Hocking County, OH Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Hocking County, Ohio has no certified residential building department and no general building-code permit for a home outside the city of Logan¹. It does require a separate Building Placement Permit from the Hocking County Health Department before you build, replace, or place a dwelling with plumbing, sinks, or drains, costing $55 for a single-family home². The county has no zoning outside Logan's city limits, so a zoning ordinance only reaches land inside that city³. Septic systems are permitted separately again, through the same Health Department, which also runs the county's well and property-split reviews⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: No general county building-code permit; a Health Department Building Placement Permit ($55 residential) is required before construction outside Logan City¹²
Zoning: No countywide zoning; only the city of Logan has a zoning ordinance³⁵
Septic permits: Hocking County Health Department, for systems under 1,000 gallons/day; installation permits are valid one year⁴⁶
Owner-builder: Homeowners may install their own plumbing in their primary residence, once every 2 years for new construction, if not for rental or income⁷
Minimum split size: 80,000 sq ft (1.836 acres) for a new land split outside the minor-subdivision exceptions⁸
Driveway access: County roads need a Hocking County Engineer's Office permit; township roads go through Township Trustees; state routes go through ODOT⁹¹⁰
RV / tiny home living: Not established by an official county source; a dwelling with plumbing still needs a Building Placement Permit²
Septic soil difficulty: Only 7.5% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field¹¹

Who to call

Building permits

Hocking County Health Department - Building Placement Permits

Building Placement Permits for residential homes outside the city of Logan and outside licensed manufactured home parks; manufactured homes and commercial buildings go through the Ohio Department of Commerce instead

740-385-3030

350 St Rt 664N, Logan, OH 43138

Zoning

Hocking County Regional Planning Office

Subdivision regulations, minor subdivision/lot-split approval, floodplain regulations, and the county's comprehensive plan; zoning regulations are currently in place in the city of Logan

740-380-9634

[email protected]

93 West Hunter Street, Logan, Ohio 43138

Septic permits

Hocking County Health Department - Environmental Health, Sewage Treatment Program

Permits, site evaluations, and inspections for sewage treatment systems (STS) serving a dwelling or building generating less than 1,000 gallons of waste per day, plus private water system (well) permits

740-385-3030

350 St Rt 664N, Logan, OH 43138

Roads & driveways

Hocking County Engineer's Office

Driveway permits for driveways onto county roads; township roads go through Township Trustees and state routes go through ODOT

740-385-8543

[email protected]

1286 California Avenue, Logan, Ohio 43138

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Hocking County, Ohio?

Not a general county residential-code permit. Hocking County has no certified county residential building department, so an ordinary home outside the city of Logan does not go through a county structural building-code permit review¹. That does not mean construction goes unpermitted. Under the county's sanitary regulations, no one may construct, alter, or place a one-, two-, or three-family dwelling, mobile home, or other building with sinks, plumbing, or drains until plans are approved by the Health Commissioner and a Building Placement Permit is issued². The health district's sanitary regulations also incorporate Ohio plumbing and building-code provisions for plumbing in applicable public buildings and one-, two-, and three-family dwellings¹². The placement permit costs $55 for a residential dwelling, $105 for an R-1 transient rental, and $155 for a commercial or group U building². Manufactured homes and commercial buildings, including cabin and transient rentals, obtain building permits through the Ohio Department of Commerce².

Who handles building placement permits in Hocking County, and how do you reach them?

The Hocking County Health Department issues the Building Placement Permit that stands in for a county building permit on land outside Logan City¹³. Reach the office at 740-385-3030, or visit 350 St Rt 664N, Logan, OH 43138¹³. Before construction begins, an applicant completes a permit application, pays the fee, and schedules a site evaluation with a sanitarian¹³. When you're replacing a home, the existing sewage system must be inspected first, risers to grade are required on all septic tanks and aerators, and the system must still meet the rules that were in effect when it was installed¹³. Once issued, the permit must be posted at the end of the driveway by the road¹³. Land splits, floodplain determinations, and any question about which jurisdiction covers your road all route through the Hocking County Regional Planning Office instead, at 740-380-9634, 93 West Hunter Street, Logan, Ohio 43138¹⁴.

Does Hocking County have zoning?

No, not countywide. Hocking County's own Regional Planning FAQ states that zoning regulations currently exist only in the city of Logan, and can only be put in place by a vote of elected officials or citizens at the township, municipal, or county level³¹⁴. Inside Logan's corporate limits, zoning regulates land use by general categories such as business, industrial, and residential, with rural areas potentially including agriculture, rural residential, green space, and recreation⁵. We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage limits, or building height limits outside Logan, so ask Regional Planning about the parcel rather than treating those matters as unrestricted³¹⁴. What the county does regulate outside zoning is land division: subdivision regulations, adopted in 1978 and amended in 2000, are a separate system from zoning and govern how land is split rather than how it's used¹⁴. A new split smaller than 80,000 square feet (1.836 acres), unless transferred to an abutting landowner, must meet Hocking County Health Department requirements, at least 100 feet of public road frontage, and a maximum 3:1 depth-to-width ratio between 1.836 and 20 acres, and a landowner is capped at 5 splits under the platting exemption before a 6-year waiting period applies⁸.

How do septic permits work in Hocking County?

Every new, replaced, or altered sewage treatment system (STS) serving a dwelling or building generating less than 1,000 gallons of waste per day needs a permit from the Hocking County Health Department¹⁵⁴. A site evaluation must happen before you place a home or start construction, and that site review stays valid for five years⁶. The installation, replacement, or alteration permit itself is valid for one year from issuance, and installing, replacing, or altering a system without one adds a 25% penalty on top of the permit fee⁶. The Health Department must inspect the system before it's backfilled, and no home may be occupied until the system is approved; a follow-up inspection happens about a year after installation, and the operation permit that keeps a system legal to run is valid for ten years before renewal¹⁶. Soils here make this more than paperwork: just 7.5% of Hocking County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so budget for a site evaluation early and expect many properties to need an alternative or engineered system¹¹. A limited privy option exists too, carrying a $50 local fee plus a $74 state fee, but only under conditions the Health Department sets, not on every parcel¹⁷. A private well also needs its own permit from the same Health Department before it's drilled or altered, valid for one year, with a final inspection and water sample required after installation¹⁸.

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

We could not confirm a general right, or a specific Hocking County restriction, to live full-time in an RV or tiny home on private land outside a licensed campground³. The county's Building Placement Permit requirement reaches any dwelling, mobile home, or structure meant to have sinks, plumbing, or drains, so an RV or tiny home with plumbing hookups placed as a residence may require Health Department review². Ohio's clearest state rule on RV occupancy applies to licensed campgrounds, where a site must generally run at least 1,000 square feet and hold no more than one RV plus two portable camping units, which does not answer the question for a private rural parcel¹⁹. Before buying land specifically to live in an RV or tiny home, call the Hocking County Health Department to ask whether your plan needs a Building Placement Permit, and call Regional Planning to check whether the parcel is inside Logan's zoned limits¹³¹⁴.

Building a home in Hocking County: the steps, in order

First, confirm whether your parcel is inside Logan's city limits, since that changes which permit process applies⁵. Second, if you're splitting off a tract, contact Regional Planning early to review road frontage, driveway, Health Department, and subdivision requirements before you spend money on a survey¹⁴. Third, order a Health Department site and soil evaluation, since most of the county's soils have severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field¹¹. Fourth, apply for your septic (STS) permit through the Health Department before installing the system, and budget for the site review, application fee, and a one-year installation permit¹⁵⁶. Fifth, submit your building plans to the Health Department and pay for your Building Placement Permit ($55 for a single-family home) before construction starts¹³². Sixth, if your driveway connects to a county road, get preliminary approval from the Hocking County Engineer's Office before construction, then a final inspection after; township roads go through Township Trustees and state routes go through ODOT¹⁰⁹. Seventh, schedule your final septic inspection before backfilling and your plumbing inspections as the Health Department requires; no home can be occupied until the septic system is approved¹⁶.

What to check before you buy land in Hocking County

Soil is the headline issue here: only 7.5% of Hocking County's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so get a Health Department site evaluation before you count on a standard system¹¹. Terrain is more mixed than soils: just 37.4% of the county sits at 15% slope or less, and 84.8% is wooded, so confirm a buildable, clearable building site before you commit²⁰²¹. Confirm which road jurisdiction serves your parcel, since a driveway permit comes from the County Engineer, a township, or ODOT depending on the road, and new splits typically need at least 100 feet of frontage⁹. If the tract you're buying was recently split from a larger parcel, ask whether it went through Regional Planning's minor-subdivision process, since a landowner is limited to 5 splits under the platting exemption before a 6-year wait applies⁸. If you plan to rent the property short-term, Hocking County requires lodging-tax registration and collects a combined 6% tax on stays under 30 consecutive days²². Typical property tax runs about 1% effectively, with a median bill near $1,748 a year, against a typical home value around $288,493²³²⁴²⁵.

Watch-outs

We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage, or building height for land outside Logan City; ask Regional Planning before you design a build³¹⁴.
We could not confirm RV or tiny-home occupancy rules for private rural land in Hocking County; a dwelling with plumbing may trigger the Health Department's Building Placement Permit, so ask the Health Department before placing one²¹³.

Sources

Written September 29, 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.

How Hocking County scores

Seclusion45100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.

Admin Boringness8090% ev.

Durability69100% ev.

Property Autonomy35100% ev.

Carry Cost70100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$288kTypical home

1%Property tax

$6,488Land / acre

42.4"Annual rain

1.7% of yrsSevere drought

3.6 / yr (+3.5)Mid-century 100°F days

11.9 daysMid-century dry spell

1.69" (+8.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.95×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,347Home insurance / yr

1.6% / yrInsurance growth

1.65%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

27,358People within 30 min

3,989,157People within 2 hr

66,388Radius comparison (15 mi)

65.4People / sq mi

9.6%Federal land

37.4%Land at 15% slope or less

7.5%Septic soil without severe limits

18,418 acWorkable land screen

84.8%Wooded land

79.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac

52.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Hocking County

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

Hocking County rules

Building permitRequired
Construction, alteration, or placement in the Logan-Hocking County General Health District of a building or residential dwelling having or intended to have sinks, plumbing, drains, or other places where sewage, offensive substances, or liquids may accumulate or be deposited; the county health department page specifically identifies residential homes outside Logan City and licensed manufactured home parks.
- Plans must be submitted to and approved by the Health Commissioner before construction, alteration, or placement.
- A complete floor plan and, when applicable, written approval from the Ohio Department of Commerce or the building department having jurisdiction must be submitted.
- The Health Department page states that manufactured homes and commercial buildings, including transient or cabin rentals, obtain a building permit through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
- The sanitary regulation provides that sewage disposal and water supply systems may not be installed before issuance of a Building Placement Permit unless a municipal or Ohio Environmental Protection Agency-approved system is proposed.
- The application must include a fee established by the Board of Health; the application form lists residential Building Placement Permit fee $55, R-1 transient rental fee $105, and commercial/group U fee $155.
residential building placement permit fee: 55 USD · R-1 transient rental building placement permit fee: 105 USD · commercial/group U building placement permit fee: 155 USD
“No person shall construct or change any building or group of building, or locate a mobile home or other type of one, two, three family residential dwelling, R-1 residential dwelling, group U building or structure, or any other type of commercial building or structure, either permanent or temporary, having or intended to have sinks, plumbing, drains, or other places where sewage, offensive substances, or liquids may accumulate or be deposited until plans therefore have been submitted to and approved by the health commissioner, and appropriate building placement permit is issued.”
Hocking County Sanitary Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Owner installation of plumbing in a single-family residence within the Logan-Hocking County Health District.
- The homeowner must own the property used or to be used as the primary residence of the homeowner or immediate family.
- The dwelling may not be intended for commercial rental or income generation.
- The homeowner must submit the applicable plumbing permit application, isometrics if required, and proper fee.
- The homeowner must comply with the Ohio Plumbing Code and Hocking County Health Department Sanitary Code.
- The homeowner must be present for underground, rough-in, and final plumbing inspections when applicable.
- The homeowner may apply for a permit only once every two years for new construction.
new-construction homeowner plumbing permit application frequency: per 2 years
“Homeowners may install their own plumbing if they own the property that is used or will be used as their primary residence and/or the primary residence of their immediate family and not intended to be used as a commercial rental or for generating income.”
Hocking County Health Department Homeowner Permit Affidavit ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
Building-code and related plumbing-plan requirements administered by the Logan-Hocking County General Health District for applicable public buildings and one-, two-, and three-family residential dwellings in the Health District.
- The regulation incorporates the Ohio Plumbing Code and Ohio Building Code in effect January 1, 2024, as subsequently amended.
- For public buildings, the Health District provisions apply only to types of buildings for which the Ohio Department of Commerce has designated and approved the District to make plumbing inspections and issue permits.
- Written approval from the Ohio Department of Commerce or the building department having jurisdiction is required when applicable for the type of structure.
- Where a county or municipal building department has not been approved by the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Ohio Department of Commerce administers and enforces the Ohio Building Code.
- A building placement permit is required before construction or change of covered buildings or structures with plumbing or sewage-related fixtures.
incorporated code effective date: 2024-01-01 (as may be subsequently amended) · building placement permit penalty: <= 2000 USD (penalty approved by the board of health for construction not conforming to approved plans or materially misrepresented intended use/designation)
“Incorporation by Reference of the Ohio Plumbing Code, Ohio Building Code, in effect January 01, 2024, as may be subsequently amended. Purpose: This regulation applies to all plumbing in residential group R-1, group U, other applicable public buildings and to all plumbing in one, two and three-family residential dwellings in the Hocking County Health District.”
Hocking County Sanitary Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Homes in Hocking County subject to the Logan-Hocking County Health Department building-placement, sewage, water, and plumbing processes.
- Before occupancy, final sewage treatment system inspection is required for homes not connected to municipal sewer.
- Before occupancy, final water-system inspection and collection of a safe water sample are required for homes not connected to public water.
- Underground, rough, and final plumbing inspections are required.
- A failed plumbing inspection requires payment of a re-inspection fee before another inspection can be scheduled.
“The following inspection must be completed before the home can be occupied: 1. For homes that are not connected to a municipal sewer system, final inspection of the sewage treatment system prior to backfilling. 2. For homes not connected to a public water system, final inspection of the water system and collection of a safe water sample. 3. Underground, rough, and final plumbing”
Steps for Building/Placing a Home in Hocking County ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Newly proposed splits, known as minor subdivisions, subject to Hocking County subdivision regulations.
- The minimum does not apply when the split is transferred to an abutting landowner.
- The split must meet all Hocking County Health Department requirements.
- Landowners creating splits under the platting exemption are limited to a maximum of 5 splits from the original parent tract, consisting of 4 new tracts and the remainder, when any new tract is less than 5 acres; after 5 splits, a 6-year waiting period applies unless the property is platted as a major subdivision.
- All tracts must have approvable public road frontage of at least 100 feet.
- Tracts between 1.836 acres and 20 acres must not exceed a 3:1 depth-to-width ratio.
- All tracts must meet Hocking County floodplain requirements.
- New property descriptions and plats must be prepared by an Ohio-registered surveyor and approved by the Hocking County Engineer's Office.
minimum split area: >= 80000 square feet (Unless transferred to an abutting landowner) · minimum split area: >= 1.836 acres (Unless transferred to an abutting landowner) · maximum splits under platting exemption: 5 splits (Applies when any new tract is less than 5 acres) · waiting period after 5 splits: 6 years (Unless property is platted as a major subdivision) · minimum public road frontage: >= 100 feet · maximum depth-to-width ratio: <= 3:1 (Applies to tracts between 1.836 acres and 20 acres)
“All new splits, unless transferred to an abutting landowner, must contain a minimum of 80,000 square feet (1.836 acres) or more, and must meet all the requirements as set forth by the Hocking County Health Department regulations (740-385-3030).”
Procedures for New Splits / Minor Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Who permits septicCounty
Household and small-flow sewage treatment systems serving a dwelling or a building generating less than 1000 gallons of waste per day in Hocking County.
- The Hocking County Health Department administers the permit program described for these systems.
- Systems generating 1000 gallons or more per day may be subject to other permitting authority; the source does not specify that authority.
waste flow threshold: < 1000 gallons per day (The cited county program applies to systems serving a dwelling or a building generating less than 1000 gallons per day.)
“A permit is required from the Health Department to install, repair, or replace a STS”
Sewage Treatment Systems - Hocking County Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Installation, repair, or replacement of a sewage treatment system serving a dwelling or a building generating less than 1000 gallons of waste per day.
- Before permit issuance, the application requires a property deed, county-assigned address, floor plans, and applicable fees.
- A site evaluation is required before placing a home or beginning construction; site reviews are valid for five years after approval.
- The installation, replacement, or alteration must comply with the approved site review, operation and maintenance requirements, permit conditions, product approval conditions, design, and OAC 3701-29.
- The permit may be revoked by the board of health if conditions arise that are not in compliance with OAC 3701-29.
- The installation, replacement, or alteration permit is valid for one year from issuance.
- Permits are not required for repairs such as adding risers or repairing a sewer pipe.
- A final inspection is required before backfilling; the system must be approved before occupancy.
waste flow threshold: < 1000 gallons per day (The cited county program applies to systems serving a dwelling or building generating less than 1000 gallons per day.) · site review validity: 5 years · installation permit validity: 1 year (From the date of issuance.) · penalty for installation, replacement, or alteration without permit: 25 percent of permit fee
“A permit is required to install a new STS or replace or alter an existing one.”
Sewage Treatment Systems - Hocking County Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
New, altered, replaced, and operating sewage treatment systems in Hocking County.
- The county must conduct the final inspection before the system is covered; if covered first, it must be uncovered for approval.
- No home or building may be occupied until the system is approved.
- The Health Department conducts an inspection one year after installation.
- The operation permit is valid for ten years and must then be renewed.
- For operation permit renewal, the owner may use the Health Department or a registered service provider where allowed by the renewal process.
post-installation inspection: 1 year after installation · operation permit renewal interval: 10 years
“This office must conduct a final inspection of the system before it is covered.”
Sewage Treatment System Permit Application ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Privy-based sanitation in Hocking County where permitted by the county health authority.
- The county health department fee schedule lists a Privy Permit with a $50 local fee and a $74 state fee.
- The cited source does not establish that all off-grid sanitation methods are allowed or that a privy is allowed on every parcel.
- Other sewage treatment systems remain subject to the county's STS permitting and inspection requirements.
privy permit local fee: 50 USD (Plus $74 state fee.) · privy permit state fee: 74 USD (Plus $50 local fee.)
“A privy shall only be permitted and installed as an HSTS under the following limited conditions:”
Sewage Treatment System Permit Application ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Well permitRequired
Installation or alteration of a water well, cistern, hauled water tank, or spring in Hocking County.
- A Private Water System application and required fee must be submitted.
- The permit is issued after site evaluation.
- The permit is valid for one year.
- Private water system contractors must be licensed with the Ohio Department of Health.
- After installation and disinfection, a final inspection and water sample are required; the sample is tested for bacteria and nitrates.
- An alteration permit is required to use an existing water system when replacing a home.
permit validity: 1 year · water sample tests: bacteria and nitrates
“A permit is required from the health department before a private water system can be installed or altered.”
Land Division & Building Process ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Connections to the Hocking County Sewer District within the district's service area.
- Approval from the Hocking County Commissioners is required before connection.
- Tap fees are charged and paid to the Hocking County Treasurer after approval.
- The tap fee must be paid before beginning the connection process.
- The source does not establish that sewer service or connection is available countywide.
tap fee: required (Amount not stated in the cited application.)
“Tap fee is required to be paid before beginning the connection process.”
Application for approval from the Hocking County Commissioners to connect to the Hocking County Sewer District ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision, minor subdivision, and lot or tract splits administered through Hocking County Regional Planning.
- Newly proposed minor subdivisions must be reviewed by the Hocking County Regional Planning Office.
- Approval and deed or plat processing remain subject to applicable health department, road frontage, driveway, floodplain, survey, and engineer requirements.
- Fees may apply for some split-processing steps.
“The Regional Planning Office is responsible for administering and enforcing the Hocking County Subdivision Regulations, Minor Subdivision or Lot/Tract split requirements, Large Lot Regulations as well as the Hocking County Flood Plain Regulations.”
Regional Planning ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
New land splits and driveway access serving property in Hocking County; the approving authority varies by road jurisdiction.
- Obtain driveway permit or frontage approval from the appropriate jurisdiction for the road.
- Township roads are handled by Township Trustees.
- County roads are handled by the Hocking County Engineer.
- State roads are handled by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
- New land splits typically require at least 100 feet of frontage with a usable driveway location.
typical minimum frontage for new land splits: >= 100 feet (The source says 'typically'.)
“Inspect road frontage and obtain driveway permit/ frontage approval from the appropriate jurisdiction: new land splits typically require at least one hundred feet of frontage with a useable driveway location to ensure a driveway can be constructed in the future. Contact the appropriate jurisdictional authority for the road.”
Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
New construction and remodeling in Hocking County where floodplain review may apply.
- The County FAQ states the requirement for persons 'in the county.'
- Regional Planning administers and enforces the Hocking County Flood Plain Regulations.
- For land splits, floodplain permits and floodplain regulations are among the requirements reviewed.
“If you are in the county, new construction including remodeling requires Health department plan review and permits for plumbing and on-site waste disposal and water systems. A flood plain determination is needed from the Regional Planning”
Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term rentals offering transient lodging in Hocking County, including stays of less than 30 consecutive days.
- A new short-term rental must complete the county lodging-tax registration form.
- The combined lodging tax is 6%: 3% to Hocking County and 3% to the township where the lodging is located.
- Lodging tax is filed monthly for the previous month, and a zero return is required even when there were no rentals or business for the month.
- Hocking County collects the township portion for Falls, Good Hope, Green, Marion, Perry, Salt Creek, Starr, and Ward Townships.
- For Benton, Laurel, and Washington Townships, the 3% township portion must be sent directly to that township.
- The cited current page establishes tax and registration compliance but does not establish a general land-use permit or zoning authorization.
combined lodging tax: 6 percent (3% county portion and 3% township portion.) · maximum stay covered by transient lodging tax: < 30 consecutive days
“If you operate a new short-term rental, you must complete the lodging tax registration form.”
Lodging Tax ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County land splits and new construction or remodeling in Hocking County, including required planning, driveway, health-department, floodplain, deed, and transfer steps.
- For new construction or remodeling in the county, Health Department plan review and permits are required for plumbing, on-site waste disposal, and water systems.
- A floodplain determination is needed from Regional Planning.
- For land splits, the applicant should consult Regional Planning, obtain applicable road-frontage or driveway approval, obtain Health Department approval for splits less than 5 acres, obtain deed-split approval, obtain deed transfer approval, and record the deed.
- Driveway approval depends on whether the road is township, county, or state maintained.
Health Department approval threshold: < 5 acres (Applies to splits less than 5 acres.)
“Consult with the County Planner to ensure compliance with split requirements/subdivision regulations. Determine if additional approvals (road frontage, driveway, Health Department, Planning Commission, or variances) are needed.”
Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
The county Regional Planning FAQ states there is no countywide zoning; zoning exists only in the city of Logan and can only be enacted at the township or municipal level.
Hocking County Regional Planning - Frequently Asked Questions ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Ohio rules that apply here

Certificate of occupancyRequired
New buildings, additions, and changed occupancies governed by the Ohio Building Code in Hocking County, where the building official has jurisdiction.
- A new building or addition may not be used or occupied until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy.
- A change of occupancy may not be occupied for the new occupancy until the certificate of occupancy reflecting the changed portions is issued.
- Partial or time-limited occupancy may be approved only under the conditions stated by the building official and the Ohio Building Code.
- This claim concerns Ohio Building Code jurisdiction; local jurisdiction and residential-code applicability must be confirmed for a particular project.
“111.1.1.1 New buildings and additions. A building or structure erected, enlarged or extended is not permitted to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, until the certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building official.”
Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4101:1-1-01 ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Occupancy of manufactured homes installed in Ohio and regulated under Chapter 4781 of the Revised Code and implementing rules.
- A manufactured home generally may not be occupied until the inspector issues the inspection seal.
- The inspection seal must be paid for when the permit is issued.
- A temporary occupancy permit may provide the applicable exception under Rule 4781-7-01(C).
- The home must meet Ohio manufactured-home installation standards; local ordinances and other regulations may also apply to site placement.
“Except as provided in paragraph (C) of this rule, no manufactured home shall be occupied until the inspector has issued the inspection seal.”
Chapter 4781-7 | Manufactured home inspections ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Initial installation and occupancy of used or relocated mobile or manufactured homes for residential use in Ohio, including Hocking County.
  “shall apply to the installation and occupancy of mobile and manufactured homes in Ohio.”
  Chapter 4781-6 - Ohio Laws ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Buildings or structures incident to agricultural use of the land, and a specific building or structure declared by a county or township zoning inspector to be used in agriculture.
- The exemption in section 3781.06 applies to buildings or structures incident to agricultural use of the land.
- The buildings or structures must not be used in the business of retail trade.
- A building or structure is not considered used in the business of retail trade if fifty per cent or more of gross income from sales of products in the building or structure comes from products produced or raised in a normal crop year on farms owned or operated by the seller.
- Under section 3781.061, a county zoning inspector under section 303.16 or township zoning inspector under section 519.16 must issue a zoning certificate declaring the specific building or structure is to be used in agriculture for the additional exemption described there.
- The cited section 3781.06 is effective January 1, 2025; section 3781.061 is effective October 17, 2019.
retail-sales agricultural-product threshold: >= 50 percent of gross income (Products must be produced or raised in a normal crop year on farms owned or operated by the seller.)
“issues a zoning certificate that declares a specific building or structure is to be used in agriculture, such building is not subject to sections”
Section 3781.06 | Public buildings to be safe and sanitary - definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — A building or structure in Hocking County used in agriculture, where the applicable county or township zoning inspector issues the required zoning certificate.
  “Whenever a county zoning inspector under section 303.16 of the Revised Code, or a township zoning inspector under section 519.16 of the Revised Code, issues a zoning certificate that declares a specific building or structure is to be used in agriculture, such building is not subject to sections 3781.06 to 3781.20, 3781.40, or 3791.04 of the Revised Code.”
  Section 3781.061 | Exemption for building or structure used in agriculture ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Construction documents and inspections required to be submitted to the Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance.
- The certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion will not be issued until applicable fees are paid.
- The schedule includes a $275 processing fee for structural, mechanical, electrical, fire alarm, and sprinkler scopes; plan-examination fees vary by scope and area or device count.
- One initial plan review and up to two resubmission plan reviews are included; additional resubmissions cost $100 each.
- Additional inspections cost $150 per inspection; reinspections cost $150.
- Certificates of occupancy or completion cost $65, except existing-building certificates issued under rule 111.4 have no fee.
- The rule was effective January 1, 2019 and was last updated July 14, 2026.
structural processing fee: 275 USD · certificate of occupancy or completion fee: 65 USD (No fee for existing-building certificates issued under rule 111.4)
“The fees for examination and processing of construction documents when required to be submitted to the division of industrial compliance, except medical gas piping systems and temporary structures, shall be in accordance with Table B1.”
Chapter 4101:7-7 | Fees ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Variable (with conditions) — Construction-document submissions and inspections handled by certified municipal, township, or county building departments in Ohio.
  “Fees for construction documents submitted to and inspections made by certified building departments shall be in accordance with the locally adopted fee schedule.”
  Chapter 4101:7-7 | Fees ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Occupancy and placement of recreational vehicles in Ohio-licensed campgrounds and temporary campgrounds.
- Recreational vehicles may be parked only on sites verified as complying with plans approved by the director, or, for a temporary campground, by the licensor.
- A campground site may contain no more than one recreational vehicle and two portable camping units, or three portable camping units.
- Sites generally must be at least 1,000 square feet, subject to the temporary-campground density exception determined by the licensor where open fires are prohibited.
- Separation, sanitation, sewage, gray-water, and licensed-capacity requirements also apply.
minimum campground site area: >= 1000 square feet (Except as provided in paragraph (I)(11) for temporary campgrounds.) · recreational vehicles per site: 1 vehicle (A site may also contain two portable camping units; alternatively, a site may contain three portable camping units.)
“Recreational vehicles or portable camping units shall be parked only on sites that have been verified as complying with plans approved by the director, or in the case of a temporary campground, by the licensor;”
Rule 3701-26-04 | Campground requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Prohibited — Camping in Ohio state forests outside areas, sites, or campgrounds designated by the chief of the division of forestry or an authorized agent.
  “No person shall camp in a state forest except in areas, sites or campgrounds designated by the chief of the division of forestry or authorized agent.”
  Rule 1501:3-3-01 | Camping permitted in designated areas ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
- Limited — Roadside camping at designated Ohio state forests along public roads maintained by the division of forestry.
  “Roadside camping is permitted at designated state forests, along public roads maintained by the division of forestry, during certain legally established hunting seasons as authorized by the chief of the division of forestry.”
  Rule 1501:3-3-06 | Camp occupancy ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
county zoning authorityGeneral
County commissioners may adopt zoning resolutions regulating building, structures, land uses, and districts or zones in unincorporated territory statewide.
- The authority is exercised by resolution and must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
- The authority applies to unincorporated territory of the county.
- The statute begins with the exception phrase “Except as otherwise provided in this section,” so the limitations in ORC Chapter 303 apply.
- For nonresidential property only, the county may regulate height, bulk, number of stories, size, lot coverage, yards, courts, open spaces, and population density.
- Agricultural uses and agricultural buildings are subject to the limitations in ORC 303.21; the statute also contains limitations for public utilities, railroads, telecommunications towers, alcoholic-beverage sales, oil and gas drilling, and permanently sited manufactured homes.
- Activities regulated under ORC Chapters 1513 and 1514 may be regulated only in the interest of public health or safety, and Chapter 1514 activities must be provided for as permitted or conditional uses as specified by ORC 303.02.
“the board of county commissioners may regulate by resolution, in accordance with a comprehensive plan”
Section 303.02 | County commissioners may regulate building and land use in unincorporated territory ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
County commissioners may adopt and enforce local residential building regulations in unincorporated areas and may operate certified county building departments that enforce state residential and nonresidential building codes, accept and approve plans, and conduct inspections.
- Local residential building regulations may be enforced within the unincorporated area or within districts established in the unincorporated area.
- A local residential building regulation may not differ from the state residential building code unless it addresses subject matter not addressed by that code or is adopted under ORC 3781.01.
- An existing structures code must concern subject matter not addressed by, and may not conflict with, the state residential building code.
- County building departments may enforce state codes only for the types of buildings and subject matters for which they are certified.
- Certification permits enforcement authority, plan approval, and inspections; the certification application identifies whether it covers residential or nonresidential buildings and whether residential certification covers new construction only or also repair and alteration.
- The board may adopt flood-hazard, Lake Erie coastal-erosion, and drainage regulations, subject to the statutory limits and exceptions in ORC 307.37.
- Local regulations, codes, or amendments require public hearings at not fewer than two regular or special board sessions; they take effect on the thirty-first day after adoption.
- Regulations adopted under ORC 307.37 generally do not affect buildings or structures existing, or under construction, before adoption, except as provided for an existing structures code.
- The state residential building code is effective as a uniform requirement in areas with a building department certified to enforce it.
“The board of county commissioners may adopt local residential building regulations governing residential buildings as defined in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code”
Section 307.37 | Adoption of county building code ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Hocking County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land uses within the corporate limits of the City of Logan in Hocking County.
- The zoning regulations apply within the City of Logan corporation limits.
- The county FAQ does not provide the ordinance text, district standards, permits, or exceptions.
“Zoning regulations currently are in place in the city of Logan and regulate the uses of land within the corporation limits.”
Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Zoning districtsPartial
Zoning districts and use categories within the incorporated limits of the City of Logan, Hocking County, Ohio.
- The official county FAQ states that Logan has zoning regulations within the corporation limits.
- The source identifies general categories as business, industrial, and residential for urban areas, and lists agriculture, rural residential, green space, and recreation as possible rural categories.
- The source does not publish a complete zoning map or ordinance text on the page.
“Zoning regulations currently are in place in the city of Logan and regulate the uses of land within the corporation limits.”
Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Hocking County.
Setbacks — Building and land-use setbacks in Hocking County.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in Hocking County.
Building height — Building-height limits in Hocking County.
Living in an RV — General long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in Hocking County outside the specifically identified statewide floodplain rule.

3 more unanswered

Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings

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 Hocking County, Ohio

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

Hocking County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Hocking County, Ohio?

Hocking County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Hocking County Health Department. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Hocking County, Ohio?

Land in Hocking County runs about $6,488 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hocking County?

Hocking County gets about 42.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.7% of years.

How remote is Hocking County?

A representative private-land location has about 27,358 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,989,157 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.

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Hocking County, Ohio

At a glance

Who to call

Do you need a building permit in Hocking County, Ohio?

Who handles building placement permits in Hocking County, and how do you reach them?

Does Hocking County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Hocking County?

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

Building a home in Hocking County: the steps, in order

What to check before you buy land in Hocking County

Watch-outs

Sources

Hocking County in Ohio

How Hocking County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Hocking County

Hocking County rules

Ohio rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in Hocking County

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Hocking County, Ohio

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

Do you need a building permit in Hocking County, Ohio?

How much does land cost in Hocking County, Ohio?

What is the water situation in Hocking County?

How remote is Hocking County?

How Hocking compares in Ohio