Bolthole Index

King George County, Virginia

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in King George County, Virginia

62Index Score / 100
#75 of 133 in Virginia

King George County, Virginia requires a building permit before covered construction or demolition begins1. Community Development administers the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and county zoning23. Land without public sewer or water needs Virginia Department of Health permits for onsite sewage and a private well before the county building permit4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before covered construction or demolition1
Zoning
Countywide, with parcel rules tied to the zoning district56
Septic
VDH construction permit and final operations approval required789
Private well
VDH permit and operations approval required when public water is unavailable10
Owner-builder
Available for qualifying work with a signed, notarized county affidavit11
RV or tiny-home living
Tiny houses have a state code path; private-parcel RV living is unconfirmed1213
State-road driveway
Submit a VDOT permit with the residential application14

Who to call

Planning & zoning

King George County Community Development

Building permits, inspections, planning and zoning enforcement, environmental reviews, and site plan approvals

540-775-7111

10459 Courthouse Drive, Suite 104, King George, VA 22485

Septic permits

King George County Health Department

Local environmental-health contact for onsite sewage and private-well questions

540-775-3111

8097 Kings Highway, King George, VA 22485

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 King George County, Virginia?

Yes. King George County requires a permit before covered construction or demolition of a building or structure and for listed changes to structural, egress, electrical, fire-protection, mechanical or fuel-supply systems1. King George County Community Development administers the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including application review, permit issuance and inspections2. The county points applicants to Virginia Construction Code exemptions, so confirm that an exemption applies before starting a small project1. A farm building used for farming rather than as a residence may qualify for the state code exemption15. King George County also exempts a qualifying nonresidential farm structure from permit fees after a farm-exemption affidavit is submitted; that is not a blanket exemption from every requirement16.

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

King George County Community Development handles building permits, inspections, planning, zoning enforcement, environmental review and site-plan approval17. The office is at 10459 Courthouse Drive, Suite 104, King George, VA 22485, and its phone number is 540-775-711117. Building applications are accepted in person, by fax, email or mail, and applicants may submit digital or physical plans18. Published residential charges include a $500 non-refundable single-family deposit, $0.40 per square foot with a $200 minimum, a $100 plan-review fee, a 2% state levy and a $125 zoning fee19. Incomplete application packages are not accepted, and required materials vary with the work18. Inspection requests must be made by phone before 3 p.m. one day ahead; voicemail and email requests are not honored20.

Does King George County have zoning?

Yes. King George County administers zoning countywide through Community Development35. The county publishes official map sheets that assign legally enforceable zoning districts to specific property21. Setbacks, maximum building heights and minimum lot sizes depend on the parcel's district and proposed use222324. For example, an accessory dwelling needs at least 5 acres in the A-1, A-2 and A-3 agricultural districts; in the R-1, R-2, R-C and M-U districts, its minimum ranges from 15,000 square feet to 2 acres depending on water and sewer service24. Ask Community Development to identify the parcel's district and full dimensional rules before designing a building2117. We could not confirm a general minimum house size or complete lot-coverage schedule.

How do septic and private-well permits work in King George County?

The Virginia Department of Health issues onsite-sewage and private-well permits for King George County properties not served by public sewer or water7. Contact the King George County Health Department at 8097 Kings Highway, King George, VA 22485, or 540-775-311125. Land without public service needs permits to construct both the sewage-disposal system and private well before the county will issue a building permit; the reviewed rule does not authorize unpermitted or alternative sanitation4. After septic installation, the Health Department must complete inspections and receive the installer's completion statement before issuing an operations permit9. A private well also requires a VDH construction permit10. Only 22.5% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency26.

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

Virginia provides an alternative residential-code path for a tiny house with no more than 400 square feet of floor area, but the dwelling must still meet the applicable statewide building code and King George County zoning and placement rules12. Ask Community Development whether the parcel's district permits the proposed dwelling and where it may be placed2117. King George County limits patrons in a regulated campground or RV park to 14 nights in any 30-day period or 45 nights in a calendar year, and a campground needs at least 10 acres1324. Those campground limits do not answer whether someone may live in an RV on an individual parcel. We could not confirm the county rule for full-time RV occupancy or temporary private camping, so take the specific parcel and proposal to Community Development17.

Building a home in King George County, Virginia: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Community Development to confirm the zoning district, dwelling use, setbacks, height limit and site-plan requirements21222317.
  1. If the site lacks public service, obtain VDH construction permits for onsite sewage and a private well before applying for the building permit4.
  1. If acting as owner-builder, file the signed, notarized county affidavit and confirm that the contractor-license exemption applies. The exemption covers no more than one primary residence owned and used by the builder in a 24-month period, but it does not waive the building code11.
  1. For a state road or route, submit the required VDOT entrance permit with the residential application14.
  1. For a new public water or sewer connection, provide the Service Authority deposit receipt and obtain advance County Administration approval27.
  1. Submit the building application and plans to Community Development, request inspections by the county's deadline, and obtain a county certification of occupancy when applicable182028.

What should you check before buying land in King George County?

Start with septic capacity because only 22.5% of King George County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field26. Confirm whether public utilities are available; a new connection needs a Service Authority deposit receipt and advance County Administration approval, while land without service needs VDH permits for onsite sewage and a private well27810. If a purchase depends on dividing land, adjusting a boundary or consolidating lots, ask Community Development about subdivision review before closing; King George County regulates those applications, and fees vary by subdivision type and newly created lots29. Much of the terrain is workable, with 82.1% of land at a slope of 15% or less and 70.8% forest cover, but wooded acreage may add clearing work3031. Check mapped flood hazards because the building official may require a permit even for otherwise exempt work in a special flood hazard area32. Confirm legal road access and the VDOT permit requirement for an entrance on a state road or route14.

Watch-outs

  • A septic-served or private-well project needs the applicable VDH construction permit before King George County will issue the building permit810.
  • King George County regulates setbacks, building height and minimum lot size by district and use, so the zoning map is a starting point rather than the complete dimensional answer6222324.
  • A county certification of occupancy applies only when required for the project and may depend on Health Department, VDOT, Service Authority and stormwater paperwork28.
  • Virginia's tiny-house code path does not override King George County zoning or placement rules12.
  • Campground stays are limited, but private-parcel RV living and temporary camping were not confirmed; ask Community Development about the parcel and proposal1317.
  • The owner-builder exemption concerns contractor licensing, not the building code; it requires a signed, notarized county affidavit when applicable11.

Sources

  1. Building Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Permits To Construct a Sewage Disposal System and/or Private Well, quoted and re-checked
  5. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. King George County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Division of Onsite Water and Wastewater Services, quoted and re-checked
  8. Permit Amendment Application, quoted and re-checked
  9. Permits To Construct a Sewage Disposal System and/or Private Well, quoted and re-checked
  10. Permit Amendment Application, quoted and re-checked
  11. § 54.1-1101. Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penalties, quoted and re-checked
  12. 13VAC5-63-210. Chapter 3 Use and occupancy classification, quoted and re-checked
  13. Article VII. Use Performance Standards, quoted and re-checked
  14. Permit Amendment Application, quoted and re-checked
  15. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. kinggeorgecountyva.gov, quoted and re-checked
  17. King George County Community Development (kinggeorgecountyva.gov)
  18. Building Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  19. Residential Building Permit Applications & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  20. Building Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  21. Zoning Maps, quoted and re-checked
  22. Zoning Maps, quoted and re-checked
  23. Zoning Maps, quoted and re-checked
  24. Article VII. Use Performance Standards, quoted and re-checked
  25. King George County Health Department (vdh.virginia.gov)
  26. 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
  27. Permit Amendment Application, quoted and re-checked
  28. Commercial Required Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  29. King George County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  30. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  32. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleKing George CountyFredericksburg CityCaroline CountyStafford CountyEssex CountyWestmoreland CountySpotsylvania County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVDHVDHVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of Health

County locator

King George County in Virginia

62
County map
King George County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How King George County scores

Seclusion30100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency71100% ev.
Admin Boringness43100% ev.
Durability78100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost6896% 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 →

$480kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$6,250Land / acre
43.5"Annual rain
1.1% of yrsSevere drought
6.5 / yr (+6.1)Mid-century 100°F days
12.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.86" (+7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.47×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,442Home insurance / yr
1.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.26%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
57,424People within 30 min
9,981,042People within 2 hr
109,353Radius comparison (15 mi)
159People / sq mi
4.4%Federal land
82.1%Land at 15% slope or less
22.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
25,063 acWorkable land screen
70.8%Wooded land
78.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.7°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for King George County

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

King George County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, demolition, and listed building-system work subject to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    • A permit must be obtained before construction or demolition of a building or structure, including installation, alteration, removal, or addition of a wall or structural component.
    • Permits are also required for alteration of required means of egress, electric wiring, fire protection systems, mechanical systems, or fuel supply systems.
    • Permit exemptions may exist under Section 108 of the 2021 Virginia Construction Code.
    “Application for a permit shall be made to the building official, and a permit shall be obtained before, but not limited to, construction or demolition of a building or structure, including installation, alteration, removal, or addition of any wall or structural component.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Owner-builders performing or supervising qualifying construction in King George County.

    • An Owner Builder Affidavit must be signed and notarized if applicable.
    • The Virginia exemption covers no more than one primary residence owned by the person and for the person's own use during any 24-month period.
    • An exemption also covers a house on the person's property given as a bona fide gift to an immediate family member who lives in the house.
    • The owner remains solely responsible for permitted construction; other employed persons or firms must comply with contractor licensing laws.

    primary residences: 1 per 24 months (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.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building-code administration by King George County Community Development.

    code cycle: 2021 USBC

    “Community Development administers the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. This includes building permit applications, plan review, issuing building permits and scheduling inspections.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building inspections administered by King George County Community Development.

    • Inspection requests must be made before 3 p.m. by phone one day in advance.
    • The permit number and owner or contractor name must be provided.
    • Voicemail and email inspection requests are not honored.

    advance notice: 1 day

    “All inspections are required to be requested before 3 p.m. by phone at 540-775-7111 one (1) day in advance.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Projects for which King George County requires a certification of occupancy.

    • The county page expressly qualifies the requirement with 'if applicable'.
    • Health Department approval, VDOT approval, paid Service Authority receipt, and completed SWPPP packet are listed before issuance.
    • Requirements may vary based on the project.
    “Required Submittal Documents Prior to issuance of Certification of occupancy (if applicable):”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land use and development under the King George County Zoning Ordinance.

    • The county administers the zoning ordinance through Planning & Zoning and Community Development.
    “Planning & Zoning references the King George County Zoning Ordinance to determine how property can and cannot be used to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in King George County, including the county zoning ordinance and zoning review of development applications.

    “Manages building permits, inspections, planning and zoning enforcement, environmental reviews, and site plan approvals.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    King George County primary and overlay zoning districts and the official zoning map.

    • The official zoning map is maintained by the county and is available for public examination.
    • Overlay districts supplement underlying zoning districts.
    “The official location and boundaries of the various primary zoning districts and overlay districts are hereby established as shown on the official "Zoning Map of King George County, Virginia" for convenience, to be referred to as the "Zoning Map".”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — King George County zoning districts and official zoning-map materials.
      “Zoning maps serve as the definitive visual guide for land use throughout the county, translating the goals of the comprehensive plan into specific, legally-enforceable districts.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning minimum-lot-size requirements, including accessory dwellings and campground/RV uses; the applicable minimum depends on the zoning district and use.

    • For accessory dwellings in agricultural districts A-1, A-2, and A-3, the minimum lot size is 5 acres.
    • For accessory dwellings in R-1, R-2, R-C, and M-U districts, the minimum is 15,000 square feet with community/public water and sewer, 1 acre with community/public water or sewer, and 2 acres with neither community/public water nor sewer.
    • A campground requires at least 10 acres.
    • Other district-specific dimensional standards, applicable subdivision rules, health requirements, and utility requirements may also apply.

    accessory dwelling minimum lot size in agricultural districts A-1, A-2, A-3: >= 5 acres · accessory dwelling minimum lot size with community/public water and sewer in R-1, R-2, R-C, M-U: >= 15000 square feet · accessory dwelling minimum lot size with community/public water or sewer in R-1, R-2, R-C, M-U: >= 1 acre · accessory dwelling minimum lot size without community/public water or sewer in R-1, R-2, R-C, M-U: >= 2 acres · campground minimum lot area: >= 10 acres

    “(1) Minimum lot size. (i) Agricultural districts (A-1, A-2, and A-3): (a) All lots: 5 acres.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Development subject to King George County zoning standards.

    • The source does not state numeric setback values; applicable standards vary by property and district.
    “It provides clear information on critical development standards, including building setbacks, maximum heights, and density requirements, ensuring that all new construction harmonizes with the surrounding community.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Development subject to King George County zoning standards.

    • The source does not state numeric height limits; applicable standards vary by property and district.
    “It provides clear information on critical development standards, including building setbacks, maximum heights, and density requirements, ensuring that all new construction harmonizes with the surrounding community.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles by patrons in a county-regulated campground or RV park, including applicable floodplain sites.

    • The campground must meet the ordinance's campground standards, including a minimum area of 10 acres.
    • Campground patrons may stay no longer than 14 nights in any 30-day period or 45 nights in any calendar year.
    • In the floodplain overlay, recreational vehicles must either be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days and fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet the floodplain section's alternative requirements.
    • Virginia Department of Health requirements apply to campground service buildings and facilities.

    campground minimum lot area: >= 10 acres · maximum patron stay: 14 nights in any 30-day period or 45 nights in any one calendar year · floodplain recreational vehicle site duration: < 180 consecutive days (The alternative is compliance with Section 5-3-17(A) and (G).)

    “Patrons in campgrounds may stay no longer than 14 nights in any 30-day period or 45 nights in any one calendar year.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Residential building permit applications involving private onsite sewage systems in King George County.

    • The county residential permit application requires a VDH well and/or septic permit as applicable.
    “The Following Information is required for a residential building permit: [...] VDH Well and/or Septic Permit”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Permitted onsite sewage systems in King George County.

    • The health department must inspect the installed system and receive the installer completion statement before issuing an Operations Permit.
    “When the sewage disposal system is properly installed, inspections conducted, and completion statement from the installer received, the health department will approve the sewage disposal system for use and by issuing an Operations Permit.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private onsite sewage sanitation where public sewer is unavailable.

    • A VDH sewage-disposal permit is required before the county will issue a building permit.
    • The source does not establish that unpermitted or alternative sanitation is allowed.
    “For property that is not served by public sewer or a public water system the owner must obtain a permit to construct a sewage disposal system and private well before the county will issue a building permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New water or sewer connections associated with residential building permits.

    • All new connections must be approved in advance by County Administration.
    • A Service Authority deposit receipt is required.
    • Twenty-five percent of the fee must be paid upon permit application.
    • The stated approval time is 10-14 days.

    service authority deposit: 25 percent of fee (paid upon application) · approval time: 10-14 days

    “Service Authority Deposit Receipt-25% of fee must be paid upon application for permit and all new connections must be approved in advance by County Administration, with a 10-14 day approval time.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Farm buildings and structures on property where farming operations take place.

    • The structure must not be used for residential purposes.
    • The applicant must submit a farm exemption affidavit to the county office.
    • The source states exemption from permit fees, not a blanket exemption from all regulatory requirements.
    “Farm buildings and structures, not used for residential purposes, located on property where farming operations take place, are exempt from permit fees. You will need to submit a farm exemption affidavit to our office.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land development under the King George County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance.

    • The ordinance is authorized under Code of Virginia §§ 15.2-2240 et seq. and 15.2-2280 et seq.
    “This chapter, the full title of which is "King George County, Virginia Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance," shall be permitted, for convenience, to be referred to as the "Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance" or "Ordinance."”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Residential building-permit site plans and access to state roads.

    • The site plan must show the driveway location.
    • Any state road or route requires a VDOT permit submitted with the application.
    • Driveway access requirements may vary with the scope of work.
    “Any State Road/Route will need a VDOT permit submitted with application”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published King George County residential building-permit fees.

    • The listed rates and fees are effective as of July 1, 2026.
    • A $500 non-refundable deposit applies to single-family homes.
    • A 2% state levy is listed as a percentage of the building fee.
    • Fees vary by permit type and work category.

    single-family-home deposit: 500 USD (non-refundable) · finished or unfinished area fee: 0.4 USD per square foot (minimum fee $200) · zoning fee: 125 USD · plan review fee: 100 USD ($50 for each additional letter) · state levy: 2 percent of building fee

    “The below rates and fees are effective as of July 1, 2026, in accordance with King George County Code of Ordinances O-07-26.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit application and inspection process.

    • Applications are typically accepted in person, by fax, email, or mail.
    • Digital and physical plans are accepted.
    • Inspection requests must be made by phone before 3 p.m. one day in advance.
    • Incomplete application packages will not be accepted.
    • Required information may vary based on the scope of work.
    “Permit applications are typically accepted in person, via fax, email or by mail. Digital and physical plans are accepted.”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    A dwelling in King George County, Virginia, that qualifies as a tiny house under the Virginia Residential Code based on floor area.

    • Appendix AQ is an alternative compliance path under the Virginia Residential Code; the dwelling must comply with the applicable Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requirements.
    • King George County zoning and land-use requirements still apply to the site's use and placement.
    • Construction is subject to enforcement by the local government's building inspections department.
    • The current 2021 Virginia codes became effective January 18, 2024.

    maximum floor area for Appendix AQ tiny-house alternative: <= 400 square feet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    • Local or district health departments administer application, inspection, and permit functions under the statewide framework.
    • Alternative discharging sewage systems are also subject to applicable State Water Control Board regulations and permits.
    “The Board shall have supervision and control over the safe and sanitary collection, conveyance, transportation, treatment, and disposal of sewage by onsite sewage systems and alternative discharging sewage systems, and treatment works as they affect the public health and welfare.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Onsite sewage systems and private wells serving property in King George County.
      “In order for VDH to process your application for a sewage system you must attached a plat of the property and a site sketch.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private well construction serving property in King George County.

    • The county residential permit application requires a VDH well permit when applicable.
    • VDH provides a Well Construction Permit Application.
    “The Following Information is required for a residential building permit: [...] VDH Well and/or Septic Permit”
  • 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 dwelling-size standards in King George County zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage standards in King George County zoning districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in King George 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.

Water rights & wells in King George County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Virginia’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

Household wells are exempt from the groundwater withdrawal permit even inside a Groundwater Management Area, but a private well in a GWMA must be registered with DEQ within 30 days (Va. Code 62.1-258); a permit is triggered only at 300,000 gal/month.

Limit: < 300,000 gal/month (no withdrawal permit)

Virginia DEQ — Ground Water Withdrawal Permitting ↗
  • Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Areapartial of county

    DEQ has imposed mandatory withdrawal reductions on large Coastal Plain permittees because permitted demand exceeds sustainable aquifer yield (declining heads, land subsidence, saltwater-intrusion risk). Household wells (<300,000 gal/mo) are exempt but must be registered. The I-95-west counties (Fairfax, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline) are included only east of I-95.

    Virginia DEQ / 9VAC25-600-20 ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Virginia state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in King George County, Virginia

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

King George County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and workable self-sufficiency basics: 43.5″/yr rainfall and 70.8% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 57,424 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in King George County, Virginia?

King George County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Virginia Department of Health (King George County 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 King George County, Virginia?

Land in King George County runs about $6,250 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in King George County?

King George County gets about 43.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.1% of years. On water rights, King George County lies in the Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Area — DEQ has imposed mandatory withdrawal reductions on large Coastal Plain permittees because permitted demand exceeds sustainable aquifer yield (declining heads, land subsidence, saltwater-intrusion risk). Household wells (<300,000 gal/mo) are exempt but must be registered. The I-95-west counties (Fairfax, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline) are included only east of I-95..

How remote is King George County?

A representative private-land location has about 57,424 people within a 30-minute drive and 9,981,042 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 King George compares in Virginia

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