Bolthole Index

Buckingham County, Virginia

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Buckingham County, Virginia

75Index Score / 100
#17 of 133 in Virginia

Buckingham County, Virginia requires a building permit for covered construction and changes of use, with zoning, health-department and driveway approvals required when applicable12. Buckingham County administers zoning permits, while the Virginia Department of Health handles septic and private-well permits through the Piedmont Health District345.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered work; Buckingham County Building Inspections handles permits and inspections16
Zoning
The county administers zoning requests and permits; confirm the parcel's district and applicable rules37
Septic permit
Required through the Buckingham County Health Department in the Piedmont Health District89
Private well
A permit or certification-letter application requires supporting work from a properly licensed consultant5
RV / tiny home
Virginia's tiny-house code covers dwellings up to 400 square feet; local siting rules and RV occupancy need confirmation1011
Owner-builder exemption
Available for one owner-occupied primary residence in 24 months; permits and code still apply12
Agricultural buildings
Qualifying nonresidential farm buildings are exempt from the state Building Code, subject to exceptions13
Conventional septic soils
Only 14.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field14

Who to call

Building permits

Buckingham County Building Inspections

Building permit applications, code enforcement and inspections

(434) 969-4242

transon@buckinghamva.gov

13380 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 23921

Zoning

Buckingham County Building Inspections/Zoning

Zoning questions and zoning approval required with building applications

(434) 969-4242

lbaird@buckinghamva.gov

13380 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 23921

Septic permits

Buckingham County Health Department (Piedmont Health District)

Local contact for onsite sewage and private-well permitting in Buckingham County

(434) 969-4244

80 Administration Lane, Buckingham, VA 23921

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 4, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Buckingham County, Virginia?

Yes. Buckingham County requires a building permit for covered construction and changes of building use1. The county ordinance incorporates the Virginia Construction Code, including future state amendments15. A permit is required before covered construction, demolition, structural, plumbing, electrical, fire-protection, mechanical or fuel-supply work begins, although the state code lists limited exemptions16. Applicable code inspections and a final inspection are required; the inspecting authority may waive an inspection when construction costs less than $2,50017. Buckingham County also makes the permit holder responsible for requesting required inspections before occupying or using the building6. Projects requiring a certificate of occupancy must pass final inspection and submit the applicable health-department completion statement and listed test documents18. Qualifying nonresidential farm buildings are exempt from the state Building Code, subject to stated exceptions13.

Who issues Buckingham County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Buckingham County Building Inspections is the local building department; call (434) 969-4242, email transon@buckinghamva.gov, or visit 13380 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 2392119. Zoning shares the same address and telephone number, and the listed zoning email is lbaird@buckinghamva.gov20. Start with Zoning because covered building and electrical applications must include an approved zoning permit and required documents19. The county checklist also calls for applicable health-department approval, a VDOT driveway permit, contractor credentials and plans, and incomplete applications may be rejected2. The published schedule charges new residential structures and additions $0.23 per gross square foot with a $125 minimum, plus a 2% state fee; confirm the current total with Building Inspections because the ordinance is labeled revised in 200921.

Does Buckingham County have zoning?

Yes. Buckingham County has a zoning and planning program that processes zoning requests and permits, including special-use permits37. Virginia gives a county zoning jurisdiction over unincorporated territory, while a municipality controls zoning inside its incorporated area22. Ask Zoning to confirm the governing jurisdiction and zoning district for the specific parcel because the county page does not explain how its program applies inside incorporated areas11. Buckingham County requires an approved zoning permit with covered building and electrical applications19. We could not confirm the county's current district schedule, setbacks, minimum lot sizes, height limits or minimum dwelling size; get those answers from Zoning before choosing a house plan or siting improvements11.

How do septic and well permits work in Buckingham County?

The Virginia Department of Health is the septic-permitting authority for Buckingham County properties not served by public sewer, and the local contact is the Buckingham County Health Department in the Piedmont Health District4. Call (434) 969-4244 or visit 80 Administration Lane, Buckingham, VA 2392123. A sewage-disposal or private-well permit application must include supporting work from a private-sector consultant properly licensed through Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation95. Only 14.2% of Buckingham County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency14. Buckingham County requires the applicable health-department completion statement before the final building inspection6. We could not confirm a general local septic-inspection rule; ask the health department what inspections and completion documents apply to the proposed design4.

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

Virginia's Residential Code allows Appendix AQ as an alternative for a tiny house used as a dwelling when its floor area is 400 square feet or less, but Buckingham County zoning and other land-use requirements still apply10. We could not confirm which Buckingham County zoning districts allow a tiny dwelling or whether long-term RV occupancy is allowed on an ordinary private parcel; ask Zoning about the exact unit, proposed use, setbacks and utility approvals1120. Virginia's campground rule does not answer the RV question for a private homestead lot because its temporary-camping limits apply to regulated campgrounds24. A tiny dwelling must still follow Buckingham County's applicable permit, inspection and certificate-of-occupancy process10618. Wheels or a small footprint do not establish local approval; take the specifications and proposed use to Zoning and Building Inspections before buying or building.

Building a home in Buckingham County: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Buckingham County Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, allowed use and site rules, then obtain zoning approval1119.
  1. Apply through the Piedmont Health District for needed septic and private-well approvals, with supporting work from a properly licensed consultant95.
  1. Obtain the VDOT driveway-entrance permit when applicable25.
  1. Submit the building application, plans, contractor credentials and applicable approvals to Buckingham County Building Inspections before covered work begins216.
  1. Request each required inspection as construction advances; the permit holder is responsible for doing so before occupancy or use6.
  1. For projects requiring a certificate of occupancy, complete the final inspection and submit the listed health-department statement, water test and applicable home-performance test documents before moving in18.

What should you check before buying land in Buckingham County?

Confirm the parcel's zoning district, governing jurisdiction and proposed use with Buckingham County Zoning before relying on an owner's description1120. Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency because only 14.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field14. Buckingham County's building checklist requires a VDOT driveway-entrance permit when applicable25. Ask Building Inspections whether the site lies in a special flood-hazard area because otherwise exempt work may still require a permit there26. Buckingham County is 78.3% wooded and 80.6% of its land has a slope of 15% or less, but parcel-level clearing, grade and drainage still need onsite review2728. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $8742930.

Watch-outs

  • Buckingham County will not accept covered building and electrical applications without an approved zoning permit and required documents19.
  • Only 14.2% of Buckingham County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so verify septic feasibility before closing14.
  • The owner-builder exemption is only from contractor licensing; Buckingham County permits, inspections and code requirements still apply to covered work12.
  • Virginia's code provides a path for tiny dwellings up to 400 square feet, but Buckingham County's allowed zoning districts, RV-living rules, setbacks and minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed; ask Zoning and Building Inspections before committing to a design1011.

Sources

  1. Buckingham County Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  2. Buckingham County Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  3. Zoning/Planning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Onsite Program (Well and Septic), quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Program (Well and Septic), quoted and re-checked
  6. Buckingham County Building Permit Application and Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  7. Zoning/Planning, quoted and re-checked
  8. Virginia Department of Health - Piedmont Health District, Locations & Contact Us (2026 county census)
  9. Onsite Sewage & Water Program, quoted and re-checked
  10. 13VAC5-63-210. Chapter 3 Use and occupancy classification, quoted and re-checked
  11. Zoning/Planning, quoted and re-checked
  12. § 54.1-1101. Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penalties, quoted and re-checked
  13. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. 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
  15. Buckingham County Building Permit Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit, quoted and re-checked
  17. 13VAC5-63-130. Section 113 Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  18. Buckingham County Building Permit Application and Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  19. Buckingham County Building Inspections (buckinghamcountyva.org)
  20. Buckingham County Building Inspections/Zoning (buckinghamcountyva.org)
  21. Buckingham County Building Permit Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. § 15.2-2280. Zoning ordinances generally (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Buckingham County Health Department (Piedmont Health District) (vdh.virginia.gov)
  24. 12VAC5-450 Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Buckingham County Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  26. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 4, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleBuckingham CountyCumberland CountyAppomattox CountyAlbemarle CountyNelson CountyFluvanna CountyPrince Edward County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsVDHVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVDHVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVDH

County locator

Buckingham County in Virginia

75
County map
Buckingham County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Buckingham County scores

Seclusion64100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness3990% ev.
Durability75100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% 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 →

$262kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$4,400Land / acre
44.8"Annual rain
0.7% of yrsSevere drought
7.3 / yr (+6.8)Mid-century 100°F days
14 daysMid-century dry spell
2.24" (+10.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.46×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,218Home insurance / yr
1.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.19%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
8,817People within 30 min
2,625,538People within 2 hr
24,365Radius comparison (15 mi)
29.3People / sq mi
0%Federal land
80.6%Land at 15% slope or less
14.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
52,111 acWorkable land screen
78.3%Wooded land
47.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Buckingham County

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

Town of Dillwyn

Answers from the rulebook for Buckingham County

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

Buckingham County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building construction and changes of building use requiring a Buckingham County building permit.

    • An approved zoning permit, approved VDH permit, VDOT driveway entrance permit, contractor license, and building plans are listed as required items.
    • Requirements may vary by project type and applicable state or county law.
    “The following are required to obtain a building permit:”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction, alteration, repair, addition, demolition, and removal of structures in Buckingham County.

    • The ordinance incorporates the Virginia Construction Code as amended by the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development.
    • The ordinance states that the building code includes its current form and future amendments.
    “The Virginia Construction Code shall be referred to in this chapter as the “building code” and shall include the building code in its current form and as amended in the future.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted building construction before occupancy or use.

    • The checklist identifies minimum inspections under Uniform Statewide Building Code section 113.3, including footing, foundation, structural, electrical/mechanical/plumbing, energy-conservation, and final inspections.
    • For permits subject to VDH regulations, a VDH completion statement must be on file before final inspection.
    “IT SHALL BE THE PERMIT HOLDERS RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST THE REQUIRED INSPECTIONS PRIOR TO OCCUPYING OR USING THE BUILDING OR STRUCTURE”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Projects for which Buckingham County requires a Certificate of Occupancy.

    • The checklist requires a VDH well/septic completion statement, passing final building inspection, bacterial water test, duct leakage affidavit, blower door test, and radon test.
    • The duct leakage, blower door, and radon requirements are marked as applying only to site-built and modular homes.
    “*REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY*”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning administration and zoning permits in Buckingham County.

    • The county page identifies a Zoning/Planning Administrator and a county Zoning Ordinance link.
    “The Office of the Zoning and Planning Administrator processes all zoning requests and issues, permits (including special-use), handles all zoning and planning inquiries, and works with the Planning Commission.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County-administered zoning in Buckingham County, including special-use permitting.

    • The county page states that the Zoning/Planning Administrator processes zoning requests and issues permits.
    “The Office of the Zoning and Planning Administrator processes all zoning requests and issues, permits (including special-use), handles all zoning and planning inquiries, and works with the Planning Commission.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Buckingham County's official zoning and planning program, including zoning requests and permits administered by the county Zoning and Planning Administrator.
      “The Office of the Zoning and Planning Administrator processes all zoning requests and issues, permits (including special-use), handles all zoning and planning inquiries, and works with the Planning Commission.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of private onsite sewage systems serving Buckingham County properties.

    • Applications must include supporting work from a properly licensed private-sector consultant through DPOR.
    • An expansion construction permit is necessary when proposed residential development exceeds the number of bedrooms the existing system was designed to accommodate.
    “Application for a Sewage Disposal System and/or Private Well Construction Permit or a Certification Letter must be accompanied by supporting work from a private sector consultant who is properly licensed to do such work through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Building-permit applications in Buckingham County where a driveway entrance is applicable.

    • The county checklist requires a Driveway Entrance Permit from VDOT.
    • The county application lists VDOT approval as an office-use item, with N/A available where applicable.
    “3. Driveway Entrance Permit from VDOT (800) 367-7623.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Buckingham County building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, inspection, and related permits.

    • Residential new structures and additions are charged $0.23 per gross square foot with a $125 minimum.
    • Accessory residential structures are charged $0.11 per gross square foot with a $25 minimum.
    • A 2% mandatory state fee is added to all building permits.
    • Re-inspections after the second inspection are $50 per inspection.
    • The ordinance is labeled Revised 7/1/2009.

    residential structure permit fee: per 0.23 USD per gross square foot (minimum $125) · accessory residential structure permit fee: per 0.11 USD per gross square foot (minimum $25) · mandatory state fee: 2 percent (added to all building permits) · reinspection fee after second inspection: 50 USD per inspection

    “The fees for building permits are hereby established as provided herein:”
  • Permit processPublished

    Buckingham County building-permit application and review process.

    • Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
    • Required documents include zoning approval, VDH approval, VDOT driveway entrance permit, contractor license, and plans.
    • Permit holders must request inspections before occupying or using the structure.
    • VDH completion statements are required before final inspection for permits subject to VDH regulations.
    “Please see attached Building Permit Checklist for more information regarding the building permit process.”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A person performing or supervising construction, removal, repair, or improvement of one primary residence owned by that person and for that person's own use, for contractor-licensing purposes.

    • The exemption is limited to no more than one primary residence owned by the person and for the person's own use during any 24-month period.
    • The exemption from contractor licensing does not exempt the work from the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
    • If the person is exempt under subdivision A 7 and conveys the property to a third-party purchaser, the person must obtain a certificate of occupancy before conveyance unless the purchaser acknowledges in writing that no certificate of occupancy has been issued and consents to acquire the property without one.
    • The exemption concerns Chapter 11 contractor licensing; applicable building permits and inspections remain governed by the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    primary residences per 24-month period: <= 1 residence (residence must be owned by the person and for the person's own use)

    “Any person who performs or supervises the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by him and for his own use during any 24-month period;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A person constructing, removing, repairing, or improving no more than one primary residence owned by that person for that person's own use during any 24-month period.
      “Any person who performs or supervises the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by him and for his own use during any 24-month period;”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny houses constructed as dwellings in Buckingham County under the Virginia Residential Code.

    • Appendix AQ may be used only where the dwelling is 400 square feet (37 m2) or less in floor area.
    • The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code applies to construction and is enforced by the local government's building inspections department.
    • Local Buckingham County zoning and other land-use requirements may still apply; the opened county zoning page confirms that the county processes zoning requests and issues permits.

    maximum floor area for Appendix AQ: <= 400 square feet (Loft treatment, if any, is governed by the applicable Virginia Residential Code provisions.)

    “R336.1 General. Appendix AQ may be used as an alternative to the requirements of this code where a dwelling is 400 square feet (37 m2) or less in floor area.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and occupancy of manufactured homes in Virginia localities that adopt and enforce zoning ordinances.

    • In agricultural zoning districts, or similarly classified districts where agricultural, horticultural, or forest uses are dominant and site-built housing is allowed, placement of manufactured homes must be permitted.
    • In other zoning districts where site-built housing is allowed, the manufactured home must be converted to real property under § 46.2-653.1, have its certificate of occupancy issued within five years following the manufacture date on the data plate, and be placed on an individual lot.
    • Localities may adopt uniform standards applying to all residential structures in the zoning district, but those standards may not exclude manufactured housing compliant with the Virginia Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Law.
    • Restrictive covenants may continue to impose obligations.
    • Local zoning and land-use controls that do not affect construction or installation remain in force; site preparation, utility connections, skirting, and maintenance must meet the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    certificate of occupancy deadline from manufacture date: <= 5 years (date listed on the home's data plate) · placement requirement: individual lots

    “the placement of manufactured homes shall be permitted for manufactured homes that are (i) converted to real property in accordance with § 46.2-653.1”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units on residential dwelling lots in single-family residential zoning districts, under Virginia Code § 15.2-2292.4 effective July 1, 2027.

    • The ADU must be attached or detached, provide complete independent living facilities, be on the same lot as a proposed or existing primary residence, and include facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
    • The locality must treat ADUs as a permitted accessory use in single-family residential zoning districts, subject to the statute's listed exceptions and conditions.
    • An applicant must first obtain an ADU permit from the locality; the locality may charge no more than $500 for that permit, in addition to applicable inspection, site, or building permit fees.
    • Localities may require a rental lease term of at least 30 consecutive days; replacement or dedicated parking; floor-area, lot-coverage, and impervious-area limits of at least 350 square feet on lots under 2,500 square feet and at least 500 square feet on lots of 2,500 square feet or greater; building-code, water, sewer, septic, emergency-access, flood-zone, stormwater, historic-district, corridor-protection, and Air Installations Compatible Use Zone compliance; owner occupancy of either the ADU or primary dwelling at application; an ADU no more than 500 feet from the primary dwelling; no ADU on a residential lot with more than one dwelling unit; and no separate sale or subdivision from the primary dwelling.
    • Localities may not require rear or side setbacks greater than those applicable to the primary dwelling or accessory structures, more restrictive ADU restrictions regarding height, rear or side setbacks, lot size or coverage, or building frontage than for single-family dwellings in the same zoning area, restrictive covenants concerning an ADU on a qualifying lot, public-street improvements except for repair or reconstruction of construction-related disturbance, or consanguinity or affinity between occupants.
    • The statute does not supersede private contracts, recorded declarations, condominium instruments, common-interest-community declarations, cooperative instruments, or property-owners'-association declarations.
    • The statute does not apply to existing ADU permits approved before July 1, 2027.
    • The statute does not restrict a locality from passing before July 1, 2027, an ADU ordinance or amendment that substantially complies with the statute.
    • The statute does not apply to a locality that adopted an ADU ordinance before January 1, 2026.

    ADU permit fee maximum: <= 500 USD (Additional inspection, site, or building permit fees may apply.) · minimum floor-area limit on lots under 2,500 square feet: >= 350 square feet (Locality may impose limits on floor area, lot coverage, and impervious area.) · minimum floor-area limit on lots of at least 2,500 square feet: >= 500 square feet (Locality may impose limits on floor area, lot coverage, and impervious area.) · maximum ADU distance from primary dwelling: <= 500 feet (A locality may require this limit.) · effective date: 2027-07-01

    “§ 15.2-2292.4. (Effective July 1, 2027) Development and use of accessory dwelling units. [...] Zoning ordinances for single-family residential zoning districts shall be deemed to include accessory dwelling units as a permitted accessory use, and no locality shall require compliance with any other requirements except as provided in this section.”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage and septic permitting for properties not served by public sewer or public water.

    • The Virginia Department of Health is identified as the permitting authority.
    • Buckingham County is served by the Piedmont Health District, whose contact page lists the Buckingham County Health Department.
    “Property that is not served by public sewer or a public water system requires permitting by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Installation of sewage disposal systems statewide.

    • For installations not pursuant to a design certified by a licensed professional engineer or onsite soil evaluator, no part may be covered or used until inspected, corrected if necessary, and approved by the district or local health department, unless expressly authorized.
    • Installations under a certified professional engineer or onsite soil evaluator design are exempt from the local-health-department inspection requirement in 12VAC5-610-320 and instead require the certifier's inspection report under 12VAC5-610-330.
    • The rule is inapplicable to a Type III septage disposal facility.
    “This section shall not apply to any sewage disposal system installation that is pursuant to a design certified by a licensed professional engineer or onsite soil evaluator.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private well construction, approval, and abandonment in Virginia, including Buckingham County.

    • Monitoring wells are excepted.
    • VDH or a private-practice onsite soil evaluator or licensed well driller locates the well site and applies setback and minimum-construction requirements.
    • Well inspections occur during or after construction, before approval as a drinking-water supply, and for abandonment.
    “VDH permits all wells with the exception of monitoring wells.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farm buildings and structures under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    • A farm building or structure is not used for residential purposes, is located on property where farming operations take place, and is used primarily for a listed farm use.
    • The exemption does not apply to a building or portion of a building on a farm that is operated as a restaurant and licensed by the Board of Health under Chapter 2 (§ 35.1-11 et seq.) of Title 35.1.
    • Farm buildings and structures in a flood plain or mudslide-prone area remain subject to applicable flood-proofing or mudslide regulations.
    • A qualifying agritourism farm building or structure where the public is invited to enter and which is used for display, sampling, or sale described in § 36-99 must have portable fire extinguishers, a simple written emergency plan, and the required exemption sign.
    “Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, farm buildings and structures shall be exempt from the provisions of the Building Code, except for a building or a portion of a building located on a farm that is operated as a restaurant as defined in § 35.1-1 and licensed as such by the Board of Health pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 35.1-11 et seq.) of Title 35.1.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land and its development in every Virginia locality.

    • The governing body of every locality must adopt the ordinance; the resulting subdivision controls are administered through the applicable locality's ordinance.
    “The governing body of every locality shall adopt an ordinance to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Work otherwise exempt from a Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code permit when located in a special flood hazard area.

    • The building official may require a permit for items that are otherwise exempt under the permit-application section when they are located in a special flood hazard area.
    • The rule does not establish that every floodplain development project is exempt from other local floodplain, building, zoning, or federal requirements.
    “Application for a permit may be required by the building official for any items exempted in this section that are located in a special flood hazard area.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Residential dwelling use as a short-term rental in Virginia.

    • Existing local authority to regulate short-term rentals through general land-use and zoning authority is preserved.
    • A locality may adopt a registration ordinance, and a registration ordinance may impose a penalty up to $500 per violation for an operator required to register.
    • A locality may limit a lessee or sublessee to one short-term rental within the locality.
    • For a residential dwelling also legally occupied by the property owner as the primary residence, a local ordinance enacted after December 31, 2023, or a later amendment, may not require a special exception, special use, or conditional use permit for short-term rental use.
    • Private contracts, condominium instruments, common-interest-community declarations, cooperative instruments, and property-owners-association declarations are not superseded.

    registration penalty: <= 500 USD per violation (Only where a locality adopts a registry ordinance and the operator is required to register.) · owner-occupied primary residence special-use permit prohibition date: > 2023-12-31 (Applies to local ordinances enacted after this date or subsequent amendments.)

    “Except as provided in this section, nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit, limit, or otherwise supersede existing local authority to regulate the short-term rental of property through general land use and zoning authority.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Recreational vehicles and other camping units offered as campsites in Virginia campgrounds, including facilities with three or more campsites and travel-trailer camps; this claim does not establish a general residential right to occupy an RV outside the specified campground framework.

    • A campground includes land or facilities accommodating camping units for periods of overnight or longer and includes travel trailer camps.
    • A campground must be permitted by the Virginia Department of Health and is inspected annually by local health department staff.
    • Offering three or more campsites may require a campground permit, including short-term or online-advertised camping.
    • Temporary campground permits allow up to 14 days of temporary camping, consecutively or nonconsecutively, within a 60-day period.
    • Temporary campgrounds must provide at least one portable toilet per 75 campers, make sewage-tank pumping available when RVs are present, and provide an acceptable water source.
    • The statutory definition excludes property where an individual owner may choose to camp, provided the owner is not prohibited or encumbered by covenants, restrictions, or conditions from providing sanitary facilities within the owner's property lines.
    • Other exclusions include summer camps, migrant labor camps, parks for manufactured homes, construction camps, and storage areas for unoccupied camping units.

    minimum campsites for campground definition: >= 3 campsites (The individual-owner camping exception and other statutory exclusions apply.) · temporary campground permit duration: <= 14 days (In a 60-day period, consecutively or nonconsecutively.) · temporary campground permit period: 60 days · portable toilets: per 1 per 75 campers (Temporary campgrounds.)

    “"Campground" means any area, place, parcel, or tract of land, by whatever name called, on which three or more campsites are occupied or intended for occupancy, or facilities are established or maintained, wholly or in part, for the accommodation of camping units for periods of overnight or longer [...] "Camping unit" means any device or vehicular type structure for use as temporary living quarters or shelter during periods of recreation, vacation, leisure time, or travel, including any tent, tent trailer, travel trailer, camping trailer, pickup camper, or motor home.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Virginia counties adopting and administering zoning ordinances over unincorporated territory statewide.

    • The zoning power is exercised by county governing bodies through ordinance.
    • County zoning jurisdiction covers unincorporated territory; incorporated areas are under municipal jurisdiction.
    • The statute permits regulation of land uses, structures, dimensional standards, open spaces, and excavation or mining, including residential and flood-plain uses.
    “For the purpose of zoning, the governing body of a county shall have jurisdiction over all the unincorporated territory in the county, and the governing body of a municipality shall have jurisdiction over the incorporated area of the municipality.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Virginia counties administering and enforcing the Uniform Statewide Building Code and issuing building permits for construction, including residential construction, in county jurisdiction.

    • Virginia's building code is a Uniform Statewide Building Code adopted by the State Board; it supersedes county building codes and regulations.
    • The county's role is local administration and enforcement through a local building department, not independent adoption of a conflicting county building code.
    • A county without a building department or local board of Building Code appeals must enter an agreement with another county, municipality, agency, or approved state agency for enforcement and appeals.
    • A town with a population of less than 3,500 may elect to administer and enforce the Building Code; if it does not, the county administers and enforces the Code for that town.
    • Buildings may be inspected before completion and are not deemed compliant until approved by the inspecting authority; inspections under $2,500 construction cost may be waived at the inspecting authority's discretion.
    • Building permit and enforcement fees may be levied by the local governing body.
    • Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the Building Code except for a farm building or portion operated as a licensed restaurant; farm buildings in flood plains or mudslide-prone areas remain subject to applicable flood-proofing or mudslide regulations.

    small-town population threshold: < 3500 people (The town may elect to administer and enforce the Building Code; otherwise the county administers it for the town.) · inspection-waiver construction cost threshold: < 2500 USD (The inspecting authority may waive inspection at its discretion.)

    “Enforcement of the provisions of the Building Code for construction and rehabilitation shall be the responsibility of the local building department. [...] Whenever a county or a municipality does not have such a building department or board of Building Code appeals, the local governing body shall enter into an agreement with the local governing body of another county or municipality or with some other agency, or a state agency approved by the Department for such enforcement and appeals resulting therefrom.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Buckingham County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Buckingham County, including any zoning-district or use-specific thresholds and exceptions.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot sizes in Buckingham County zoning districts.
  • Setbacks — Zoning setbacks for development in Buckingham County, including any district-specific standards and exceptions.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Buckingham County zoning districts.
5 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Mandatory utility hookup

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 Buckingham County, Virginia

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

Buckingham County scores 75/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Buckingham County, Virginia?

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

How much does land cost in Buckingham County, Virginia?

Land in Buckingham County runs about $4,400 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Buckingham County?

Buckingham County gets about 44.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.7% of years.

How remote is Buckingham County?

A representative private-land location has about 8,817 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,625,538 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 Buckingham compares in Virginia

Compare side-by-side →See all 133 Virginia counties ranked →