Bolthole Index

Tazewell County, Virginia

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Tazewell County, Virginia

75Index Score / 100
#19 of 133 in Virginia

Tazewell County, Virginia requires a building permit for a new house and other covered residential work, issued by the county in unincorporated areas and in Richlands, Cedar Bluff and Pocahontas.12 Unincorporated Tazewell County has no comprehensive zoning ordinance, but Richlands, Cedar Bluff and Pocahontas add a town zoning permit.34 Septic and private-well permits come from the Virginia Department of Health.5

At a glance

Building permit
Required for a new house and other covered residential projects1
Zoning
No comprehensive county zoning; municipal zoning requirements vary36
Septic permit
VDH requires a construction permit to install, modify or repair a septic tank or drainfield75
Owner-builder exemption
Contractor-licensing exemption for one primary residence for the owner’s use per 24 months, with an affidavit8
RV and tiny-home living
RV occupancy in mobile home parks requires at least 30 days; private-lot RV and tiny-home occupancy remain unconfirmed—ask Building Inspections910
Setbacks and minimum home size
Unconfirmed for unincorporated land; ask Building Inspections before designing the site10
Driveway onto a state-maintained road
A VDOT land use permit is required before any work starts in the right-of-way11
Land division
Planning Commission approval generally applies when a division meets the county's subdivision criteria12

Who to call

Building permits

Tazewell County Building Inspections Department

Building permits, plan review and inspections for unincorporated Tazewell County and the towns of Richlands, Pocahontas and Cedar Bluff (the towns of Bluefield and Tazewell issue their own)

276-385-1215

173 Main Street, Tazewell, VA 24651

Septic permits

Tazewell County Health Department (Cumberland Plateau Health District)

Local administration of Virginia's statewide onsite sewage (septic) and private well program for Tazewell County

276-988-5585

253 Chamber Dr, Tazewell, VA 24651

Floodplain permits

Tazewell County Engineering Department (Floodplain Administrator)

Floodplain administration for unincorporated Tazewell County (NFIP community ID 510160)

276-385-1254

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Tazewell 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 Tazewell County, Virginia?

Tazewell County requires a building permit for a new house, an addition to a house or attached garage, and other covered residential projects1. Tazewell County enforces the 2021 edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for covered buildings and structures1314. Local building-permit charges follow the locality's fee schedule, which may use square footage, cubic footage or estimated construction cost and may include an additional 2% code-academy levy15. Ask Building Inspections for the residential building-permit fee; the county's published final-plat fees apply to subdivision submissions.16 An owner doing the work may use the contractor-licensing exemption for no more than one primary residence owned and used by that person in a 24-month period, but must file an affidavit and accept responsibility for the work17. The owner-builder exemption concerns contractor licensing; a building permit is still required for covered work.81 A qualifying agricultural building is exempt from the Building Code unless operated as a licensed restaurant18.

Who is the Tazewell County building department, and how do you reach them?

Tazewell County's Building Inspections Department issues permits for construction in unincorporated Tazewell County and in Richlands, Pocahontas and Cedar Bluff; call 276-385-1215 or visit 173 Main Street, Tazewell, VA 2465110. Bluefield issues its own building permits.19 Septic and private-well approvals remain with VDH’s Cumberland Plateau Health District.20 For construction in the Town of Tazewell, the county directs applicants to the town office.21 A complete application needs the County Tax Map Number plus plans, blueprints or detailed drawings, and plan review normally takes 3 to 10 business days; extensive plans can take longer22. County permits last 6 months, with possible 90-day extensions while work continues22. Call Building Inspections when an inspection is needed; the county requests 24-hour notice23. For permitted demolition, the county inspects completion, debris removal and restored drainage grade.24 The Tazewell County Health Department at 253 Chamber Dr, phone 276-988-5585, handles local VDH septic and private-well permitting and inspections255. The Engineering Department handles county floodplain administration at 276-385-125426.

Does Tazewell County, Virginia have zoning?

Unincorporated Tazewell County has no comprehensive zoning ordinance, but statewide building-code requirements, VDH septic approval and county subdivision review still apply.313712 We could not confirm county minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or height limits; ask Building Inspections before designing a site.10

Construction in Richlands, Cedar Bluff and Pocahontas requires a town zoning permit in addition to the county building permit.6 Bluefield administers its own zoning ordinance.27 Septic permits in Bluefield remain with VDH’s Cumberland Plateau Health District.28 For construction in the Town of Tazewell, the county directs applicants to the town office.21

The Eastern District zoning document is a draft, and the Planning Commission scrapped the proposal; its listed districts and map do not establish current parcel zoning or setbacks.2930

How do septic permits work in Tazewell County?

For any address in the county, VDH administers onsite sewage and private-well permitting in Tazewell County through the Cumberland Plateau Health District20. VDH provides an application for a sewage-disposal system and/or private-well construction permit.31 A VDH construction permit is required before installing, modifying or repairing a septic tank or dispersal drainfield7. During county building review, applicants using a private well and septic system must obtain Health Department approval for additions, renovations or repairs that may affect the system32. Alternative onsite sewage systems require an annual inspection by a licensed operator, while VDH recommends inspecting conventional systems every 3 years33. Only about 5.4% of Tazewell County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, and just 14.5% of county land is at 15% slope or less3435. Get the site evaluated before settling on a house location or system budget.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Tazewell County, Virginia?

Tazewell County allows motor homes and travel trailers to be occupied in a mobile home park only for stays of 30 days or more; that provision does not authorize RV housing on private land outside a park.9 We could not confirm private-lot RV living, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or accessory-dwelling rules in unincorporated Tazewell County; ask Building Inspections before buying land for those uses.10 A tiny home built as a house needs a building permit, and installing or modifying a septic system requires VDH approval.17

New or replacement manufactured homes without public sewage need written Health Department approval of sewage disposal before siting.36 Without public water, written approval of the well or another approved water source is also required before siting.37 The manufactured-home checklist requires approval of the water source and sewage system, not necessarily new well or septic construction permits.3736 New manufactured homes not yet titled through DMV must meet the federal requirements identified in the county checklist before the county issues a certificate of occupancy.38

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

  1. Identify the reviewing government: the county serves unincorporated land plus Richlands, Cedar Bluff and Pocahontas, while construction in Bluefield and the Town of Tazewell is routed to the respective town office21.
  2. For land inside a town, obtain the town's zoning answer; unincorporated Tazewell County has no comprehensive zoning ordinance3.
  3. Apply through the Cumberland Plateau Health District for required private-well and onsite-sewage approvals57.
  4. Submit the building application, County Tax Map Number and detailed plans; allow 3 to 10 business days for ordinary plan review22.
  5. File the affidavit if using the owner-builder exemption8.
  6. Obtain a VDOT land-use permit before work in a state-maintained road right-of-way11.
  7. Coordinate required inspections with 24-hour notice when possible23.
  8. For a new manufactured home not yet titled through DMV, satisfy the checklist’s federal requirements before the county issues a certificate of occupancy38.

What should you check before buying land in Tazewell County?

Confirm the reviewing government first: unincorporated Tazewell County, Richlands, Cedar Bluff and Pocahontas route building permits through the county, while construction in Bluefield and the Town of Tazewell is routed to the respective town office21. Unincorporated land has no comprehensive county zoning ordinance, but municipal zoning requirements vary, and we could not confirm county setback or minimum home size rules, so ask Building Inspections.3610 A proposed land division generally needs Planning Commission approval if it creates 3 or more lots, includes a lot under 5 acres or further divides an existing subdivision, unless an exemption applies12. The published final-plat submission fee is $100 per plat, plus $2 per lot for divisions of 5 or more lots or $3 per lot for smaller divisions16. Get a septic site evaluation early because only about 5.4% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field and only 14.5% of county land is at 15% slope or less3435. Check mapped flood risk with Engineering and road access with VDOT before closing2611.

Watch-outs

  • The proposed Eastern District zoning ordinance was scrapped; do not treat its draft or map as current law.30
  • Richlands, Cedar Bluff and Pocahontas require a town zoning permit alongside the county building permit; construction in Bluefield and the Town of Tazewell is routed to the respective town office.6
  • Only about 5.4% of Tazewell County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so get a site evaluation before relying on a system price or house location34.

Sources

  1. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  3. March 13TH, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes, quoted and re-checked
  4. March 13TH, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes, quoted and re-checked
  5. Contact Us - Cumberland Plateau Health District, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  7. Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Environmental Health Services Benefit All Community Residents, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  9. Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Section 11-95 – Occupancy of motor homes and travel trailers, quoted and re-checked
  10. Tazewell County Building Inspections Department (tazewellcountyva.org)
  11. Land use permits (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Engineering – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  15. 13VAC5-63-70. Section 107 Fees (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Engineering – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  18. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Town of Bluefield: Code of Ordinances, Sec. 10-73, Permit required; fees (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Environmental Health Services Benefit All Community Residents, quoted and re-checked
  21. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  22. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  23. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  24. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  25. Tazewell County Health Department (Cumberland Plateau Health District) (vdh.virginia.gov)
  26. Tazewell County Engineering Department (Floodplain Administrator) (dcr.virginia.gov)
  27. Town of Bluefield: Town of Bluefield Zoning Permit Application (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  28. Town of Bluefield: Contact Us - Cumberland Plateau Health District (Tazewell County), quoted and re-checked
  29. Eastern District Zoning Ordinance Draft, quoted and re-checked
  30. Tazewell County BOS and Planning Commission Joint Hearing, February 16, 2016, quoted and re-checked
  31. Onsite Sewage Forms and Application Fees, quoted and re-checked
  32. Building Inspections – Tazewell County, Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  33. Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Environmental Health Services Benefit All Community Residents, quoted and re-checked
  34. 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
  35. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Manufactured Home Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  37. Manufactured Home Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  38. Manufactured Home Checklist, quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Tazewell County has no countywide zoning.

RuleTazewell CountySmyth CountyBland CountyBuchanan CountyRussell CountyWashington CountyWythe County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoYesYesNoYesYesNo
Septic permitsVA Dept. of HealthVDHVDHVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of HealthVA Dept. of Health

County locator

Tazewell County in Virginia

75
County map
Tazewell County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Tazewell County scores

Seclusion73100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency53100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$143kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,488Land / acre
47.6"Annual rain
0.3% of yrsSevere drought
0.2 / yr (+0.2)Mid-century 100°F days
10.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.62" (+8.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.7×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$995Home insurance / yr
2.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.56%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
513,953People within 2 hr
39,269Radius comparison (15 mi)
75.4People / sq mi
3.2%Federal land
14.5%Land at 15% slope or less
5.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
17,704 acWorkable land screen
76.1%Wooded land
68.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Tazewell 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.

Not yet researched: Town of Cedar Bluff · Town of Pocahontas · Town of Richlands

Answers from the rulebook for Tazewell County

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

Tazewell County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New residential construction and other listed residential projects handled by Tazewell County Building Inspections.

    • The page states that the information is for residential projects only; commercial-project permit questions must be directed to the Building Inspections office.
    • The listed projects include new houses, additions, garages and carports, porches, decks, certain detached structures of 257 square feet or larger, structural work, and qualifying pools and retaining walls.
    • The county Building Department issues permits for work in Tazewell County and the Towns of Richlands, Pocahontas, and Cedar Bluff; permits for work in the Town of Bluefield must be obtained through the Bluefield town office.
    • A homeowner performing work described on the building permit must complete an affidavit and is responsible for all work performed.
    • Permits are valid for six months; the Building Official may grant 90-day extensions if work continues.

    detached one-story structure permit threshold: >= 257 square feet (tool shed, storage shed, playhouse, or similar use) · qualifying pool depth: > 24 inches (the page also requires exceeding 150 square feet and 5,000 gallons) · permit validity: 6 months (90-day extensions may be granted if work continues)

    “These types of projects require a Building Permit: 1. Building a new house. 2. Building an addition onto an existing house or attached garage.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A homeowner performing work described on a Tazewell County building permit.

    • The homeowner must complete an affidavit and remain responsible for all work performed.
    • The cited exemption covers no more than one primary residence owned by the person and for the person's own use during any 24-month period.
    • The page also lists a bona fide gift to an immediate family member who lives in the house and certain owner-performed commercial or landlord work.

    primary residences: <= 1 residence per 24 months (Owned by and for the owner's own use)

    “If the homeowner is going to perform the work described on the building permit, then the homeowner is required to complete an affidavit and be responsible for all work performed. Under Title 54.1-1111 Prerequisites to obtaining building etc. permit. Any person applying to the code official or any other authority of a county, city, or town in this Commonwealth, charged with the duty of issuing building or other permits for the construction of any building, highway, sewer, or structure, or any removal, grading or improvement shall furnish prior to the issuance of the permit, either (i) satisfactory proof to such code official or authority that he is duly licensed or certified under the terms of this chapter to carry out or superintend the same, or (ii) file a written statement, supported by affidavit, that he is not subject to licensure or certification as a contractor of subcontractor pursuant to this chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — A homeowner performing work described on a county building permit.
      “If the homeowner is going to perform the work described on the building permit, then the homeowner is required to complete an affidavit and be responsible for all work performed. [...] Any person who performs or supervised 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)

    Buildings and structures regulated by Tazewell County Building Inspections.

    • The county states it enforces the 2021 edition as of January 18, 2024.

    code edition: 2021

    “As of January 18, 2024, Tazewell County enforces the 2021 Edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and its provisions, as adopted, from the International Code Council, Inc., for the purpose of establishing minimum regulations to govern the construction and maintenance of buildings and structures.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Existing and proposed buildings and structures subject to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in Tazewell County.
      “adopted the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building-permit work requiring inspection by the Tazewell County Building Department.

    • A 24-hour notice is requested.
    • Calls between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. may be scheduled the same day if availability exists; later calls are added to the following day.
    “When an inspection is needed, call the Building Department at (276) 385-1215. A 24 hour notice is requested for all inspections. For calls between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., the day you need the inspection, you can be added to the day’s schedule, if there is availability. For calls after 9:30 a.m., you will be added to the following day’s schedule.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Demolition permitted by Tazewell County.
      “An inspection will be made to ensure that the demolition is complete, all demolition debris is removed, and the grade has been restored to the point where the land will drain.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    New manufactured homes not yet titled through the DMV.

    • Applies as of April 1, 2009.
    • The home must comply with Federal Regulation 24 CFR before the county department issues the certificate.
    “As of April 1, 2009, all new manufactured homes that have not yet been titled through the DMV, must comply with the new Federal Regulation 24 CFR. These regulations must be met before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by this Department.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Comprehensive countywide zoning administered by Tazewell County.

    • The official county Planning Commission minutes state that Tazewell County does not have comprehensive zoning.
    • This does not negate municipal zoning or other county land-use regulations such as subdivision, floodplain, building-code, or health requirements.
    “Mr. Collins stated that Tazewell County does not have comprehensive zoning. Therefore, it is difficult for the county to regulate what property owners do with their land.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning administration differs among incorporated towns within Tazewell County; this is an aggregate county claim and does not mean the county administers each municipal ordinance.

    • A town zoning permit is required in Richlands, Cedar Bluff, and Pocahontas in addition to a county building permit.
    • Permits for work in Bluefield are obtained through the Bluefield town office.
    • Permits for work in Tazewell are obtained through the Tazewell town office.
    • The cited page does not establish the substantive dimensional requirements of each municipal zoning ordinance.
    “If the construction is being conducted in the Town of Richlands, Town of Cedar Bluff, or the Town of Pocahontas, a town zoning permit is required in addition to a county building permit. Permits obtained for work to be conducted in the Town of Bluefield, shall be obtained through the Bluefield town office. Permits obtained for work to be conducted in the Town of Tazewell, shall be obtained through the Tazewell town office.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate zoning administration across Tazewell County, including incorporated towns and county-administered areas.
      “If the construction is being conducted in the Town of Richlands, Town of Cedar Bluff, or the Town of Pocahontas, a town zoning permit is required in addition to a county building permit. Permits obtained for work to be conducted in the Town of Bluefield, shall be obtained through the Bluefield town office. Permits obtained for work to be conducted in the Town of Tazewell, shall be obtained through the Tazewell town office.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning coverage within Tazewell County, including incorporated towns and county-administered areas.
      “If the construction is being conducted in the Town of Richlands, Town of Cedar Bluff, or the Town of Pocahontas, a town zoning permit is required in addition to a county building permit. Permits obtained for work to be conducted in the Town of Bluefield, shall be obtained through the Bluefield town office. Permits obtained for work to be conducted in the Town of Tazewell, shall be obtained through the Tazewell town office.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Tazewell County, including county-administered areas and incorporated towns.
      “If the construction is being conducted in the Town of Richlands, Town of Cedar Bluff, or the Town of Pocahontas, a town zoning permit is required in addition to a county building permit.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    The proposed zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of Tazewell County's Eastern Electoral District.

    • The official county-hosted document is titled and treated as a draft; the February 16, 2016 county hearing record described the ordinance as proposed and stated that an affirmative Planning Commission recommendation and subsequent Board of Supervisors adoption process were still required.
    • The draft states that it applies to property within the unincorporated portions of the Eastern Electoral District.
    • Property held in fee simple ownership by the United States or the Commonwealth of Virginia is excluded.
    • The draft states that it would become effective ninety days after enactment by the Board of Supervisors.
    • The listed districts are Permissive Use (P-1), R-1 Rural Residential, R-2 Residential, FO Flood Plain Overlay, AO Airport Overlay, and RO Ridgeline Protection.
    “DRAFT EASTERN DISTRICT OF TAZEWELL COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE November 4, 2015 Draft [...] Permissive Use P-1 Permissive Use [...] Residential Districts R-1 Rural Residential District R-2 Residential Concurrent and Overlay Districts FO Flood Plain Overlay District AO Airport Overlay District RO Ridgeline Protection District”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not published — The proposed Eastern District zoning ordinance and its November 2015 draft zoning map.
      “Tazewell County currently has no zoning outside of corporate limits of the five municipalities. These municipalities each have their own zoning ordinance, which they are responsible for overseeing and enforcing.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupancy of motor homes and travel trailers in Tazewell County mobile home parks.

    • The rule applies to mobile home parks.
    • Occupancy is permitted only when the motor home or travel trailer is occupied for thirty (30) days or more.
    • The cited provision does not establish permission for RV occupancy on private land outside a mobile home park.

    minimum occupancy duration: >= 30 days

    “Motor homes and travel trailers shall be permitted for occupancy in a mobile home park, but only if occupied for thirty (30) days or more.”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Virginia Department of Health administration of onsite sewage and private-well permitting for Tazewell County through the Cumberland Plateau Health District.

    • The Cumberland Plateau Health District serves Tazewell County.
    • The county building-inspections page refers to approval from the Health Department, not a county-government septic authority.
    “Onsite Sewage, Private Well Permits and Discharging Sewage Treatment Plants for Single Family Homes”
  • Septic permitLimited

    County building-permit applicants who plan to use or currently use a private well and septic system.

    • The approval applies to additions, renovations, and repairs that may affect the septic system.
    “If you plan to use or currently use a private well and septic system, you shall have approval from the Health Department. This approval is for additions/renovations/repairs that may affect your septic system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Written approval of sewage-disposal systems for new and replaced mobile homes in Tazewell County when public sewage disposal is unavailable.
      “If public sewage disposal is not available, all owners of new and replaced mobile homes must furnish written approval by the Tazewell County Health Department”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Manufactured homes without public sewage disposal.

    • Written approval by the Tazewell County Health Department of the sewage-disposal system is required before locating a new or replacement mobile home.
    • Mobile-home parks usually have an approved system, but approval is required under specific situations.
    “If public sewage disposal is not available, all owners of new and replaced mobile homes must furnish written approval by the Tazewell County Health Department of the sewage disposal system before locating the home at the site.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Written approval of a well or other approved water source for new and replaced mobile homes in Tazewell County when public water is unavailable.

    • All owners of new and replaced mobile homes must furnish written approval before locating the home at the site.
    • The requirement applies when public water is not available.
    • The checklist refers to approval of a well or other approved source, not necessarily a new well-construction permit.
    • Mobile home parks usually have an approved system, but approval is required under specific situations.
    “If public water is not available, all owners of new and replaced mobile homes must furnish written approval by the Tazewell County Health Department”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New and replacement manufactured homes.

    • When public sewage disposal is unavailable, Health Department approval of sewage disposal is required before siting.
    • When public water is unavailable, Health Department approval of the well or other approved source is required before siting.
    “If public water is not available, all owners of new and replaced mobile homes must furnish written approval by the Tazewell County Health Department of the well or other approved source of water before locating the home at the site.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Divisions of real property in Tazewell County meeting an identified subdivision trigger.

    • The county states that its listed triggers apply unless exempt under the ordinance.
    • A final plat must be submitted to County Engineering no later than 10 days before the Planning Commission meeting.
    • Recording a covered division without Planning Commission approval is a violation; the stated penalty is up to $500 per lot per week until corrected.

    number of lots or parcels: >= 3 lots or parcels (Unless exempt per the ordinance.) · created lot or parcel size: < 5 acres (Unless exempt per the ordinance.)

    “divided into three or more lots or parcels”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Subdivision final-plat submissions to the Tazewell County Engineering Department.

    • All listed fees must be paid at submission for a plat to be placed on the Planning Commission agenda.

    plat fee: 100 USD per plat · lot fee for five or more lots: 2 USD per lot (Division is five or more lots.) · lot fee for fewer than five lots: 3 USD per lot (Division is less than five lots.)

    “Fee Schedule $100.00 per plat plus $2.00 per lot if division is 5 or more lots $3.00 per lot if division is less than 5 lots All fees listed above must be paid at the time of submission in order for plat to be placed on the agenda.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit applications.

    • The applicant must provide the County Tax Map Number.
    • Plans, blueprints, or detailed drawings are required for Building Official approval.
    • Permit issuance is postponed pending plan review, which can take three to 10 business days and longer for detailed plans.
    • Permits will not issue without all required information.
    • Permits are good for six months; the Building Official may grant 90-day extensions while work continues.

    plan review duration: 3 to 10 business days (Extensive plans may take longer.) · permit duration: 6 months · extension duration: 90 days (May be granted by the Building Official as long as work continues.)

    “To comply with State building codes, in order to obtain a building permit, the following are minimum requirements. The appropriate building application shall be filled out.”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • Manufactured homesLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Alternative onsite sewage systems serving Tazewell County.

    • AOSS require annual inspections by a licensed operator.
    • VDH recommends conventional septic-system inspections every three years; the source characterizes that interval as a recommendation, not an unconditional mandate.

    AOSS inspection interval: per 1 year (Licensed operator) · conventional septic inspection interval: per 3 years (VDH recommendation)

    “require annual inspections by a licensed operator”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Installation of sewage disposal systems statewide.
      “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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

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

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

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

    • The building official may require a permit for items that are otherwise exempt under the permit-application section when they are located in a special flood hazard area.
    • The rule does not establish that every floodplain development project is exempt from other local floodplain, building, zoning, or federal requirements.
    “Application for a permit may be required by the building official for any items exempted in this section that are located in a special flood hazard area.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Residential dwelling use as a short-term rental in Virginia.

    • Existing local authority to regulate short-term rentals through general land-use and zoning authority is preserved.
    • A locality may adopt a registration ordinance, and a registration ordinance may impose a penalty up to $500 per violation for an operator required to register.
    • A locality may limit a lessee or sublessee to one short-term rental within the locality.
    • For a residential dwelling also legally occupied by the property owner as the primary residence, a local ordinance enacted after December 31, 2023, or a later amendment, may not require a special exception, special use, or conditional use permit for short-term rental use.
    • Private contracts, condominium instruments, common-interest-community declarations, cooperative instruments, and property-owners-association declarations are not superseded.

    registration penalty: <= 500 USD per violation (Only where a locality adopts a registry ordinance and the operator is required to register.) · owner-occupied primary residence special-use permit prohibition date: > 2023-12-31 (Applies to local ordinances enacted after this date or subsequent amendments.)

    “Except as provided in this section, nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit, limit, or otherwise supersede existing local authority to regulate the short-term rental of property through general land use and zoning authority.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum residential dwelling size in Tazewell County zoning districts.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum residential lot area, lot width, and frontage in Tazewell County zoning districts.
  • Setbacks — Building and land-use setbacks in Tazewell County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Tazewell County.
  • Building height — Building-height controls in unincorporated Tazewell County.
2 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes

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

Living off-grid in Tazewell County, Virginia

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

Tazewell County scores 75/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals.

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

Tazewell County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Virginia Department of Health (Tazewell County Health Department / Environmental Health). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Tazewell County, Virginia?

Land in Tazewell County runs about $3,488 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Tazewell County?

Tazewell County gets about 47.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.3% of years.

How remote is Tazewell County?

A typical private-land location has about 39,269 people within 15 miles and 4,259,752 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Tazewell compares in Virginia

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