Bolthole Index

Greensville County, Virginia

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

65Index Score / 100
#65 of 133 in Virginia

Greensville County, Virginia requires a building permit for a new home, and the county Building Inspections Department administers the process12. County zoning also regulates land use and buildings in agricultural, residential and industrial zones3. Septic approval comes through the Virginia Department of Health's Crater Health District, not the county permit counter4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for a new home1
Zoning
County zoning applies3
Septic
Written state permit through the local health department45
Owner-builder
State contractor-license exemption is available with conditions6
RV living
Long-term private-land occupancy not confirmed; ask Planning7
Tiny home
No specific occupancy rule confirmed; building and zoning rules still apply18
Minimum home size
No countywide measurement confirmed; ask Planning for the parcel's district7
Private well
Construction permit from the local health department, with a sanitary survey and inspection9

Who to call

Building permits

Greensville County Building Inspections Department

Building permits, plan review, required construction inspections and certificates of occupancy

(434) 348-4205 ext. 1300

1781 Greensville County Circle, Emporia, Virginia 23847

Zoning

Greensville County Planning Department

Zoning, land-use, subdivision, special-use and rezoning questions

(434) 348-4205 ext. 2500

1781 Greensville County Circle, Emporia, Virginia 23847

Septic permits

Greensville/Emporia Health Department

Local Virginia Department of Health contact for onsite sewage and private-well questions

(434) 348-4210

140 Uriah Branch Way, Emporia, VA 23847

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 Greensville County, Virginia?

Yes. Greensville County requires a building permit for a new home and administers the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code through its Building Inspections Department1102. The county says a permit is required to construct, reconstruct, alter or demolish a structure, change its use, disturb asbestos-containing material, or move a lot line that affects an existing structure's code compliance2. Applications for covered work go to the building official before work begins11. The county lists exemptions for qualifying nonresidential farm buildings and certain small or minor projects, so confirm the exact scope with Building Inspections rather than assuming an exemption212. The listed exemptions include a one-story detached shed or playhouse of 256 square feet or less, and exempt items can still need a permit in a special flood hazard area13. A Virginia owner-builder may use the contractor-license exemption to build one personally owned primary residence for personal use during a 24-month period, but the project must still comply with the building code6.

Who handles Greensville County building permits, and how do you reach the office?

Greensville County Building Inspections is at 1781 Greensville County Circle, Emporia, Virginia 23847, and its permit line is (434) 348-4205 ext. 13002. The office issues permits on weekdays during its posted permit hours and also processes permits by mail2. Its residential checklist calls for a plot plan, construction plans and specifications, a soil-and-erosion document, contractor and business-license forms when applicable, and water, sewer or septic approval suited to the site2. Typical residential plan review may take up to five working days2. Building fees follow a local schedule rather than one statewide flat fee14. Greensville County separately publishes a $25 zoning permit fee when it accompanies a building permit157. Ask both Building Inspections and Planning which forms and fees apply before submitting, because a building-code review and a zoning review answer different questions27.

Does Greensville County have zoning?

Greensville County has county zoning that regulates land use and buildings in agricultural, residential and industrial zones316. The Planning Department administers zoning information from 1781 Greensville County Circle and can be reached at (434) 348-4205 ext. 25007. Rural acreage is therefore not automatically unrestricted: the parcel's mapped district can control the allowed use, yards and open space, building height, and whether a special-use process is necessary816. We could not confirm one countywide minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback table, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit from the reviewed material; ask Planning for the standards tied to the parcel's district7. Land division is also regulated, and the county defines subdivision as dividing a tract, parcel or lot into two or more parts under its zoning ordinance17. Confirm zoning and subdivision status before relying on a seller's description of a parcel as buildable817.

How do septic and well permits work in Greensville County?

Onsite sewage permitting in Greensville County is administered by the Virginia Department of Health through the Crater Health District's Greensville/Emporia Health Department4. The local contact is at 140 Uriah Branch Way, Emporia, VA 23847, phone (434) 348-421018. Virginia requires a written permit before constructing, operating, expanding or modifying a sewage disposal or handling system519. The statutory onsite sewage application fee is $75, with specified waiver and refund provisions5. Only about 2.9% of Greensville County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make sewage feasibility an early purchase contingency20. Virginia's inspection route differs for systems installed under a design certified by a professional engineer or onsite soil evaluator21. A private well needs a construction permit: submit the application and fee at the local health department, which must approve a sanitary survey before issuing the permit and then inspects the finished well9. We could not confirm any well-permit exceptions, so ask the local office about both water and sewage before finalizing a house site18.

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

We could not confirm a Greensville County rule allowing long-term or permanent RV occupancy on a private parcel, so ask the Planning Department about the parcel, proposed duration and utility setup before buying or moving an RV onsite7. Virginia's temporary-campground rule does not answer whether one household may occupy an RV on private land22. We also could not confirm a specific Greensville County tiny-home occupancy rule7. A tiny home's small footprint does not by itself remove the county building-permit requirement, zoning review, sewage permit or certificate-of-occupancy requirement18523. Manufactured housing has a state-protected path in qualifying zoning districts, but placement remains subject to conditions involving zoning, real-property conversion, age and the individual lot24. For any unconventional dwelling, take the unit specifications and intended use to Planning, Building Inspections and the health department before purchase7218.

How do you build a home in Greensville County, Virginia, step by step?

  1. Ask Greensville County Planning to confirm the parcel's zoning district, residential use, dimensional standards and whether a special-use approval is needed87.
  2. Have the Greensville/Emporia Health Department address onsite sewage and private-well permitting before fixing the house location418.
  3. If the driveway connects to VDOT right-of-way, obtain the required state land-use permit for the entrance25.
  4. Assemble the county checklist items, including the plot plan, construction documents and applicable water, sewer or septic approval2.
  5. Submit the building application before covered work begins and pay the applicable local fees1114.
  6. Call for the required inspections before work is concealed; Greensville County asks for 24 hours' notice, and the minimum inspections cover footing, foundation, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy and final stages26272.
  7. Complete the final inspection and obtain a certificate of occupancy before moving into the new home232.

What should you check before buying land in Greensville County, Virginia?

Start with sewage feasibility: only about 2.9% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field20. Check the zoning district, allowed dwelling type, yards, height limits and subdivision history with Greensville County Planning16177. Verify whether public water or sewer is available and whether connection is mandatory, because we could not confirm a countywide utility-connection rule2. Check flood maps and ask Planning whether county floodplain approval is required for the proposed work; a state building permit may be required even for otherwise exempt work in a special flood hazard area287. Confirm legal road access and obtain a VDOT land-use permit when the entrance connects to state-maintained right-of-way25. Greensville County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $9362930. County population density is about 37.7 people per square mile31.

Watch-outs

  • Greensville County has zoning across county territory, so rural acreage is not automatically unrestricted; confirm the mapped district and allowed use with Planning37.
  • Only about 2.9% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field; make health-department approval a purchase contingency204.
  • We could not confirm long-term RV living, tiny-home occupancy, minimum dwelling size or a county floodplain permit process; take the parcel and proposal to Planning before buying7.
  • A driveway connecting to VDOT right-of-way requires a state land-use permit, separate from county building and zoning review2518.

Sources

  1. Greensville County Planning Department (2026 county census)
  2. Greensville County Building Inspections Department (greensvillecountyva.gov)
  3. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  4. VDH Crater Health District - Environmental Health (2026 county census)
  5. 12VAC5-610-240. Permits; general (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Contractor exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  7. Greensville County Planning Department (greensvillecountyva.gov)
  8. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Private Well Program, quoted and re-checked
  10. § 36-98. Board to promulgate Statewide Code; other codes and regulations superseded; exceptions (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit, quoted and re-checked
  14. 13VAC5-63-70. Section 107 Fees (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  16. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  17. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  18. Greensville/Emporia Health Department (vdh.virginia.gov)
  19. Onsite Sewage Disposal Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  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. 12VAC5-610-320. Inspection and correction (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. 12VAC5-450 Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Section 116 Certificates of occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  24. § 15.2-2290. Uniform regulations for manufactured housing (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Land use permits (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. 13VAC5-63-130. Section 113 Inspections (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. 13VAC5-63-130. Section 113 Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  28. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Population density: Bolthole Index county data

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, Greensville County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleGreensville CountyEmporia CityBrunswick CountySussex CountyDinwiddie CountySouthampton CountyPrince George County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVDHVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of Health

County locator

Greensville County in Virginia

65
County map
Greensville County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Greensville County scores

Seclusion42100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency59100% ev.
Admin Boringness3990% ev.
Durability75100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost8696% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$169kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$2,861Land / acre
47.9"Annual rain
1.2% of yrsSevere drought
8.3 / yr (+7.2)Mid-century 100°F days
13.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.04" (+4.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.37×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,255Home insurance / yr
3.5% / yrInsurance growth
2.28%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
43,434People within 30 min
5,983,282People within 2 hr
30,127Radius comparison (15 mi)
37.7People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
2.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
5,361 acWorkable land screen
73.7%Wooded land
72.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Greensville County

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

Greensville County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land use and buildings within Greensville County.

    • The county page identifies county zoning and subdivision ordinances as regulating land use and buildings in agricultural, residential, and industrial zones.
    • Specific uses may require zoning, special-use, variance, or other approvals.
    “These two ordinances regulate land use and buildings located within the county, whether it be located in an agricultural, residential, or industrial zone.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in Greensville County.

    • The official county page describes the county zoning ordinance and zoning administration; this claim does not address incorporated municipalities or any separate municipal ordinance.
    “This department provides the public with certain information related to property within the county. It clarifies regulations authorized by the Greensville County Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and the Code of Greensville County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Greensville County zoning districts and mapped zoning classifications.

    • The county page identifies agricultural, residential, and industrial zones and links to the Greensville County Zoning Ordinance.
    • The reviewed page did not extract every district name or dimensional standard from the ordinance.
    “These two ordinances regulate land use and buildings located within the county, whether it be located in an agricultural, residential, or industrial zone.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Septic-system design evaluation, permitting, permit-issuance review, and inspections for Greensville County within the Crater Health District.

    • The Crater Health District conducts site evaluations for septic-system design and permitting.
    • The district reviews private-sector submittals for permit issuance.
    • Environmental Health staff perform inspections and investigate reports of raw sewage or other groundwater contamination.
    • The source identifies the Crater Health District as covering Greensville County and describes it as a state-city/county cooperative health service.
    “EH conducts site evaluations for design and permitting of septic systems and private wells. We also review private sector submittals for permit issuance. EH staff perform inspections and investigate reports of raw sewage or other ground water contamination.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Onsite sewage and private-well services serving Greensville County through the Crater Health District.
      “EH conducts site evaluations for design and permitting of septic systems and private wells. We also review private sector submittals for permit issuance. EH staff perform inspections and investigate reports of raw sewage or other ground water contamination.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of tracts, parcels, or lots in Greensville County.

    • A subdivision is defined as division into two or more parts in conformance with the county zoning ordinance.
    • Plats of less than four lots creating no new roads are reviewed and approved by the Planning Director before recordation.
    • Plats containing five or more lots, or creating new roads, are sent to appropriate agencies and proceed through preliminary and final review.
    “A subdivision constitutes the division of any tract, parcel, or lot of land into two or more parts in conformance with the provisions of the Greensville County Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Planning and zoning fees published by Greensville County.

    • The county lists additional consultant or engineering costs for the 15.2-2232 review.
    • The listed fees are planning/zoning fees and do not establish the complete building-permit fee schedule.

    zoning permit with building permit: 25 USD · home occupation permit: 25 USD · sign permit: 35 USD · zoning map amendment: 350 USD · zoning text amendment: 300 USD

    “Home Occupation Permit | $25.00 Sign Permit | $35.00 Zoning Permit (with Building Permit) | $25.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Greensville County planning, zoning, special-use, variance, and subdivision processes.

    • Rezoning and special-use applications require pre-application consultation.
    • Rezoning and special-use cases have stated filing deadlines and public-hearing procedures.
    • Subdivision review differs by lot count and whether new roads are created.
    “The applicants must hold a pre-application consultation with the Planning Manager or Planning Director before filing the application.”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction or demolition of buildings or structures, and the listed installations or alterations, throughout Virginia under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    • A permit must be obtained before commencement of construction or demolition of a building or structure and specified installations or alterations.
    • For emergency construction, alterations, or equipment replacement, the application must be submitted by the end of the first working day after work commences; the building official may authorize work to commence pending receipt of the application or issuance of the permit.
    • Applications and related inspections are not required for the listed exemptions, including specified low-voltage or communications installations; one-story detached tool or storage sheds, playhouses, or similar structures not exceeding 256 square feet and not classified as Group F-1 or H; detached utility buildings not exceeding 150 square feet; tents or air-supported structures covering 900 square feet or less with occupant load of 50 or less; fences subject to stated exceptions; concrete or masonry walls not exceeding six feet; qualifying retaining walls supporting less than three feet of unbalanced fill; qualifying swimming pools not exceeding 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep; qualifying signs; same-capacity replacement LP-gas containers; flagpoles 30 feet or less; qualifying temporary ramps; minor and ordinary construction work; listed ordinary repairs; qualifying crypts, mausoleums, and columbaria not exceeding 1,500 square feet; and billboard safety upgrades.
    • A permit may nevertheless be required for exempt replacement siding, roofing, and windows in a locality-designated historic district or for exempt items in a special flood hazard area.
    • A permit applicant must provide proof of contractor licensure or certification, or a written statement that the applicant is not subject to contractor or subcontractor licensure or certification; the applicant must also provide proof that required county, city, or town taxes or license fees have been paid.

    detached exempt structure area: <= 256 square feet (must be one story, detached, used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use, and not Group F-1 or H) · detached utility building area: <= 150 square feet (must house publicly regulated utility equipment) · tent or air-supported structure area: <= 900 square feet (occupant load must be 50 or less) · concrete or masonry wall height: <= 6 feet (measured above finished grade) · retaining wall unbalanced fill: < 3 feet (must not impound Class I, II, or III-A liquids or support a surcharge other than ordinary unbalanced fill) · small swimming pool surface area: <= 150 square feet (must be less than 24 inches deep) · flagpole height: <= 30 feet · temporary dwelling ramp entrance height: <= 30 inches (serving Groups R-3 or R-5 dwelling units) · crypt, mausoleum, or columbarium area: <= 1500 square feet (must not be for occupancy, must be used solely for interment, and must not be subject to special inspections)

    “Application for a permit shall be made to the building official and a permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any of the following activities, except that applications for emergency construction, alterations, or equipment replacement shall be submitted by the end of the first working day that follows the day such work commences.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, demolition, covered alterations, and regulated systems in Greensville County.
      “Application for a permit shall be made to the building official and a permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any of the following activities, except that applications for emergency construction, alterations, or equipment replacement shall be submitted by the end of the first working day that follows the day such work commences.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

    “Any person who performs or supervises the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by him and for his own use during any 24-month period;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A person performing or supervising construction of one primary residence owned by that person for that 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;”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction of new buildings, structures, and additions; maintenance, repair, renovation, and changes in use of existing buildings and structures throughout Virginia.

    • The Board of Housing and Community Development adopts and amends the USBC.
    • Enforcement is the responsibility of the local government's building inspections department.
    • The Uniform Statewide Building Code does not supersede other state-agency regulations governing building-related activities not covered by the USBC, including public water supply systems, wastewater treatment and disposal systems, and solid waste facilities.
    • The Code does not supersede specified proffered conditions, special exceptions, special or conditional use permits, variances, clustering and open-space development conditions, airport or highway overlay-district requirements, historic-district requirements, or local floodplain regulations adopted for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    current adopted code edition: 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code · effective date: 2024-01-18 · adopted referenced electrical code: 2020 National Electrical Code

    “The effective date of the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2021 Statewide Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Industrialized Building Safety Regulations and the 2021 Amusement Device Regulations is Jan. 18, 2024.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requirements applicable in Greensville County.
      “Chapters 2 - 35 of the 2021 International Building Code, published by the International Code Council, Inc., are adopted and incorporated by reference to be an enforceable part of the USBC.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    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 building official must conduct the listed minimum inspections when applicable to the construction or permit.
    • The minimum inspections include footings, foundations, preparatory concrete work, structural members and fasteners before concealment, electrical/mechanical/plumbing systems before concealment, energy-conservation materials before concealment, and final inspection.
    • Where construction cost is less than $2,500, an inspection may be waived at the inspecting authority's discretion.
    • The permit holder must provide ladders, scaffolding, or test equipment necessary for a requested inspection and must notify the building official when an inspection stage is reached.
    • Approved third-party inspection reports may be accepted under the building official's written policy.
    • A final inspection is required upon completion of construction for which a permit was issued.

    construction cost threshold for discretionary inspection waiver: < 2500 USD (inspection may be waived at the discretion of the inspecting authority)

    “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 — Permitted building construction in Greensville County.
      “Except as provided for in Section 113.7, the building official shall perform the requested inspection in accordance with Section 113.6 when notified in accordance with Section 113.1.2.”
  • 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 Greensville 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.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Construction, operation, expansion, or modification of a sewage disposal or handling system in Virginia.

    • A written construction permit is required before construction, expansion, or modification.
    • A written operation permit is required for sewage disposal systems constructed after the effective date of the chapter.
    • Permit conditions may be imposed and must be followed.
    • The $75 statutory onsite sewage permit application fee may be waived for applicants below federal poverty guidelines or applications for a pit privy or repair of a failing onsite sewage system; the fee is refunded if the Department denies a permit for land on which the applicant seeks to construct a principal residence.

    onsite sewage permit application fee: 75 USD (Statutory fee; waiver and refund provisions apply as stated in § 32.1-164(C).)

    “No person or owner shall construct, operate, expand or modify a sewage disposal or handling system without a written permit from the commissioner.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, expansion, or modification of sewage disposal systems serving property in Greensville County.
      “No person or owner shall construct, operate, expand or modify a sewage disposal or handling system without a written permit from the commissioner.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Installation of sewage disposal systems statewide.

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

    Installation of private wells serving property in Greensville County.

    • The application and fee are submitted at the local health department.
    • A sanitary survey must be approved before issuance of the private-well construction permit.
    • Following construction, local health-department personnel inspect the well for approval for use.
    “To initiate the process of installing a private well you will need to submit an application for a construction permit and remit a fee at your Local Health Department.”
  • 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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

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

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

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

    • The building official may require a permit for items that are otherwise exempt under the permit-application section when they are located in a special flood hazard area.
    • The rule does not establish that every floodplain development project is exempt from other local floodplain, building, zoning, or federal requirements.
    “Application for a permit may be required by the building official for any items exempted in this section that are located in a special flood hazard area.”
  • 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 floor area or dwelling-size requirement for residential dwellings in Greensville County.
  • Minimum lot size — County zoning minimum lot-size requirements.
  • Setbacks — Required setbacks for structures in Greensville County.
  • Lot coverage — County zoning lot-coverage limits.
  • Building height — County zoning building-height limits.
5 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Mandatory utility hookup

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Greensville County, Virginia

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

Greensville County scores 65/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use and about 43,434 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

How much does land cost in Greensville County, Virginia?

Land in Greensville County runs about $2,861 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greensville County?

Greensville County gets about 47.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.2% of years.

How remote is Greensville County?

A representative private-land location has about 43,434 people within a 30-minute drive and 5,983,282 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 Greensville compares in Virginia

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