Bolthole Index

Hocking County, Ohio

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Hocking County, Ohio

69Index Score / 100
#8 of 88 in Ohio

Unincorporated Hocking County, Ohio has no county residential building permit, but a new or replacement home outside Logan and licensed manufactured-home parks needs a Health Department Building Placement Permit before work begins12. Inside Logan, the city issues its own building permits and sets its own zoning34. Septic permits come from the Hocking County Health Department5.

At a glance

Building permit
No county residential-code permit; new or replacement homes outside Logan City and licensed manufactured-home parks need a Health Department Building Placement Permit12
Zoning
Logan sets its own zoning inside city limits; zoning outside Logan is set by township or municipal officials and we could not confirm it for most land, while county subdivision rules are separate467
Septic permits
Hocking County Health Department for systems under 1,000 gallons per day; inspection is required before covering or occupancy859
Owner-builder
Homeowners may install their own plumbing in their primary residence, once every 2 years for new construction, if not for rental or income10
Minimum split size
80,000 sq ft (1.836 acres) for a new land split outside the minor-subdivision exceptions11
Driveway access
County roads need a Hocking County Engineer's Office permit; township roads go through Township Trustees; state routes go through ODOT1213
RV / tiny home living
Private-land occupancy is unconfirmed; a plumbed dwelling needs Health Department review, and privies are allowed only under limited permit conditions1415
Septic soil difficulty
Only 7.5% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field16

Who to call

Building permits

Hocking County Health Department - Building Placement Permits

Building Placement Permits for residential homes outside the city of Logan and outside licensed manufactured home parks; manufactured homes and commercial buildings go through the Ohio Department of Commerce instead

740-385-3030

350 St Rt 664N, Logan, OH 43138

Planning & zoning

Hocking County Regional Planning Office

Subdivision regulations, minor subdivision and lot-split requirements, large-lot regulations and the county flood plain regulations

(740) 380-9634

regionalplanner@hocking.oh.gov

93 West Hunter Street, Logan, Ohio 43138

Zoning

Hocking County Regional Planning Office

Subdivision regulations, minor subdivision/lot-split approval, floodplain regulations, and the county's comprehensive plan; zoning regulations are currently in place in the city of Logan

740-380-9634

Septic permits

Hocking County Health Department - Environmental Health, Sewage Treatment Program

Permits, site evaluations, and inspections for sewage treatment systems (STS) serving a dwelling or building generating less than 1,000 gallons of waste per day, plus private water system (well) permits

740-385-3030

350 St Rt 664N, Logan, OH 43138

Roads & driveways

Hocking County Engineer's Office

Driveway permits for driveways onto county roads; township roads go through Township Trustees and state routes go through ODOT

740-385-8543

engineer@hocking.oh.gov

1286 California Avenue, Logan, Ohio 43138

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 14, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Hocking County, Ohio?

An ordinary home in unincorporated Hocking County does not require a county residential-code building permit because the county has no certified residential building department1. Ohio's residential building code supplies uniform requirements wherever a certified building department has jurisdiction, but we could not confirm a certified Hocking County department or separate county residential code for unincorporated land17. The Hocking County Health Department still requires its Building Placement Permit before construction starts on a new or replacement home outside Logan City and licensed manufactured-home parks2. A dwelling or other structure intended to have plumbing, sinks or drains also needs approved plans before construction, alteration or placement14. Manufactured homes and commercial buildings, including transient or cabin rentals, need a building permit through the Ohio Department of Commerce18. An agricultural building can qualify for a state building-code exemption when the applicable county or township zoning inspector issues a certificate declaring that specific structure will be used in agriculture19. Inside Logan, the city's own rules apply instead: new buildings and alterations need a zoning permit, and the zoning inspector may require a separate building permit3.

Who issues building permits in Hocking County, and who handles zoning, septic and floodplain?

The Hocking County Health Department issues Building Placement Permits for residential homes outside Logan City and outside licensed manufactured-home parks, at 740-385-3030 or 350 St Rt 664N, Logan, OH 4313820. The 2026 fee for a residential Building Placement Permit is $5521. The county's rules here apply to unincorporated land; inside Logan, the city's own offices issue building and zoning permits, while septic and wells stay with the Hocking County Health Department22${PB}. Manufactured homes and commercial buildings, including transient or cabin rentals, go through the Industrial Compliance Division of the Ohio Department of Commerce for building permits18. Hocking County Regional Planning, at 93 West Hunter Street, Logan, Ohio 43138 and (740) 380-9634, reviews land splits and administers the county's floodplain regulations; it does not issue building permits or septic permits237. New construction and remodeling in the county require Health Department plan review and permits for plumbing, onsite waste disposal and water systems, while Regional Planning supplies the floodplain determination2425. Driveway permits come from the County Engineer on county roads13. A published county planning fee schedule lists a $100 minor-subdivision lot-split fee and a $25 driveway permit fee, and other agencies may charge separately26.

Does Hocking County have zoning, and does Logan?

The City of Logan adopts and administers its own zoning code, run by the city zoning inspector, planning commission and board of zoning appeals4. Its districts include single-family residential, multi-family residential, manufactured home park, business and manufacturing27. Logan's zoning covers land inside its corporation limits only28. Zoning can be adopted only by township or municipal officials or by a vote of citizens, so rules outside Logan depend on the township6. We could not confirm whether a countywide zoning ordinance has taken effect, so ask Regional Planning which rules apply before treating rural land as unzoned24. County subdivision review is separate from zoning7. Most new minor splits must contain at least 80,000 square feet, or 1.836 acres, and must meet health, frontage, shape, floodplain, survey and engineer requirements; an abutting-landowner transfer is an exception to the minimum11. We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit for land outside Logan, so ask Regional Planning to check the parcel and applicable local jurisdiction24.

Who issues septic permits in Hocking County, and how do they work?

The Hocking County Health Department, not Regional Planning or the city, permits household and small-flow sewage systems serving a dwelling or building that produces less than 1,000 gallons of waste per day5. A site evaluation is required before home placement or construction, and the approved review remains valid for five years29. The Health Department must inspect the finished system before it is covered, and the home or building cannot be occupied until the system is approved9. The department inspects again one year after installation, while the operation permit must be renewed after ten years9. Only 7.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will work16. The 2026 fee for a new or replacement system is $588 plus a $74 state fee, $662 in total21. Where sewer service is unavailable, a privy may be permitted only under limited conditions; the permit carries a $50 local fee plus a $74 state fee15.

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

We could not confirm a general Hocking County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV or tiny-home occupancy on private rural land. Ohio expressly allows human habitation in an RV for the period covered by a licensed campground's license, but that rule does not answer whether you may live in an RV on an ordinary private parcel30. A tiny home or other dwelling intended to have plumbing, sinks or drains falls within the Health Department's Building Placement Permit language14. Hocking County permits privies only under limited conditions, so the listed privy permit is not blanket approval for every off-grid parcel or sanitation method15. A used or relocated manufactured home installed as a residence must comply with Ohio's manufactured-home installation standards, and manufactured homes in the county areas covered by the Health Department page need a building permit through the Ohio Department of Commerce3118.

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

  1. Identify the parcel's township or municipality and confirm the applicable zoning authority; Logan zoning applies within the city limits, while zoning outside Logan remains unconfirmed3224.
  2. If the tract is being split, take the proposal to Regional Planning for subdivision, health, access and deed-processing review733.
  3. Obtain the required floodplain determination from Regional Planning25.
  4. Secure road-frontage or driveway approval from the township trustees, County Engineer or ODOT, depending on who maintains the road12.
  5. Have the Health Department evaluate the site, then obtain septic and private-water permits where those systems are needed2934.
  6. Obtain the Health Department Building Placement Permit before starting a new or replacement home outside Logan City and licensed manufactured-home parks2.
  7. Have the sewage system inspected before covering it, and complete the final water and plumbing inspections before occupancy935. Projects governed by the Ohio Building Code also need a certificate of occupancy before use, while manufactured-home and commercial projects covered by the county page need their building permit through the Ohio Department of Commerce3618.

What to check before you buy land in Hocking County

Start with wastewater feasibility: only 7.5% of Hocking County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field16. Then check terrain and clearing costs, because 37.4% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less and 84.8% is wooded3738. Ask Regional Planning for a floodplain determination and verify that any recent split passed the county's subdivision process257. Confirm legal, usable access with the authority that maintains the road; new splits typically require at least 100 feet of frontage with a usable driveway location12. Confirm whether public sewer is actually available before assuming you can avoid septic, because Sewer District connections require approval and a tap fee39. For a short-term rental, county lodging-tax registration and tax rules do not themselves establish land-use approval40.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height for land outside Logan City; ask Regional Planning to check the parcel before design begins24.
  • We could not confirm long-term RV or tiny-home occupancy rules for an ordinary private parcel; a privy is available only under limited permit conditions and does not establish that the dwelling itself is allowed15.

Sources

  1. Hocking County Health Department - Building Permits (2026 county census)
  2. Building Permits - Hocking County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  3. Logan: Logan, OH Code of Ordinances, Chapter 157: Zoning Code (general provisions, administration and enforcement) (Hocking County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Logan: Logan, OH Code of Ordinances, Chapter 157: Zoning districts and district regulations (Hocking County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Sewage Treatment Systems - Hocking County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  6. hocking.oh.gov, quoted and re-checked
  7. Regional Planning, quoted and re-checked
  8. Sewage Treatment Systems - Hocking County Health Department (2026 county census)
  9. Sewage Treatment System Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  10. Hocking County Health Department Homeowner Permit Affidavit, quoted and re-checked
  11. Procedures for New Splits / Minor Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  12. hocking.oh.gov, quoted and re-checked
  13. Hocking County Engineer's Office (hockingcountyengineer.com)
  14. Hocking County Sanitary Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  15. Sewage Treatment System Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  17. Section 3781.10 | Board of building standards - powers and duties, quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Permits - Hocking County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  19. Section 3781.061 | Exemption for building or structure used in agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  20. Hocking County Health Department - Building Placement Permits (hockingcountyhealthdepartment.com)
  21. 2026 Hocking County Health Department Fees, quoted and re-checked
  22. Hocking County Health Department - Environmental Health, Sewage Treatment Program (hockingcountyhealthdepartment.com)
  23. Hocking County Regional Planning Office (hocking.oh.gov)
  24. Hocking County Regional Planning Office (hocking.oh.gov)
  25. hocking.oh.gov, quoted and re-checked
  26. Hocking County Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  27. Chapter 157: Zoning Code | City of Logan, Ohio Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  28. hocking.oh.gov, quoted and re-checked
  29. Sewage Treatment Systems - Hocking County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  30. Section 3729.09 | Rights coextensive with term of license, quoted and re-checked
  31. Chapter 4781-6 - Ohio Laws, quoted and re-checked
  32. hocking.oh.gov, quoted and re-checked
  33. hocking.oh.gov, quoted and re-checked
  34. hockingcountyhealthdepartment.com, quoted and re-checked
  35. Steps for Building/Placing a Home in Hocking County, quoted and re-checked
  36. Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4101:1-1-01, quoted and re-checked
  37. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Application for approval from the Hocking County Commissioners to connect to the Hocking County Sewer District, quoted and re-checked
  40. Lodging Tax, quoted and re-checked

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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Hocking County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleHocking CountyFairfield CountyPerry CountyVinton CountyAthens CountyPickaway CountyRoss County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredLimitedRequiredLimited
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Athens City-County Health Dept.County Public HealthCounty Health District

County locator

Hocking County in Ohio

69
County map
Hocking County highlighted among the Ohio counties · colored by Index score

How Hocking County scores

Seclusion45100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness8090% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy35100% ev.
Carry Cost70100% ev.

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

$288kTypical home
1%Property tax
$6,488Land / acre
42.4"Annual rain
1.7% of yrsSevere drought
3.6 / yr (+3.5)Mid-century 100°F days
11.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.69" (+8.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.95×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,347Home insurance / yr
1.6% / yrInsurance growth
1.65%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
27,358People within 30 min
3,989,157People within 2 hr
66,388Radius comparison (15 mi)
65.4People / sq mi
9.6%Federal land
37.4%Land at 15% slope or less
7.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
18,418 acWorkable land screen
84.8%Wooded land
79.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Hocking 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: Benton Township · Falls Township · Good Hope Township · Green Township · Laurel Township · Village of Laurelville · Marion Township · Village of Murray City · Perry Township · Salt Creek Township · Starr Township · Ward Township · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Hocking County

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

Hocking County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, or placement in the Logan-Hocking County General Health District of a building or residential dwelling having or intended to have sinks, plumbing, drains, or other places where sewage, offensive substances, or liquids may accumulate or be deposited; the county health department page specifically identifies residential homes outside Logan City and licensed manufactured home parks.

    • Plans must be submitted to and approved by the Health Commissioner before construction, alteration, or placement.
    • A complete floor plan and, when applicable, written approval from the Ohio Department of Commerce or the building department having jurisdiction must be submitted.
    • The Health Department page states that manufactured homes and commercial buildings, including transient or cabin rentals, obtain a building permit through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
    • The sanitary regulation provides that sewage disposal and water supply systems may not be installed before issuance of a Building Placement Permit unless a municipal or Ohio Environmental Protection Agency-approved system is proposed.
    • The application must include a fee established by the Board of Health; the application form lists residential Building Placement Permit fee $55, R-1 transient rental fee $105, and commercial/group U fee $155.

    residential building placement permit fee: 55 USD · R-1 transient rental building placement permit fee: 105 USD · commercial/group U building placement permit fee: 155 USD

    “No person shall construct or change any building or group of building, or locate a mobile home or other type of one, two, three family residential dwelling, R-1 residential dwelling, group U building or structure, or any other type of commercial building or structure, either permanent or temporary, having or intended to have sinks, plumbing, drains, or other places where sewage, offensive substances, or liquids may accumulate or be deposited until plans therefore have been submitted to and approved by the health commissioner, and appropriate building placement permit is issued.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Owner installation of plumbing in a single-family residence within the Logan-Hocking County Health District.

    • The homeowner must own the property used or to be used as the primary residence of the homeowner or immediate family.
    • The dwelling may not be intended for commercial rental or income generation.
    • The homeowner must submit the applicable plumbing permit application, isometrics if required, and proper fee.
    • The homeowner must comply with the Ohio Plumbing Code and Hocking County Health Department Sanitary Code.
    • The homeowner must be present for underground, rough-in, and final plumbing inspections when applicable.
    • The homeowner may apply for a permit only once every two years for new construction.

    new-construction homeowner plumbing permit application frequency: per 2 years

    “Homeowners may install their own plumbing if they own the property that is used or will be used as their primary residence and/or the primary residence of their immediate family and not intended to be used as a commercial rental or for generating income.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Residential homes outside Logan City and outside licensed manufactured-home parks in unincorporated Hocking County.

    • The Hocking County Health Department issues a building placement permit.
    • The permit is required for new construction or replacement of a home and must be obtained before construction starts.
    • The cited page describes building placement permitting and does not establish that Hocking County operates a certified residential building department for all residential building-code enforcement.
    • Logan City and licensed manufactured-home parks are excluded from this county Health Department permitting statement.
    “The Hocking County Health Department is responsible for issuing building placement permits for residential homes that are not located inside of Logan City or within a licensed manufactured home park. [...] A building placement permit is required for both a new construction or to replace a home and must be obtained prior to the start of construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Manufactured homes and commercial buildings, including transient or cabin rentals, in Hocking County areas covered by the cited Health Department page.
      “Manufactured homes and all commercial buildings including transient or cabin rentals must obtain a building permit through the Industrial Compliance Division of the Ohio Department of Commerce”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Homes in Hocking County subject to the Logan-Hocking County Health Department building-placement, sewage, water, and plumbing processes.

    • Before occupancy, final sewage treatment system inspection is required for homes not connected to municipal sewer.
    • Before occupancy, final water-system inspection and collection of a safe water sample are required for homes not connected to public water.
    • Underground, rough, and final plumbing inspections are required.
    • A failed plumbing inspection requires payment of a re-inspection fee before another inspection can be scheduled.
    “The following inspection must be completed before the home can be occupied: 1. For homes that are not connected to a municipal sewer system, final inspection of the sewage treatment system prior to backfilling. 2. For homes not connected to a public water system, final inspection of the water system and collection of a safe water sample. 3. Underground, rough, and final plumbing”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Hocking County; the countywide conclusion reflects zoning administered by municipalities and townships rather than the county administering every local ordinance.

    • A zoning ordinance may be implemented only by a vote of elected officials at the township or municipal level, or by a vote of citizens at the township, municipal, or county level.
    • The official FAQ states that zoning regulations are currently in place in the City of Logan and regulate land uses within the corporation limits.
    • The county administers subdivision regulations, which are distinct from zoning regulations.
    “Subdivision regulations regulate how land is divided while zoning regulations regulate how land is used. Hocking County currently has subdivision regulations that were adopted in 1978 and amended in 2000 and these may only be enacted at the county or municipal level. Zoning regulations currently are in place in the city of Logan and regulate the uses of land within the corporation limits.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Newly proposed splits, known as minor subdivisions, subject to Hocking County subdivision regulations.

    • The minimum does not apply when the split is transferred to an abutting landowner.
    • The split must meet all Hocking County Health Department requirements.
    • Landowners creating splits under the platting exemption are limited to a maximum of 5 splits from the original parent tract, consisting of 4 new tracts and the remainder, when any new tract is less than 5 acres; after 5 splits, a 6-year waiting period applies unless the property is platted as a major subdivision.
    • All tracts must have approvable public road frontage of at least 100 feet.
    • Tracts between 1.836 acres and 20 acres must not exceed a 3:1 depth-to-width ratio.
    • All tracts must meet Hocking County floodplain requirements.
    • New property descriptions and plats must be prepared by an Ohio-registered surveyor and approved by the Hocking County Engineer's Office.

    minimum split area: >= 80000 square feet (Unless transferred to an abutting landowner) · minimum split area: >= 1.836 acres (Unless transferred to an abutting landowner) · maximum splits under platting exemption: 5 splits (Applies when any new tract is less than 5 acres) · waiting period after 5 splits: 6 years (Unless property is platted as a major subdivision) · minimum public road frontage: >= 100 feet · maximum depth-to-width ratio: <= 3:1 (Applies to tracts between 1.836 acres and 20 acres)

    “All new splits, unless transferred to an abutting landowner, must contain a minimum of 80,000 square feet (1.836 acres) or more, and must meet all the requirements as set forth by the Hocking County Health Department regulations (740-385-3030).”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Household and small-flow sewage treatment systems serving a dwelling or a building generating less than 1000 gallons of waste per day in Hocking County.

    • The Hocking County Health Department administers the permit program described for these systems.
    • Systems generating 1000 gallons or more per day may be subject to other permitting authority; the source does not specify that authority.

    waste flow threshold: < 1000 gallons per day (The cited county program applies to systems serving a dwelling or a building generating less than 1000 gallons per day.)

    “A permit is required from the Health Department to install, repair, or replace a STS”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, repair, or replacement of a sewage treatment system serving a dwelling or a building generating less than 1000 gallons of waste per day.

    • Before permit issuance, the application requires a property deed, county-assigned address, floor plans, and applicable fees.
    • A site evaluation is required before placing a home or beginning construction; site reviews are valid for five years after approval.
    • The installation, replacement, or alteration must comply with the approved site review, operation and maintenance requirements, permit conditions, product approval conditions, design, and OAC 3701-29.
    • The permit may be revoked by the board of health if conditions arise that are not in compliance with OAC 3701-29.
    • The installation, replacement, or alteration permit is valid for one year from issuance.
    • Permits are not required for repairs such as adding risers or repairing a sewer pipe.
    • A final inspection is required before backfilling; the system must be approved before occupancy.

    waste flow threshold: < 1000 gallons per day (The cited county program applies to systems serving a dwelling or building generating less than 1000 gallons per day.) · site review validity: 5 years · installation permit validity: 1 year (From the date of issuance.) · penalty for installation, replacement, or alteration without permit: 25 percent of permit fee

    “A permit is required to install a new STS or replace or alter an existing one.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New, altered, replaced, and operating sewage treatment systems in Hocking County.

    • The county must conduct the final inspection before the system is covered; if covered first, it must be uncovered for approval.
    • No home or building may be occupied until the system is approved.
    • The Health Department conducts an inspection one year after installation.
    • The operation permit is valid for ten years and must then be renewed.
    • For operation permit renewal, the owner may use the Health Department or a registered service provider where allowed by the renewal process.

    post-installation inspection: 1 year after installation · operation permit renewal interval: 10 years

    “This office must conduct a final inspection of the system before it is covered.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Privy-based sanitation in Hocking County where permitted by the county health authority.

    • The county health department fee schedule lists a Privy Permit with a $50 local fee and a $74 state fee.
    • The cited source does not establish that all off-grid sanitation methods are allowed or that a privy is allowed on every parcel.
    • Other sewage treatment systems remain subject to the county's STS permitting and inspection requirements.

    privy permit local fee: 50 USD (Plus $74 state fee.) · privy permit state fee: 74 USD (Plus $50 local fee.)

    “A privy shall only be permitted and installed as an HSTS under the following limited conditions:”
  • Well permitRequired

    Installation or alteration of a water well, cistern, hauled water tank, or spring in Hocking County.

    • A Private Water System application and required fee must be submitted.
    • The permit is issued after site evaluation.
    • The permit is valid for one year.
    • Private water system contractors must be licensed with the Ohio Department of Health.
    • After installation and disinfection, a final inspection and water sample are required; the sample is tested for bacteria and nitrates.
    • An alteration permit is required to use an existing water system when replacing a home.

    permit validity: 1 year · water sample tests: bacteria and nitrates

    “A permit is required from the health department before a private water system can be installed or altered.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Connections to the Hocking County Sewer District within the district's service area.

    • Approval from the Hocking County Commissioners is required before connection.
    • Tap fees are charged and paid to the Hocking County Treasurer after approval.
    • The tap fee must be paid before beginning the connection process.
    • The source does not establish that sewer service or connection is available countywide.

    tap fee: required (Amount not stated in the cited application.)

    “Tap fee is required to be paid before beginning the connection process.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision, minor subdivision, and lot or tract splits administered through Hocking County Regional Planning.

    • Newly proposed minor subdivisions must be reviewed by the Hocking County Regional Planning Office.
    • Approval and deed or plat processing remain subject to applicable health department, road frontage, driveway, floodplain, survey, and engineer requirements.
    • Fees may apply for some split-processing steps.
    “The Regional Planning Office is responsible for administering and enforcing the Hocking County Subdivision Regulations, Minor Subdivision or Lot/Tract split requirements, Large Lot Regulations as well as the Hocking County Flood Plain Regulations.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New land splits and driveway access serving property in Hocking County; the approving authority varies by road jurisdiction.

    • Obtain driveway permit or frontage approval from the appropriate jurisdiction for the road.
    • Township roads are handled by Township Trustees.
    • County roads are handled by the Hocking County Engineer.
    • State roads are handled by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
    • New land splits typically require at least 100 feet of frontage with a usable driveway location.

    typical minimum frontage for new land splits: >= 100 feet (The source says 'typically'.)

    “Inspect road frontage and obtain driveway permit/ frontage approval from the appropriate jurisdiction: new land splits typically require at least one hundred feet of frontage with a useable driveway location to ensure a driveway can be constructed in the future. Contact the appropriate jurisdictional authority for the road.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New construction and remodeling in Hocking County where floodplain review may apply.

    • The County FAQ states the requirement for persons 'in the county.'
    • Regional Planning administers and enforces the Hocking County Flood Plain Regulations.
    • For land splits, floodplain permits and floodplain regulations are among the requirements reviewed.
    “If you are in the county, new construction including remodeling requires Health department plan review and permits for plumbing and on-site waste disposal and water systems. A flood plain determination is needed from the Regional Planning”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals offering transient lodging in Hocking County, including stays of less than 30 consecutive days.

    • A new short-term rental must complete the county lodging-tax registration form.
    • The combined lodging tax is 6%: 3% to Hocking County and 3% to the township where the lodging is located.
    • Lodging tax is filed monthly for the previous month, and a zero return is required even when there were no rentals or business for the month.
    • Hocking County collects the township portion for Falls, Good Hope, Green, Marion, Perry, Salt Creek, Starr, and Ward Townships.
    • For Benton, Laurel, and Washington Townships, the 3% township portion must be sent directly to that township.
    • The cited current page establishes tax and registration compliance but does not establish a general land-use permit or zoning authorization.

    combined lodging tax: 6 percent (3% county portion and 3% township portion.) · maximum stay covered by transient lodging tax: < 30 consecutive days

    “If you operate a new short-term rental, you must complete the lodging tax registration form.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Hocking County planning and land-development fees for subdivisions, variances, driveway permits, commercial subdivisions, and planned unit developments.

    • The schedule is labeled as adopted December 5, 2000.
    • The schedule covers listed county planning and development actions; it is not a comprehensive residential building-code permit fee schedule.
    • Fees may apply to particular steps or approvals, and other agencies may impose separate fees.

    minor subdivision lot split fee: 100 USD · major subdivision preliminary plat review: 100 USD (credited toward final plat fee) · major subdivision final plat review base fee: 500 USD (plus $100 per lot) · subdivision inspection fee: 500 USD · variance request: 50 USD · driveway permit fee: 25 USD (plus $20 if more than 2 inspections are required) · planned unit development fee: 500 USD (plus $100 per dwelling unit)

    “Minor Subdivision (Lot Splits): $100.00 [...] Driveway Permits: $25.00 plus $20.00 if more than 2 inspections required.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Hocking County Health Department permits, inspections, registrations, and related environmental, plumbing, sewage-treatment, private-water, food-service, camp-park, pool, tattoo, and other health-department services.
      “The Hocking County Health Department Fees were established December 8, 2025, and became effective January 1, 2026. Late fees and penalties apply as set forth by the Ohio Revised and Administrative Codes and local rules. There is a $25.00 Returned Check and $10.00 Refund/Withdraw fee.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Special Event Permits administered by the Hocking County Emergency Management Agency for special events within Hocking County.
      “The fee for a Special Event Permit shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) in the form of a check only. Fee is non-refundable unless the event is cancelled. Public safety fees are not included should they be necessary. The permit fee shall not be waived for nonprofit organizations unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Hocking County Commissioners.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County land splits and new construction or remodeling in Hocking County, including required planning, driveway, health-department, floodplain, deed, and transfer steps.

    • For new construction or remodeling in the county, Health Department plan review and permits are required for plumbing, on-site waste disposal, and water systems.
    • A floodplain determination is needed from Regional Planning.
    • For land splits, the applicant should consult Regional Planning, obtain applicable road-frontage or driveway approval, obtain Health Department approval for splits less than 5 acres, obtain deed-split approval, obtain deed transfer approval, and record the deed.
    • Driveway approval depends on whether the road is township, county, or state maintained.

    Health Department approval threshold: < 5 acres (Applies to splits less than 5 acres.)

    “Consult with the County Planner to ensure compliance with split requirements/subdivision regulations. Determine if additional approvals (road frontage, driveway, Health Department, Planning Commission, or variances) are needed.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The county Regional Planning FAQ states there is no countywide zoning; zoning exists only in the city of Logan and can only be enacted at the township or municipal level.

    Hocking County Regional Planning - Frequently Asked Questions ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Ohio rules that apply here

  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    New buildings, additions, and changed occupancies governed by the Ohio Building Code in Hocking County, where the building official has jurisdiction.

    • A new building or addition may not be used or occupied until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy.
    • A change of occupancy may not be occupied for the new occupancy until the certificate of occupancy reflecting the changed portions is issued.
    • Partial or time-limited occupancy may be approved only under the conditions stated by the building official and the Ohio Building Code.
    • This claim concerns Ohio Building Code jurisdiction; local jurisdiction and residential-code applicability must be confirmed for a particular project.
    “111.1.1.1 New buildings and additions. A building or structure erected, enlarged or extended is not permitted to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, until the certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building official.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Initial installation and occupancy of used or relocated mobile or manufactured homes for residential use in Ohio, including Hocking County.
      “shall apply to the installation and occupancy of mobile and manufactured homes in Ohio.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Buildings or structures incident to agricultural use of the land, and a specific building or structure declared by a county or township zoning inspector to be used in agriculture.

    • The exemption in section 3781.06 applies to buildings or structures incident to agricultural use of the land.
    • The buildings or structures must not be used in the business of retail trade.
    • A building or structure is not considered used in the business of retail trade if fifty per cent or more of gross income from sales of products in the building or structure comes from products produced or raised in a normal crop year on farms owned or operated by the seller.
    • Under section 3781.061, a county zoning inspector under section 303.16 or township zoning inspector under section 519.16 must issue a zoning certificate declaring the specific building or structure is to be used in agriculture for the additional exemption described there.
    • The cited section 3781.06 is effective January 1, 2025; section 3781.061 is effective October 17, 2019.

    retail-sales agricultural-product threshold: >= 50 percent of gross income (Products must be produced or raised in a normal crop year on farms owned or operated by the seller.)

    “issues a zoning certificate that declares a specific building or structure is to be used in agriculture, such building is not subject to sections”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A building or structure in Hocking County used in agriculture, where the applicable county or township zoning inspector issues the required zoning certificate.
      “Whenever a county zoning inspector under section 303.16 of the Revised Code, or a township zoning inspector under section 519.16 of the Revised Code, issues a zoning certificate that declares a specific building or structure is to be used in agriculture, such building is not subject to sections 3781.06 to 3781.20, 3781.40, or 3791.04 of the Revised Code.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Qualifying parcel divisions processed under rules adopted pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 711.133.
      “Rules adopted under this section shall exempt from the approval requirements of this section parcels of land to be used only for agricultural”
    • Available (with conditions) — Buildings or structures incident to agricultural use of the land in Ohio.
      “incident to the use for agricultural purposes [...] provided those buildings or structures are not used in the business of retail trade.”
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Parking or placement of a recreational vehicle or portable camping facility for human habitation in a licensed recreational vehicle park, recreation camp, combined park-camp, or temporary park-camp in Hocking County.
      “to be used for human habitation without interruption for any period coextensive with any license or consecutive licenses”
    • 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 Hocking County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use regulation within the corporate limits of the City of Logan, Hocking County, Ohio.

    • The official county FAQ states that zoning regulations are currently in place in the City of Logan.
    • The FAQ states that zoning regulates land uses within the corporation limits.
    • The FAQ also states that zoning ordinances may be implemented by township or municipal officials or by voter action at township, municipal, or county level.
    “Zoning regulations currently are in place in the city of Logan and regulate the uses of land within the corporation limits.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land uses within the corporate limits of the City of Logan in Hocking County.
      “Zoning regulations currently are in place in the city of Logan and regulate the uses of land within the corporation limits.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land uses within the corporation limits of the City of Logan, Hocking County, Ohio.
      “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP BY CHANGING THE ZONING [...] FOR THE PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF LOGAN.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts within the corporate limits of the City of Logan, Hocking County, Ohio.

    • The City of Logan code establishes district categories in Sections 157.102 through 157.112.
    • The official zoning map incorporates the established districts, but the code states that not every established district must be located on the map at any time.
    • The Hocking County FAQ separately states that Logan zoning regulates land uses within the city's corporation limits.

    district: Special district (S-1) · district: Single-family residential district · district: Single and two-family residential district (R-2) · district: Single and two-family residential district (R-2-B) · district: Multi-family residential district · district: Residential manufactured home park district · district: Central business district · district: Highway business district · district: General business district · district: Restricted manufacturing district · district: General manufacturing district

    “157.101 Zoning districts established 157.102 Special district 157.103 Single-family residential district 157.104 Single and two-family residential district (R-2) 157.105 Single and two-family residential district (R-2-B) 157.106 Multi-family residential district 157.107 Residential manufactured home park district 157.108 Central business district 157.109 Highway business district 157.110 General business district 157.111 Restricted manufacturing district 157.112 General manufacturing district”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Land-use zoning within the incorporated limits of the City of Logan, Hocking County, Ohio.
      “Zoning regulations currently are in place in the city of Logan and regulate the uses of land within the corporation limits. General categories are business, industrial and residential for urban areas. In addition, rural areas may include agriculture, rural residential, green space and recreation.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In Ohio, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Hocking 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
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

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 Hocking County, Ohio

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

Hocking County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Hocking County, Ohio?

Hocking County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Hocking County Health Department. 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 Hocking County, Ohio?

Land in Hocking County runs about $6,488 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hocking County?

Hocking County gets about 42.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.7% of years.

How remote is Hocking County?

A representative private-land location has about 27,358 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,989,157 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.

How Hocking compares in Ohio

Compare side-by-side →See all 88 Ohio counties ranked →