Bolthole Index

Hampshire County, West Virginia

Building permits and land rules in Hampshire County, West Virginia

68Index Score / 100
#11 of 55 in West Virginia

Hampshire County, West Virginia requires building permits, and the county Planning Office processes the applications12. A septic permit from the Hampshire County Health Department must come before the building permit when an individual sewage system is needed34. Hampshire County has no county zoning ordinance, but its subdivision and land-development ordinance still applies56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; applications and fees go to the Hampshire County Planning Office12
Zoning
No county zoning ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls still apply56
Septic permit
County Health Department permit required before the building permit; $252 new or $222 repair7384
RV living
No county zoning restriction on long-term occupancy in unincorporated areas; other rules may apply9
Tiny home
No county zoning restriction on occupancy or minimum dwelling size in unincorporated areas; other rules may apply1011
Owner-builder
Before permit issuance, show contractor licensure or file an affidavit that contractor licensing does not apply12
Water well
A local health department permit is required before drilling, modifying or abandoning a well13
State-highway driveway
A free Division of Highways permit is required for a new driveway or approach14

Who to call

Building permits

Hampshire County Planning Office

Building-permit processing and county floodplain questions

(304) 822-7018

planning@hampshirewv.com

90 N. High St., Romney, WV (mailing: PO Box 883, Romney, WV 26757)

Online permits →

Septic permits

Hampshire County Health Department - Environmental Health

Individual sewage-system permits, water-well permits and septic or well record requests

304-496-9640

16189 Northwestern Turnpike, Augusta, West Virginia 26704, United States

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Hampshire County, West Virginia?

Yes. Hampshire County requires a building permit, and the Planning Office says all permit documents and fees must be submitted there for processing12.

West Virginia's State Building Code applies in counties and municipalities that adopt it rather than automatically applying everywhere15. Structures used primarily for agriculture are exempt from the State Building Code and from an adopted county or municipal building code15. Before Hampshire County issues a building permit, the applicant must provide proof of contractor licensure or file a written affidavit that contractor or subcontractor licensing does not apply12. That licensing route does not waive the county building permit or any applicable building-code, septic or floodplain requirement12.

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

The Hampshire County Planning Office processes building-permit documents and fees2. The office is in the old jail at 90 N. High St. in Romney, and its mailing address is PO Box 883, Romney, WV 267572. Call (304) 822-7018 or email planning@hampshirewv.com; posted hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.2.

The same office identifies its Code and Compliance Official as the Floodplain Administrator, making the Planning Office the practical starting point for mapped-floodplain questions2. West Virginia requires participating counties and flood-prone municipalities to regulate floodplain development through a permitting system16. Contact the office with the parcel location and proposed work before committing to a site plan.

Does Hampshire County have zoning?

Hampshire County does not have a county zoning ordinance, but it does have a subdivision and land-development ordinance56. In unincorporated Hampshire County, no county zoning rule sets a minimum dwelling size11. County zoning also sets no minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height there17. The absence of zoning does not remove county review of a subdivision or land-development proposal6.

Municipal zoning is separate from county zoning in West Virginia, so land inside a municipality may still be subject to municipal rules18. Ask the Planning Office whether a proposed division or development triggers county review, and ask the relevant municipality about its rules if the parcel lies within municipal limits.

How do septic and well permits work in Hampshire County?

West Virginia sets the regulations and design standards for individual sewage systems and water wells, while the Hampshire County Health Department handles local permits197. For septic, start with a licensed installer: the installer conducts the percolation test and contacts the sanitarian to evaluate the soil, after which you can apply for the installation permit20. The published fee is $252 for a new septic permit or $222 for a repair permit8. The septic permit must be obtained before a building permit is issued34.

Only 1.2% of Hampshire County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make a satisfactory site evaluation a purchase contingency21. A local health department permit is required before drilling, modifying or abandoning an individual well13. The Health Department can also provide existing septic and well records4.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Hampshire County?

In unincorporated Hampshire County, no county zoning restriction bars long-term RV occupancy on private land9. No county zoning restriction bars tiny-home occupancy there, and county zoning sets no minimum dwelling size1011.

Those answers concern county zoning only. Hampshire County's building-permit requirement and the permit required for an individual sewage system can still apply13. Subdivision review may still apply to the land, and development in a regulated floodplain may require approval616. Municipal rules are separate, so confirm local requirements if the parcel is inside a municipality18. For an unincorporated parcel, give the Planning Office the parcel address, unit type, foundation plan and intended utility setup so the office can identify the permits that still apply2.

What are the steps to build a home in Hampshire County?

  1. Ask the Hampshire County Planning Office whether subdivision or land-development review applies, and check municipal rules if the parcel is inside a municipality6182.
  2. For an individual sewage system, hire a licensed installer to conduct the percolation test and contact the sanitarian for soil evaluation; then apply to the Health Department for the septic permit204. A new permit costs $252, while a repair permit costs $2228.
  3. Obtain the septic permit before applying for the building permit34.
  4. Obtain a local health department permit before drilling, modifying or abandoning an individual well13.
  5. Give the Planning Office proof of contractor licensure or a written affidavit that contractor or subcontractor licensing does not apply12.
  6. Submit the applicable building documents and fees to the Planning Office for processing12.
  7. Ask the Floodplain Administrator whether mapped-floodplain approval applies216.
  8. Obtain a free Division of Highways permit before building a new driveway or approach to a state highway14. If land disturbance reaches 1 acre or is part of a larger common plan, obtain state construction-stormwater authorization through the electronic system22.

What should you check before buying land in Hampshire County?

Start with sewage feasibility: only 1.2% of Hampshire County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field21. Terrain can complicate both access and construction because 34.8% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, while 80.4% is wooded2324. Walk the proposed house, septic and driveway areas with those constraints in mind.

Request existing septic and well records from the Hampshire County Health Department, and confirm any permits for existing structures with the Planning Office42. Check whether the driveway enters a state highway and whether any work falls in a regulated floodplain1416. Hampshire County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $7452526.

Watch-outs

  • A Hampshire County septic permit must come before the building permit; the local process begins with a licensed installer conducting the percolation test and arranging the sanitarian's soil evaluation3204.
  • Unincorporated Hampshire County has no county zoning restriction on long-term RV occupancy or tiny-home occupancy and no county zoning minimum dwelling size, but building, sewage, floodplain, subdivision and municipal requirements can still apply910111361618.
  • Only 1.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field21.

Sources

  1. Hampshire County Planning Office - Building Permits (2026 county census)
  2. Hampshire County Planning Office (planning.hampshirewv.com)
  3. Subdivision On-Site Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. Hampshire County Health Department - Environmental Health (hampshirecountyhealthdepartment.com)
  5. Opinion Letter Concerning Hampshire County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  6. Opinion Letter Concerning Hampshire County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  7. Subdivision On-Site Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  8. hampshirecountyhealthdepartment.com, quoted and re-checked
  9. Attorney General Opinion Concerning Hampshire County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  10. Attorney General Opinion Concerning Hampshire County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  11. Attorney General Opinion Concerning Hampshire County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  12. West Virginia Code §30-42-10: Prerequisites to obtaining building permit, quoted and re-checked
  13. Water Wells, quoted and re-checked
  14. Encroachment Permits (West Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. West Virginia Code §15A-11-5, Promulgation of rules and statewide building code (West Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Floodplain Permits (West Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. West Virginia law on county zoning and building authority
  18. West Virginia Code §8A-7-1. Authority for zoning ordinance (West Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Sewage and Water, quoted and re-checked
  20. hampshirecountyhealthdepartment.com, quoted and re-checked
  21. 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
  22. Construction Stormwater General Permit (West Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 7, 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 5 of its 6 neighbors, Hampshire County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleHampshire CountyMineral CountyHardy CountyMorgan CountyBerkeley CountyGrant CountyJefferson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningNoNoYesNoNoNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Berkeley-Morgan County Health Dept.Berkeley-Morgan County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Hampshire County in West Virginia

68
County map
Hampshire County highlighted among the West Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Hampshire County scores

Seclusion67100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency62100% ev.
Admin Boringness59100% ev.
Durability71100% ev.
Property Autonomy26100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% 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 →

$264kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$3,713Land / acre
39.6"Annual rain
3.1% of yrsSevere drought
3.8 / yr (+3.7)Mid-century 100°F days
13.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.67" (+8.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.58×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,266Home insurance / yr
0.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.55%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
14,703People within 30 min
1,823,853People within 2 hr
38,037Radius comparison (15 mi)
36.9People / sq mi
0.8%Federal land
34.8%Land at 15% slope or less
1.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
5,014 acWorkable land screen
80.4%Wooded land
66.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Hampshire County

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

Town of Capon Bridge · Romney

Answers from the rulebook for Hampshire County

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

Hampshire County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent (with conditions)

    Countywide zoning in Hampshire County.

    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls remain applicable.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Hampshire County: no county rule sets this, because Hampshire County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls remain applicable.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum-dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Hampshire County

    • This absence conclusion concerns county zoning only; building-code, subdivision and land-development, septic, floodplain, and municipal rules may still impose other requirements.
    • The source states that Hampshire County has a subdivision and land development ordinance, which is distinct from zoning.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Hampshire County: no county rule sets this, because Hampshire County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls remain applicable.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Hampshire County: no county rule sets this, because Hampshire County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls remain applicable.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Hampshire County: no county rule sets this, because Hampshire County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls remain applicable.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Building height · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Hampshire County: no county rule sets this, because Hampshire County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls remain applicable.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Living in an RVUnrestricted

    County zoning restrictions on long-term RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Hampshire County

    • This absence conclusion concerns county zoning only; subdivision and land-development, septic, floodplain, building-code, and municipal rules may still apply.
    • The source states that Hampshire County has a subdivision and land development ordinance, which is distinct from zoning.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Hampshire County: no county rule sets this, because Hampshire County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls remain applicable.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted

    County zoning restrictions on tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Hampshire County

    • This absence conclusion concerns county zoning only; subdivision and land-development, septic, floodplain, building-code, and municipal rules may still apply.
    • The source states that Hampshire County has a subdivision and land development ordinance, which is distinct from zoning.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Hampshire County: no county rule sets this, because Hampshire County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls remain applicable.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Hampshire County: no county rule sets this, because Hampshire County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; subdivision and land-development controls remain applicable.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land development in Hampshire County.

    • The county has a subdivision and land development ordinance; this is distinct from zoning.
    “Hampshire County does not have a zoning ordinance, though it does have a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Septic permit fees published by the Hampshire County Health Department.

    • The FAQ states a $252 fee for a new septic permit.
    • The FAQ states a $222 fee for a septic repair.

    new septic permit fee: 252 USD · septic repair permit fee: 222 USD

    “Permit fee is $252 for new permit, $222 for a repair.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County health-department sewage and well permitting process.

    • For a septic permit, a licensed installer conducts the percolation test and contacts the sanitarian to evaluate the soil.
    • After the test, the applicant may complete the septic-system permit application.
    • The health department publishes sewage, subdivision, and water-well application forms.
    • This does not establish the county building-permit process.
    “Contact a licensed septic installer, the installer will conduct the percolation test and contact the sanitarian to evaluate the soil. Once the test is done you can fill out the application for a permit to install a septic system.”

West Virginia rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Building permits for construction, repair, or alteration in West Virginia; permit requirements depend on the applicable local jurisdiction and whether that jurisdiction has adopted and enforces a building code or otherwise regulates the work by state law or municipal ordinance.

    • West Virginia does not have statewide building code requirements.
    • A community that adopts and enforces a building code must use the State Building Code.
    • Municipal governing bodies have authority to require a permit as a condition precedent to erection, construction, repair, or alteration of structures or equipment regulated by state law or municipal ordinance.
    • A municipality may not require such permits of the state, a county, or another governmental entity, or their contractors, agents, or employees, for structures or equipment designated for governmental use.
    • The cited statewide sources do not establish that every construction project in every jurisdiction requires a building permit.
    “While West Virginia does not have statewide building code requirements, the adoption and implementation of building codes is strongly encouraged.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

    A property owner or occupant personally performing construction work on a structure, for purposes of exemption from West Virginia contractor licensure.

    • The exemption concerns contractor licensure and does not itself waive any applicable building permit, State Building Code, State Fire Code, inspection, or certificate-of-occupancy requirement.
    • The statute separately exempts work personally performed by an owner or lessee on property whose primary use is agricultural or farming enterprise.
    • If the owner hires another person to perform the work for compensation, the hired person may be subject to contractor licensure requirements and building-permit prerequisites.
    “Except as otherwise provided in this code, the following are exempt from licensure: [...] Work personally performed on a structure by the owner or occupant thereof;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — A person applying for a building permit in West Virginia, including Hampshire County, when contractor licensure would otherwise be relevant.
      “Any person making application to the building inspector or other authority of any incorporated municipality or other political subdivision in this state charged with the duty of issuing building or other permits for the construction of any building, highway, sewer, or structure, or for any removal of materials or earth, grading or improvement shall, before issuance of the permit, either furnish satisfactory proof to the inspector or authority that the person is duly licensed under the provisions of this article to carry out or superintend the construction, or file a written affidavit that the person is not subject to licensure as a contractor or subcontractor as defined in this article.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    West Virginia's State Building Code framework and its application in counties and municipalities that adopt the code.

    • The State Building Code has force and effect in counties and municipalities adopting it; it is not automatically applicable statewide solely by state promulgation.
    • A county or municipality may adopt the code only prospectively, not retroactively.
    • Buildings or structures utilized primarily for agricultural purposes are exempt from the State Building Code, the State Fire Code, and any adopted county or municipal building code or ordinance such as the ICC International Property Maintenance Code.
    • If another state law, county or municipal ordinance, or agency regulation imposes a more stringent or higher standard and is not inconsistent with West Virginia law or contrary to recognized standards and good engineering practices, that provision governs.
    • Enforcement is the responsibility of the respective local jurisdiction.
    • The active State Building Code rule is West Virginia Code of State Rules 87-04, effective August 1, 2022.

    effective date: 2022-08-01

    “The rules shall be in accordance with standard safe practices so embodied in widely recognized standards of good practice for building construction and all aspects related thereto and have force and effect in those counties and municipalities adopting the State Building Code: Provided, That each county or municipality may adopt the code to the extent that it is only prospective and not retroactive in its application; Provided, however, That buildings or structures utilized primarily for agricultural purposes shall be exempt from the provisions of the State Building Code, the State Fire Code, and any county or municipal building code or ordinance that is or may be adopted, such as the ICC International Property Maintenance Code.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Fire and life-safety inspections by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal for occupancies subject to the State Fire Code.

    • The State Fire Marshal inspection mandate excludes one- and two-family dwellings.
    • The State Fire Marshal may enter dwelling houses during construction and before occupancy to determine compliance with conditions of permits or licenses issued by the State Fire Marshal.
    • State Fire Code exemptions include buildings used wholly as dwelling houses for no more than two families and buildings used primarily for agricultural purposes, subject to the stated farm-structure exceptions for group sleeping, health care, or detention/correctional occupancy.
    “The State Fire Marshal shall inspect all structures and facilities, other than one- and two-family dwelling houses, subject to the State Fire Code and this article, including, but not limited to, state, county, and municipally owned institutions, all public and private schools, health care facilities, theaters, churches, and other places of public assembly to determine whether the structures or facilities are in compliance with the State Fire Code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    A new building, an existing Industrial or Storage occupancy, or an existing building in which 50% or more of the space has been renovated or reconstructed, when covered by the West Virginia State Fire Code.

    • The certificate of occupancy must be obtained before the building is occupied or used for its intended purpose.
    • The certificate may involve the State Fire Marshal’s Office and is not limited to issuance by that office alone.
    • The State Fire Code does not apply to buildings used wholly as dwelling houses for no more than two families or buildings used primarily for agricultural purposes, except farm structures used for group sleeping accommodations for farm workers or for health care or detention/correctional occupancy.
    • Where applicable, projects must be designed by a licensed architect or professional engineer and obtain review approval from the Authority Having Jurisdiction before construction or the covered renovation/reconstruction.
    • After January 1, 2025, owners or occupants applying for a final inspection or certificate of occupancy must submit plan-review documents electronically.

    renovated or reconstructed space threshold: >= 50 percent (Existing building; the rule also covers every new building and existing Industrial and Storage occupancies.) · plan review completion period: <= 45 days (The Authority Having Jurisdiction must notify deficiencies; the owner or occupant has 10 days to submit additional documentation, and the AHJ has 10 days to complete review once requirements are met.) · electronic filing requirement effective date: 2025-01-01 (Applies to documents submitted for final inspection or certificate of occupancy.)

    “The owner or occupant of a new building, existing Industrial and Storage occupancies, or an existing building that has had 50% or more of the space renovated or reconstructed, shall obtain a certificate of occupancy including but not be limited to the State Fire Marshal’s Office alone, before the building is occupied or used for its intended purpose.”
  • Who permits septicState

    Individual or dual onsite sewage disposal systems using subsurface absorption, including conventional septic systems, statewide in West Virginia

    • The West Virginia Department of Health's Public Health Sanitation Division has primacy for the listed onsite sewage matters.
    • The source does not establish that every county health department independently administers the statewide rule; local implementation may occur only as authorized representatives or under separate delegation.
    “The Public Health Sanitation Division shall have primacy in all matters relating to: 1. Individual or dual on-site sewage disposal systems utilizing subsurface absorption, gray water systems, privies, and sewage holding tanks.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — Approval and permitting of subdivisions served by individual onsite sewage systems in West Virginia, including the delegated local-health-department model relevant to Hampshire County.
      “Effective September 30, 1990, the Office of Environmental Health Services delegated authority to the local health departments for approval of all subdivisions served by individual on-site sewage disposal systems,regardless of the number of lots involved.”
    • State (with conditions) — Regulation and design standards for individual sewage systems and water wells applicable in Hampshire County.
      “The West Virginia Department of Health has established regulations and design standards for Individual Sewage Systems and the drilling of Water Wells.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation or establishment of a sewage or excreta-disposal system statewide, including new septic systems and modifications to existing septic systems

    • A written permit must be obtained before installation or establishment.
    • Systems must be installed according to plans, specifications, and instructions issued by or approved in writing by the commissioner or authorized representative.
    • For new septic systems and modifications, permits require review and approval of the proper application, plans, and specifications.
    • Minor repairs may be performed without a permit in limited circumstances, including removal of tree roots from solid-wall pipe or repair of a collapsed pipe outside the drainfield; work within the drainfield area will generally require a permit.
    • Commercial or industrial wastes subject to West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection regulatory control are excluded from the scope of §16-1-9.
    “New septic tank systems and modifications to existing septic tank systems must be permitted prior to installation, pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 4.3 of the WV Legislative Rule 64 CSR 9, Sewer Systems, Sewage Treatment Systems, and Sewage Tank Cleaners (hereinafter referred to as the Sewer Systems Rule).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Individual onsite sewage systems and subdivisions using them.
      “Homeowners and Sewage System Installers must obtain permits to install an Individual Sewage System”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of new septic tank systems and modifications to existing septic tank systems statewide in West Virginia

    • A septic system may not be used or placed into operation until installation has been approved in writing by the director.
    • No soil-absorption portion may be covered until approved in writing by the director; anything covered before approval may be ordered uncovered.
    • The director may conduct as many inspections as necessary during construction, installation, modification, or operation to determine compliance.
    • The procedure states that proper final inspection is necessary to verify the system is in the originally approved and permitted area, meets separation distances, is properly constructed and installed as designed, uses approved methods and materials, and is expected to function without creating a public-health hazard.
    “Proper final inspection of a septic tank system is necessary in order to assure the following:”
  • Well permitRequired

    Drilling, modifying, or abandoning individual water wells in West Virginia, including Hampshire County.

    • The permit is obtained from the local health department before drilling, modifying, or abandoning the well.
    • Individual wells must be drilled by licensed well drillers.
    “Residents of West Virginia who want to have a well drilled, or who wish to modify or abandon an existing well, must apply and obtain a permit from their local health department prior to drilling, modifying, or abandoning the well.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Drilling, modifying, or abandoning an individual water well in West Virginia.
      “Residents of West Virginia who want to have a well drilled, or who wish to modify or abandon an existing well, must apply and obtain a permit from their local health department prior to drilling, modifying, or abandoning the well.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural operations and farm or agricultural uses subject to municipal requirements, nuisance actions, or zoning-related limitations under West Virginia law.

    • The agricultural operation must be in material compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and permits.
    • A reasonable expansion is protected only if it does not create a substantially adverse effect upon the environment or a hazard to public health and safety.
    • The municipal-requirement protection applies to an agricultural operation situated outside municipal corporate boundaries on the effective date of the chapter; if subsequently annexed or otherwise brought within municipal boundaries, the municipality’s requirements do not apply to the agricultural operation.
    • The nuisance protections do not apply when the nuisance results from negligent operation or when the operation violates an applicable federal, state, or local statute or governmental requirement.
    • Outside municipalities or urban areas, the zoning chapter does not authorize regulations preventing or limiting the complete use of natural resources or a tract or contiguous tracts of land of any size for a farm or agricultural operation.
    • The protection described is against specified nuisance actions and municipal or zoning restrictions; it does not eliminate other applicable environmental, health, safety, permitting, or land-use requirements.
    “A requirement of a municipality does not apply to an agricultural operation situated outside of the municipality’s corporate boundaries on the effective date of this chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Buildings or structures utilized primarily for agricultural purposes under West Virginia’s State Building Code framework.
      “shall be exempt from the provisions of the State Building Code, the State Fire Code, and any county or municipal building code or ordinance”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New driveways or approaches connecting private property to West Virginia state highways or located within state highway rights-of-way.

    • The permit is free of charge from any Division office.
    • Permits are granted only for legitimate access to private property and when location, design, and construction comply with Division of Highways specifications.
    • Driveways must not be located in sharp curves, on steep grades, within intersections, or where they interfere with signs, signals, or drainage.
    • Unauthorized driveway installation can result in a fine or removal.
    • The source directs applicants to check with the applicable District Office before building.
    “A reminder from the Division of Highways to property owners building new driveways — don’t forget your permit. Available free of charge from any Division office, permits are required by state law in order to assure that there is no uncontrolled access to state highways that would reduce the road’s safety or interfere with efficient movement of traffic.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in floodplains regulated by participating West Virginia counties and flood-prone municipalities, including dredging, filling, grading, excavation, and stream crossings.

    • Every county and flood-prone municipality participates in the NFIP and has an ordinance regulating floodplain development.
    • Most stream-restoration projects involving dredging, filling, grading, or excavation are considered development for which a county or community permit is required.
    • Before altering or relocating a watercourse, the applicant must consult the local floodplain permit officer regarding whether a permit is required and the fee.
    • Approximate A zones require written assurance that flood-carrying capacity will be maintained; except for extremely small projects, this generally requires pre- and post-development engineering studies showing no unacceptable rise of 1 foot or greater.
    • AE zones without a designated floodway may not create more than a 1-foot cumulative rise, and an engineering study may be required.
    • AE zones with floodways require hydrologic and hydraulic analysis showing zero rise in base flood elevation.
    • Before issuance, the permit officer requires copies of all other federally or state-required permits.
    • Permit cost varies.

    unacceptable rise threshold: >= 1 ft (Except for extremely small projects in Approximate A zones.) · cumulative rise limit in AE zones without floodway: <= 1 ft · base flood elevation rise in AE zones with floodway: 0 ft · permit cost: varies

    “Every county and flood prone municipality in West Virginia participates in the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP), and has an ordinance to regulate development in the floodplain. The ordinance includes a flood map that designates floodplain areas, and establishes a permitting system to regulate new development in the floodplain.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development in floodplains within West Virginia counties and flood-prone municipalities, administered through the applicable local county, town, or city floodplain permit officer.
      “Every county and flood prone municipality in West Virginia participates in the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP), and has an ordinance to regulate development in the floodplain. The ordinance includes a flood map that designates floodplain areas, and establishes a permitting system to regulate new development in the floodplain.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    West Virginia counties adopting zoning for all or part of their jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • The county governing body must work with the planning commission and the public to develop the zoning ordinance.
    • The ordinance may cover the county's entire jurisdiction or only parts of it.
    • The statute also authorizes municipalities to regulate land use within their own jurisdictions; municipal zoning is not county zoning.
    • No effective date or fee is stated in the cited provision.
    “(3) Enacting a zoning ordinance. (b) A zoning ordinance may cover a county's entire jurisdiction or parts of its jurisdiction.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    West Virginia county commissions adopting and enforcing building and housing codes for residential construction in unincorporated portions of the county.

    • The county commission must act by order duly entered of record.
    • Codes may establish and regulate minimum building and housing standards for improving health, safety, and well-being.
    • Codes may apply to the entire county or any portion or portions constituting an effective area; the county need not adopt the code for other portions.
    • The code does not apply within a municipal corporation that has adopted and has in effect a housing and building code unless and until the municipality provides otherwise by ordinance.
    • Structures on parcels used primarily for agricultural purposes are excluded.
    • Any county property-maintenance code or ordinance must exempt property used for agricultural purposes and is unenforceable as to agricultural property.
    • Existing county building codes became void one year after promulgation of a state building code by the State Fire Commission; after that voidance, a county adopting a building code must adopt the state building code.
    • A county may adopt the state building code after promulgation, but it does not apply within a municipal corporation that has not adopted it.
    “county commissions are hereby authorized and empowered, by order duly entered of record, to adopt building and housing codes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Still unanswered

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

  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Hampshire County municipalities and other local jurisdictions.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation in Hampshire County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility connections in Hampshire County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental regulation in Hampshire County.

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

Living off-grid in Hampshire County, West Virginia

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

Hampshire County scores 68/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Hampshire County, West Virginia?

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

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Hampshire County is allowed: County zoning restrictions on long-term RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Hampshire County This absence conclusion concerns county zoning only; subdivision and land-development, septic, floodplain, building-code, and municipal rules may still apply. The source states that Hampshire County has a subdivision and land development ordinance, which is distinct from zoning. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Hampshire County, West Virginia?

Land in Hampshire County runs about $3,713 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hampshire County?

Hampshire County gets about 39.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.1% of years.

How remote is Hampshire County?

A representative private-land location has about 14,703 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,823,853 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 Hampshire compares in West Virginia

Compare side-by-side →See all 55 West Virginia counties ranked →