Bolthole Index

Logan County, West Virginia

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Logan County, West Virginia

63Index Score / 100
#37 of 55 in West Virginia

Unincorporated Logan County, West Virginia requires a building permit only for soil-disturbing work or construction in a regulatory special flood hazard area1. Logan County has no formal county zoning ordinance, though locally adopted ordinances cover certain establishments2; the Town of Man sets its own zoning and building-permit rules34. Septic permits go through the local health department5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for soil disturbance or construction in a regulatory special flood hazard area; no general countywide requirement is confirmed outside it1
Zoning
No formal county zoning ordinance; the Town of Man and locally adopted ordinances for certain establishments may differ23
Septic permits
A permit application is required to install or modify an onsite sewage system; start with the local health department65
RV living
No county zoning restriction in unincorporated areas; wastewater, floodplain and targeted local rules still apply7
Tiny homes
No county zoning restriction in unincorporated areas; floodplain, wastewater and other rules still apply8
Owner-builder
Owners may do their own construction without a contractor license, but permits, codes and inspections are not waived9
Agricultural buildings
Buildings used primarily for agricultural purposes are exempt from the State Building Code and State Fire Code, with limits for group sleeping, health care and detention use1011
Private well
A local health department permit is required before drilling, modifying or abandoning an individual well12

Who to call

Codes & inspections

Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division

Flood-hazard-area building permits, floodplain management, code enforcement and questions about local land-use ordinances

304-792-6265

rperry@lccwv.us

325 Stratton Street Logan, WV 25601

Online permits →

Health department

Logan County Health Department

Local onsite-wastewater construction permits and inspections, plus individual-water-supply permits

304-792-8630

300 Stratton Street, Room 203, Logan, WV 25601

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 15, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Logan 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 Logan County, West Virginia?

Unincorporated Logan County requires a building permit when work disturbs soil or involves construction of any kind in a regulatory special flood hazard area1. The county's published rule does not establish a general countywide building-permit requirement outside that mapped area13. Inside the Town of Man, a separate town permit is required for new construction, substantial improvement or relocation of a structure in the town's Floodplain District4. West Virginia has no statewide building-code requirement, and a community that adopts and enforces a code must use the State Building Code; Logan County residential adoption could not be confirmed14. State Fire Marshal inspections cover most occupancies except one- and two-family dwellings, so they do not stand in for a county house inspection15. An owner or occupant may personally perform construction without a contractor license, but the exemption does not waive permits, floodplain requirements or health rules9.

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

The Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division is the first stop for flood-hazard-area permits and local code questions. The office is at 325 Stratton Street Logan, WV 25601; call 304-792-6265 or email rperry@lccwv.us16. Ask Code Enforcement whether the parcel lies in a regulatory special flood hazard area before grading, laying a foundation or placing a structure, because soil disturbance and construction there require a permit17. Logan County publishes the trigger but not a complete application, fee, review or inspection sequence18. We could not confirm a county building-permit fee schedule, residential inspection schedule or certificate-of-occupancy rule; request those details for the project before budgeting or starting work. The county's rules apply to unincorporated Logan County; inside the Town of Man, the town's Building Permit Officer handles floodplain-district permits4. Septic and well permits stay with the local health department either way5.

Does Logan County have zoning?

Unincorporated Logan County has no formal county zoning ordinance, but locally adopted ordinances may cover certain establishments19. County zoning therefore sets no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot coverage or building height in unincorporated Logan County2021222324. With no county zoning, accessory dwellings, manufactured homes and temporary camping face no county zoning rule in unincorporated Logan County25. Inside the Town of Man, the town's own code includes Building Zone Regulations3. Septic, floodplain, road and subdivision requirements can still control where development goes21. Buildings used primarily for agricultural purposes are exempt from the State Building Code and State Fire Code, but the fire-code exemption does not cover farm structures used for group sleeping, health care or detention1011. Anyone claiming the exemption under the building code submits the question to the Commissioner of Agriculture for a determination26.

How do septic permits work in Logan County?

Installing or modifying an onsite sewage system in Logan County requires a completed permit application, and the system must meet state design and construction standards6. A homeowner installer must pass a certification examination given by the local health department before percolation testing27. For a lot created after July 1, 1970, the sewage permit is withheld until subdivision approval is granted28. Contact the Logan County Health Department at 304-792-8630 or 300 Stratton Street, Room 203, Logan, WV 25601 for submission details and ask whether installation or final inspection is required529. Alternative systems for new construction may be considered only on lots of at least 2 acres; qualifying residential surface-discharge systems are limited to 600 gallons per day and also need a WVDEP discharge permit30. Home aeration unit permits handled by the state program cost $250 to correct a failure or $400 for new construction31; the state fee schedule also lists $1000 for a sewage holding tank32. The published fees are state environmental-health fees, not a Logan County building-permit fee schedule. None of Logan County's mapped soils are rated free of severe conventional drain-field limitations, so make septic approval a purchase contingency33.

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

County zoning does not restrict RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Logan County where no other federal, state, targeted local, health, wastewater or floodplain rule applies7. The same county-zoning answer applies to tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Logan County8. Neither answer approves a wastewater method, so ask the Logan County Health Department what permitted sewage arrangement the proposed occupancy requires27. Soil disturbance or construction in a regulatory special flood hazard area still requires a county permit34. Municipal rules and targeted local ordinances may differ from the unincorporated-county answer35.

Building a home in Logan County: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Code Enforcement whether the parcel is in a regulatory special flood hazard area; soil disturbance or construction there requires a permit34.
  1. Ask whether a targeted local ordinance or municipal rule covers the proposed use, even though Logan County has no formal county zoning ordinance35.
  1. Contact the Logan County Health Department before fixing the house location and submit the required onsite-sewage permit application2729.
  1. If the land is in a subdivision served by individual onsite systems, obtain health-department approval before development or well and sewage permits36.
  1. Obtain a local health department permit before drilling, modifying or abandoning an individual well37.
  1. Obtain a free Division of Highways permit before connecting a driveway to a state highway38.

What should you check before buying land in Logan County?

Check the flood map first because soil disturbance or construction in a regulatory special flood hazard area requires a Logan County permit39. Make septic approval an early contingency: 0% of mapped county soils are rated without severe conventional drain-field limitations, and only 6.1% of county land has a slope of 15% or less3340. Confirm legal road access and obtain a Division of Highways permit if the driveway connects to a state highway38. If the parcel depends on a well, include the local health department permit in the plan41. Ask Code Enforcement about any additional floodplain standards and fees because the published county guidance does not provide the complete requirements42.

Watch-outs

  • Logan County confirms a building-permit trigger in regulatory special flood hazard areas but does not establish a general countywide requirement outside them13.
  • No formal county zoning ordinance does not remove targeted local ordinances, municipal rules, floodplain permits or health requirements43.
  • Septic siting is difficult countywide: 0% of mapped soils are rated free of severe conventional drain-field limits, so arrange a site evaluation before committing to a building location33.

Sources

  1. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  2. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  3. Town of Man: Title XV: Land Use (Logan County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Man: § 152.060 Building Permit, Site Plan Approval Required (Logan County), quoted and re-checked
  5. H-5 Review of Individual Water Well and Sewage System Permit Applications, quoted and re-checked
  6. On-Site Wastewater Management, quoted and re-checked
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  9. West Virginia Code §30-42-6. Necessity for license; exemptions., quoted and re-checked
  10. West Virginia Code §§15A-11-3 and 15A-11-5, quoted and re-checked
  11. Office of the State Fire Marshal FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  12. Individual Water Supplies, quoted and re-checked
  13. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  14. 2023 West Virginia State Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  15. FAQ – Office of the State Fire Marshal, quoted and re-checked
  16. Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division (lccced.us)
  17. lccced.us, quoted and re-checked
  18. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  20. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  21. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  22. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  23. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  24. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  25. West Virginia law on county zoning and building authority
  26. West Virginia State Building Code, 87CSR4, quoted and re-checked
  27. 64 CSR 47 Excerpts — Sewage Treatment and Collection System Design Standards, quoted and re-checked
  28. On-Site Wastewater Management, quoted and re-checked
  29. Logan County Health Department (dhhr.wv.gov)
  30. On-Site Wastewater Management, quoted and re-checked
  31. oehs.wvdhhr.org, quoted and re-checked
  32. 64CSR51 Environmental Health Services Fees, quoted and re-checked
  33. 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
  34. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  35. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  36. Subdivision On-Site Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  37. H-5 Review of Individual Water Well and Sewage System Permit Applications, quoted and re-checked
  38. Encroachment Permits (West Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  39. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  40. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Water Wells, quoted and re-checked
  42. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked
  43. Frequently Asked Questions – Logan County Commission Code Enforcement Division, quoted and re-checked

Written October 15, 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 5 of its 6 neighbors, Logan County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleLogan CountyBoone CountyMingo CountyWyoming CountyLincoln CountyWayne CountyMcDowell County
Building permitLimitedRequiredNot requiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoNot publishedNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Not publishedCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Logan County in West Virginia

63
County map
Logan County highlighted among the West Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Logan County scores

Seclusion75100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency46100% ev.
Admin Boringness78100% ev.
Durability51100% ev.
Property Autonomy26100% ev.
Carry Cost88100% 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 →

$113kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,077Land / acre
49.3"Annual rain
1% of yrsSevere drought
3.4 / yr (+3.3)Mid-century 100°F days
11.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.58" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.88×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,246Home insurance / yr
-4.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.04%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
13,805People within 30 min
941,795People within 2 hr
42,533Radius comparison (15 mi)
67.9People / sq mi
0%Federal land
6.1%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
94 acWorkable land screen
94.4%Wooded land
67.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Logan 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 Chapmanville · Logan · Town of Mitchell Heights · Town of West Logan

Answers from the rulebook for Logan County

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

Logan County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Work in Logan County's regulatory special flood hazard area that disturbs soil or involves construction of any kind.

    • The county FAQ identifies this flood-hazard-area trigger; it does not establish a general countywide permit requirement outside that area.
    • The linked Logan County Floodplain Ordinance may contain additional operative requirements.
    “A-When performing any work that would disturb the soil or would result in construction of any kind in the regulatory special flood hazard area.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Formal county zoning ordinance in Logan County.

    • Federal and state laws still apply.
    • Locally adopted ordinances may apply to certain types of establishments.
    “A- Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning and land-use controls within Logan County, including municipalities and locally adopted point ordinances.

    • Logan County has no formal county zoning ordinance.
    • Locally adopted ordinances apply to certain types of establishments.
    • Municipal rules, if any, must be checked separately.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Logan County: no county rule sets this, because Logan 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 states that locally adopted ordinances may apply to certain types of establishments.
    • Federal and state laws still apply.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Logan County.

    • No county zoning ordinance was identified.
    • Building and health requirements may still apply independently.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum lot-size requirements in unincorporated Logan County.

    • No county zoning ordinance was identified.
    • Subdivision, septic, floodplain, and other applicable rules may still apply.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning setback requirements in unincorporated Logan County.

    • No county zoning ordinance was identified.
    • Floodplain, road, septic, and other non-zoning requirements may still apply.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Logan County.

    • No county zoning ordinance was identified.
    • Other building, floodplain, and health requirements may still apply.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height requirements in unincorporated Logan County.

    • No county zoning ordinance was identified.
    • Floodplain and building-code requirements may still apply.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Living in an RVUnrestricted

    RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Logan County where no other applicable federal, state, locally adopted establishment-specific, health, wastewater, floodplain, or other rule applies.

    • Logan County states that there is no formal county zoning ordinance.
    • Everyone must abide by federal and state laws.
    • Locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments may apply.
    • This conclusion does not address incorporated municipalities or non-zoning regulations such as septic, floodplain, building-permit, health, or safety requirements.
    “A- Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Logan County: no county rule sets this, because Logan 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 states that locally adopted ordinances may apply to certain types of establishments.
    • Federal and state laws still apply.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted

    Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Logan County where no other applicable federal, state, locally adopted establishment-specific, health, wastewater, floodplain, or other rule applies.

    • Logan County states that there is no formal county zoning ordinance.
    • Everyone must abide by federal and state laws.
    • Locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments may apply.
    • This conclusion does not address incorporated municipalities or non-zoning regulations such as septic, floodplain, building-permit, health, or safety requirements.
    “A- Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Logan County: no county rule sets this, because Logan 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 states that locally adopted ordinances may apply to certain types of establishments.
    • Federal and state laws still apply.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Logan County: no county rule sets this, because Logan 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 states that locally adopted ordinances may apply to certain types of establishments.
    • Federal and state laws still apply.
    “Everyone must abide by Federal and State Laws although there is no formal zoning ordinance in Logan County, there are locally adopted ordinances pertaining to certain types of establishments.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Individual onsite sewage disposal systems in Logan County, including construction, installation, modification, or repair of systems administered through the local health department.

    • A health department permit is required before construction of a dwelling or establishment on any site requiring onsite sewage disposal.
    • For subdivisions using individual onsite sewage systems, written health department approval must be obtained before improvements, construction, installation, or development begins on any lot and before sewage installation permits can be issued.
    • After subdivision approval, the developer or individual lot owner must obtain a health department permit for the individual onsite sewage system.
    • The SS-182A form requires property, facility, sewage-system, percolation-test, site-sketch, installer-certification, and owner/installer certification information.
    • The state source identifies SS-182A as the application for a permit to install or modify a sewage disposal system; it does not state that Logan County accepts SS-182A electronically, by mail, or in person, nor identify a designated Logan County sanitarian submission method.
    • Alternative systems for new construction may be considered only when the lot is two acres or larger; additional state design standards and system-specific requirements apply.

    alternative-system minimum lot size for new construction: >= 2 acres (Alternative systems may be considered for new construction only if the lot is two acres or larger in size.)

    “No person [...] may install or establish any system or method of [...] sewage or excreta disposal without first obtaining a written permit”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Logan County's regulatory special flood hazard area.

    • Work that disturbs soil or involves construction of any kind in the regulatory special flood hazard area requires a building permit.
    • The linked Logan County Floodplain Ordinance may contain additional standards, definitions, variances, and fees not extractable from the webpage rendering.
    “A-When performing any work that would disturb the soil or would result in construction of any kind in the regulatory special flood hazard area.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Work disturbing soil or involving construction of any kind in Logan County's regulatory special flood hazard area.
      “When performing any work that would disturb the soil or would result in construction of any kind in the regulatory special flood hazard area.”
    • Required — Work disturbing soil or involving construction of any kind in the regulatory special flood hazard area.
      “A-When performing any work that would disturb the soil or would result in construction of any kind in the regulatory special flood hazard area.”
    • Required — Soil-disturbing work or construction in Logan County's regulatory special flood hazard area.
      “A-When performing any work that would disturb the soil or would result in construction of any kind in the regulatory special flood hazard area.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building-permit trigger in Logan County.

    • The county FAQ identifies a permit trigger for soil-disturbing work or construction of any kind in the regulatory special flood hazard area.
    • The source does not publish a complete application, review, fee, inspection, or issuance process.
    “When performing any work that would disturb the soil or would result in construction of any kind in the regulatory special flood hazard area.”

West Virginia rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

    Work personally performed on a structure by the owner or occupant in Logan County, under West Virginia’s contractor-licensing exemption.

    • The exemption applies to work personally performed on a structure by the owner or occupant.
    • The exemption is from contractor licensure under West Virginia Code §30-42-6; it does not by itself waive applicable building permits, floodplain requirements, septic or wastewater approvals, health rules, or other federal, state, county, or municipal requirements.
    • West Virginia Code §30-42-6 separately lists agricultural-owner work and other exemptions; those provisions were not needed for this claim.
    “(8) Work personally performed on a structure by the owner or occupant thereof; and”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available — A property owner or occupant personally performing construction work on a structure, for purposes of exemption from West Virginia contractor licensure.
      “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;”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — West Virginia building-code adoption framework applicable to Logan County jurisdictions.
      “While West Virginia does not have statewide building code requirements, the adoption and implementation of building codes is strongly encouraged. Any community that wishes to adopt and enforce a building code is required to use the State Building Code.”
    • Partial — West Virginia building-code framework applicable in Logan County only if a local jurisdiction adopts and enforces the State Building Code.
      “While West Virginia does not have statewide building code requirements, the adoption and implementation of building codes is strongly encouraged. Any community that wishes to adopt and enforce a building code is required to use the State Building 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — State Fire Marshal fire and life-safety inspections applicable in Logan County.
      “The Fire Safety Inspection Division is mandated by Chapter 15A, Article 10 "Fire Prevention and Control Act" to conduct fire and life safety inspections in all types of occupancies except one and two family dwellings.”
  • 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 septicLocal (with conditions)

    Individual sewage-system permit applications in West Virginia, including Logan County.

    • The local health department acts on the application received first when both water-well and sewage applications are involved.
    • The specific Logan County local-health office was not identified in the opened official material.

    sewage permit application review time: <= 21 business days (after receipt)

    “Consequently, the Local Health Department is required to make decisions and act upon the information contained in whichever application is received first.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State — Individual or dual onsite sewage disposal systems using subsurface absorption, including conventional septic systems, statewide in West Virginia
      “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.”
  • 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

    Individual water-well permit applications in West Virginia, including Logan County.

    • A water-well application meeting all Water Well Regulation requirements must receive a permit.
    • A compliant water-well permit cannot be held pending a wastewater-disposal-system application.
    • The local health department reviews the application.

    water-well application review time: <= 15 calendar days (after receipt)

    “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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Drilling, modifying, or abandoning an individual drinking-water well in Logan County.
      “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.”
    • Required — Drilling, modifying, or abandoning a water well in Logan County.
      “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.”
    • 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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Buildings or structures used primarily for agricultural or agritourism purposes under the West Virginia State Building Code.
      “If a property owner or other responsible party claims exemption from the applicable Building Code based on the agricultural purposes exemption identified in subsection 1.6 of this rule, he or she shall submit the question to the Commissioner of Agriculture for a determination of eligibility.”
    • Available — Buildings or structures utilized primarily for agricultural purposes in Logan County.
      “Provided, 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.”
    • Available (with conditions) — State Fire Code exemption for buildings or structures used primarily for agricultural or agritourism purposes.
      “This State Fire Code has no application to personal care homes caring for three or less patients or buildings used wholly as dwelling houses for no more than two families and has no application to buildings or structures used primarily for agricultural purposes including agritourism purposes.”
    • 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”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land development subject to a local subdivision and land-development ordinance adopted under West Virginia law.

    • The local ordinance must include minor and major subdivision processes, planning-commission approval authority, review, approval, recording, fees, waivers, and improvement-location permits.
    • The statute allows exemptions for certain land development, including single-family residential structures and farm structures.
    • The cited statute does not itself provide one uniform statewide subdivision approval process for every parcel; local governing bodies and planning commissions administer the ordinance.

    planning-commission approval: Required before development commences when a subdivision and land-development ordinance applies. (Applicable local exemptions and ordinance provisions may apply.) · plat recording: Required before construction commences after approval. (The plat is recorded in the clerk's office of the county commission where a majority of the land lies.) · fees: A schedule of fees proportioned to the cost of checking and verifying proposed plats.

    “plans and plats must be approved by the applicable planning commission”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions served by individual on-site sewage systems in Logan 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Published West Virginia environmental-health permit fees, including sewage and public-water permits relevant to Logan County.

    • The cited schedule is not a Logan County building-permit fee schedule.
    • Fees shown include $1,000 for a sewage holding tank, $250 for correcting failure of an on-site innovative/alternative sewage system, $400 for new construction of such a system, $150 for sewage-system installer certification and renewal, and $150 for a new-construction public-water-system well permit.

    sewage holding tank permit: 1000 USD · on-site innovative/alternative sewage system correcting failure: 250 USD · on-site innovative/alternative sewage system new construction: 400 USD · sewage system installer certification and renewal: 150 USD · public water system well permit new construction: 150 USD

    “4. Sewage Holding Tank $1000 5. On-Site Innovative/Alternative Type Sewage System a. Correcting Failure $250 b. New Construction $400 6. Sewage System Installer Certification and Renewal $150 B. Water Well Permits (New Construction) Public Water System $150”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — West Virginia OEHS Home Aeration Unit construction permits, including Logan County systems within the stated program.
      “Permit Fee for Installation of an HAU to Correct an Existing Sewage System Failure : $250.00”
    • Published (with conditions) — Home aeration unit construction permits in West Virginia counties, including Logan County.
      “Permit Fee for Installation of an HAU to Correct an Existing Sewage System Failure : $250.00 Permit Fee for Installation of an HAU for New Construction: $400.00 - please note the requirements in 64 CSR 9 Sewage System Rule”
    • Published (with conditions) — WVDEP construction stormwater permit fees for qualifying construction-site stormwater discharges statewide.
      “The WV/NPDES Stormwater Program requires operators of construction sites that disturb one (1) acre or greater, including smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan of development, to obtain authorization to discharge stormwater under a WV/NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit. When the construction activity is owned by one person but operated by another, it is the responsibility of the owner (developer) to obtain the permit. When the construction activity is completed and all disturbed areas are stabilized, the responsible party must submit a Notice of Termination (NOT) in order to end coverage under the General Permit. If you are going to disturb one acre or greater you are required to first obtain a stormwater construction permit. All applications for coverage under the construction stormwater general permit must be submitted through WV DEP's Electronic Submittal System (ESS). [... ] Revised Fee Schedule 2025”
  • 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.

  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Logan County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer connection requirements for residential property in Logan County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Logan 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 Logan County, West Virginia

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

Logan County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Logan County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Logan County Health Department (under WV DHHR Office of Environmental Health Services). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Logan County is allowed: RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Logan County where no other applicable federal, state, locally adopted establishment-specific, health, wastewater, floodplain, or other rule applies. Logan County states that there is no formal county zoning ordinance. Everyone must abide by federal and state laws. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

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

Land in Logan County runs about $3,077 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Logan County?

Logan County gets about 49.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1% of years.

How remote is Logan County?

A representative private-land location has about 13,805 people within a 30-minute drive and 941,795 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 Logan compares in West Virginia

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