Bolthole Index

Dickenson County, Virginia

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

76Index Score / 100
#8 of 133 in Virginia

Unincorporated Dickenson County, Virginia requires a building permit for structures over 150 square feet and for structural changes, issued by the county Building Department, which also serves Clintwood, Clinchco and Haysi12. The county has no zoning ordinance of its own, though the Town of Clintwood does34. Septic permits and private-well services come from the Virginia Department of Health's Cumberland Plateau Health District, not the building office5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures over 150 square feet, structural changes and listed regulated work; fees about $0.07 per square foot for new construction16
Building office
Dickenson County Building Department serves the entire county and all three towns2
Zoning
No county zoning in unincorporated areas; Clintwood has its own town zoning34
Septic permits
Cumberland Plateau Health District processes applications, permits and site evaluations7
Private wells
Cumberland Plateau Health District processes applications and evaluations8
RV and tiny-home living
No county zoning limits tiny homes or camping; long-term RV rules unconfirmed; building permits still apply910
Farm buildings
Qualifying nonresidential farm buildings are exempt from the Building Code11
Floodplain work
County floodplain review asks about mapped flood zones, floodways and fill12

Who to call

Building permits

Dickenson County Building Department

Building permits and inspections throughout Dickenson County, including Clintwood, Clinchco and Haysi; erosion and sediment permits and inspections

(276) 926-1673

crakes@dickensonva.org

818 Happy Valley Dr., P.O. Box 733, Clintwood, VA 24228

Septic permits

Dickenson County Health Department (Cumberland Plateau Health District)

Local contact for Dickenson County onsite sewage and private-well services

(276) 926-4979

344 Brush Creek, P.O. Box 768, Clintwood, VA 24228

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 Dickenson County, Virginia?

Yes. Dickenson County requires permits for building construction, mobile and modular homes, remodeling, electrical and mechanical work, signs, swimming pools, elevators and fuel-tank removal1. A permit is specifically required for a structure over 150 square feet or whenever the work makes structural changes1. Dickenson County has adopted the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, the statewide fire-prevention code and the erosion-and-sediment-control program throughout the county13.

For work subject to the statewide building code, Dickenson County requires the applicable minimum inspections and a final inspection when permitted construction is complete14. The permit holder must notify the building official when the work reaches an inspection stage; the official may accept approved third-party reports14. A qualifying farm building is exempt only when it is nonresidential, stands on property where farming occurs and is used primarily for a listed farm purpose; floodplain and mudslide requirements can still apply11.

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

The Dickenson County Building Department handles building inspection throughout Dickenson County, including the towns of Clintwood, Clinchco and Haysi2. The office also issues erosion and sediment permits, performs those inspections, and reviews construction and erosion-and-sediment plans2.

Visit or mail the Dickenson County Building Department at 818 Happy Valley Dr., P.O. Box 733, Clintwood, VA 24228, call (276) 926-1673, or email crakes@dickensonva.org2. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.2. For a project that needs health-department or DEQ approval, obtain that approval before completing the county permit application15. Building permit fees vary by project; the county FAQ lists $0.07 per square foot for new construction, $51.00 for a single-wide and $91.80 for a double-wide manufactured home6. The county says completing the application takes approximately 15–30 minutes and permit issuance usually takes approximately 15 minutes after completion15.

Does Dickenson County have zoning?

Unincorporated Dickenson County has no county zoning ordinance, according to the county's report to the state3. That means the county sets no zoning setbacks or minimum lot sizes1617, and no county rule sets a minimum dwelling size, lot coverage or building height or limits tiny homes, accessory dwellings, manufactured homes or temporary camping9. The Town of Clintwood does have a zoning ordinance and map, so land inside Clintwood follows town rules4. We could not confirm zoning in Clinchco or Haysi, so ask each town before buying inside its limits.

No zoning does not mean no rules. The building code, septic and well approval, floodplain review and subdivision regulation still apply3. Virginia requires every locality to regulate subdivision through a subdivision ordinance, so dividing land is a separate question18. Dickenson County's floodplain review asks whether the site is in a mapped flood zone or floodway and whether fill will be placed12.

How do septic and well permits work in Dickenson County?

The Virginia Department of Health's Cumberland Plateau Health District provides onsite sewage and private-well services for Dickenson County5. The Dickenson County Health Department is at 344 Brush Creek, P.O. Box 768, Clintwood, VA 24228, and its phone number is (276) 926-497919.

The district processes septic applications, permits and onsite evaluations for a $75 fee7. Virginia requires a written construction permit before a sewage system is constructed, expanded or modified and an operation permit for covered systems after construction20. Start with a site evaluation: only 1.4% of Dickenson County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field21. The district also processes private-well applications and evaluations for a $40 fee8. Complete applicable health-department approval before the county building-permit application15.

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

Dickenson County has no countywide zoning ordinance, so no county rule limits tiny homes or temporary camping in the unincorporated area9. Virginia's campground definition also excludes an individual owner's camping on the owner's own property when covenants, restrictions or conditions do not prohibit it and the owner provides sanitary facilities within the property lines10. We could not confirm a county rule for long-term or residential RV occupancy, and the Town of Clintwood has its own zoning4. Ask the Dickenson County Building Department about an unincorporated parcel and the applicable town about land in Clintwood, Clinchco or Haysi before using an RV as a residence2.

A tiny home used as a dwelling still falls within the county's permit framework when it is a structure over 150 square feet or involves structural work, and mobile or modular home installations are among the work listed as requiring permits1. The septic and well approvals from the health district still apply when the home uses a septic system or private well7.

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

  1. Call the Dickenson County Building Department at (276) 926-1673 with the parcel location and project description2.
  2. Ask the applicable town to confirm zoning if the parcel is inside Clintwood, Clinchco or Haysi; unincorporated land has no county zoning, but subdivision rules still apply34. If the site may be in a flood zone or floodway, ask the county about its floodplain-activity review before finalizing the site plan12.
  3. Contact the Dickenson County Health Department at (276) 926-4979 for septic and private-well review19; the district processes both types of applications and evaluations78.
  4. Obtain health-department or DEQ approval where applicable, then complete the county building-permit application15.
  5. Pay the locally established building-permit fee and the applicable code-academy levy22.
  6. Notify the building official when each applicable inspection stage is ready, and obtain the required final inspection14.
  7. Obtain a VDOT land-use permit before constructing or qualifyingly modifying an entrance on a VDOT-maintained highway23.
  8. Obtain the required certificate of occupancy before occupying the completed regulated dwelling24.

What should you check before buying land in Dickenson County?

Usable ground is the first constraint to investigate: 6.7% of Dickenson County land has a slope of 15% or less, while 1.4% of its soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field2521. The county is 94.8% wooded, so clearing and solar exposure also deserve a site visit26. Get the health district's onsite evaluation before assuming a parcel can support the intended septic system7.

Confirm legal access and whether an entrance connects to a VDOT-maintained highway, because a new entrance or a qualifying modification needs a VDOT land-use permit23. Check the site's mapped flood zone and floodway before designing: Dickenson County's floodplain application also asks about proposed fill and warns that the application does not guarantee a building permit12. Dickenson County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $5032728. The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 120 miles from the county center, so verify travel time to jobs, medical care and supplies from the actual parcel29.

Watch-outs

  • Dickenson County has no zoning ordinance of its own, but Clintwood does and we could not confirm zoning in Clinchco or Haysi; ask the applicable town before treating town land as unzoned34.
  • Only 1.4% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain the health district's site evaluation early217.
  • A driveway connecting to a VDOT-maintained highway needs a land-use permit, and some changes to an existing entrance require one too23.
  • Dickenson County's floodplain application does not guarantee a building permit; provide the required plans and supporting data before relying on a flood-prone building site12.

Sources

  1. Building Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  2. Dickenson County Building Department (dickensonva.org)
  3. FY2025 Local Housing Policies — Dickenson County Report, quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Clintwood, quoted and re-checked
  5. vdh.virginia.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. FAQs - Building, quoted and re-checked
  7. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  8. vdh.virginia.gov, quoted and re-checked
  9. Virginia law on county zoning and building authority
  10. Code of Virginia, § 35.1-1 Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  11. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Floodplain Activity permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  13. 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code Adoption Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  14. 13VAC5-63-130. Section 113 Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  16. FY2025 Local Housing Policies — Dickenson County Report, quoted and re-checked
  17. FY2025 Local Housing Policies — Dickenson County Report, quoted and re-checked
  18. Code of Virginia § 15.2-2240. Localities to adopt ordinances regulating subdivision and development of land (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Dickenson County Health Department (Cumberland Plateau Health District) (vdh.virginia.gov)
  20. 12VAC5-610-240. Permits; general (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. 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
  22. 13VAC5-63-70. Section 107 Fees (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Land use permits (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. 13VAC5-63-160. Section 116 Certificates of occupancy (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Dickenson County has no countywide zoning.

RuleDickenson CountyWise CountyBuchanan CountyNorton CityRussell CountyScott CountyWashington County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoYesNoYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsVA Dept. of HealthVDHVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of Health

County locator

Dickenson County in Virginia

76
County map
Dickenson County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Dickenson County scores

Seclusion79100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency51100% ev.
Admin Boringness49100% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost89100% 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 →

$119kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,612Land / acre
46.8"Annual rain
0.6% of yrsSevere drought
1 / yr (+1)Mid-century 100°F days
10.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.65" (+7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.76×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,003Home insurance / yr
1.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.55%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
7,809People within 30 min
793,170People within 2 hr
41,950Radius comparison (15 mi)
41.3People / sq mi
7.8%Federal land
6.7%Land at 15% slope or less
1.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
2,457 acWorkable land screen
94.8%Wooded land
63.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
54.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Dickenson 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 Clinchco · Town of Clintwood · Town of Haysi

Answers from the rulebook for Dickenson County

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

Dickenson County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building construction, mobile and modular homes, remodeling, electrical and mechanical work, signs, swimming pools, elevators, and fuel-tank removal within the Building Department jurisdiction.

    • A permit must be obtained for a structure over 150 square feet or when there are structural changes.
    • The FAQ states that permit processing follows approval from the health department or DEQ where applicable.

    structure threshold: > 150 square feet (The page separately states that any structural changes require a permit.)

    “Permits are required for: building; mobile homes; modular homes; remodeling, electrical, and mechanical work; signs; swimming pools; elevators; and fuel tank removal. A permit must be obtained if building a structure over 150 sq ft and if there are any structural changes.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Parts I and II of the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and the erosion and sediment control program within Dickenson County.

    • The ordinance also adopts any and all future amendments to the referenced codes and program.
    “There is hereby adopted by reference in Dickenson County, Virginia, Parts I and 11 of the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code ("USBC"); the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code ("VSFPC"); and the erosion and sediment control program as promulgated by the Virginia Soil and Conservation Board, and any and all future amendments to such codes and programs.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Dickenson County countywide zoning, including unincorporated territory.

    • The FY2025 report states that the county was working on an updated subdivision ordinance; subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still apply.
    • The report states that no significant housing-policy changes occurred in FY2025.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Dickenson County: no county rule sets this, because Dickenson County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The FY2025 report states that the county was working on an updated subdivision ordinance; subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still apply.
    • The report states that no significant housing-policy changes occurred in FY2025.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Dickenson County: no county rule sets this, because Dickenson County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The FY2025 report states that the county was working on an updated subdivision ordinance; subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still apply.
    • The report states that no significant housing-policy changes occurred in FY2025.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum-lot-size requirements for development in unincorporated Dickenson County.

    • No county zoning minimum-lot-size requirement was identified because the official FY2025 report states that Dickenson County does not have any zoning.
    • Subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still affect lot development.
    • The county's FY2025 report states that it was working on an updated subdivision ordinance.
    “Our Planning Committee is actively working on getting our Comprehensive Plan updated. In addition, we are working on an updated subdivision ordinance. Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning setbacks for development in unincorporated Dickenson County.

    • No county zoning setback requirement was identified because the official FY2025 report states that Dickenson County does not have any zoning.
    • Subdivision, building-code, floodplain, septic, and health requirements may still impose site or construction controls.
    • The county's FY2025 report states that it was working on an updated subdivision ordinance.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Dickenson County: no county rule sets this, because Dickenson County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The FY2025 report states that the county was working on an updated subdivision ordinance; subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still apply.
    • The report states that no significant housing-policy changes occurred in FY2025.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Building height · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Dickenson County: no county rule sets this, because Dickenson County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The FY2025 report states that the county was working on an updated subdivision ordinance; subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still apply.
    • The report states that no significant housing-policy changes occurred in FY2025.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Dickenson County: no county rule sets this, because Dickenson County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The FY2025 report states that the county was working on an updated subdivision ordinance; subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still apply.
    • The report states that no significant housing-policy changes occurred in FY2025.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Dickenson County: no county rule sets this, because Dickenson County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The FY2025 report states that the county was working on an updated subdivision ordinance; subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still apply.
    • The report states that no significant housing-policy changes occurred in FY2025.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Dickenson County: no county rule sets this, because Dickenson County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The FY2025 report states that the county was working on an updated subdivision ordinance; subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still apply.
    • The report states that no significant housing-policy changes occurred in FY2025.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Dickenson County: no county rule sets this, because Dickenson County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The FY2025 report states that the county was working on an updated subdivision ordinance; subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and building-code requirements may still apply.
    • The report states that no significant housing-policy changes occurred in FY2025.
    “Dickenson County does not have any zoning.”
  • Who permits septicState

    Onsite sewage and private-well services for Dickenson County through the Virginia Department of Health's Cumberland Plateau Health District.

    • The district serves Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell Counties.
    • The page directs users to the Division of Onsite Sewage and Water Services for applications, regulations, and forms.
    “Onsite Sewage, Private Well Permits and Discharging Sewage Treatment Plants for Single Family Homes – The mission of Division of Onsite Sewage of Water Services is to protect public health and ground water quality.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Onsite sewage disposal systems processed by the Cumberland Plateau Health District for Dickenson County.

    • The official district page confirms that applications and permits are processed, but does not state a universal requirement for every property or system type.

    district fee: 75 USD (The page labels this as the fee for sewage disposal system services.)

    “Sewage Disposal Systems: Applications, permits, and onsite evaluations for sewage disposal systems are processed. Fee is $75.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Private wells processed by the Cumberland Plateau Health District for Dickenson County.

    • The official district page confirms that well applications and permits are processed but does not state a universal requirement for every well type or circumstance.

    district fee: 40 USD (The page labels this as the fee for well inspections and permits.)

    “Well Inspections and Permits: Applications and evaluations for private wells are processed. Fee is $40. Referrals for other water problems.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development activity in Dickenson County, including the county districts and the Towns of Clinchco, Clintwood, and Haysi, when the site may be in the 1% annual-chance floodplain, floodway, or identified flood zones.

    • The county Floodplain Activity permit application requires the applicant to identify whether the site is within the 1% annual-chance (100-year) floodplain or floodway.
    • The applicant must identify whether the activity is within the floodway and identify applicable flood zones A, AE, or X.
    • The applicant must disclose whether fill will be placed on the site and whether the borrow site is separately permitted.
    • The application is subject to county ordinances and restrictions and applicable Virginia and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
    • Issuance of the application does not guarantee issuance of a building permit; required plans and supporting data must be provided, and the applicant must comply with applicable USBC and other laws or ordinances.
    • The current Floodplain Management Ordinance, including its floodplain administrator, exact permit triggers, standards, exceptions, and adoption or effective date, was not located in the reviewed official materials.
    “Floodplain Activity permit Application The issuance of this application does not guarantee that a building permit will be issued.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit fees administered by the Dickenson County Building Department throughout Dickenson County, including the Towns of Clintwood, Clinchco and Haysi.

    • Fees vary depending on the project.
    • The official county FAQ lists a double-wide fee of $91.80.
    • The official county FAQ lists a new-construction fee of $0.07 per square foot.
    • The official county FAQ lists a single-wide fee of $51.00.

    double-wide manufactured home permit fee: 91.8 USD · new-construction permit fee: 0.07 USD per square foot · single-wide manufactured home permit fee: 51 USD

    “Fees vary depending on the project: Double wide: $91.80 New construction: $0.07 square foot Single wide: $51.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building permit application and issuance process in Dickenson County.

    • The applicant must first obtain approval from the health department or DEQ where applicable.
    • The application takes approximately 15–30 minutes to complete; issuance usually takes approximately 15 minutes after completion.

    application completion time: 15–30 minutes · permit issuance time: 15 minutes (Usually; after application completion)

    “After approval from the health department or DEQ, the applicant must complete a permit application. This takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes to complete. Upon completion of the application a permit can be issued. A permit usually takes approximately 15 minutes to issue.”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

    “Any person who performs or supervises the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by him and for his own use during any 24-month period;”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction and permits subject to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in Dickenson County, including applicable residential, commercial, modular, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and gas work administered locally by the Dickenson County Building Department.

    • Minimum inspections are required when applicable to the construction or permit.
    • The permit holder must notify the building official when construction reaches a stage requiring inspection.
    • The building official may accept reports from approved third-party inspection agencies under Section 113.7.
    • Where construction cost is less than $2,500, inspection may be waived at the inspecting authority's discretion.
    • A final inspection is required upon completion of construction for which a permit was issued.
    • The Dickenson County Building Department states that its jurisdiction covers the entire county, including the Towns of Clintwood, Clinchco, and Haysi.

    minimum inspection threshold exception: < 2500 USD construction cost (Inspection may be waived at the inspecting authority's discretion.)

    “The following minimum inspections shall be conducted by the building official when applicable to the construction or permit:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or permits subject to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, with inspections administered by the applicable local building official or approved inspection agency.
      “The following minimum inspections shall be conducted by the building official when applicable to the construction or permit:”
  • 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.”
  • Living in an RVAllowed (with conditions)

    An individual owner's camping on the owner's property where the property is not otherwise prohibited or encumbered by covenants, restrictions, or conditions and the owner provides sanitary facilities within the property lines.

    • The Virginia campground definition excludes property upon which the individual owner may choose to camp only when the owner is not prohibited or encumbered by covenants, restrictions, and conditions from doing so.
    • The individual owner must provide sanitary facilities within the property lines.
    • This is a statutory campground-definition exception, not a determination that every RV occupancy arrangement is exempt from building, septic, health, campground, or local requirements.
    “property upon which the individual owner may choose to camp and not be prohibited or encumbered [...] from providing his sanitary facilities within his property lines.”
  • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

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

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

    Subdivision of land and its development in every Virginia locality.

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

Inside cities and towns in Dickenson County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulation within the incorporated Town of Clintwood, Virginia.

    • A special use permit was the subject of the cited public hearing.
    • The Town of Clintwood Zoning Ordinance and Map were available for public inspection at Clintwood Town Hall during regular business hours.
    • This claim does not establish the zoning status of unincorporated Dickenson County, Clinchco, or Haysi.
    “A copy of the Town of Clintwood Zoning Ordinance and Map is available for public inspection at the Clintwood Town Hall located at 248 Clintwood Main Street, Clintwood, Virginia during regular business hours (8:00 am-4:30 pm).”

Still unanswered

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

  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Dickenson County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Connection to public water or sewer utilities in Dickenson 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 Dickenson County, Virginia

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

Dickenson County scores 76/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 7,809 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Dickenson County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Virginia Department of Health - Cumberland Plateau Health District. 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 Dickenson County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Dickenson County is allowed: Statewide rule. An individual owner's camping on the owner's property where the property is not otherwise prohibited or encumbered by covenants, restrictions, or conditions and the owner provides sanitary facilities within the property lines. The Virginia campground definition excludes property upon which the individual owner may choose to camp only when the owner is not prohibited or encumbered by covenants, restrictions, and conditions from doing so. The individual owner must provide sanitary facilities within the property lines. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Dickenson County, Virginia?

Land in Dickenson County runs about $2,612 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Dickenson County?

Dickenson County gets about 46.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.6% of years.

How remote is Dickenson County?

A representative private-land location has about 7,809 people within a 30-minute drive and 793,170 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 Dickenson compares in Virginia

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