Bolthole Index

Craig County, Virginia

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

61Index Score / 100
#77 of 133 in Virginia

Craig County, Virginia requires building permits for new homes and other covered work, and its Building & Zoning office administers both the statewide building code and county zoning12. The Virginia Department of Health handles onsite sewage and private-well permitting, with sewage approval needed before the county building permit34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new homes and other covered work; some minor work is exempt1
Zoning
Yes; county districts set parcel-specific uses and dimensions outside separate municipal zoning52
Septic permit
Required through the Virginia Department of Health36
Private well
VDH review applies where public water is unavailable74
Owner-builder
Homeowners and direct family may do their own work without a contractor license, but permits and code still apply8
RV living
Private-land occupancy conditions were not confirmed; ask Building & Zoning before relying on an RV as housing9
Tiny home
No specific occupancy rule or minimum dwelling size was confirmed; zoning and building review still apply51
Farm building
A qualifying nonresidential farm structure may be code-exempt but still needs a zoning permit10

Who to call

Building permits

Craig County Building & Zoning

Building permits, plan review, inspections, zoning, erosion and sediment control, stormwater provisions and floodplain permit coordination

540-864-5010

permits@craigcountyva.gov

108 Court Street, New Castle, VA 24127

Online permits →

Septic permits

Craig County Health Department

Local contact for Virginia Department of Health onsite sewage and private-well services in Craig County

(540) 864-5136

161 Main Street, New Castle, VA 24127

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

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

Yes. Craig County requires building permits for new residential and commercial structures, additions, alterations and other covered work1. Sheds and playhouses larger than 256 square feet need a building permit, while a zoning permit is required for those structures on either side of that threshold1. Craig County lists several exemptions for minor work, but work in a special flood hazard area can still require a permit even when it would otherwise be exempt111. Qualifying farm buildings may be exempt from the building code only when they are nonresidential, sit where farming operations occur and serve an eligible farm use; Craig County still requires a zoning permit for the farm structure10.

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

Craig County Building & Zoning handles building applications, plan review, inspections and zoning review9. The office is at 108 Court Street in New Castle; call 540-864-5010 or email permits@craigcountyva.gov9. Applications may go through Cloudpermit or arrive as an emailed PDF, and plans plus a site plan are required when applicable129. The office issues building and zoning permits Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., while online applications can be submitted at any time12. Craig County inspects permitted work, and a certificate of occupancy is generally required before a regulated building is occupied or its occupancy changes1314.

Does Craig County, Virginia have zoning?

Yes. Craig County administers zoning districts with parcel-specific use and dimensional rules, but the Town of New Castle publishes its own zoning ordinance52. Ask Craig County Building & Zoning to confirm the jurisdiction, mapped district, allowed use, setbacks and site-plan requirements before placing a home159. The reviewed rules do not establish one minimum lot size or one setback for every residential parcel. The available dimensions apply specifically to manufactured-home parks: each lot must contain at least 5,000 square feet, and a manufactured home must sit at least 35 feet from a public street1617. Craig County manufactured-home parks are limited to districts that permit them and carry additional spacing, access, utility and site requirements18.

How do septic and well permits work in Craig County?

The Virginia Department of Health handles onsite sewage and private-well permitting for Craig County34. Start with the Craig County Health Department at 161 Main Street in New Castle, phone (540) 864-513619. A written construction permit is required before an onsite sewage system is built, expanded or modified, and Craig County requires VDH sewage approval before issuing the building permit63. Public water and sewer serve much of the New Castle area; outside that service area, homes and businesses need private wells and septic systems prescribed by VDH7. Septic feasibility is a major early check because only 8.3% of Craig County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field20.

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

We could not confirm Craig County's conditions for occupying an RV on private land, even though the county lists a recreational-vehicle parking permit; ask Building & Zoning about the parcel, duration, utilities and sewage plan before using an RV as housing9. Virginia campground rules do not establish a general right to occupy an RV on a private parcel21. We also could not confirm a Craig County-specific tiny-home occupancy rule or numeric minimum dwelling size. A tiny home proposed as a dwelling still needs review under the county's zoning and building-permit rules unless Building & Zoning identifies a specific exception51. Manufactured homes follow separate placement rules, including county district controls and statewide protections for qualifying homes1822.

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

  1. Ask Craig County Building & Zoning to confirm whether county or Town of New Castle zoning applies, then identify the district, allowed use and setbacks215.
  2. Confirm public water and sewer availability; if the parcel needs private systems, obtain VDH sewage approval and begin the well review with the Craig County Health Department73.
  3. Obtain a VDOT land-use permit for a new driveway entering a state-maintained road23.
  4. Submit the building application, plans and any applicable site plan through Cloudpermit or by emailed PDF129.
  5. If doing your own work, document the owner-builder arrangement; the contractor-license exemption does not waive building permits or code compliance8.
  6. Schedule inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving into the completed home1314.

What should you check before buying land in Craig County?

Resolve the usable building envelope before closing. Only 8.3% of Craig County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, and 38.4% of the county has a slope of 15% or less2024. Confirm the zoning jurisdiction, district, setbacks and permitted use with Craig County Building & Zoning, especially near New Castle29. Check whether public utilities reach the parcel or a private well and septic system will be required7. For land in a floodplain or suspected floodplain area, Craig County requires an elevation certificate from a professional engineer or licensed surveyor25. Confirm legal access and budget for a VDOT entrance permit if the driveway will meet a state-maintained road23.

Watch-outs

  • Craig County requires a zoning permit for a shed or playhouse even when its size leaves it exempt from the building-permit requirement1.
  • The owner-builder option removes a contractor-licensing requirement for qualifying homeowners and direct family members; it does not remove county building permits, inspections or code compliance8.
  • The reviewed 5,000-square-foot lot minimum and 35-foot public-street setback apply to manufactured-home parks, not every residential parcel in Craig County1617.

Sources

  1. Building and Zoning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Virginia Department of Health Onsite Sewage & Water Services (2026 county census)
  4. Environmental Health - Roanoke Health District, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. 12VAC5-610-240. Permits; general (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. craigcountyva.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building and Zoning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  9. Craig County Building & Zoning (craigcountyva.gov)
  10. Building and Zoning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  11. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  14. 13VAC5-63-160. Section 116 Certificates of occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. craigcountyva.gov, quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  19. Craig County Health Department (vdh.virginia.gov)
  20. 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
  21. Code of Virginia, Title 35.1 — Hotels, Restaurants, Summer Camps, and Campgrounds (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. § 15.2-2290. Uniform regulations for manufactured housing (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. craigcountyva.gov, quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Flood Plain Policy, quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 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, Craig County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleCraig CountyRoanoke CountySalem CityRoanoke CityAlleghany CountyCovington CityBotetourt County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVDHVA Dept. of HealthVDHVA Dept. of Health

County locator

Craig County in Virginia

61
County map
Craig County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Craig County scores

Seclusion47100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency44100% ev.
Admin Boringness44100% ev.
Durability64100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost8296% 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 →

$246kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$4,219Land / acre
44"Annual rain
1% of yrsSevere drought
1.1 / yr (+1.1)Mid-century 100°F days
13.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.91" (+8.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.58×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$977Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.81%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
1,190,028People within 2 hr
87,559Radius comparison (15 mi)
14.8People / sq mi
55.5%Federal land
38.4%Land at 15% slope or less
8.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
17,016 acWorkable land screen
86.4%Wooded land
61.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Craig 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 New Castle

Answers from the rulebook for Craig County

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

Craig County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New residential and commercial structures, additions, alterations, and other listed work in Craig County.

    • The county FAQ lists exemptions including fences, residential window or door replacements, residential reroofs, limited roof sheathing, re-siding, gutters, kitchen cabinets, playground equipment, on-grade patios, qualifying flagpoles, temporary ramps, and qualifying LP-gas container replacements.
    • Sheds and playhouses over 256 square feet require a building permit; a zoning permit is required whether over or under 256 square feet.
    • Tents over 900 square feet require a permit.

    shed/playhouse building-permit threshold: > 256 square feet (A zoning permit is required whether over or under 256 square feet.) · tent threshold: > 900 square feet

    “New residential and commercial structures, additions, and alterations to existing structures.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Homeowners and direct family members performing their own work in Craig County.

    • The county FAQ states that contractors need a state DPOR license, but homeowners and direct family members can do their own work without a license.
    • Building-code and permit requirements still apply unless an independent exemption applies.
    “Contractors must have a valid Contractors License through the State Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation but homeowner's (and direct family members) can do their own work without a license.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code enforcement for permitted work in Craig County.

    • The county FAQ states that building plans should meet the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code and local design criteria.

    code edition: 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code

    “Building plans and / or floor plans are required for permits and should meet the provisions of the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code and local design criteria.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted building work in Craig County.

    • The County department states it provides inspections for all permitted work.
    “The department provides plan reviews, permits, and inspections for all permitted work.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning regulation in Craig County.

    • The county page states that the County Code of Ordinances covers zoning provisions.
    “The Craig County Building and Zoning Office enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and County Code of Ordinances (which covers all Zoning, Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Control provisions).”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County zoning regulation administered by Craig County Building and Zoning.

    • The county page states that the County Code of Ordinances covers zoning provisions.
    • The Town of New Castle separately publishes a Town zoning ordinance; this claim does not assert that the county administers municipal zoning.
    “The Craig County Building and Zoning Office enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and County Code of Ordinances (which covers all Zoning, Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Control provisions).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — County-administered zoning throughout Craig County, including applicable district regulations.
      “The Craig County Building and Zoning Office enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and County Code of Ordinances (which covers all Zoning, Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Control provisions).”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Craig County zoning districts and zoning-map information.

    • The County Building and Zoning page provides a General Zoning Guidelines document and a Craig County Zoning Map.
    • The County FAQ states zoning groups areas into districts providing for specified types of land use and buildings.
    “Zoning works to guide the growth of the County in a logical direction by grouping areas into "districts" which provide for certain types of land use and buildings.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Manufactured-home lots and manufactured-home parks under Chapter 58.

    • The cited measurements apply to manufactured-home parks and lots, not necessarily to every zoning district or every residential lot.

    manufactured-home lot minimum area: >= 5000 square feet

    “A minimum of 5,000 square feet shall be provided for each manufactured home lot. This lot shall have frontage on streets, land, or a driveway.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Manufactured homes and manufactured-home parks under Chapter 58.

    • The 35-foot setback applies to manufactured homes from public streets.
    • Additional park-boundary and district setback rules apply.

    manufactured-home setback from public streets: >= 35 feet

    “The setback distance for manufactured homes is 35 feet from all public streets.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Permanent parking, temporary occupancy, and occupancy of recreational vehicles in Craig County zoning districts.

    • Permanent parking is prohibited in any district, except one recreational vehicle may be parked or stored at the owner's primary residence if no living quarters or business practice is maintained in it.
    • Outside an approved and licensed trailer or manufactured home park, temporary occupancy or use of a fully self-contained recreational vehicle may be permitted for no more than 120 days if it does not create a health, traffic, or other hazard.
    • Each recreational vehicle used under the temporary-occupancy provision requires a county recreational vehicle parking permit, renewable at the county's discretion every 30 days.
    • In an approved and licensed trailer or manufactured home park, travel trailers may be occupied for more than 120 days, but no individual unit may be continuously occupied in any location for more than 60 days within the one-year period beginning when it was first brought into the community.
    • When occupied for more than 24 hours in an approved and licensed trailer or manufactured home park, a travel trailer must be properly connected to provided utility services and anchored as required, and must have a recreational vehicle parking permit renewable at the county's discretion every 30 days.

    temporary occupancy outside approved park: <= 120 days (subject to zoning administrator permission and health, traffic, and other hazard condition) · recreational vehicle parking permit renewal: per 30 days (renewable at county discretion) · continuous travel-trailer occupancy in approved park: <= 60 days (within one year from date first brought into the community)

    “The permanent parking of a recreational vehicle in any district is hereby prohibited; except that one recreational vehicle may be parked or stored at the owner's primary residence, provided that no living quarters shall be maintained or any business practice in the trailer while such trailer is parked or stored. (b) The zoning administrator may permit the temporary occupancy or use of a fully self-contained recreational vehicle in a location outside of an approved and licensed trailer or manufactured home park for a period of not more than 120 days, provided such use shall not create a health, traffic, or other hazard. Each recreational vehicle shall have a "recreational vehicle parking permit" permit issued by the county and renewable, at the county's discretion, every 30 days. (c) Travel trailers may be occupied for more than 120 days when parked in an approved and licensed trailer or manufactured home park, but no individual unit shall be continuously occupied in any location for a period of more than 60 days within the period of one year from the date it was first brought into the community. When a travel trailer is occupied for more than 24 hours in an approved and licensed trailer or manufactured home park, it shall be properly connected to the utility services provided and shall be anchored as required. Each Recreational Vehicle shall have a "Recreational Vehicle Parking Permit" permit issued by the county and renewable, at the county's discretion, every 30 days.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Temporary or permanent parking and occupancy of two or more manufactured homes used for human habitation in Craig County manufactured-home parks.

    • The use may be located only in areas zoned to permit manufactured-home parks.
    • The park must provide adequate area for parking spaces, access lanes, utilities, and accessory buildings required by the ordinance.
    • Each manufactured-home lot must have at least 5,000 square feet; each mobile lot must be at least 60 feet wide; and homes must be at least 25 feet apart.
    • Setbacks, water-supply, sewerage, garbage, playground, electrical-permit, access, and other park requirements also apply.

    minimum manufactured-home lot area: >= 5000 square feet · minimum mobile-lot width: >= 60 feet · minimum distance between manufactured homes: >= 25 feet · public-street setback: >= 35 feet (Private-street setback must be at least 25 feet.)

    “Lots and parcels of land designed for the temporary or permanent parking and occupancy of two or more manufactured homes used for human habitation may be located in areas zoned to permit such use and shall be of adequate area to provide parking spaces, access lanes, utilities, and accessory buildings as required in this subdivision.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction and operation permits for onsite sewage systems serving Craig County residents and property.

    • Permits are obtained through the Virginia Department of Health Office in New Castle.
    • The source identifies both construction and operations permits but does not state that every septic-related activity requires both permits.
    “Well and Septic Permits? Yes, Construction and Operations Permits can be obtained through the Virginia Department of Health Office in New Castle”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sewer availability and private utility requirements in Craig County.

    • Water and sewer service is available in much of the New Castle area through the Western Virginia Water Authority.
    • Outside that area, homes and businesses must install private wells and septic systems prescribed by VDH.
    “Water and sewer service is available in much of the New Castle area from the Western Virginia Water Authority. Otherwise, homes and businesses outside of this area must install private wells and septic systems as prescribed by the Virginia Department of Health.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farm buildings and structures directly related to an operating farm.

    • The structure must not be used for residential purposes, must be on property where farming operations take place, and must be used for qualifying agricultural, animal, farm-business, equipment, supply, or best-management-practice purposes.
    • Farm structures remain subject to zoning regulations and still require a zoning permit.
    • The county FAQ states that filing Schedule F would qualify for an agricultural exemption.
    “Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) if the structure meets certain criteria. However, these type of structures are not exempt from Zoning Regulations and still require a Zoning Permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Buildings and substantial improvements in a floodplain or suspected floodplain area in Craig County.

    • A certificate of elevation must be obtained from a professional engineer or licensed surveyor.
    • The policy is effective June 1, 2022.
    • The certificate must show the FEMA base flood elevation and other required elevation information.
    “Any building and/or structure, either being erected or receiving substantial improvement in a flood plain area, OR a suspected flood plain area, within the County of Craig shall be required to obtain a certificate of elevation from a Professional Engineer (PE) or a Licensed Surveyor”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Craig County building and zoning permit applications for new houses or businesses.

    • The county calculates the fees; the application does not publish fixed amounts.
    • The application identifies square footage, permit fee, zoning fee, and total as fee fields.

    permit fee basis: square footage · zoning fee: calculated by County

    “Fees (to be calculated by County) Square Footage: Permit Fee: Zoning Fee: Total:”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building and zoning permit applications.

    • Applications may be submitted online through CloudPermit or by emailing a PDF application.
    • Permits are issued Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; online applications may be submitted at any time.
    • Building plans or floor plans and, when applicable, a site plan are required.
    “After the simple registration process, just follow the on-screen instructions and be sure to choose Craig County, Virginia as the jurisdiction for application. If you aren't comfortable with the online system you can email a pdf application to permits@craigcountyva.gov.”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Occupancy or change of occupancy of buildings and structures in Virginia, including Craig County.
      “Prior to occupancy or change of occupancy of a building or structure, a certificate of occupancy shall be obtained in accordance with this section.”
  • 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

    Statewide supervision and control of onsite sewage systems, alternative discharging sewage systems, and treatment works affecting public health and welfare.

    • Local or district health departments administer application, inspection, and permit functions under the statewide framework.
    • Alternative discharging sewage systems are also subject to applicable State Water Control Board regulations and permits.
    “The Board shall have supervision and control over the safe and sanitary collection, conveyance, transportation, treatment, and disposal of sewage by onsite sewage systems and alternative discharging sewage systems, and treatment works as they affect the public health and welfare.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State — Private sewage disposal systems and wells serving Craig County properties.
      “Applications for private sewage disposal systems and water wells designed by licensed authorized conventional and alternative onsite soil evaluators (OSE & AOSE), as well as professional engineers (PE), are reviewed and permitted by this division.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New driveways entering state-maintained roads in Craig County.
      “Land Use Permits? Yes, VDOT issues these permits for work in a right-of-way and they can be obtained through the office in Salem. This includes the permits for creating a new driveway that enters onto a state maintained road which you will need when building a new house.”
  • 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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Craig County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in Craig County zoning districts.
  • Building height — Building-height rules in Craig County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside regulated recreational-vehicle use in Craig County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Craig County.
1 more unanswered
  • Off-grid sanitation

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 Craig County, Virginia

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

Craig County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Craig County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Virginia Department of Health (Roanoke/Alleghany 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Craig County is limited to specific cases: Permanent parking, temporary occupancy, and occupancy of recreational vehicles in Craig County zoning districts. Permanent parking is prohibited in any district, except one recreational vehicle may be parked or stored at the owner's primary residence if no living quarters or business practice is maintained in it. Outside an approved and licensed trailer or manufactured home park, temporary occupancy or use of a fully self-contained recreational vehicle may be permitted for no more than 120 days if it does not create a health, traffic, or other hazard. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Craig County, Virginia?

Land in Craig County runs about $4,219 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Craig County?

Craig County gets about 44" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1% of years.

How remote is Craig County?

A typical private-land location has about 87,559 people within 15 miles and 2,884,933 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Craig compares in Virginia

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