Bolthole Index

New Kent County, Virginia

Building permits, zoning and land rules in New Kent County, Virginia

51Index Score / 100
#88 of 133 in Virginia

New Kent County, Virginia requires a permit before constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, altering or demolishing a structure, except a qualifying nonresidential farm building1. The county also has zoning, and a private well or septic system must be permitted through the New Kent Health Department before applying for land-disturbance and building permits23.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures, except qualifying nonresidential farm buildings1
Zoning
Yes; administered by New Kent County Planning and Zoning2
Septic and private well
Health Department approval comes before county land-disturbance and building applications3
RV living
Private-land occupancy rule not confirmed; ask Planning about the parcel's zoning2
Tiny home
No countywide rule confirmed; zoning and building-code approval still matter21
Owner-builder
Contractor-license exemption for one owner-occupied primary residence in a 24-month period; permits still apply45
Septic soil suitability
11.9% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field6
Floodplain
Special-flood-hazard work can require review even when otherwise permit-exempt7

Who to call

Building permits

New Kent County Department of Building Development

Plan review, permit issuance and construction inspections under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code

(804) 966-9680

12007 Courthouse Circle, P.O. Box 150, New Kent, VA 23124

Zoning

New Kent County Planning and Zoning

County planning and zoning functions, parcel zoning, setbacks and zoning permits

(804) 966-9690

planning@newkent-va.us

12007 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124

Septic permits

New Kent Health Department

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

(804) 966-9640

7911 Courthouse Way, P.O. Box 86, New Kent, Virginia 23124

Floodplain permits

New Kent County Environmental Department

Land-disturbance, Chesapeake Bay, wetlands, stormwater and floodplain review and permits

(804) 966-8580

thsolberg@newkent-va.us

12007 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 1, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in New Kent County, Virginia?

Yes. New Kent County requires a permit before constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, altering or demolishing a structure1. The Department of Building Development reviews plans, issues permits and inspects construction under Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code8. A one-story detached tool shed, storage shed, playhouse or similar structure of no more than 256 square feet can qualify for a state permit exemption, but flood-hazard and historic-district conditions can override listed exemptions9. A qualifying nonresidential farm building is exempt from the building code, but residential use does not qualify, and farm structures in a floodplain remain subject to applicable flood-protection rules10. Permit fees follow a locally established schedule11.

Who issues building permits in New Kent County, and how do you reach them?

New Kent County's Department of Building Development is the permit office for plan review, building-permit issuance and construction inspections8. The office is at 12007 Courthouse Circle in New Kent, and its main number is (804) 966-96808. Applications go to the building official before covered work starts; Virginia allows submission and processing by mail unless online processing is available or the applicant voluntarily chooses another method12. During construction, applicable inspections include footings, foundations, concealed structural work, concealed electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, energy-conservation materials and a final inspection13. A certificate of occupancy is required before occupying a regulated building, and it follows final approval and a finding that the work complies14.

Does New Kent County have zoning?

Yes. New Kent County has a zoning ordinance administered by Planning and Zoning, with districts including Agricultural A-1 and district-specific setbacks2. Planning and Zoning tells applicants to check setbacks for both primary and accessory structures and provides parcel zoning through the county GIS viewer15. That parcel-level check matters because the zoning district, rather than a single countywide answer, determines which land uses and dimensional standards apply2. Ask Planning and Zoning at (804) 966-9690 or planning@newkent-va.us about the parcel's use, setbacks, RV occupancy, tiny-home placement and any minimum dwelling size before designing or buying15. Virginia counties exercise zoning authority over unincorporated territory, while an incorporated municipality controls zoning inside its own boundaries16.

How do septic permits work in New Kent County?

A New Kent County home using a private well or septic system must obtain approval through the New Kent Health Department before applying for county land-disturbance and building permits3. The local health department administers application, inspection and permit work under Virginia's statewide onsite-sewage framework17. State law requires a written permit before constructing, operating, expanding or modifying a sewage-disposal system, and the statutory application fee is $75, subject to listed waiver and refund provisions18. Call the New Kent Health Department at (804) 966-9640 or visit 7911 Courthouse Way in New Kent19. Only 11.9% of county soils lack severe USDA-rated limits for a conventional drain field, so do not price a parcel on the assumption that a standard system will work without a site evaluation6.

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

We could not confirm a single countywide rule allowing residential RV occupancy or defining tiny-home placement on private land in New Kent County. New Kent County has zoning with district-specific land-use and setback rules, so Planning and Zoning should confirm what the parcel's district permits before you buy or move a unit onto the site215. Virginia's campground framework covers facilities offering campsites, but it does not establish a general right to occupy an RV outside that framework20. A tiny home used as a dwelling still has to fit the applicable zoning and building-permit framework21. Manufactured homes receive separate statewide treatment, including conditions tied to zoning district, conversion to real property and placement on an individual lot21.

Building a home in New Kent County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Planning and Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, allowed residential use and setbacks215.
  2. If the home needs a private well or septic system, secure the New Kent Health Department approval before applying for land-disturbance or building permits3.
  3. Ask the Environmental Department whether clearing, grading, Chesapeake Bay, wetland or floodplain review applies22.
  4. If the driveway connects to a VDOT-maintained highway, obtain the required VDOT land-use or entrance permit23.
  5. Submit the building-permit application to Building Development before covered work starts812.
  6. Schedule and pass the applicable construction inspections, including the final inspection13.
  7. Obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving into the completed regulated dwelling14.

What should you check before buying land in New Kent County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 11.9% of New Kent County soils lack severe USDA-rated limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain a real site evaluation before relying on a standard system6. Check parcel zoning and setbacks with Planning and Zoning, and ask the Environmental Department about floodplain, Chesapeake Bay, wetland and land-disturbance review1522. For road access, a new or modified entrance connecting to VDOT right-of-way requires a state land-use permit23. The county is 76.3% wooded and 79% of its land has a slope of 15% or less, but clearing, drainage and grading costs remain parcel-specific2425. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a median annual property-tax bill of $2,5232627.

Watch-outs

  • Private well or septic approval comes before New Kent County land-disturbance and building-permit applications, so test feasibility early3.
  • Only 11.9% of New Kent County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field; a low purchase price can be offset by an engineered or alternative septic design6.
  • Virginia's owner-builder exemption is from contractor licensing for one primary residence owned and used by the builder in a 24-month period; New Kent County building permits and code compliance still apply5.

Sources

  1. New Kent County - Residential Permits (2026 county census)
  2. New Kent County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 98 Zoning (Municode) (2026 county census)
  3. New Kent County - Getting Started (2026 county census)
  4. § 54.1-1101. Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penalties (2026 county census)
  5. § 54.1-1101. Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penalties (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. 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
  7. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. New Kent County Department of Building Development (newkent-va.us)
  9. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 13VAC5-63-70. Section 107 Fees (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. 13VAC5-63-130. Section 113 Inspections (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. 13VAC5-63-160. Section 116 Certificates of occupancy (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. New Kent County Planning and Zoning (newkent-va.us)
  16. § 15.2-2280. Zoning ordinances generally (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. § 32.1-164. Powers and duties of Board; regulations; fees; onsite soil evaluators; letters in lieu of permits; inspections; civil penalty (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. 12VAC5-610-240. Permits; general (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. New Kent Health Department (vdh.virginia.gov)
  20. Code of Virginia, Title 35.1 — Hotels, Restaurants, Summer Camps, and Campgrounds (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. § 15.2-2290. Uniform regulations for manufactured housing (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. New Kent County Environmental Department (newkent-va.us)
  23. Land use permits (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 1, 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, New Kent County has countywide zoning.

RuleNew Kent CountyCharles City CountyKing William CountyJames City CountyKing and Queen CountyHenrico CountyWilliamsburg City
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsNew Kent Health Dept.VA Dept. of HealthVDHVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of Health

County locator

New Kent County in Virginia

51
County map
New Kent County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How New Kent County scores

Seclusion19100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness3990% ev.
Durability75100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost71100% 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 →

$452kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$5,501Land / acre
47.6"Annual rain
1.3% of yrsSevere drought
7.5 / yr (+6.9)Mid-century 100°F days
13.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.38" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.41×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,369Home insurance / yr
2.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.38%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
269,281People within 30 min
6,479,834People within 2 hr
109,846Radius comparison (15 mi)
124.4People / sq mi
0%Federal land
79%Land at 15% slope or less
11.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
15,002 acWorkable land screen
76.3%Wooded land
71.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for New Kent County

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

New Kent County rules

Virginia rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

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

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

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

    “Application for a permit shall be made to the building official and a permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any of the following activities, except that applications for emergency construction, alterations, or equipment replacement shall be submitted by the end of the first working day that follows the day such work commences.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

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

    Construction or permits subject to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, with inspections administered by the applicable local building official or approved inspection agency.

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

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

    “The following minimum inspections shall be conducted by the building official when applicable to the construction or permit:”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy or change of occupancy of buildings or structures regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    • A certificate of occupancy must be obtained before occupancy or change of occupancy.
    • The building official issues it within five working days after approval of the final inspection and determination of compliance with the code and pertinent laws or ordinances.
    • A certificate of occupancy is not required for an IRC accessory structure.
    • A new certificate of occupancy is not required for an addition to an existing Group R-5 building that already has a certificate of occupancy.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued before completion if the portion can be occupied safely without endangering life or public safety.
    • For certain contractor-license exemptions, a certificate of occupancy must still be obtained before conveying the property to a third-party purchaser unless the purchaser acknowledges in writing that none was issued and consents to acquire without one.

    certificate issuance deadline after final inspection approval: 5 working days (when the building or structure is determined to comply with the code and pertinent laws or ordinances)

    “Prior to occupancy or change of occupancy of a building or structure, a certificate of occupancy shall be obtained in accordance with this section.”
  • 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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

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

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

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

    “No person or owner shall construct, operate, expand or modify a sewage disposal or handling system without a written permit from the commissioner.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Installation of sewage disposal systems statewide.

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

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

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

    Subdivision of land and its development in every Virginia locality.

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

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

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

    Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code permit fees administered through local building departments statewide.

    • The local governing body establishes the fee schedule.
    • Unit rates may be based on square footage, cubic footage, estimated cost of construction, or other appropriate criteria.
    • A permit or amendment generally may not be issued until designated fees are paid, but the building official may authorize delayed payment.
    • A local building department collects a 2.0% code-academy levy on permit fees, subject to the stated statutory exception for localities with qualifying individual or regional training academies.

    code academy levy: 2 percent (Localities that maintain individual or regional training academies accredited by DHCD may retain the levy.)

    “The local governing body shall establish a fee schedule incorporating unit rates, which may be based on square footage, cubic footage, estimated cost of construction, or other appropriate criteria.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction, demolition, regulated installations, and related permit applications under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    • A permit application must be made to the building official and a permit obtained before covered work begins.
    • Emergency construction, alterations, or equipment replacement applications are due by the end of the first working day after work begins.
    • The building official may authorize work to begin while an application or permit is pending.
    • Applications may be submitted by mail and processed by mail unless the jurisdiction offers online processing or the applicant voluntarily chooses otherwise; an applicant may not be required to appear in person.
    • The application form is supplied by the local building department and must include a general description and location of the proposed work and other information required by the building official.
    • An application is abandoned six months after filing unless pursued in good faith or a permit is issued; the building official may grant extensions for justifiable cause.
    “Application for a permit shall be made to the building official and a permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any of the following activities, except that applications for emergency construction, alterations, or equipment replacement shall be submitted by the end of the first working day that follows the day such work commences.”
  • 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.”

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 New Kent 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 New Kent County, Virginia

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

New Kent County scores 51/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 269,281 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in New Kent County, Virginia?

New Kent County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by New Kent Health Department (Virginia Department of Health). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in New Kent County, Virginia?

Land in New Kent County runs about $5,501 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in New Kent County?

New Kent County gets about 47.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.3% of years. On water rights, New Kent 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 New Kent County?

A representative private-land location has about 269,281 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,479,834 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 New Kent compares in Virginia

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