ohio
34Index Score / 100 #87 of 88 in Ohio
Unincorporated Delaware County, Ohio requires a building permit for a new home from Delaware County Building Safety1. Zoning approval comes from the parcel's township or other zoning jurisdiction; Marlboro, Radnor and Thompson use the county zoning office23. Within the Delaware Public Health District, septic installation and operating permits come from the district where sanitary sewer connection is not feasible45.
At a glance
Building permit
Required; Delaware County Building Safety issues residential permits in unincorporated areas16
Zoning
Rules vary by jurisdiction; Marlboro, Radnor and Thompson use county zoning, while Oxford has township zoning237
Septic
Delaware Public Health District requires site and design review, an installation permit, final inspection and operating permits4589
Drainage review
Required before a building permit for footprint-changing construction on unincorporated parcels of 1 acre or more outside platted subdivisions10
RV living
In county-zoned townships, only during home construction, for up to 18 months from the zoning permit11
Minimum home size
950 sq ft finished habitable area in the county Farm Residence district; other jurisdictions have separate zoning rules112
Well permit
Required from the health district before drilling1213
Owner-builder route
Owner may obtain a building permit with a notarized affidavit and perform or directly supervise the work14
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Do you need a building permit in Delaware County, Ohio?
Delaware County Building Safety requires plan approval and a building permit for new homes, additions, accessory structures, decks and pools in unincorporated areas1. Covered work cannot start before the building department with jurisdiction approves the required plans15. Delaware County incorporates Ohio's adopted building codes: covered residential dwellings must follow the latest adopted Residential Code of Ohio, and other covered structures must follow the latest Ohio Building Code16.
A one-story detached shed or playhouse of no more than 200 square feet needs no building approval, and neither does a fence up to 7 feet high; replacing a furnace or water heater does need approval17. A pole building beyond the code's prescriptive limits needs a sealed engineered plan18. In county zoning areas, an agricultural exemption requires exclusive agricultural use, a scaled site plan and acceptance by a zoning official19.
For a change-of-occupancy application under county Code Compliance jurisdiction, each applicable trade needs inspection even without alterations; the final Certificate of Occupancy follows completion of all inspections2021.
Who issues building permits in Delaware County, Ohio, and how do you apply?
For unincorporated land, contact Delaware County Building Safety at 1610 State Route 521, (740) 833-2200 or building@co.delaware.oh.us61. Email residential applications as PDFs to residential@co.delaware.oh.us; the public portal shows permit status 72 hours after a complete submission6. A new-house packet needs a certified house number, zoning approval, any required drainage approval and a septic permit without public sewer; incomplete packets are not accepted18.
Inside Powell, the city issues building permits, while household septic services remain with the Delaware Public Health District2223. Columbus, primarily in Franklin County but extending into Delaware County, requires city building permits; ask Columbus Public Health to confirm septic jurisdiction for the address2425.
An owner may obtain the county building permit and perform or directly supervise work with a notarized affidavit; licensed contractors must obtain their own permits where applicable, and the owner remains responsible for work under the owner's permit14.
Does Delaware County, Ohio have zoning, and who sets it?
Zoning rules in Delaware County vary by jurisdiction, so identify the parcel's zoning authority before relying on any use or dimensional rule2. The Regional Planning Commission publishes township and incorporated-area zoning maps and resolutions, but warns that online codes may not be current; direct parcel questions to the applicable zoning officer26. Marlboro, Radnor and Thompson townships use the Delaware County Zoning Resolution, with permits handled by County Zoning at 740 833-22253. Harlem Township's Farm Residential District requires low-density single-family land to be at least 2 net acres, excluding recorded easements and road rights-of-way27. Oxford Township requires a zoning certificate before work begins on a structure larger than 150 square feet or a new land use starts7; an agricultural building, or one incidental to farming on land presently used for agriculture, needs no Oxford zoning certificate28.
In the county-zoned Farm Residence district, a residential lot must have at least 85,000 square feet (1.951 acres), a new home needs at least 950 square feet of finished habitable area, and the house must sit at least 80 feet from the rear lot line11. Inside Delaware city and Powell, city zoning applies; household septic services remain with the Delaware Public Health District293023.
Who issues septic permits in Delaware County, Ohio?
The Delaware Public Health District handles household sewage systems serving 1-, 2- or 3-family dwellings where sanitary sewer connection is not feasible431. Every lot needs a soil evaluation, scaled system design and house floor plan; a sanitarian reviews the documents and visits before issuance of the signed installation permit532. The 2026 fee schedule lists $250 for a permit-related site review, $250 for a design review and $200 per lot for a lot feasibility review; a new private water system permit is $474 plus a lab fee33. Confirm the full installation-permit total with the district, since the schedule also lists separate permit charges33.
The installation permit lasts 1 year; operating permits are required for the system's lifetime, with terms of 1 or 5 years depending on system type5. The district reviews potential parcels and designs and inspects installation8. Request the final inspection at least 24 hours before completion, and leave the system uncovered until inspection approval9. Semi-public systems have separate capacity limits and annual operating inspections; scope shared or nonresidential projects with the district34.
The soil survey rates 0% of Delaware County soils “not limited” for conventional drain fields; that does not make septic impossible, but makes a site evaluation essential before choosing the house location or system type355.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Delaware County?
In Marlboro, Radnor and Thompson townships, an RV or mobile home may be occupied only while a house is being built, for up to 18 months from the zoning-permit date11. The temporary unit must be removed within 30 days after that period ends or within 30 days after the occupancy permit, whichever comes first11. Guests may stay in a camper or motor home for no more than 30 days in a calendar year11.
A tiny house under 950 square feet cannot be the primary home on a Farm Residence lot in those county-zoned townships11. We could not confirm a countywide rule for private-parcel RV living or tiny homes; ask the zoning officer for the parcel's jurisdiction about use, duration, dwelling size and setbacks3637. Within the Delaware Public Health District, on-site sewage requires installation and operating permits, and central sewer connection is required when sewer becomes available38. A manufactured home generally cannot be occupied until the state inspector issues its inspection seal39.
How do you build a home in Delaware County, Ohio, step by step?
Identify the parcel's zoning jurisdiction and confirm the proposed use, setbacks and required certificate with that zoning officer237.
If public sewer is not feasible, obtain the soil evaluation, scaled sewage-system design and house floor plan required for health-district review40.
Obtain the septic installation permit, and obtain a private-water-system permit from the board of health before well work begins4012.
For footprint-changing construction on an unincorporated parcel of 1 acre or more outside a platted subdivision, obtain the Drainage Review Permit before applying for the building permit10.
Stake the site, post the address and obtain the applicable zoning certificate3.
Email the complete residential package to Building Safety at residential@co.delaware.oh.us; an owner-builder must also complete the notarized affidavit and accept responsibility for the work614.
Keep the septic system uncovered until its final inspection is approved, and satisfy drainage mitigation before Building Safety schedules the final occupancy inspection910.
What should you check before you buy land in Delaware County?
Ask the health district whether the lot has enough suitable area for a sewage system before buying; the district offers lot-feasibility review and inspects proposed parcels13. Determine whether sanitary sewer is available too: on-site systems are intended for places where connection is not feasible, and the permit application requires abandonment of the system and connection to central sewer when service later becomes available4142.
If you plan to split land, creating a parcel under 5 acres generally falls within Ohio's subdivision rules43. A Delaware County no-plat split needs review from zoning, the health department and the County Engineer or state transportation agency where applicable44. Ask Building Safety about floodplain review because the residential application asks whether the property has floodplain18.
Farmland averages about $9,771 an acre, the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 23 straight-line miles from the county center, and density is about 523 people per square mile454647. The median property-tax bill is $6,896, with an effective rate of 1.6%4849.
Watch-outs
For footprint-changing construction on unincorporated parcels of 1 acre or more outside platted subdivisions, obtain the Drainage Review Permit before applying for the building permit; driveway culverts need a professional engineer's plan or letter10.
No part of a new sewage system may be covered until the Delaware Public Health District completes and approves the final inspection9.
Marlboro, Radnor and Thompson allow residential RV use only during home construction, for up to 18 months from the zoning permit; other jurisdictions set their own zoning rules112.
An owner-builder must sign a notarized affidavit, directly perform or supervise the work, and remains responsible for everything performed under the owner's permit14.
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.
Delaware County highlighted among the Ohio counties · colored by Index score
How Delaware County scores
Seclusion10100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness4090% ev.
Durability82100% ev.
Property Autonomy35100% ev.
Carry Cost54100% 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 →
$525kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$9,771Land / acre
40.8"Annual rain
0.6% of yrsSevere drought
3.3 / yr (+3.3)Mid-century 100°F days
11.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.59" (+8.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,470Home insurance / yr
0.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.11%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
977,966People within 30 min
7,752,426People within 2 hr
328,996Radius comparison (15 mi)
522.7People / sq mi
5.6%Federal land
98.3%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Delaware 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: Village of Ashley · Berkshire Township · Berlin Township · Brown Township · Concord Township · Delaware Township · Genoa Township · Harlem Township · Kingston Township · Liberty Township · Marlboro Township · Orange Township · Oxford Township · Porter Township · Radnor Township · Scioto Township · Village of Shawnee Hills · Sunbury · Thompson Township · Trenton Township · Troy Township · Washington Township
Answers from the rulebook for Delaware County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Delaware County rules
Building permitRequired
Residential one-, two-, and three-family construction and listed residential projects submitted to Delaware County Building Safety in unincorporated areas.
The application packet states that all required items must be submitted for plan approval.
New homes, additions, accessory structures, decks, and pools require the listed application materials, including zoning documentation and, when applicable, septic or health-department documentation.
Requirements may differ where another jurisdiction has authority.
“APPLICATION FOR PLAN APPROVAL AND BUILDING PERMIT RESIDENTIAL ONE, TWO AND THREE FAMILY”
An owner applying for a Delaware County building permit and performing or directly supervising the work.
The applicant must qualify as an owner under the affidavit's definition or provide documentation of charge, care, or control.
The owner must perform the work personally or ensure it is performed under direct supervision.
Licensed contractors must obtain their own permits when applicable.
Additional electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and occupancy permits may be required.
The owner assumes responsibility for all work performed under the owner's permit.
The affidavit must be signed in the presence of a notary.
“I will perform the work with my own hands or see that the work is accomplished under my direct supervision.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Building-code regulation administered under the Delaware County Building Code for applicable construction in Delaware County's unincorporated area.
The code incorporates the Ohio Building Code and Residential Code of Ohio as adopted by the State of Ohio.
One-, two-, and three-family dwellings must comply with the latest adopted edition of the Residential Code of Ohio; other structures must comply with the latest edition of the Ohio Building Code.
The code was adopted effective July 27, 2006 and revised on January 10, 2011, July 5, 2018, and October 2, 2023.
“The Ohio Building Code (OBC) and The Residential Code of Ohio (RCO), as adopted by the State of Ohio are incorporated by reference herein”
InspectionsRequired
Each applicable trade for a change-of-occupancy application within the jurisdictional areas of the Delaware County Code Compliance office.
The requirement applies to change-of-occupancy applications.
Inspectors verify existing and altered components against approved plans and applicable building codes.
All inspections must be obtained before a final Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
“Regardless if the application included alterations or not, the applicant must call for inspection for each trade applicable to the building. Inspectors shall verify that the existing and altered building components are in compliance with the approved plans and applicable building codes for the proposed new use group(s).”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Change-of-occupancy applications within the jurisdictional areas of the Delaware County Code Compliance office.
The final Certificate of Occupancy is issued after all inspections have been obtained.
The document cites OAC 4101:1-1-10.
“Once all inspections have been obtained a final Certificate of Occupancy will be issued pursuant to OAC 4101:1-1-10.1.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate countywide conclusion for local zoning: Delaware County publishes a county zoning resolution and separate zoning materials identified as Marlboro, Radnor, and Thompson, indicating that applicable local zoning controls vary by local jurisdiction and parcel location.
This is an aggregate conclusion and does not claim that Delaware County administers every local ordinance.
The property-specific zoning authority must be identified before applying dimensional or use restrictions.
The cited page also lists variance, conditional-use, agricultural-exemption, zoning-permit, and fee materials.
“since zoning is under the authority of individual jurisdictions”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning across Delaware County, including township and incorporated-area jurisdictions; this is an aggregate countywide conclusion, not a statement that the county administers every local ordinance.
“since zoning is under the authority of individual jurisdictions”
Zoning districtsPublished
Published zoning-resolution and zoning-map resources for townships and incorporated areas in Delaware County.
Zoning remains under the authority of individual jurisdictions.
The DCRPC page warns that website codes may not be current and directs specific questions to the applicable zoning officer.
The page lists township zoning resolutions, adopted/amended dates, and zoning maps, and separately lists incorporated-area zoning resources.
“Township | Zoning Resolution (pdf) | Adopted/ Amended | Zoning Map (pdf) | Comprehensive Land Use Plan (pdf document) | Comprehensive Land Use Plan (pdf map) | Plan Adopted/ Amended”
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
Household sewage treatment systems serving one-, two-, or three-family dwellings in the Delaware Public Health District.
The Delaware Public Health District operates the local program; semi-public systems are administered under contracts with Ohio EPA and have stated gallon-per-day limits.
household dwelling scope: 1-3 family dwellings · semi-public installation permit threshold: <= 1000 gallons per day · semi-public annual operation permit threshold: <= 25000 gallons per day
“the Delaware Public Health District issues installation permits”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
County — Household and semi-public sewage treatment systems administered in the Delaware Public Health District.
“Through a contract with Ohio EPA, the Delaware Public Health District issues installation permits for Semi-Public STS that are sized at 1,000 gallons per day or less. Through another contract with the Ohio EPA, the Health District inspects and issues annual operation permits for all Semi-Public STS sized at 25,000 gallons per day or less.”
Septic permitRequired
Installation and continued operation of sewage treatment systems in the Delaware Public Health District.
A soil evaluation is required for every lot.
A to-scale system design and house floor plan must be submitted.
A signed installation permit with the appropriate fee is required after site and plan review.
The installation permit is valid for one year from issuance.
Operation permits are required for the life of the STS and renew on January 31.
installation permit validity: 1 year · operation permit term: 1 or 5 years (Depends on system type.)
“Operation permits are required for the life of the STS.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Installation, alteration, or replacement of sewage treatment systems in the Delaware Public Health District.
“After the site/plan review process has been completed, a permit may be issued. A signed installation permit is required at this time with appropriate fee. An STS installation permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Semi-public sewage treatment systems within the Delaware Public Health District.
The Delaware Public Health District issues installation permits for semi-public STS sized at 1,000 gallons per day or less under contract with Ohio EPA.
The Health District inspects and issues annual operation permits for all semi-public STS sized at 25,000 gallons per day or less under another Ohio EPA contract.
Inspections may include visual and/or operational inspections of tanks, alarms, switch components, discharge points, and absorption areas.
If violations are found, sanitarians work with the property owner to ensure corrections.
installation permit capacity threshold: <= 1000 gallons per day (Semi-public STS) · annual operation permit capacity threshold: <= 25000 gallons per day (Semi-public STS)
“the Health District inspects and issues annual operation permits for all Semi-Public STS sized at 25,000 gallons per day or less.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Household sewage treatment systems serving 1-, 2-, or 3-family dwellings where connection to a sanitary sewer system is not feasible within the Delaware Public Health District.
“Household sewage treatment systems (HSTS) serve 1, 2, or 3-family dwellings and are used where connection to a sanitary sewer system is not feasible. Among other things, this program inspects potential new parcels to ensure enough area is available to install HSTS, reviews designs for new HSTS, inspects installation of HSTS, and provides operational permits for the continued use of HSTS.”
Required — New household sewage treatment systems and relevant semi-public sewage treatment systems in the Delaware Public Health District.
“Among other things, this program inspects potential new parcels to ensure enough area is available to install HSTS, reviews designs for new HSTS, inspects installation of HSTS, and provides operational permits for the continued use of HSTS.”
Required — Installation and operation of sewage treatment systems in the Delaware Public Health District.
“I agree to request a final inspection from the Delaware Public Health District at least 24 hours before completion to allow efficient scheduling. I will not cover any part of this system until a final inspection has been performed and approved.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Household sewage treatment systems used instead of sanitary sewer in the Delaware Public Health District.
HSTS are used where connection to sanitary sewer is not feasible.
Installation and operation permits are required.
Central sewer connection is required when sanitary sewer becomes available.
“Household sewage treatment systems (HSTS) serve 1, 2, or 3-family dwellings and are used where connection to a sanitary sewer system is not feasible.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — On-site household sewage treatment systems where sanitary sewer connection is not feasible.
“A signed installation permit is required at this time”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residences using an STS when sanitary sewer later becomes available.
The STS application requires abandonment of the system when sanitary sewer becomes available.
The residence must then connect to central sewer.
The condition comes from the STS application acknowledgement.
“I agree to abandon this system when sanitary sewer becomes available and connect this residence to central sewer. I will disclose this to a potential buyer during transfer.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — Sanitary-sewer connection versus household sewage treatment systems for one-, two-, or three-family dwellings.
“used where connection to a sanitary sewer system is not feasible.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
A building in Delaware County zoning areas used solely for agricultural purposes.
The building must be used solely for agricultural purposes and no other use.
A to-scale site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, proposed structure, and dimensions must be attached.
If the building is later used for anything other than exclusive agricultural purposes, the owner must contact the Delaware County Zoning Inspector.
The claim is subject to acceptance or denial by a Delaware County Zoning Official.
“am / are constructing a building to be used solely for agricultural purposes and for no other use. Therefore, it is exempt from the regulations of the Delaware County Zoning Resolution. I / We have attached a to-scale site plan to this form.”
Permit feesPublished
Published Delaware Public Health District sewage and private-water fees.
The opened fee sheet is labeled 2025; it directs users to a separate 2025 EH fee schedule for further breakdowns or unlisted fees.
new septic HSTS: 1264 USD (Includes permit, site review, and design review.) · replacement septic HSTS: 1114 USD (Includes permit, site review, and design review.) · alteration septic: 235 USD · new well single family: 482.95 USD (New well requires water sampling; fee included.) · alteration well single family: 288.95 USD (Alteration requires water sampling; fee included.)
“New Septic (HSTS) $1264.00 [Price includes the permit, site review, and design review]”
Permit processPublished
Sewage-treatment-system permit process administered by the Delaware Public Health District.
Every lot requires a soil evaluation.
A to-scale design and house floor plan must be submitted.
A Sanitarian reviews paperwork and visits the site before permit issuance.
Installation must be completed by a Registered Installer unless homeowner-specific registration requirements are met.
plan review time: 7-10 days (Corrections may increase approval time.)
“A Soil Evaluation is required for every lot. The soil evaluation must be completed and submitted to the Delaware Public Health District.”
County-wide zoningPresent
Zoning applies countywide, administered by townships or the county; a zoning certificate/permit is required before development in unincorporated areas.
General rules adopted by a city or village planning commission, platting commissioner, or village legislative authority for plats and subdivisions within its jurisdiction.
The rule applies to municipal or village planning authorities operating under Ohio Revised Code section 711.09.
The statute limits, rather than establishes, the local minimum lot area; local zoning and other subdivision rules may impose additional requirements where authorized.
maximum local minimum lot area: <= 4800 square feet (The rule concerns city or village planning-authority subdivision rules under section 711.09.)
“but shall not impose a greater minimum lot area than forty-eight hundred square feet.”
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Township zoning regulation of setback building lines 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 setback distance.
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
“not greater than five acres by: set back building lines;”
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;”
Manufactured homesLimited
Occupancy of manufactured homes installed in Ohio and regulated under Chapter 4781 of the Revised Code and implementing rules.
A manufactured home generally may not be occupied until the inspector issues the inspection seal.
The inspection seal must be paid for when the permit is issued.
A temporary occupancy permit may provide the applicable exception under Rule 4781-7-01(C).
The home must meet Ohio manufactured-home installation standards; local ordinances and other regulations may also apply to site placement.
“Except as provided in paragraph (C) of this rule, no manufactured home shall be occupied until the inspector has issued the inspection seal.”
Well permitRequired
Construction, alteration, or sealing of private water systems and test wells in Ohio, including Delaware County.
The permit is issued by the board of health.
Emergency construction or alteration may begin before issuance only if the contractor notifies the board of health the next business day and applies within three business days.
A permit is required for conversion of a non-potable well, agricultural well, public water system, or geothermal system into a private water system.
Permits automatically expire after one year if the system has not been constructed, sealed, or altered; the board may extend the period six months.
emergency permit application deadline: 3 business days (After commencement of emergency construction or alteration.) · permit expiration: 1 year (Possible six-month extension by the board of health.)
“No person shall construct, alter or seal a private water system, test well or part thereof, unless a valid permit”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Construction, alteration, sealing, or decommissioning of private water systems, including private wells and test wells, in Ohio.
“No person shall construct, alter or seal a private water system, test well or part thereof, unless a valid permit for the system has been issued”
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”
Inside cities and towns in Delaware County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Structures and land uses in Oxford Township, Delaware County, Ohio.
A zoning certificate is required before locating, constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, or structurally altering a structure exceeding 150 square feet, before starting work, and before commencing a land use.
The certificate must state that the proposed building and use comply with the Zoning Resolution or approved Development Plan.
No zoning certificate is required for an agricultural building on land presently used for agricultural purposes, a building incidental to agricultural use, or specified public utility or railroad uses.
All applicable regulations in the Resolution apply where authority is granted by the Ohio Revised Code.
Zoning certificate fees are established by the Oxford Township Trustees.
structure size threshold: > 150 square feet (Agricultural and specified public utility or railroad exemptions stated in the source)
“No structure, which exceeds 150 square feet in size, shall [...] until a zoning certificate for same has been issued”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Land within Harlem Township that is not otherwise zoned, including low-density residential and agricultural uses governed by the township zoning resolution.
“All lands within Harlem Township which are to be used for low density single family residences and other essentially non-urban types of residential and agricultural activities shall be not less than two (2) net acres, excluding all recorded easements and road rights-of-way and shall be controlled by the provisions of this Article of the Zoning Resolution.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Agricultural buildings and buildings incidental to agricultural use in Oxford Township on land presently used for agricultural purposes.
No zoning certificate is required for an agricultural building erected on land presently used for agricultural purposes.
No zoning certificate is required for a building incidental to the agricultural use of the land on which it is proposed to be located.
The Ohio Revised Code exception applies where authority is granted by the Resolution.
Fees for zoning certificates are established by the Oxford Township Trustees.
“Therefore, it is exempt from the regulations of the Oxford Township Zoning Resolution.”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In Ohio, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Delaware 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.
Minimum dwelling size
Lot coverage
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
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.
Driveway access — Driveway access and access-management requirements in Delaware 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.
Living off-grid in Delaware County, Ohio
Is Delaware County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Delaware County scores 34/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and workable self-sufficiency basics (40.8″/yr rainfall). Watch-outs: about 977,966 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Delaware County, Ohio?
Delaware County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Delaware Public Health District (general health district under Ohio Dept of Health). 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.
How much does land cost in Delaware County, Ohio?
Land in Delaware County runs about $9,771 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Delaware County?
Delaware County gets about 40.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.6% of years.
How remote is Delaware County?
A representative private-land location has about 977,966 people within a 30-minute drive and 7,752,426 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.
