Bolthole Index

King William County, Virginia

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

66Index Score / 100
#57 of 133 in Virginia

King William County, Virginia requires a building permit for a new home, plus inspections and a certificate of occupancy before move-in123. Unincorporated King William County has county zoning, and projects using a private well or septic system must obtain Health Department permits before the county zoning and building applications4567.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction through the county Building Department1
Zoning
County-administered in unincorporated areas, with district-specific uses and dimensions48
Septic
Health Department permit required before county land-use and building applications96
Owner-builder
Allowed conditionally with the county affidavit10
RV living
Permanent living, sleeping or occupancy in an RV is prohibited11
Accessory dwelling
One per parcel in specified districts, subject to size, occupancy and permit rules12
Private well
Health Department construction permit required after sanitary survey approval13

Who to call

Building permits

King William County Building Department

Building permits, plan review and inspections for King William County

804-769-4969

permits@kwc.gov

180 Horse Landing Road #4, King William, VA 23086

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

King William County Planning & Zoning (Community Development)

Zoning, land-disturbance, subdivision and parcel-boundary applications

804-769-4980

180 Horse Landing Road #4, King William, VA 23086

Online permits →

Septic permits

King William County Health Department — Three Rivers Health District

Local health-department contact for King William County; ask for onsite sewage and private-well services

804-769-4988

172 Courthouse Lane, King William Courthouse, VA 23086

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

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Going off-grid in King William County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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

Yes. King William County requires a permit before a building or temporary structure is erected, constructed, altered, moved, converted, extended or enlarged1. The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code supplies the construction rules, and the county Building Department reviews plans and performs the required inspections14152. A certificate of occupancy is required before occupying permitted construction3. A homeowner may act as the builder by completing the county affidavit and satisfying its ownership and licensing conditions10. A qualifying farm building can be exempt from the state Building Code, but that exemption does not answer every county zoning, floodplain or land-use requirement16. King William County publishes a fee schedule, accepts building-permit fees online and adds a 2% state levy; confirm the project total with the Building Department17.

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

The King William County Building Department handles new-construction plan review, code compliance and building inspections15. The office is at 180 Horse Landing Road #4, King William, VA 23086; call 804-769-4969 or email permits@kwc.gov15. Planning & Zoning is at the same address and can be reached at 804-769-4980 for zoning, land-disturbance and subdivision questions18. Both building and land-use applications have access to the county's online public portal18. The county's published sequence puts any needed well and septic permit first, followed by the Land Disturbance/Zoning Permit and then the building application7. The Building Official reviews the plans for code compliance, and the permit issues after approval and payment719.

Does King William County have zoning?

King William County applies its zoning ordinance throughout the county's unincorporated territory, with district-specific use and dimensional rules48. Incorporated municipalities may exercise separate authority, so a West Point address should not be assumed to follow the county's unincorporated-area rules20. The primary-district schedule sets minimum lot areas of 5 acres in A-C and 3 acres in R-R; R-1 ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 square feet depending on public water and sewer availability21. Front setbacks from a local or subdivision road with a right-of-way of at least 50 feet are 75 feet in A-C, 50 feet in R-R and 40 feet in R-122. Other roads, districts, recorded plats and project types can change the applicable setback23. Minimum dwelling size is set by district; in a Planned Unit Development district a detached single-story home must have at least 1,400 square feet and a two-story home 1,800 square feet, excluding attached garages, carports and porches24. Building-height limits also vary by district and use25. Ask Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel's district and the exact schedule before siting improvements18. Subdivision requires an approved, recorded plat and compliance with the ordinance26.

How do septic permits work in King William County?

Onsite sewage permitting for King William County projects runs through the Virginia Department of Health, and the county requires the Health Department well/septic permit before its land-use and building applications967. Contact the King William County Health Department at 172 Courthouse Lane, King William Courthouse, VA 23086, or 804-769-4988, and ask for onsite sewage and private-well services27. A county sewage-disposal construction permit is valid for 18 months and can be extended once for 18 months if unavoidable delays occur and the request comes before it expires28. Once the system is installed and inspected and the installer submits a completion statement, the Health Department issues an Operation Permit29. Virginia requires a written permit before an onsite sewage system is constructed, operated, expanded or modified30. During residential construction, the county requires inspection after the septic or sewer line is connected and before backfill; the inspection must precede the final inspection31. Only about 10.4% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a conventional system will fit32. A private well likewise requires a Health Department construction permit after the sanitary survey is approved13.

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

King William County prohibits using a recreational vehicle or similar equipment for permanent living, sleeping or other occupancy11. The ordinance evidence does not settle temporary camping by an owner, so ask Planning & Zoning before using an RV even temporarily on a private parcel18. The ordinance does not define "tiny home," and its occupancy rule reaches a tiny home only when the unit qualifies as a recreational vehicle or similar equipment, which cannot be lived in permanently on a residential lot33. A tiny home proposed as a dwelling must still fit the parcel's zoning and proceed through applicable building permits, inspections and the certificate-of-occupancy process4123. A county accessory dwelling is a narrower option: only one is allowed per parcel in the specified residential and agricultural districts, with limits on its form, size and occupant, and an RV cannot serve as the accessory dwelling12. Before ordering a unit, give Planning & Zoning the parcel number and describe its foundation, dimensions, utilities and intended occupancy18.

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

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to confirm the zoning district, proposed residential use, lot size and setbacks8212218. If the project divides land, resolve the subdivision plat before designing lots26.
  1. Obtain the Health Department well/septic permit when the project will use private service5627.
  1. Take the well/septic permit and land plat to Planning & Zoning for the Land Disturbance/Zoning Permit718.
  1. Submit the building application and required plans to the Building Department; owner-builders must complete the county affidavit71015.
  1. After plan approval, pay the fee plus the 2% state levy so the building permit can issue1719.
  1. Obtain separate trade permits and schedule required inspections, including the septic or sewer-line inspection before backfill73431.
  1. Complete final health, zoning and building approvals, then obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving in35.

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

Start with buildability: confirm the district, allowed use, minimum lot area and setbacks with Planning & Zoning8212218. Make septic suitability a contract contingency because only about 10.4% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field32. For a private well, budget for the Health Department application, sanitary survey, construction permit and approval inspection13. Check whether the entrance touches a VDOT-maintained highway, since work in that right-of-way needs a state land-use permit36. A driveway crossing a Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Area also faces county review and must minimize the encroachment and water-quality effects37. Development in the floodplain district must follow the county floodplain article38. If the parcel is being split, verify the approved and recorded subdivision plat26. The county's effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median bill is about $1,733 a year3940.

Watch-outs

  • Do not start with the house plan alone: King William County puts the Health Department well/septic permit and county Land Disturbance/Zoning Permit before the building application7.
  • Only about 10.4% of King William County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so verify a workable system before closing on rural land32.
  • Permanent RV occupancy is prohibited in King William County, while temporary private-land camping and tiny-home treatment could not be confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning before placing either on a parcel1118.
  • A mapped floodplain district is not a promise of flood protection; county floodplain rules apply to development there, and flooding or flood damage can still occur38.

Sources

  1. Building Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  2. Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  3. Certificates of Occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  4. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  8. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Division of Onsite Water and Wastewater Services, quoted and re-checked
  10. Residential Building Application, quoted and re-checked
  11. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  13. Private Well Program, quoted and re-checked
  14. Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), quoted and re-checked
  15. King William County Building Department (kwc.gov)
  16. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Fees, quoted and re-checked
  18. King William County Planning & Zoning (Community Development) (kwc.gov)
  19. Building Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  20. § 15.2-2280. Zoning ordinances generally (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  24. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, Rev. 4/13/26, quoted and re-checked
  25. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  26. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  27. King William County Health Department — Three Rivers Health District (vdh.virginia.gov)
  28. Permits To Construct A Sewage Disposal System and/or Private Well, quoted and re-checked
  29. Permits To Construct A Sewage Disposal System and/or Private Well, quoted and re-checked
  30. 12VAC5-610-240. Permits; general (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  32. 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
  33. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, Rev. 4/13/26, quoted and re-checked
  34. Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  35. Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  36. Land use permits (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  37. King William County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  38. kwc.gov, quoted and re-checked
  39. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Median property tax bill: 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, King William County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleKing William CountyKing and Queen CountyNew Kent CountyHenrico CountyEssex CountyMiddlesex CountyRichmond City
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsVDHVA Dept. of HealthNew Kent Health Dept.VA Dept. of HealthVDHVDHVA Dept. of Health

County locator

King William County in Virginia

66
County map
King William County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How King William County scores

Seclusion45100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency60100% ev.
Admin Boringness3990% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% 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 →

$359kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$4,203Land / acre
46.5"Annual rain
1.3% of yrsSevere drought
6.9 / yr (+6.5)Mid-century 100°F days
13.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.28" (+5.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.43×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,239Home insurance / yr
1.6% / yrInsurance growth
1.02%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
11,012People within 30 min
6,659,124People within 2 hr
36,966Radius comparison (15 mi)
69.5People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
87%Land at 15% slope or less
10.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
17,326 acWorkable land screen
65.4%Wooded land
48.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in King William County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Town of West Point

Answers from the rulebook for King William County

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

King William County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building permits for construction in King William County.

    • A well/septic permit is obtained first where applicable.
    • A Land Disturbance/Zoning Permit is obtained before the building permit application.
    • Two sets of building plans with truss specifications are submitted.
    • Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required.
    “To obtain a building permit: 1. Obtain a well/septic permit from the Health Department. 2. Bring a copy of your well/septic permit and your land plat to the Planning Department to apply for a Land Disturbance/Zoning Permit 3. Once the Land Disturbance/Zoning Permit is obtained, complete the Building Permit Application and submit two sets of building plans with truss specifications to the Building Department.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Building construction requiring a county building permit.
      “Once payment is received, your permit will be issued.”
    • Required — Building construction requiring a county building permit in King William County.
      “No building or temporary building structure shall be erected, constructed, altered, moved, converted, extended, or enlarged without the owner or owners first having obtained a building permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Homeowners acting as their own contractors on King William County building projects.

    • The homeowner affidavit is required for all building projects.
    • The homeowner must affirm ownership, permit application, familiarity with licensure requirements, and that the owner will not conduct activities requiring contractor, subcontractor, or owner/developer licensure.
    • The occupancy agreement is required for new dwellings.
    • If the dwelling is occupied before a Certificate of Occupancy, electrical service must be disconnected.
    “that he/she is not and will not conduct activities of a contractor, subcontractor, or owner/developer, and that he/she is not subject to licensure as a contractor, subcontractor or owner/developer.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Homeowners acting as their own contractors for residential building projects.
      “not subject to licensure as a contractor”
    • Available (with conditions) — Homeowners acting as their own contractors on county building projects.
      “The undersigned, after being duly sworn, affirms that he/she is the owner of a certain tract of land described, which is not controlled or leased by another party, that he/she has applied for a permit, that he/she is familiar with the licensure requirements which are a prerequisite to issuance of a permit, that he/she is not and will not conduct activities of a contractor, subcontractor, or owner/developer, and that he/she is not subject to licensure as a contractor, subcontractor or owner/developer.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential building inspections in King William County.

    • The county page describes the list as the minimum inspections for a new dwelling.
    • Commercial projects or special residential conditions may require additional inspections.
    • Listed stages include footing, projection, slab, foundation/floor joist, rough-ins, insulation, water line, septic, and final inspection.
    “Inspections at various stages of work are required by the Building Department, under the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Residential dwelling inspections administered by the county Building Department.
      “Inspections at various stages of work are required by the Building Department”
    • Required — Residential building construction in King William County.
      “Inspections at various stages of work are required by the Building Department, under the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of buildings or structures for which a permit was issued.

    • The certificate follows completion of final inspection and compliance with applicable code, laws, and ordinances.
    • It must be issued within 5 working days after request if requirements are met.
    • An accessory structure as defined in the IRC is excepted.
    • The county inspection page states that final inspection, Health Department, Zoning, and other county or state approvals must be finalized.

    issuance deadline after request: 5 working days (provided the building or structure meets all certificate requirements)

    “A Certificate of Occupancy indicating completion of the work for which a permit was issued shall be obtained prior to the occupancy of any building or structure”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New residential occupancy requiring county building approval.
      “occupied prior to a Certificate of Occupancy the electrical service to this dwelling shall be disconnected”
    • Required — Residential occupancy after completion of permitted construction.
      “I hereby agree that, if this dwelling is occupied prior to a Certificate of Occupancy the electrical service to this dwelling shall be disconnected.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulation in unincorporated King William County.

    • The ordinance uses primary zoning districts and district-specific use regulations.
    • In the use matrix, uses not specifically permitted or conditionally permitted are prohibited.
    • The ordinance was marked Rev. 4/13/26 in the opened PDF.
    “This chapter shall be the zoning chapter of all the unincorporated portions of the County of King William”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County aggregate of local zoning regulation for unincorporated King William County; the county ordinance establishes zoning districts and conditional-use controls.

    • This claim describes county-administered local zoning and does not establish that incorporated municipalities administer the county ordinance.
    “This chapter shall apply to all property in the unincorporated territory of the county”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Published King William County zoning districts and use matrix.

    • District-specific regulations and use permissions apply.
    • The ordinance identifies agricultural, residential, business, industrial, planned-development, and other district provisions.
    • Uses marked R are permitted and uses marked C require conditional-use approval; uses not specifically marked R or C are prohibited.
    “the following zoning districts are hereby established”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts and zoning district map in unincorporated King William County.
      “Sec. 86-92. Establishment of zoning district map.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Primary zoning districts and their dimensional schedules under Chapter 86.
      “TABLE OF MINIMUM SITE AREA AND DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PRIMARY ZONING DISTRICTS A-C R-R R-1 B-1 B-2 I”
    • Published (with conditions) — Primary zoning districts identified in the county ordinance.
      “The entire territory under the jurisdiction of the county is hereby classified into one of the following primary zoning districts to be known and cited as indicated: a. A-C agricultural conservation district b. R-R rural residential district c. R-1 suburban residential district d. B-1 local business district e. B-2 general business district f. I industrial district”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Dwelling structures and units in King William County Planned Unit Development (PUD) districts.

    • The standards apply within a PUD district, which is established through the conditional zoning process and whose permitted and conditional uses are defined in the application and approved by the board of supervisors as a condition of rezoning.
    • For single-family detached structures, the minimum floor area is exclusive of attached garages, carports, porches, patios, or breezeways.
    • For single-family attached structures, the minimum floor area is exclusive of attached garages, carports, porches, patios, or breezeways.

    single-family detached single-story minimum floor area: >= 1400 square feet (exclusive of attached garages, carports, porches, patios, or breezeways) · single-family detached two-story minimum floor area: >= 1800 square feet (exclusive of attached garages, carports, porches, patios, or breezeways) · single-family attached minimum floor area: >= 1300 square feet (exclusive of attached garages, carports, porches, patios, or breezeways) · multifamily unit minimum living area: >= 950 square feet

    “Single family detached structures shall not be erected having a floor area less than 1,400 square feet for a single-story and 1,800 square feet for a two-story dwelling. This minimum area is exclusive of attached garages, carports, porches, patios, or breezeways. Single family attached structures shall not be erected having a floor area less than 1,300 square feet. This minimum area is exclusive of attached garages, carports, porches, patios, or breezeways. Multi-family structures shall not be erected with units having a floor area less than 950 square feet of living area.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Primary zoning districts A-C, R-R, R-1, B-1, B-2, and I.

    • A-C minimum lot area is 5 acres, subject to the family-subdivision footnote.
    • R-R minimum lot area is 3 acres.
    • R-1 minimum lot area depends on public utilities: 15,000 square feet with public water and sewer, 20,000 square feet with only one, and 30,000 square feet without public water or sewer.
    • B-1, B-2, and I are listed as N/A for minimum lot area in the table.

    A-C minimum lot area: 5 acres (Family-subdivision reductions are stated in the table footnote.) · R-R minimum lot area: 3 acres · R-1 minimum lot area with public water and sewer: 15000 square feet · R-1 minimum lot area with only public water or only public sewer: 20000 square feet · R-1 minimum lot area without public water or sewer: 30000 square feet

    “Minimum Lot Area 5-acres1 3-acres Dependent upon public utilities2 N/A N/A N/A”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building setbacks in the primary zoning districts.

    • Front setbacks vary by road classification and right-of-way.
    • Main-building side and rear yards vary by district.
    • Accessory-building setbacks include special requirements adjoining residentially zoned parcels.

    A-C front setback from local road or subdivision street with 50-foot-or-greater right-of-way: 75 feet · R-R front setback from local road or subdivision street with 50-foot-or-greater right-of-way: 50 feet · R-1 front setback from local road or subdivision street with 50-foot-or-greater right-of-way: 40 feet · A-C main-building side yard: 25 feet · A-C main-building rear yard: 50 feet

    “From Local Road or Subdivision Street (50’ or greater right-of-way) 75 50 40 50 50 50”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Building setback and yard requirements under the county zoning ordinance.
      “The depth of a building setback line for a particular lot is generally the same dimension as the required front yard”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building-height limits in county zoning districts and planned-unit-development provisions.

    • Height varies by district and use.
    • In the cited PUD provision, dwelling units and other listed uses may be constructed to three stories or 45 feet.
    • Agricultural accessory buildings used for bona fide agricultural operations are excepted from the cited accessory-building height formula.

    PUD maximum height: <= 45 feet (three stories maximum also applies)

    “constructed to a height of three stories or 45 feet.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Permanent living, sleeping, or other occupancy of a recreational vehicle or similar equipment.

    • The ordinance defines a recreational vehicle as a temporary-living vehicle, but separately prohibits permanent living, sleeping, or other occupancy.
    • This claim does not address temporary recreational use.
    “No recreational vehicle or similar equipment shall be used for permanent living, sleeping, or other occupancy”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Permanent living, sleeping, or other occupancy by a tiny home when the unit is a recreational vehicle or similar equipment, in King William County.

    • A recreational vehicle or similar equipment may not be used for permanent living, sleeping, or other occupancy when parked or stored on a residential lot or in another location not approved for that use.
    • The ordinance does not define the term tiny home; this claim is limited to tiny homes that qualify as recreational vehicles or similar equipment.
    • A temporary manufactured home may be placed as an accessory structure for emergency housing only when an occupied single-family dwelling or manufactured home was substantially destroyed or rendered unlivable; the location is specified by the zoning administrator; the water supply and sewage disposal system are approved by the health officer; and the unit is removed when the dwelling is repaired or replaced or within 12 months, whichever comes first, subject to a possible extension of no more than six additional months.
    “No recreational vehicle or similar equipment shall be used for permanent living, sleeping, or other occupancy when parked or stored on a residential lot, or in any other location not approved for such use.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units in the A-C, R-R, and R-1 zoning districts.

    • Only one accessory dwelling is allowed per parcel.
    • An attached or above-accessory-structure unit may be no more than 25% of the primary dwelling's finished above-grade square footage.
    • A detached unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet and is allowed only in A-C and R-R districts.
    • Detached units are prohibited in cluster subdivisions.
    • Occupancy is limited to an immediate family member as defined by Va. Code § 15.2-2244 A.
    • A recreational vehicle, travel trailer, camper, or similar vehicle may not be used as an accessory dwelling.
    • All proper permits and applicable requirements are required.

    detached accessory dwelling maximum finished living space: <= 1000 square feet (Detached units are allowed only in A-C and R-R districts.) · attached or above-accessory-structure unit relative size: <= 25 percent of primary dwelling finished above-grade square footage

    “Only one accessory dwelling is allowed per parcel (inside the existing dwelling, attached to the existing dwelling or a detached structure).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Projects using a well or onsite septic system in King William County.

    • The permit must be obtained from the Health Department before the county land-disturbance/zoning permit and building permit process proceeds.
    “Obtain a well/septic permit from the Health Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of onsite sewage systems on property not served by public sewer in King William County.
      “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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic or sewer line installation connected to a residential building in King William County.

    • Inspection is required after connection and before backfill.
    • The septic-line inspection must occur before final inspection.
    • Final inspection also requires a Health OP for private well/septic or approval from HRSD for public water/septic.
    “Septic: Required when septic/sewer line has been connected and before back fill.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Residential construction where septic or sewer lines are connected.
      “Inspections at various stages of work are required by the Building Department, under the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).”
    • Required — Installation approval for onsite sewage systems in King William County.
      “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.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Building projects using a private well in King William County.

    • The county process requires obtaining a well/septic permit from the Health Department before the county permit sequence.
    “Obtain a well/septic permit from the Health Department.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land and required improvements in King William County.

    • Subdivision and improvements must follow plats and plans approved by the agent.
    • Deviations require advance written approval.
    • The agent periodically inspects every subdivision during development.
    • Final plats must be acted on in writing within 60 days after official submission.
    • Approved final plats generally must be recorded within six months, subject to stated extensions.

    final-plat decision period: 60 days (after official submission) · final-plat recordation period: 6 months (after approval, subject to stated one-year or surety extensions)

    “Subdivision of land and installation or construction of required improvements shall be accomplished only in strict accordance with plats and plans approved by the agent.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in King William County.
      “No person shall subdivide land without making and recording a plat of the subdivision and without fully complying with the provisions state code and this chapter.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and resubdivision of land under Chapter 86.
      “No person shall subdivide land without making and recording a plat of the subdivision and without fully complying with the provisions state code and this chapter.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Road or driveway encroachment into a Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Area.

    • The director must find no reasonable alternative.
    • The alignment, design, and construction must minimize encroachment and adverse water-quality effects.
    • The design must comply with the article and include a water-quality impact assessment.
    • The director reviews the plan with construction-plan, land-disturbance, site-plan, subdivision, or building-permit approvals.
    “The director finds that there are no reasonable alternatives to aligning the road or driveway in or across the RPA;”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development and structures within the county floodplain district.

    • Development must comply with the floodplain article and other applicable ordinances and regulations.
    • The article does not imply total flood protection.
    • Floodplain districts and land uses permitted within them may still experience flooding or flood damage.
    “No land shall hereafter be developed and no structure shall be located, relocated, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, or structurally altered except in full compliance with the terms and provisions of this article and any other applicable ordinances and regulations which apply to uses within the jurisdiction of this article.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term business rentals, defined as legally permitted dwelling units used for lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive days.

    • An annual county business license is required before operation.
    • A registration book must be maintained for one year.
    • No advertising signage is allowed.
    • The license may be revoked after more than three substantiated complaints within one year.
    • The unit must meet applicable building codes and may be inspected annually.
    • No recreational vehicle may be used to increase occupancy.
    • The maximum number of adult guests is six.
    • The principal guest must be at least 18.

    maximum adult guests: <= 6 adults · short-term rental duration: < 30 consecutive days (does not include month-to-month extensions after completion of a year's lease)

    “No host shall operate a short-term business rental without first obtaining an annual business license from the county.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    King William County building-permit fees.

    • The fee schedule determines the amount due.
    • A 2% state levy must be added.
    • Applicants should contact the Building Department to confirm the amount due.

    state levy: 2 percent (added to the fee-schedule amount)

    “Refer to the Fee Schedule (PDF) for amount due and add 2% State Levy to calculate the total.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building permit fees.
      “Refer to the Fee Schedule (PDF) for amount due and add 2% State Levy”
    • Published (with conditions) — County building permit fees.
      “Building Permit Fees can now be paid online. Refer to the Fee Schedule (PDF) for amount due and add 2% State Levy to calculate the total. To confirm amount due, contact the Building Department at 769-4969.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit process.

    • Obtain well/septic permit first.
    • Submit the well/septic permit and land plat to Planning for a Land Disturbance/Zoning Permit.
    • Submit the building application and two sets of plans with truss specifications.
    • Plans must be reviewed and approved before payment.
    • Payment is required before issuance.
    • Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required.
    “The Building Official will then review the building plans for code compliance and stamp them approved if all is correct.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit process for construction in King William County.
      “Once payment is received, your permit will be issued.”
    • Published (with conditions) — King William County building-permit process.
      “Once the plans are reviewed and approved you will submit payment for the building permit. Payment will not be accepted until the plans are approved. Once payment is received, your permit will be issued.”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • 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 construction, existing-building, and maintenance requirements applicable in King William County.
      “The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) contains the building regulations that must be complied with when constructing a new building, structure, or an addition to an existing building.”
  • 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”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Virginia onsite sewage and private-well permitting framework used for King William County projects.

    • The county building process directs applicants to obtain a well/septic permit from the Health Department before applying for the county land-disturbance/zoning permit.
    • VDH identifies onsite sewage and private-well permit applications and the applicable state regulations.
    “Division of Onsite Water and Wastewater Services”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Recreational vehicles and other camping units offered as campsites in Virginia campgrounds, including facilities with three or more campsites and travel-trailer camps; this claim does not establish a general residential right to occupy an RV outside the specified campground framework.

    • A campground includes land or facilities accommodating camping units for periods of overnight or longer and includes travel trailer camps.
    • A campground must be permitted by the Virginia Department of Health and is inspected annually by local health department staff.
    • Offering three or more campsites may require a campground permit, including short-term or online-advertised camping.
    • Temporary campground permits allow up to 14 days of temporary camping, consecutively or nonconsecutively, within a 60-day period.
    • Temporary campgrounds must provide at least one portable toilet per 75 campers, make sewage-tank pumping available when RVs are present, and provide an acceptable water source.
    • The statutory definition excludes property where an individual owner may choose to camp, provided the owner is not prohibited or encumbered by covenants, restrictions, or conditions from providing sanitary facilities within the owner's property lines.
    • Other exclusions include summer camps, migrant labor camps, parks for manufactured homes, construction camps, and storage areas for unoccupied camping units.

    minimum campsites for campground definition: >= 3 campsites (The individual-owner camping exception and other statutory exclusions apply.) · temporary campground permit duration: <= 14 days (In a 60-day period, consecutively or nonconsecutively.) · temporary campground permit period: 60 days · portable toilets: per 1 per 75 campers (Temporary campgrounds.)

    “"Campground" means any area, place, parcel, or tract of land, by whatever name called, on which three or more campsites are occupied or intended for occupancy, or facilities are established or maintained, wholly or in part, for the accommodation of camping units for periods of overnight or longer [...] "Camping unit" means any device or vehicular type structure for use as temporary living quarters or shelter during periods of recreation, vacation, leisure time, or travel, including any tent, tent trailer, travel trailer, camping trailer, pickup camper, or motor home.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Virginia counties adopting and administering zoning ordinances over unincorporated territory statewide.

    • The zoning power is exercised by county governing bodies through ordinance.
    • County zoning jurisdiction covers unincorporated territory; incorporated areas are under municipal jurisdiction.
    • The statute permits regulation of land uses, structures, dimensional standards, open spaces, and excavation or mining, including residential and flood-plain uses.
    “For the purpose of zoning, the governing body of a county shall have jurisdiction over all the unincorporated territory in the county, and the governing body of a municipality shall have jurisdiction over the incorporated area of the municipality.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Virginia counties administering and enforcing the Uniform Statewide Building Code and issuing building permits for construction, including residential construction, in county jurisdiction.

    • Virginia's building code is a Uniform Statewide Building Code adopted by the State Board; it supersedes county building codes and regulations.
    • The county's role is local administration and enforcement through a local building department, not independent adoption of a conflicting county building code.
    • A county without a building department or local board of Building Code appeals must enter an agreement with another county, municipality, agency, or approved state agency for enforcement and appeals.
    • A town with a population of less than 3,500 may elect to administer and enforce the Building Code; if it does not, the county administers and enforces the Code for that town.
    • Buildings may be inspected before completion and are not deemed compliant until approved by the inspecting authority; inspections under $2,500 construction cost may be waived at the inspecting authority's discretion.
    • Building permit and enforcement fees may be levied by the local governing body.
    • Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the Building Code except for a farm building or portion operated as a licensed restaurant; farm buildings in flood plains or mudslide-prone areas remain subject to applicable flood-proofing or mudslide regulations.

    small-town population threshold: < 3500 people (The town may elect to administer and enforce the Building Code; otherwise the county administers it for the town.) · inspection-waiver construction cost threshold: < 2500 USD (The inspecting authority may waive inspection at its discretion.)

    “Enforcement of the provisions of the Building Code for construction and rehabilitation shall be the responsibility of the local building department. [...] Whenever a county or a municipality does not have such a building department or board of Building Code appeals, the local governing body shall enter into an agreement with the local governing body of another county or municipality or with some other agency, or a state agency approved by the Department for such enforcement and appeals resulting therefrom.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage requirements in unincorporated King William County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated King William County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in King William County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Required public water or sewer connections in King William 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 William 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 William County, Virginia

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

King William County scores 66/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

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

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

Living in an RV on your own land in King William County is prohibited: Permanent living, sleeping, or other occupancy of a recreational vehicle or similar equipment. The ordinance defines a recreational vehicle as a temporary-living vehicle, but separately prohibits permanent living, sleeping, or other occupancy. This claim does not address temporary recreational use. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in King William County, Virginia?

Land in King William County runs about $4,203 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in King William County?

King William County gets about 46.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.3% of years. On water rights, King William 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 William County?

A representative private-land location has about 11,012 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,659,124 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 William compares in Virginia

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