Bolthole Index

Campbell County, Virginia

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Campbell County, Virginia

71Index Score / 100
#31 of 133 in Virginia

Unincorporated Campbell County, Virginia requires a written building permit from the county before work regulated by the state building code begins, except inside a town that issues its own building permits1. County zoning permits are needed for most additions to a property2. Septic and well permits for the whole county, towns included, come from the Virginia Department of Health34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before covered work; towns that issue their own permits are excepted1
Zoning
Yes; most additions need a zoning permit, as do some uses without construction2
Septic permit
VDH requires construction and operation permits; qualifying installations are inspected before covering or use56
RV while building
One RV may be used temporarily in specified districts for up to six months when all conditions are met7
Accessory dwelling
Allowed on qualifying single-family property; detached units are capped at 1,000 square feet8
Minimum lot size
Varies by district and utilities; A-1 generally requires 1.5 acres9
Minimum home size
No single total dwelling minimum confirmed; 400 sq ft or less may use the building code's tiny-house appendix; bedrooms must meet state floor-area standards1011
Owner-builder
A limited contractor-license exemption is available, but permits and code compliance still apply12

Who to call

Building permits

Campbell County Community Development (Building Permits & Inspections)

Building permit applications, plan review, and inspections for Campbell County; enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

(434) 332-9596

85 Carden Lane, Suite A, Rustburg, VA 24588

Zoning

Campbell County Community Development (Zoning, Planning & Subdivisions)

Zoning permits, setbacks, subdivision, and land-use questions for Campbell County.

(434) 332-9615

85 Carden Lane, Suite A, Rustburg, VA 24588

Septic permits

Campbell County Health Department

Onsite sewage (septic) and well construction permits for Campbell County, under the Central Virginia Health District.

434.592.9550

116 Kabler Lane, Rustburg, VA 24588

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 Campbell County, Virginia?

Yes. Campbell County requires a written permit before construction, rehabilitation, enlargement, alteration, demolition, or another change regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code; the permit must be displayed at the site1. The county provision does not apply inside a town that issues its own building permits, so a parcel inside town limits should ask the town's building office instead1. Septic and well permits are separate and still come from the Health Department3. County examples include a swimming pool more than 24 inches deep and a storage building or detached garage larger than 256 square feet13. Painting, residential re-roofing, certain replacement windows and doors, fences, and other listed work are exempt14. Campbell County administers construction and inspections under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code15. A qualifying non-residential farm building used primarily for farm purposes is exempt from that code, but floodplain rules still apply and a farm building operated as a licensed restaurant is not exempt16.

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

Campbell County Community Development is at 85 Carden Lane, Suite A, Rustburg, VA 24588, phone (434) 332-959613. Applications go through the county's online portal; complete applications may be issued while the applicant waits, while plan review may take several days17. Permits are not written after 4:30 p.m. and remain valid for six months, with another six months added after each inspection17. The county adds a 2% state levy to permit fees, and intensive site-plan review costs $200 unless a specific code provision sets a higher fee18. Fees are due before issuance, and starting without the required permit or causing an additional inspection under the listed conditions adds $5019. Buildings remain subject to inspection until the county approves compliance, although the inspecting authority may waive inspection when construction costs less than $2,50020.

Does Campbell County have zoning, and who issues zoning permits?

Campbell County has agricultural, business, industrial, airport, and overlay zoning districts, each with its own uses and dimensional standards21. Most additions to property need a zoning permit, and signs, occupancy permits, or home occupations may need one even without construction2. Residential lot minimums vary with zoning and utility service because lots using a well or septic generally require more land; A-1 generally requires at least 1.5 acres, subject to an immediate-family exception9. R-SF principal-building setbacks are 25 feet front, 20 feet rear, and 10 feet on each side; A-1 generally uses 50 feet front, 25 feet rear, and 15 feet side, subject to stated exceptions22. R-SF structures above 35 feet need prior written approval, while A-1 has no maximum except possible airport-district limits23. Call the Zoning Administrator at (434) 332-9615 to confirm the parcel's district and overlay before siting a structure24.

How do septic permits work in Campbell County?

The Virginia Department of Health handles Campbell County private septic and well permits through the Central Virginia Health District and Campbell County Health Department; the program also inspects completed sewage systems254. Reach the Health Department at 116 Kabler Lane, Rustburg, VA 24588, phone 434.592.955026. A written construction permit is required before a sewage system is constructed, expanded, or modified, and a written operation permit is required for covered systems5. The septic application fee is $2255. Unless the installation follows a design certified by a licensed engineer or onsite soil evaluator, no part may be covered or used until the local or district health department inspects and approves it6. About 55.6% of Campbell County soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field, but the individual homesite still needs evaluation27.

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

Campbell County allows one RV or recreational camper as a temporary residence while a primary home is being built on the same lot in R-MF, R-MH, or A-1 zoning, for no more than six months and only after the required building, water, septic, and temporary electrical permits and connections are in place7. Resort camping is limited to day-or-week occupancy and cannot become a permanent, year-round residence28. Campbell County has no separate tiny-home category that we could confirm; a tiny home is treated as a dwelling, and recreational vehicles and similar temporary habitation are excluded from the single-family-dwelling definition. A dwelling of 400 square feet or less may use Appendix AQ of the Virginia building code as an alternative path, but the zoning district must still allow a dwelling, and a building permit and septic and water approvals still apply11. We could not confirm a single minimum total floor area for a dwelling; Virginia's building standard requires each bedroom to contain at least 70 square feet and, when shared, at least 50 square feet per occupant10. Ask Community Development which district standards apply to a proposed tiny home24. Campbell County allows accessory dwellings on qualifying single-family properties, subject to bedroom, size, setback, and septic conditions8.

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

  1. Call the Zoning Administrator at (434) 332-9615 to identify the zoning district, overlays, setbacks, and allowed use before fixing the house location24.
  2. Confirm whether an approved water supply or connection to nearby public water or sewer will be required during site-plan review29.
  3. Obtain the VDH septic and private-well permits needed for the site254.
  4. Submit the building-permit application through Campbell County's online portal with the required information and fees17. An owner may qualify to build or supervise one primary residence for personal use during a 24-month period without a contractor license, but the building permit and code still apply12.
  5. Display the written permit at the construction site and arrange required inspections before work is concealed120.
  6. Obtain a VDOT land-use permit if the entrance connects to a state-maintained highway30.
  7. Complete final approvals before occupancy31.

What to check before you buy land in Campbell County

Start with the official zoning map because district and overlay rules control uses, lot dimensions, setbacks, and height21. Campbell County regulates subdivisions through standards for access, streets, lot size, setbacks, plat review, and zoning-district criteria; minor and family divisions follow separate procedures and exceptions32. For a tourist house, by-right use requires an Agricultural-zoned parcel of at least 25 acres and 250 feet of separation from adjoining parcels; otherwise a special-use permit is required in Agricultural and Residential districts33. Test the homesite rather than judging septic potential from acreage alone: about 55.6% of county soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field27. About 75.1% of county land has a slope of 15% or less and 66.8% is wooded, so clearing and grading affect the practical building area3435.

Watch-outs

  • A Campbell County building permit remains valid for six months and gains another six months with each inspection; failing to request an inspection can lead to suspension and reactivation fees17.
  • General agricultural activity in A-1 may avoid a zoning permit, but other building, health, environmental, and state requirements can still apply3637.
  • A private septic system may need Health Department approval before an accessory dwelling adds bedrooms8.

Sources

  1. Campbell County Code of 1988, Chapter 5 Buildings, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Health Services - Central Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health Services - Central Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  5. 12VAC5-610-240. Permits; general., quoted and re-checked
  6. 12VAC5-610-320. Inspection and correction., quoted and re-checked
  7. Campbell County Code of 1988, Chapter 22 Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  8. Campbell County Code of 1988, Chapter 22 Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Subdividing Land, quoted and re-checked
  10. § 36-105.4. Occupancy standards for residential dwelling units, quoted and re-checked
  11. Ch. 22 - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  12. § 54.1-1101. Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penalties, quoted and re-checked
  13. Campbell County Community Development (Building Permits & Inspections) (co.campbell.va.us)
  14. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  15. Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  16. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  19. Appendix of Fees, quoted and re-checked
  20. Campbell County Code of 1988, Chapter 5 Buildings, quoted and re-checked
  21. Campbell County Code, quoted and re-checked
  22. Campbell County Code of 1988, Chapter 22 Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  23. Campbell County Code of 1988, Chapter 22 Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  24. Campbell County Community Development (Zoning, Planning & Subdivisions) (co.campbell.va.us)
  25. Onsite Sewage & Water Program, quoted and re-checked
  26. Campbell County Health Department (vdh.virginia.gov)
  27. 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
  28. Campbell County Code of 1988, Chapter 22 Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  29. Chapter 22 Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  30. Land use permits (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. 13VAC5-63-160. Section 116 Certificates of occupancy (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Campbell County Code, quoted and re-checked
  33. Campbell County Community Development Updates, quoted and re-checked
  34. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Ch. 22 - Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  37. Chapter 22 Zoning, 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

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

RuleCampbell CountyLynchburg CityAppomattox CountyAmherst CountyBedford CountyCharlotte CountyHalifax County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVDHVA Dept. of Health

County locator

Campbell County in Virginia

71
County map
Campbell County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Campbell County scores

Seclusion48100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency75100% ev.
Admin Boringness38100% ev.
Durability81100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$280kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$3,656Land / acre
44.7"Annual rain
0.9% of yrsSevere drought
5.5 / yr (+5.1)Mid-century 100°F days
14.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.25" (+10.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.42×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,044Home insurance / yr
2.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.67%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
45,988People within 30 min
2,379,700People within 2 hr
94,014Radius comparison (15 mi)
109.8People / sq mi
0%Federal land
75.1%Land at 15% slope or less
55.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
174,157 acWorkable land screen
66.8%Wooded land
52.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Campbell 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Campbell County

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

Campbell County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Buildings and structures in Campbell County.

    • Required before constructing, moving, altering, or demolishing a building or structure.
    • Also required for specified changes of use and regulated equipment.
    • County lists exemptions including painting, residential reroofing, ordinary replacement windows and doors except fire-rated assemblies, fences, and other listed work.
    “A building permit is required before: Constructing, moving, altering, or demolishing a building or structure. Changing the use of a building where the new use requires different structural strength, fire protection, exits, or sanitary provisions. Installing or altering any equipment which is regulated by the building code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, rehabilitation, enlargement, alteration, demolition, or other changes regulated by the USBC in Campbell County.
      “No person shall commence the construction, rehabilitation, enlargement, alteration or demolition of any building or structure or part or parts thereof located in the County, or make other changes which are regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, until there shall have first been obtained from the Building Official a permit in writing, signed by such official or his authorized agent.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building construction and inspections administered by Campbell County.

    • Compliance is with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
    “Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in Campbell County.
      “The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, with additional provisions of local applicability, shall control all matters concerning the construction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings or part or parts thereof”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings and structures under construction subject to the USBC.

    • A structure is not deemed in compliance until approved by the county inspecting authority.
    • For construction costing less than $2,500, inspection may be waived at the inspecting authority's discretion.
    • Inspection reports are coordinated before issuance of an occupancy permit.

    inspection-waiver threshold: < 2500 USD construction cost (waiver is discretionary)

    “Any building or structure may be inspected at any time before completion, and shall not be deemed in compliance until approved by the county inspecting authority. Where the construction cost is less than $2,500.00, however, the inspection may, in the discretion of the inspecting authority, be waived.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in Campbell County, including unincorporated county areas.

    • Zoning permits are generally required with building permits and may also be required for signs, occupancy permits, and home occupations.
    “A Zoning permit is needed in most instances where something is being added on a property.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulation and zoning-permit administration in Campbell County, including county zoning districts and land uses.

    • Specific requirements vary by zoning district and use.
    • The zoning ordinance contains exceptions for certain uses; for example, general agricultural activities undertaken in compliance with applicable laws are use-of-right in the A-1 district and do not require a zoning permit under the cited exception.
    “The purpose of this zoning ordinance is to promote the general health, safety and welfare of the public and for the accomplishment of the above stated objectives.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and overlay districts shown on the official zoning map.

    • Overlay districts may apply in addition to underlying zoning districts.
    • The code index identifies Chapter 22 as the zoning chapter dated December 2, 2025.
    “The requirements of this Transportation Corridor Overlay district shall be in addition to and shall overlay all other zoning districts so that any parcel of land lying in the Transportation Corridor Overlay district shall also lie in one or more of the other zoning districts provided for by this Chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Campbell County zoning districts and district standards.
      “Article VII. Agricultural Zoning Districts.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential parcels in Campbell County, with zoning and utility-dependent standards.

    • A-1 Agricultural parcels require at least 1.5 acres, with exceptions for immediate family members.
    • Residential acreage requirements depend on public water and/or sewer; the minimum lot size is greater when well and/or septic is required.
    • Other minimums depend on zoning classification.

    A-1 minimum lot size: >= 1.5 acres (immediate-family exception)

    “Parcels zoned A-1 Agricultural require a minimum lot size of 1.5 acres”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — R-SF and A-1 zoning districts.
      “The minimum lot area shall be one and a half (1.5) acres, except for family single lot divisions for which the minimum lot area of any newly-created lot shall be one (1) acre, provided the residue area maintains the minimum lot area of one and a half (1.5) acres.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-SF and A-1 zoning districts.

    • R-SF: front 25 feet, rear 20 feet, side 10 feet each side; front and exterior-side setbacks increase by 10 feet on corner lots.
    • A-1: front 50 feet, rear 25 feet, side 15 feet; flag-lot and preexisting nonconforming-structure exceptions apply.
    • Accessory-building setbacks differ from principal-structure setbacks.

    R-SF front setback: 25 feet (corner-lot front and exterior-side setbacks increase by 10 feet) · A-1 front setback: 50 feet (flag-lot remainder may use 25 feet; qualifying pre-1997 nonconforming structures may use 25 feet) · A-1 rear setback: 25 feet · A-1 side setback: 15 feet

    “The minimum front setback for all uses shall be twenty-five feet (25’); rear setback twenty feet (20’); side yard ten feet (10’) for each side, except as excluded herein. The front and exterior side setback shall be increased by ten feet (10’) for any corner lot.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-SF and A-1 zoning districts.

    • R-SF structures over 35 feet require prior written approval from the Zoning Administrator and Building Official.
    • A-1 has no maximum height limitation except where airport district height limitations may apply.

    R-SF maximum height: 35 feet (may exceed with prior written approval) · A-1 maximum height: none (airport district height limitations may apply)

    “No structure in a district zoned R-SF shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height unless the height is approved in writing by the Zoning Administrator and Building Official prior to construction.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    One recreational vehicle or recreational camper used as a temporary residence in R-MF, R-MH, or A-1 zoning districts while constructing a primary residence.

    • Same lot as the primary residence under construction.
    • Maximum six months.
    • Must be operable and have current state inspection and licenses, or qualifying rental/government markings.
    • No delinquent personal property taxes.
    • Must have onboard electrical, plumbing, and waste-management facilities.
    • Building, water, and septic permits must be issued.
    • Site must connect to permanent permitted water and waste disposal and permitted temporary electrical service.

    maximum temporary residential period: 6 months

    “Notwithstanding other provisions of this Code, one recreational vehicle or recreational camper, as defined in §22-2 of this Code, may be used as a temporary residence in an R-MF or an R-MH zone, subject to the following conditions:”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping areas and camping units in county zoning districts allowing resort camping.

    • At least 2,000 square feet per camping unit.
    • Maximum density of 15 campsites or camping units per gross acre.
    • Occupancy is by the day or week only.
    • Camping may not be used as a permanent, year-round residence.

    minimum area per camping unit: >= 2000 square feet · maximum camping density: <= 15 units per gross acre

    “Any camping area or camping unit shall be occupied by the day or week only and shall not be utilized as a permanent, year-round residence.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A small detached dwelling under 400 square feet used as a residence in Campbell County.

    • Campbell County zoning defines a dwelling as a building designed for or used for residential purposes and defines a single-family dwelling as a building or structure for one family; recreational vehicles, recreational campers, and similar temporary habitation are excluded from the single-family-dwelling definition.
    • The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code permits Appendix AQ as an alternative code path when the dwelling is 400 square feet or less in floor area.
    • The applicable zoning district must permit the dwelling use and other zoning requirements still apply.
    • A building permit is required before constructing, moving, altering, or demolishing the structure.
    • Applicable water, sewer, and septic requirements remain applicable.

    floor area threshold: <= 400 square feet (Appendix AQ alternative under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)

    “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.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units on qualifying single-family residential properties, including R-SF districts.

    • Maximum two bedrooms.
    • Attached units must be within the main dwelling with a common entrance and retain a single-family appearance.
    • Detached units must be in a lawful accessory building, meet accessory-building setbacks, and be no more than 1,000 square feet.
    • Private septic systems may require Health Department approval for additional bedrooms.

    maximum bedrooms: <= 2 bedrooms · maximum detached ADU size: <= 1000 square feet

    “Accessory dwelling units shall not have more than two bedrooms.”
  • Who permits septicState

    Campbell County through the Central Virginia Health District and Campbell Health Department.

    • The program issues sewage and well permits and inspects finished sewage systems.
    “Environmental Health Specialists work to protect drinking water and groundwater resources by ensuring sanitary handling and disposal of sewage and protection of drinking water supplies. We issue sewage disposal system construction permits and inspect finished sewage disposal systems. We issue construction permits for drinking water wells to make sure they are located and constructed properly.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Site plans and development plans subject to Campbell County zoning review.

    • Approved water supply is required where applicable.
    • Site-plan provisions may require extension and connection to abutting or adjacent public water or sewer systems.
    • The cited source does not establish a universal countywide connection requirement for every parcel.
    “connect to abutting or adjacent public water or sewer systems”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Production agriculture or silviculture in an agricultural zoning district.

    • The Chapter 22 cross-reference states that no special exception or special use permit is required for production agriculture or silviculture in an agricultural district or classification.
    • Other building, health, environmental, and applicable state requirements may still apply.
    “production agriculture or silviculture activity”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in Campbell County.

    • A plat must be made and recorded.
    • All applicable state laws and county Chapter 21 requirements must be satisfied.
    • Specified boundary surveys, well lots, utility lots, existing parcels, ALTA/ACSM surveys, cemeteries, and stormwater lots may be exempt from general chapter requirements subject to approval and conditions.

    administrative review fee for listed exempt plats: 25 USD (exempt plats remain subject to specified minimum requirements)

    “No person shall subdivide land without making and recording a plat of the subdivision and without fully complying with the provisions of Article 6 of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia (Va. Code §15.2-2240 et seq.) and of Chapter 21 of this Code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in Campbell County.
      “The minimum lot sizes required under this Subdivision Ordinance shall be those minimum lot sizes required in each zoning classification district, unless a specific exception is prescribed for a particular zoning district.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Rooming houses and tourist houses under Campbell County zoning.

    • Rooming houses are owner-occupied and allowed by-right in all zoning districts.
    • A tourist house is allowed by-right on an Agricultural-zoned parcel of at least 25 acres and at least 250 feet from adjoining parcels.
    • Otherwise, a tourist house requires a special-use permit in Agricultural and Residential zoning districts.

    tourist-house minimum parcel size for by-right use: >= 25 acres · tourist-house separation for by-right use: >= 250 feet from adjoining parcels

    “A rooming house is now allowed by-right in all zoning districts. Tourist houses are short-term rentals that are not owner-occupied.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit fees and related charges.

    • Fees must be paid before issuance.
    • Work commenced before permit issuance incurs an additional $50 fee.
    • Each additional inspection caused by listed failures incurs a $50 reinspection fee.
    • The appendix states it was adopted June 17, 2002 and last amended July 19, 2022.

    fee for work begun without required permit: 50 USD (does not relieve legal prosecution) · reinspection fee: 50 USD (applies for each additional inspection caused by listed reasons)

    “A reinspection fee of $50 shall be charged for each additional inspection when any of the following reasons are the cause of the additional inspection:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building and zoning permit processes.
      “A 2% State Levy fee is added to all permit fees.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Campbell County building permits.

    • Applications must be submitted through the online portal.
    • Most permits can be issued while the applicant waits if required information and fees are included.
    • Plan-review permits may take several days.
    • Permits are not written after 4:30 p.m.
    • Permits remain valid six months from issuance and may be extended six months after each inspection; failure to request inspection within six months may require reapplication and additional fees.
    “Applications must be submitted via our online portal.”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner who personally performs or supervises construction, removal, repair, or improvement of a primary residence in Campbell County.

    • The exemption applies 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 is from Virginia contractor-licensing requirements, not from Campbell County building-permit requirements.
    • Any exempt person must comply with the Uniform Statewide Building Code.
    • Before conveying the property to a third-party purchaser, the exempt person must obtain a certificate of occupancy unless the purchaser acknowledges in writing that no certificate of occupancy has been issued and consents to acquire the property without one.
    • Campbell County states that a building permit is required before constructing, moving, altering, or demolishing a building or structure.

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

    “7. 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;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A person who performs or supervises construction, removal, repair, or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by that person and for that person's own use during any 24-month period; this is an exemption from Virginia contractor-licensure requirements, not an exemption from Campbell County building-permit requirements.
      “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;”
    • Conditional — 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.
      “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;”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy or change of occupancy of buildings or structures regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    • A certificate of occupancy must be obtained before occupancy or change of occupancy.
    • The building official issues it within five working days after approval of the final inspection and determination of compliance with the code and pertinent laws or ordinances.
    • A certificate of occupancy is not required for an IRC accessory structure.
    • A new certificate of occupancy is not required for an addition to an existing Group R-5 building that already has a certificate of occupancy.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued before completion if the portion can be occupied safely without endangering life or public safety.
    • For certain contractor-license exemptions, a certificate of occupancy must still be obtained before conveying the property to a third-party purchaser unless the purchaser acknowledges in writing that none was issued and consents to acquire without one.

    certificate issuance deadline after final inspection approval: 5 working days (when the building or structure is determined to comply with the code and pertinent laws or ordinances)

    “Prior to occupancy or change of occupancy of a building or structure, a certificate of occupancy shall be obtained in accordance with this section.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Bedrooms in residential dwelling units regulated by Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code, including applicable residential construction in Campbell County.

    • The cited state rule specifies minimum bedroom floor areas, not a single minimum total floor area for an entire dwelling.
    • Each bedroom must contain at least 70 square feet.
    • A bedroom occupied by more than one person must contain at least 50 square feet for each occupant.
    • Other Uniform Statewide Building Code requirements and applicable county zoning, building, water, and septic requirements still apply.

    minimum bedroom floor area: >= 70 square feet · minimum bedroom floor area per occupant when bedroom has more than one occupant: >= 50 square feet per occupant

    “Under the Uniform Statewide Building Code, each bedroom shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor area, and each bedroom occupied by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor area for each occupant.”
  • 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”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, operation, expansion, or modification of sewage disposal systems in Campbell County, administered locally through the Virginia Department of Health's district or local health department.

    • A written construction permit from the commissioner is required before construction, expansion, or modification.
    • A written operation permit is required for sewage disposal systems constructed after the effective date of the chapter.
    • Permit conditions must be obeyed.
    • The Central Virginia Health District identifies Campbell Health Department as a local office and states that it issues sewage disposal system construction permits.
    • The cited Central Virginia program page was last updated November 21, 2022; that revision date is not treated as an effective date.

    septic application fee: 225 USD

    “No person or owner shall construct, operate, expand or modify a sewage disposal or handling system without a written permit from the commissioner.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Private septic systems in Campbell County.
      “EH specialists protect water supplies and groundwater by permitting private wells and septic systems and investigating reports of sewage system failures.”
    • Required — Construction, operation, expansion, or modification of a sewage disposal or handling system in Virginia.
      “No person or owner shall construct, operate, expand or modify a sewage disposal or handling system without a written permit from the commissioner.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of sewage disposal systems in Campbell County subject to Virginia's sewage handling and disposal regulations.

    • No part of an installation may be covered with earth or used until inspected, corrected if necessary, and approved by the district or local health department, unless expressly authorized by that department.
    • The inspection-and-correction section does not apply to installations pursuant to a design certified by a licensed professional engineer or onsite soil evaluator.
    • The section is inapplicable to a Type III septage disposal facility.
    “No part of any installation shall be covered with earth or used until inspected, corrections made if necessary, and approved”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Installation of sewage disposal systems statewide.
      “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 wells serving property in Campbell County.

    • The VDH environmental-health program administers private-well permitting.
    • Specific permit triggers and exceptions were not established on the opened page.
    “EH specialists protect water supplies and groundwater by permitting private wells and septic systems and investigating reports of sewage system failures.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or modification of entrances connecting to VDOT-maintained highways and activities in VDOT highway right-of-way.

    • The requirement applies to state-maintained highways and right-of-way under VDOT jurisdiction.
    • Entrance location and design must comply with VDOT access-management regulations and design standards.
    • Applications are typically obtained through the VDOT district or residency office serving the locality.
    • An existing entrance also requires a land-use permit when modified because of a change in land use, traffic volume, or type of traffic.
    “Anyone who plans to work or perform an activity on or crossing any right of way under the jurisdiction of the Department must first obtain a land use permit. These include activities such as installation of utilities, construction of private and commercial entrances, landscaping, the temporary use of the right-of-way, as well as numerous other types of activities.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Campbell County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation in Campbell 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 Campbell County, Virginia

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

Campbell County scores 71/100 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 Campbell County, Virginia?

Campbell County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Virginia Department of Health - Central Virginia Health District (Campbell Health Department). 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 Campbell County, Virginia?

Land in Campbell County runs about $3,656 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Campbell County?

Campbell County gets about 44.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.9% of years.

How remote is Campbell County?

A representative private-land location has about 45,988 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,379,700 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 Campbell compares in Virginia

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