Bolthole Index

Noble County, Ohio

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Noble County, Ohio

69Index Score / 100
#9 of 88 in Ohio

Noble County, Ohio requires a County Auditor building permit for new construction or improvements valued over $2,000; call or visit the Auditor's Office and pay the $25 fee by cash or check1. Building-code approval is a separate track through the Southeast Ohio Building Department23. Wayne and Buffalo Townships have zoning, while the balance of unincorporated Noble County is not zoned45.

At a glance

County building permit
Required for new construction or improvements valued over $2,000; $25 from the County Auditor67
Building-code approval
Southeast Ohio Building Department serves Noble County for residential and commercial codes2
Zoning
Wayne and Buffalo Townships require zoning permits; the balance of unincorporated Noble County is unzoned8910
Septic permits
Noble County Health Department administers the local process; obtain its permit before installation1112
RV living
Confirmed for licensed campgrounds; private-parcel occupancy was not confirmed13
Tiny homes
No countywide occupancy rule was confirmed; ask SEOBD and the township zoning officer25
Private well
A board-of-health permit is required for a new or altered private water system14
Manufactured homes
A qualifying permanently sited home is allowed where single-family homes are allowed15

Who to call

Building permits

Southeast Ohio Building Department

Building-code plan approval and inspections in Noble County

(740) 374-4185

seobd@wcgov.org

340 Muskingum Drive, Marietta, OH 45750

Online permits →

Building permits

Noble County Auditor's Office

The county building permit for new construction or improvements above the value threshold

740-732-4044

200 Courthouse, Caldwell, OH 43724

Septic permits

Noble County Health Department

Household sewage treatment system site evaluations, permits and inspections

740-732-4958

info@noblecohd.org

44069 Marietta Rd., Caldwell, OH 43724-9124

Roads & driveways

Noble County Map Office / Engineer's Office

County addressing and coordination of driveway permits before a new address is assigned

740-732-4941

250 Courthouse Room 2D, Caldwell, OH 43724

Planning & zoning

Noble County Planning Commission

Subdivision and lot-split review

740-732-4941

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

Yes. Noble County requires a County Auditor permit for new construction or other building improvements valued over $2,000; call or visit the Auditor's Office on the second floor of the Courthouse and pay the $25 fee by cash or check1. That county permit does not replace building-code approval: the Southeast Ohio Building Department serves Noble County for residential and commercial code work23. Projects within SEOBD's jurisdiction need plan approval before work begins and inspections afterward16. Ohio's owner-builder plan-submission exception applies only where no certified residential building department has jurisdiction, and the available material does not establish that condition for unincorporated Noble County; ask SEOBD before relying on the exception17. Buildings incident to agricultural use can be excluded from specified building-code provisions if they are not used for retail trade18. A county or township zoning certificate declaring a specific structure's agricultural use provides another statutory route to that exclusion19.

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

Building projects can involve two offices. The Noble County Auditor's Office issues the county permit from 200 Courthouse in Caldwell; call 740-732-4044 or visit the office on the second floor of the Courthouse120. The Southeast Ohio Building Department handles building-code plan approval and inspections for Noble County from 340 Muskingum Drive in Marietta; call (740) 374-4185 or email seobd@wcgov.org3. SEOBD approval does not include zoning or sewage disposal16. For a new driveway and address, contact the Map Office / Engineer's Office at 250 Courthouse Room 2D in Caldwell or 740-732-494121. The Noble County Planning Commission reviews subdivision and development activity; call 740-732-4941 with lot-split questions2223.

Does Noble County, Ohio have zoning?

Wayne Township and Buffalo Township require zoning permits, while the balance of unincorporated Noble County is not zoned242510. Buffalo Township's zoning officer can be reached at 740-680-7003, and Wayne Township's zoning officer can be reached at 740-679-32812524. Current township district maps, setbacks, minimum lot sizes, lot coverage, height limits and permit fees could not be confirmed, so obtain the applicable township ordinance and parcel classification before design5. Outside those two townships, county zoning imposes no setback or minimum-lot-size rule, but road, septic, subdivision, floodplain and building-code siting requirements can still constrain a project2627. A parcel division falls within Ohio's subdivision definition when any resulting parcel is under five acres, while divisions into parcels over five acres are exempt if they create no new street or access easement; adjoining-owner transfers that create no additional building site are also exempt28.

How do septic permits work in Noble County?

The Noble County Health Department administers the local household sewage process with the Ohio Department of Health, and a new, replacement or altered system needs an NCHD permit before installation1112. The process includes soil analysis, system design, site evaluation, installation by a registered installer or a homeowner who passes the contractor test, and an uncovered final inspection1229. Start with the Noble County Health Department at 740-732-495830. Soil data rates 0% of Noble County soils as free from severe limits for a conventional drain field, so settle feasibility and design before choosing a house site31. A private well or other private water system also needs a board-of-health permit before construction or alteration and final approval after inspection and applicable water sampling14. Off-grid toilets still leave wastewater subject to approved-system rules32.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Noble County?

Noble County could not confirm a countywide rule allowing full-time RV or tiny-home occupancy on a private parcel. In Wayne and Buffalo Townships, ask the township zoning officer about dwelling use, placement and duration before moving an RV or tiny home onto the land89. Elsewhere in unincorporated Noble County, the absence of zoning does not by itself authorize occupancy10. Building-code approval and an approved sewage system can still apply212. Ohio permits habitation in an RV at a licensed recreational vehicle park for the license period, but that rule does not answer private-parcel occupancy13. Development within an RV park or camp in an unincorporated-area floodplain requires a county-commissioners permit under the county floodplain resolution33. A qualifying permanently sited manufactured home is permitted wherever the local district or zone allows single-family homes, subject to statutory conditions15.

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

  1. Identify the township and incorporated status; Wayne and Buffalo Townships require zoning permits89.
  1. If the parcel is being split, ask the Noble County Planning Commission whether subdivision review applies; Ohio's definition and exemptions depend on parcel size, access and whether another building site is created282223.
  1. Arrange soil analysis and septic design early, because 0% of county soils are rated free from severe conventional drain-field limits31.
  1. Obtain the household sewage treatment system permit from the Noble County Health Department before installation, and obtain the board-of-health permit for a private well or other private water system if needed121430.
  1. Ask the Southeast Ohio Building Department whether its residential jurisdiction covers the project before relying on Ohio's conditional owner-builder exception343.
  1. Call or visit the County Auditor and pay the $25 permit fee by cash or check when construction or improvements exceed $2,000 in value1.
  1. For a new driveway, secure the road authority's permit before a new address is assigned35.

What should you check before buying land in Noble County?

Start with septic feasibility: 0% of Noble County soils are rated free from severe limits for a conventional drain field31. Terrain adds cost risk because only 20.6% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, and 70.2% is wooded3637. Verify the road authority before assuming a driveway location; a new driveway permit must be completed before a new address is assigned35. Check the township because Wayne and Buffalo require zoning permits while the balance of unincorporated Noble County is unzoned8910. Ask the Planning Commission about any lot split because Noble County reviews land subdivision and development, while current numeric subdivision standards and fees were not confirmed3823. Typical county figures are a 0.8% effective property-tax rate and a median annual tax bill near $1,178, but obtain the parcel's actual assessment before budgeting3940.

Watch-outs

  • The County Auditor permit and Southeast Ohio Building Department plan approval are separate requirements; ask both offices before starting construction62203.
  • Wayne and Buffalo Townships require zoning permits, but current dimensional standards were not confirmed; request the township ordinance and parcel zoning before design work2425.
  • Noble County could not confirm a private-parcel RV or tiny-home occupancy rule; ask the township zoning officer and Southeast Ohio Building Department before relying on the absence of countywide zoning43.
  • A septic permit in a floodplain is conditional on providing an approved floodplain building permit12.
  • The agricultural building-code exclusion is conditional, and a zoning certificate declaring the specific structure's agricultural use is one statutory route; ask the zoning inspector and SEOBD to confirm the route for the project413.

Sources

  1. Noble County Auditor, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  3. Southeast Ohio Building Department (washingtongov.org)
  4. Sewage Treatment Systems – Noble County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Noble County Township Trustees & Officials, quoted and re-checked
  6. Noble County Auditor, quoted and re-checked
  7. Noble County Auditor, quoted and re-checked
  8. Sewage Treatment Systems – Noble County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  9. Sewage Treatment Systems – Noble County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  10. Sewage Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  11. Sewage Treatment Systems – Noble County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  12. Sewage Treatment Systems – Noble County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  13. Section 3729.05 | Annual license required - inspection - proof of fire safety and code compliance, quoted and re-checked
  14. Rule 3701-28-03 - Permits, system approval and sampling requirements, quoted and re-checked
  15. Section 3781.184 | Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards, quoted and re-checked
  16. Southeast Ohio Plan Approval Application, quoted and re-checked
  17. Ohio Residential Code Rule 4101:8-1-01, quoted and re-checked
  18. Section 3781.06 | Public buildings to be safe and sanitary - definitions, quoted and re-checked
  19. Section 3781.061 | Exemption for building or structure used in agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  20. Noble County Auditor's Office (noblecountyohio.gov)
  21. Noble County Map Office / Engineer's Office (noblecountyohio.gov)
  22. Noble County Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  23. Noble County Planning Commission (noblecountyohio.gov)
  24. noblecohd.org, quoted and re-checked
  25. noblecohd.org, quoted and re-checked
  26. Sewage Treatment Systems – Noble County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  27. Sewage Treatment Systems – Noble County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  28. Section 711.001 | Plat definitions, quoted and re-checked
  29. Sewage Treatment Systems – Noble County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  30. Noble County Health Department (noblecohd.org)
  31. 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
  32. Chapter 3701-29 - Sewage Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  33. Section 3729.04 | Municipal or county permit for development, quoted and re-checked
  34. Section 3791.04 | Submission of plan - approvals - prohibition - fine, quoted and re-checked
  35. Noble County Map Office, quoted and re-checked
  36. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Noble County Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  39. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Section 3781.061 | Exemption for building or structure used in agriculture, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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 all 6 of its neighbors, Noble County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleNoble CountyGuernsey CountyMorgan CountyMonroe CountyWashington CountyMuskingum CountyBelmont County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNot publishedNoNoNo
Septic permitsCambridge-Guernsey County Health Dept.Cambridge-Guernsey County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Noble County in Ohio

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

How Noble County scores

Seclusion51100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency54100% ev.
Admin Boringness7190% ev.
Durability79100% ev.
Property Autonomy35100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% 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 →

$194kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$4,332Land / acre
42.6"Annual rain
3.1% of yrsSevere drought
2.9 / yr (+2.8)Mid-century 100°F days
11.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.55" (+6.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.87×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,118Home insurance / yr
0.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.32%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
18,122People within 30 min
4,581,108People within 2 hr
31,314Radius comparison (15 mi)
36People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
20.6%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
70.2%Wooded land
48 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Noble 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.

Village of Batesville · Beaver Township · Village of Belle Valley · Brookfield Township · Buffalo Township · Village of Caldwell · Center Township · Village of Dexter City · Elk Township · Enoch Township · Jackson Township · Jefferson Township · Marion Township · Noble Township · Olive Township · Village of Sarahsville · Seneca Township · Sharon Township · Stock Township · Village of Summerfield · Wayne Township

Answers from the rulebook for Noble County

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

Noble County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    New construction or other building improvements on property in Noble County valued over $2,000.

    • The permit is obtained by calling or visiting the Auditor’s Office on the second floor of the Courthouse.
    • The $25 fee must be paid by cash or check when acquiring the permit.

    improvement value threshold: > 2000 USD · building permit fee: 25 USD (Must be paid by cash or check at the time of acquiring the permit.)

    “A Building Permit is required for new construction or other building improvements on your property that are valued over $2000.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Building-code administration for Noble County through the Southeast Ohio Building Department (SEOBD), including residential and commercial/nonresidential code categories.

    • The official SEOBD page states that SEOBD serves Noble County.
    • The official jurisdiction list states that SEOBD jurisdiction covers municipalities and all unincorporated areas of each listed county, except Belmont and Meigs; Noble County is listed with the date 10/5/07.
    • The jurisdiction document is marked Revised 6/2023; the reviewed source does not independently confirm that this list remains current as of 2026-09-27.
    • The adopted-codes page identifies the Residential Code of Ohio, Ohio Building Code, Ohio Mechanical Code, and Ohio Plumbing Code.
    • The current-code document states 2024 commercial codes and the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio for 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwellings, and is marked Updated 5/6/2024.
    • The source provides code adoption and listed jurisdiction coverage but does not establish that every current incorporated Noble County municipality remains within SEOBD jurisdiction beyond the listed municipalities.

    commercial building code: 2024 Ohio Building Code · residential building code: 2019 Residential Code of Ohio for 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwellings

    “Commercial Codes [...] Building 2024 OBC {Ohio Building Code) [...] Residential Codes [...] 2019 RCO Residential Code of Ohio for 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwellings”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Building-code plan approval and enforcement for projects in Noble County within the state-approved jurisdiction of the Southeast Ohio Building Department (SEOBD).
      “All construction documents submitted shall provide sufficient information and detail to determine full compliance with the requirements of the current Ohio Building Code (OBC).”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The balance of unincorporated Noble County outside the identified Wayne Township and Buffalo Township zoning areas.

    • Wayne Township requires a zoning permit.
    • Buffalo Township requires a zoning permit.
    • This claim does not determine zoning inside incorporated municipalities.
    “The balances of the unincorporated areas in Noble County are not zoned.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local-zoning situation across Noble County; the conclusion aggregates subordinate township and municipal controls and does not mean Noble County administers each local ordinance.

    • The official county officials page identifies a zoning officer for Buffalo Township.
    • The official county officials page identifies a zoning officer for Wayne Township.
    • The reviewed official sources did not establish the complete list of local zoning ordinances, districts, or municipal zoning coverage.
    “Zoning Officer: Greg Clark 740-680-7003 [...] Zoning Officer: Connie Rich 740-260-3281”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Absent — The balance of unincorporated Noble County outside Wayne Township and Buffalo Township.
      “The balances of the unincorporated areas in Noble County are not zoned.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum lot size in the unincorporated portions of Noble County outside Wayne Township and Buffalo Township.

    • The source expressly identifies Wayne Township and Buffalo Township as requiring zoning permits; this claim applies only to the balance of unincorporated Noble County.
    • Subdivision regulations, septic suitability and permitting, access requirements, floodplain rules, and other non-zoning requirements may still constrain a parcel.
    “The balances of the unincorporated areas in Noble County are not zoned.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning setbacks in the unincorporated portions of Noble County outside Wayne Township and Buffalo Township.

    • The source expressly identifies Wayne Township and Buffalo Township as requiring zoning permits; this claim applies only to the balance of unincorporated Noble County.
    • Floodplain, roadway, septic, subdivision, building-code, and other non-zoning setbacks or siting requirements may still apply.
    “The balances of the unincorporated areas in Noble County are not zoned.”
  • Living in an RVAllowed (with conditions)

    Human habitation in a recreational vehicle at a licensed recreational vehicle park or campground in Noble County.

    • The campground or RV park must be licensed under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3729.
    • The license exception applies when no person intends to receive or receives anything of value from the use or related goods or services.
    • A separate license is required for each park or temporary park-camp.
    • The 2026 Noble County fee schedule lists $340 total for an RV Park/Campground with 50 or fewer sites, plus $2 county fee per additional site over 50 and a $110 state fee.
    • Noble County Health Department inspectors inspect public RV/campgrounds for wastewater discharge, capacity, sanitation, and facility maintenance.

    annual license fee for RV Park/Campground <= 50 sites: 340 USD (2026 total county and state fee) · temporary park-camp license period: <= 7 consecutive days (A tract used for more than 21 days or parts thereof in a calendar year requires a recreational vehicle park, recreation camp, or combined park-camp license)

    “Upon a license being issued under sections 3729.05 to 3729.08 of the Revised Code, any operator has the right to rent or use each lot or camping space for the parking or placement of a recreational vehicle or portable camping facility to be used for human habitation without interruption for any period coextensive with any license or consecutive licenses issued under sections 3729.05 to 3729.08 of the Revised Code.”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    Household sewage treatment systems in Noble County, administered locally by the Noble County Health Department under Ohio Department of Health sewage-system rules.

    • The Noble County Health Department page states that site evaluation is conducted by NCHD and ODH and that the permit is obtained from NCHD.
    • State requirements in Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-29 apply.
    “Site evaluation will be scheduled and conducted by NCHD and ODH [...] Obtain a Household Sewage Treatment System permit from NCHD”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New, replacement, or alteration of household sewage treatment systems in Noble County, including unincorporated areas

    • A soil scientist must analyze the soils and a designer must design the system.
    • Soils and design must be submitted for site evaluation by NCHD and ODH.
    • A Household Sewage Treatment System permit must be obtained from NCHD before installation.
    • Installation must be performed by a registered installer in Noble County or by a homeowner who passes the contractor test.
    • An uncovered final inspection by NCHD and ODH is required.
    • For a septic permit in a flood plain, approval is conditional on obtaining and providing an approved Flood Plain Building Permit.
    • The source states that zoning permits are required in Wayne Township and Buffalo Township; the balance of unincorporated Noble County is not zoned.
    “Permitting: Permit and inspection of New, Replacement, or Alteration of sewage systems in Noble County. [...] Obtain a Household Sewage Treatment System permit from NCHD”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New, replacement, or altered household sewage treatment systems in Noble County.

    • The Noble County Health Department page specifies an uncovered final inspection by NCHD and ODH.
    • The same page separately describes point-of-sale inspections for existing systems but does not state that every point-of-sale inspection is mandatory.
    • Additional inspection or operation-and-maintenance requirements may apply by system type or permit condition.
    “The board of health shall inspect the installation of the system in a timely manner to reduce the potential damage that can occur from leaving the system open without final cover.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land subdivision and development activities reviewed by the Noble County Planning Commission throughout Noble County, subject to the applicable geographic jurisdiction of the commission and any incorporated-area or other statutory allocation of authority.

    • The Noble County Planning Commission reviews land subdivision and development activities.
    • The county page identifies subdivision regulations as subject to pending amendments.
    • The page states that suggestions, comments, and concerns regarding the pending amendments were accepted through October 28, 2026.
    “Through the review of land subdivision and development activities, the Commission promotes safe, efficient, and economical growth while preserving the character of Noble County and supporting responsible development for current and future generations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land subdivision and development activities throughout Noble County under the Noble County Planning Commission's subdivision-review function.
      “Through the review of land subdivision and development activities”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    A new driveway in Noble County when a new address is being assigned.

    • The Driveway Permit must be completed with the Engineer’s Office before a new address is assigned.
    • Applications may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to the Noble County Engineer’s Office at the address stated on the source page.
    “If a new driveway is to be installed, a Driveway Permit must be completed with the Engineer’s Office prior to a new address being assigned.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building permits for new construction or other building improvements in Noble County, Ohio, valued over $2,000.

    • The fee is stated for Building Permits; the page does not state whether other county or state permits have different fees.
    • The fee must be paid by cash or check at the time of acquiring the permit.

    property improvement value threshold: > 2000 USD · building permit fee: 25 USD (must be paid by cash or check at the time of acquiring the permit)

    “Building Permits require a fee of $25 that must be paid by cash or check at the time of acquiring your permit.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building permits for new construction or other building improvements in Noble County, Ohio, valued over $2,000.

    • The permit is required when the new construction or other building improvement is valued over $2,000.
    • The applicant is instructed to call or visit the Auditor’s Office on the second floor of the Courthouse.
    • The $25 fee must be paid by cash or check when acquiring the permit.

    property improvement value threshold: > 2000 USD · permit fee: 25 USD (cash or check)

    “A Building Permit is required for new construction or other building improvements on your property that are valued over $2000. To obtain your building permit call or visit the Auditor’s Office, located on the second floor of the Courthouse.”

Ohio rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Electrical and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning work performed as contracting within an Ohio county; the statute authorizes, but does not itself impose, county licensing rules.

    • A board of county commissioners may adopt licensing rules by resolution for electrical and HVAC contractors not required to hold a valid and unexpired Chapter 4740 license.
    • County rules may be enforced in unincorporated areas and in municipalities that contract with the county for enforcement.
    • A county rule may require examinations, technical-skill demonstrations, fees, and additional licensing requirements.
    • A county board may accept a valid and unexpired Chapter 4740 license for construction, replacement, maintenance, or repair of one-, two-, or three-family dwellings or incidental accessory structures.
    • The statute does not establish a statewide owner-builder electrical or HVAC contractor-license exemption; county and municipal rules must be checked for the specific location.
    “Each board of county commissioners may adopt, by resolution, rules establishing standards and providing for the licensing of electrical and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning contractors who are not required to hold a valid and unexpired license pursuant to Chapter 4740. of the Revised Code.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner of a residential building subject to Ohio Revised Code section 3791.04 when no certified municipal, township, or county residential building department has jurisdiction.
      “If no certified municipal, township, or county building department certified for residential buildings [...] has jurisdiction, the owner is not required to make the submissions”
    • Conditional — An owner of a residential building in Ohio, including Noble County, where no certified municipal, township, or county residential building department has jurisdiction.
      “If no municipal, township, or county building department is certified by the Board of Building Standards for residential buildings in accordance with section 3781.10(E) of the Revised Code has jurisdiction, the owner is not required to make submission of construction documents, seek approvals, request inspections, or obtain certificates of occupancy required in this Chapter.”
    • Conditional — An owner-builder constructing, erecting, altering, or equipping a building covered by Ohio Revised Code section 3781.06, including residential buildings, where a certified municipal, township, or county building department has jurisdiction.
      “No owner shall proceed with the construction, erection, alteration, or equipment of any building until the plans or drawings, specifications, and data have been approved as this section requires, or the industrialized unit inspected at the point of origin.”
    • Conditional — An owner performing contractor-regulated construction, improvement, or renovation on the owner's own primary residential building in Ohio.
      “(F) "Construction project" means a construction project involving a building or structure subject to Chapter 3781. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under that chapter, but not an industrialized unit or a residential building as defined in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building work subject to Ohio building-code enforcement after certificate of plan approval, and inspections initiated after complaints, accidents, or natural disasters.

    • Inspections are directed after a certificate of plan approval has been issued, or after a complaint, accident, or natural disaster.
    • The building official identifies special conditions affecting inspection timing and schedules inspection times mutually agreed upon by the building official and owner.
    • Special inspections required under section 1704 of rule 4101:1-1-01 are excepted from the stated scheduling rule.
    • Certified inspectors inspect work within the limits of their certification and the approved construction documents.
    “Once a certificate of plan approval has been issued in accordance with rule 4101:1-1-01 or 4101:8-1-01 of the Administrative Code, or upon receipt of a complaint or occurrence of an accident or natural disaster, the building official directs necessary inspections and investigations to determine whether the work which has been performed and the installations which have been made are in conformity with the approved construction documents.”
  • 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 homesAllowed

    A permanently sited manufactured home in Noble County, including unincorporated areas, where the political subdivision permits single-family homes in the applicable district or zone.

    • The home must be constructed in accordance with federal manufactured-housing construction and safety standards and bear the required permanent label or tag.
    • The home must be affixed to a permanent foundation and connected to appropriate facilities.
    • The home must be at least twenty-two feet wide at one point, at least twenty-two feet long at one point, and have at least nine hundred square feet of living area excluding garages, porches, and attachments.
    • The home must have a minimum 3:12 residential roof pitch, conventional residential siding, and a six-inch minimum eave overhang including appropriate guttering.
    • The home must have been manufactured after January 1, 1995 and must not be located in a manufactured home park.
    • Local political subdivisions may impose zoning requirements uniformly imposed on all single-family residences, except minimum-roof-pitch requirements and requirements inconsistent with federal manufactured-housing standards.
    • Local political subdivisions may prohibit travel trailers, park trailers, mobile homes, and manufactured homes that do not qualify as permanently sited manufactured homes in residential districts or zones.
    • A private landowner may include a restrictive covenant in a deed prohibiting manufactured homes, travel trailers, park trailers, or mobile homes.

    minimum width: >= 22 feet at one point · minimum length: >= 22 feet at one point · minimum living area: >= 900 square feet (excluding garages, porches, or attachments) · minimum roof pitch: 3:12 residential roof pitch · minimum eave overhang: >= 6 inches (including appropriate guttering) · manufacture date: > 1995-01-01

    “shall be a permitted use in any district or zone in which a political subdivision permits single-family homes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of manufactured homes installed in Ohio and regulated under Chapter 4781 of the Revised Code and implementing rules.
      “Except as provided in paragraph (C) of this rule, no manufactured home shall be occupied until the inspector has issued the inspection seal.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation, including private sewage treatment systems, gray-water systems, privies, holding tanks, composting toilets, and incinerating toilets in Noble County.

    • All sewage and human excreta from a dwelling or building must be conveyed to an approved STS or sanitary sewer; gray water may be conveyed to an approved GWRS.
    • A privy is allowed only as an HSTS under limited conditions, including no plumbing or drain connections, a minimum 500-gallon capacity, required isolation distances, and a properly vented superstructure.
    • Holding tanks require board-of-health authorization and a permit; a variance is required for a holding tank permitted as an HSTS.
    • Composting and incinerating toilets are STS components and may be used for toilet waste, but all other sewage must be discharged to an STS.
    • Discharges to surface waters or the ground generally require an NPDES permit or other authorization, and discharge to abandoned wells, dry wells, cesspools, or sinkholes is prohibited.

    privy minimum capacity: >= 500 gallons (Subject to all other conditions in Rule 3701-29-18(B).) · composting-toilet flow reduction: <= 25 percent (As determined by the designer, homeowner, and board of health.)

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

    Construction, alteration, sealing, or decommissioning of private water systems, including private wells and test wells, in Ohio.

    • A valid permit must be issued by the board of health before construction, alteration, or sealing, except that a person sealing a well or decommissioning a private water system not being replaced must apply no later than five business days afterward.
    • Except where specified exceptions apply, no work may begin until the permit is issued and approved.
    • Applications require the applicable permit fee, required information, and a fee for at least one water sample for alteration, conversion, or new construction.
    • An application becomes a permit upon validation by the local health district.
    • Plans are additionally required for specified systems, including systems serving a building, non-one/two/three-family dwellings, cisterns, springs or ponds, flowing-well areas, drive-point wells, buried pressure tanks, gasoline-powered pumps, continuous disinfection or filtration, and certain point-of-entry treatment systems.

    post-sealing/decommissioning application deadline: <= 5 business days (Applies when the well or private water system is not being sealed or decommissioned because it is being replaced.)

    “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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, alteration, sealing, or installation of a test well or private water system serving property in Noble County.
      “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 by the board of health pursuant to this rule.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Disposal of sewage where an existing publicly owned or regional sanitary sewer is accessible and available.

    • The sewer connection may not conflict with an areawide waste-treatment plan, approved regional sewage-service and treatment plan, or connection ban.
    • The receiving disposal system must have or be expected to have capacity to collect and treat the sewage.
    • For an existing structure, any part of the structure generating waste must be within 300 feet of the nearest sanitary-sewer right-of-way boundary.
    • For a proposed structure outside a larger common plan, any lot property line must be within 300 feet.
    • For two or more proposed structures, the threshold is 200 feet multiplied by the number of proposed structures, up to 5,000 feet.
    • The director may grant an exemption when technical, financial, environmental, legal, or physical barriers prevent connection and the alternative will not adversely affect human health or the environment.
    • When a sewer later becomes accessible and available, a non-public or non-regional disposal system must generally be abandoned and connection made within three years unless the director authorizes another timeframe.

    existing structure sewer-distance threshold: <= 300 feet (Measured to the nearest boundary of the sanitary-sewer right-of-way.) · proposed structure sewer-distance threshold: <= 300 feet (Measured from any property line of the lot.) · multiple proposed structures threshold: 200 feet multiplied by the number of proposed structures (Maximum distance is 5,000 feet.) · connection deadline after accessibility becomes available: 3 years (Unless an alternative timeframe is authorized by the director.)

    “Connection into existing publicly owned or regional sanitary sewers is required for the disposal of sewage when said sewers are accessible and available.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Premises in an Ohio county sewer district, including any applicable Noble County sewer district, when a new public sewer construction project is proposed or located there
      “If the board of health of the health district within which a new public sewer construction project is proposed or located passes a resolution stating that the reason for the project is to reduce or eliminate an existing health problem or a hazard of water pollution, the board of county commissioners of the county, by resolution, may order the owner of any premises located in a sewer district in the county [...] to connect the premises to the sewer”
  • 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”
    7 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Buildings or structures incident to agricultural use of the land in Noble County, including unincorporated areas, under Ohio building-safety statutes.
      “incident to the use for agricultural purposes [...] provided those buildings or structures are not used in the business of retail trade.”
    • Conditional — An agricultural building or structure in Noble County for which the applicable county or township zoning inspector issues the statutory zoning certificate.
      “issues a zoning certificate [...] such building is not subject to sections 3781.06 to 3781.20, 3781.40, or 3791.04”
    • Available (with conditions) — A specific agricultural building or structure in Noble County when a county or township zoning inspector issues a zoning certificate declaring that the building or structure is to be used in agriculture.
      “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.”
    • Conditional — Buildings or structures incident to agricultural use of land in Noble County, Ohio.
      “(B) Sections 3781.06 to 3781.18, 3781.40, and 3791.04 of the Revised Code do not apply to any of the following: (1) Buildings or structures that are incident to the use for agricultural purposes of the land on which the buildings or structures are located, provided those buildings or structures are not used in the business of retail trade. For purposes of this division, a building or structure is not considered used in the business of retail trade if fifty per cent or more of the gross income received from sales of products in the building or structure by the owner or operator is from sales of products produced or raised in a normal crop year on farms owned or operated by the seller.”
    • Conditional — A specific agricultural building or structure in Noble County where a county or township zoning inspector issues a zoning certificate declaring that the building or structure is to be used in agriculture.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development within a recreational vehicle park, recreation camp, combined park-camp, or temporary park-camp located in a one-hundred-year flood plain in an unincorporated area of Noble County, Ohio.
      “(B) 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 Noble County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Property in Buffalo Township, Noble County, Ohio.

    • A zoning permit is required; the source identifies Greg Clark as zoning inspector and provides telephone number 740-680-7003.
    “In Buffalo Township you will need to contact Greg Clark, Zoning Inspector, for a zoning permit. He can be reached at 740-680-7003.”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Unincorporated property in Wayne Township, Noble County, Ohio.
      “In Wayne Township you will need to contact Connie Rich, Zoning Inspector, for a zoning permit. She can be reached at 740-679-3281.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Unincorporated property in Buffalo Township, Noble County, Ohio.
      “In Buffalo Township you will need to contact Greg Clark, Zoning Inspector, for a zoning permit. He can be reached at 740-680-7003.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning administration in Buffalo Township, Noble County, Ohio
      “BUFFALO [...] Zoning Officer: Greg Clark 740-680-7003”
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning administration in Wayne Township, Noble County, Ohio
      “WAYNE [...] Zoning Officer: Connie Rich 740-260-3281”
    • Present (with conditions) — Property in Wayne Township, Noble County, Ohio.
      “In Wayne Township you will need to contact Connie Rich, Zoning Inspector, for a zoning permit. She can be reached at 740-679-3281.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In Ohio, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Noble 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.

  • Zoning districts
  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Lot coverage
  • 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.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in Noble 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 Noble County, Ohio

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

Noble County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a durable current and mid-century hazard profile. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Noble County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Cambridge-Guernsey County Health Department (STS program for Noble County). 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 Noble County, Ohio?

Land in Noble County runs about $4,332 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Noble County?

Noble County gets about 42.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.1% of years.

How remote is Noble County?

A representative private-land location has about 18,122 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,581,108 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 Noble compares in Ohio

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