Bolthole Index

Logan County, Ohio

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Logan County, Ohio

49Index Score / 100
#39 of 88 in Ohio

Logan County, Ohio requires a building permit for a new home and many alterations through the Logan County Building Authority1. Applicants need zoning, health-department and floodplain approvals before the building permit2. Local zoning applies except in Bloomfield Township and some areas of Stokes Township, so first identify the township or municipality governing the parcel3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required through the Logan County Building Authority1
Zoning
Local zoning applies except in Bloomfield Township and some areas of Stokes Township3
Septic permit
Required through the Logan County Health District for new or altered covered systems4
Private well
A permit is required through the Logan County Health District5
RV living
Private-land occupancy rules were not confirmed; ask the applicable local zoning authority3
Tiny home
No countywide occupancy or minimum-size rule was confirmed; ask the applicable local zoning authority3
Owner-builder exemption
No exemption was confirmed; ask the Building Authority before acting as your own contractor6

Who to call

Building permits

Logan County Building Authority

Residential and commercial building permits, plan review, and inspections

937-592-7473

1365 County Road 32 N, Suite 2, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311

Zoning

Logan-Union-Champaign Regional Planning Commission

Regional planning and subdivision review for unincorporated Logan County

937-666-3431

9676 Foundry Road, East Liberty, OH 43319

Health department

Logan County Health District

Permits and inspections for household and qualifying small-flow sewage treatment systems

(937) 592-9040

[email protected]

310 South Main Street Bellefontaine, OH 43311

Floodplain permits

Logan Soil & Water Conservation District

Floodplain determinations required for building-permit applications

937-593-2946

324 County Road 11, Bellefontaine, OH 43311

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 Logan County, Ohio?

Yes. Logan County requires a building permit to construct, enlarge, repair, improve, alter, extend or move a home or other structure, as well as for listed building-system work1. Listed exemptions include general maintenance, certain roof repairs, qualifying small sheds and decks, interior finish work, sidewalks and driveways7. Ohio's residential rules are uniform where a certified building department enforces the state residential building code8. Before issuing the building permit, the Building Authority requires zoning, health-department and floodplain approvals; work around Indian Lake also needs sanitary-sewer review9. Covered construction receives staged inspections, with the final structural inspection before occupancy10. At completion, obtain a certificate of occupancy from the Building Authority and a zoning certificate from the township zoning inspector11.

Who is the Logan County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Logan County Building Authority is at 1365 County Road 32 N, Suite 2, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311; phone 937-592-747312. The office handles residential and commercial building permits, plan review and inspections12. Schedule inspections by telephone at least 24 hours in advance10. The permit path also involves the applicable township or municipal zoning officer, the Logan County Health District and the floodplain administrator because their approvals precede the building permit2. Parcel splits in unincorporated Logan County require approval through the County Engineer's office, and lot-split review can also involve the Logan-Union-Champaign Regional Planning Commission, an engineer or a village13. Permit charges follow the certified department's locally adopted fee schedule, so ask the Building Authority for the current amount for the proposed work14.

Does Logan County have zoning?

Local zoning applies in Logan County except in Bloomfield Township and some areas of Stokes Township3. Where zoning applies, the municipality or township serving the parcel provides the zoning approval required for the building-permit application31. Minimum lot area and road frontage vary by local zoning district15. Setbacks, allowable building height and lot coverage are also district-specific, so obtain the current standards from the local zoning officer before choosing a homesite161718. We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size; ask the same zoning officer about the proposed home type and use. Agricultural buildings can qualify for a conditional state-code exemption, but the use and zoning-certificate requirements must be satisfied19.

How do septic and well permits work in Logan County?

The Logan County Health District handles permits and inspections for covered household and small-flow onsite sewage systems20. A new or altered system requires an installation or alteration permit, a system design and a soil evaluation no more than five years old4. The Health District conducts a site-review inspection, a final inspection before the system is covered and another inspection within 12 months after approval21. Site conditions deserve early attention because 0% of mapped county soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field22. Where county sewer serves the property, the Water Pollution Control District handles sewer-tap and line-work approvals; cities and villages handle connections inside their limits23. A private well requires Health District approval, a scaled site plan, required separation distances and a permit fee5.

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

We could not confirm a countywide Logan County rule allowing or prohibiting full-time RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land. Ask the township or municipal zoning authority serving the parcel about the proposed use, minimum dwelling size and temporary occupancy during construction. The answer can vary because local zoning applies in most of Logan County, while Bloomfield Township and some areas of Stokes Township are exceptions3. Even where the use is allowed, locally controlled lot size, setbacks, height and lot coverage can shape what fits on the parcel15161718. Ohio's campground rules address licensed campgrounds, not the general question of living in an RV on private acreage24. We also could not confirm an owner-builder exemption, so ask the Building Authority before doing regulated work yourself6.

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

  1. Identify the township or municipality, confirm the zoning district and obtain local zoning approval where required3.
  1. Arrange sewage approval through the Logan County Health District or the responsible sewer authority, and apply for a private-well permit if needed4235.
  1. Obtain a driveway permit from the County Engineer or ODOT when applicable; a state-highway driveway goes through ODOT before the County Engineer establishes the address25.
  1. Obtain the floodplain determination required for every building application and any additional approval needed for construction or fill in a Special Flood Hazard Area26.
  1. Submit the prerequisite approvals and plans to the Logan County Building Authority before construction2.
  1. Schedule staged inspections by telephone at least 24 hours ahead10.
  1. Complete the final inspection and obtain the certificate of occupancy and applicable zoning certificate before occupancy11.

What should you check before buying land in Logan County?

First verify the township or municipality because zoning exceptions and district standards can change what and where you may build31516. Order septic due diligence early because 0% of mapped soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, and covered systems need a recent soil evaluation224. Confirm public-sewer availability or the private-well permit path before budgeting utilities235. Verify legal driveway access because a new homesite may need a County Engineer or ODOT permit25. Obtain the floodplain determination before fixing the homesite; construction or fill in a Special Flood Hazard Area needs additional approval26. For carrying costs, Logan County's effective property-tax rate is about 1%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,9472728.

Watch-outs

  • Zoning is not uniform across Logan County: local zoning applies except in Bloomfield Township and some areas of Stokes Township, so confirm the parcel's exact jurisdiction before relying on a township rule3.
  • A building permit is not the first approval: zoning, health-department and floodplain signoffs must come first, and work around Indian Lake also needs a sanitary-sewer review2.
  • No owner-builder exemption was confirmed on Logan County's official permit materials; ask the Building Authority before assuming that doing the work yourself changes the permit requirements6.

Sources

  1. You will need a building permit, quoted and re-checked
  2. Dreaming of Building a Home?, quoted and re-checked
  3. Township Zoning Laws, quoted and re-checked
  4. Process to Obtain Sewage Treatment System Installation Permit, quoted and re-checked
  5. Private Water Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. (2026 county census)
  7. You Will Need a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  8. Section 3781.10 | Board of building standards - powers and duties, quoted and re-checked
  9. Logan County Building Authority, quoted and re-checked
  10. Required Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  11. Dreaming of Building a Home?, quoted and re-checked
  12. Logan County Building Authority (logancountyohio.gov)
  13. Dreaming of Building a Home?, quoted and re-checked
  14. Chapter 4101:7-7 | Fees (Ohio statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Guidelines & Contacts, quoted and re-checked
  16. Guidelines & Contacts, quoted and re-checked
  17. Guidelines & Contacts, quoted and re-checked
  18. Guidelines & Contacts, quoted and re-checked
  19. Section 3781.06 | Public buildings to be safe and sanitary - definitions (Ohio statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Private Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  21. Process to Obtain Sewage Treatment System Installation Permit, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  23. Guidelines & Contacts, quoted and re-checked
  24. Rule 3701-26-04 | Campground requirements (Ohio statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Dreaming of Building a Home?, quoted and re-checked
  26. Floodplain Administrator, quoted and re-checked
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

County locator

Logan County in Ohio

49
County map
Logan County highlighted among the Ohio counties · colored by Index score

How Logan County scores

Seclusion23100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness4090% ev.
Durability76100% ev.
Property Autonomy35100% ev.
Carry Cost67100% 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 →

$258kTypical home
1%Property tax
$8,497Land / acre
41.2"Annual rain
0.7% of yrsSevere drought
2.7 / yr (+2.7)Mid-century 100°F days
11.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.55" (+8.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.86×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,355Home insurance / yr
1.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.87%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
87,156People within 30 min
7,273,430People within 2 hr
64,917Radius comparison (15 mi)
100.5People / sq mi
1.4%Federal land
96%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
0 acWorkable land screen
18.4%Wooded land
53.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.9°FAvg temp

Scout Logan County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

Each button opens a current land search for Logan County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

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 permitRequired

    Construction and listed alterations within the Logan County Building Authority's jurisdiction.

    • A building permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, repair, improve, alter, cover, extend, or move a building or structure; install, alter, or repair electrical wiring, gas systems, boilers, air-conditioning or refrigeration apparatus, swimming pools, solar panels, cell towers, or fire suppression/fire alarm systems; and erect, remodel, repair, alter, or remove signs.
    • A permit is not required for general maintenance, a residential roof replacement without structural repairs, telephone communication utilities, playground equipment, fences 6 feet or less, one-story sheds under 200 square feet, residential retaining walls under 4 feet, unattached residential decks under 200 square feet and under 30 inches tall, interior finish work, painting, trim, flooring, cabinets, or countertops, or installation of sidewalks and driveways.
    • Applications must have a zoning permit, health department approval, and floodplain determination; sanitary sewer review is needed around Indian Lake.

    shed floor area exemption: < 200 square feet (one-story shed) · retaining wall exemption height: < 4 feet (residential retaining wall) · deck exemption area: < 200 square feet (residential deck) · deck exemption height: < 30 inches (deck must also be unattached)

    “You will need a building permit if you plan to ... • erect, construct, enlarge, repair, improve, alter, cover or extend any building or structure.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building, alteration, repair, improvement, extension, and listed building-system work under the Logan County Building Authority.
      “You will need a building permit if you plan to ... • erect, construct, enlarge, repair, improve, alter, cover or extend any building or structure.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction subject to Logan County Building Authority inspections.

    • Requests must be made by telephone at least 24 hours in advance and by 2:30 p.m. for next-day inspections.
    • Required stages include footings, foundation, slabs, rough electrical, rough HVAC/mechanical, gas line, framing, insulation, and applicable final inspections.
    • Rough plumbing must be approved by the Health Department before framing inspection; final plumbing must be approved before final structure inspection.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours (all inspections) · next-day request deadline: 2:30 PM (next-day inspections)

    “INSPECTION REQUESTS MUST BE CALLED IN BY 2:30 P.M. FOR NEXT-DAY INSPECTIONS. ALL INSPECTIONS MUST BE REQUESTED AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building Authority inspections for covered construction in Logan County.
      “INSPECTIONS COMPLETED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY INSPECTION REQUESTS MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE 937-592-7473”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Residential construction process described in Logan County's official home-building brochure.

    • The brochure states that the Certificate of Occupancy is obtained at the end of construction from the Logan County Building Authority.
    • A zoning certificate is also obtained from the township zoning inspector.
    “At the end of the construction process, a Certificate of Occupancy is obtained from the Logan County Building Authority, and a Zoning Certificate is obtained from the township zoning inspector.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction requiring a Logan County Building Authority certificate of occupancy.
      “At the end of the construction process, a Certificate of Occupancy is obtained from the Logan County Building Authority, and a Zoning Certificate is obtained from the township zoning inspector.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning across Logan County, aggregated from township and municipal authorities.

    • Logan County is divided into 17 townships.
    • Zoning is required in all areas except Bloomfield Township and some areas of Stokes Township.
    • The applicable zoning officer is in the municipality or township where the property is located.
    • Minimum lot areas, road frontage, setbacks, allowable height, and lot coverage may be controlled by the local zoning authority.
    “Zoning is required in all areas of Logan County except Bloomfield Township and some areas of Stokes Township.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of township and municipal zoning in Logan County; the county does not administer each local ordinance.
      “Zoning is required in all areas of Logan County except Bloomfield Township and some areas of Stokes Township.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum lot area and road-frontage requirements imposed by the applicable township or municipal zoning authority.

    • Requirements vary by the township or municipality where the property is located.
    • The county guidance directs applicants to the local zoning officer for minimum lot areas and road frontage.
    “Contact the local Zoning Officer in the Municipality or Township you are wanting to build in. They can provide information needed to help make your determination. This includes, but not limited to: minimum lot areas and road frontage, building set-backs from property lines, allowable height and lot area coverage of the building(s).”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building setbacks controlled by the applicable township or municipal zoning authority.

    • The local zoning officer provides the applicable setback requirements.
    “Contact the local Zoning Officer in the Municipality or Township you are wanting to build in. They can provide information needed to help make your determination. This includes, but not limited to: minimum lot areas and road frontage, building set-backs from property lines, allowable height and lot area coverage of the building(s).”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot-area coverage requirements imposed by the applicable township or municipal zoning authority.

    • The local zoning officer provides the applicable lot-coverage requirements.
    “Contact the local Zoning Officer in the Municipality or Township you are wanting to build in. They can provide information needed to help make your determination. This includes, but not limited to: minimum lot areas and road frontage, building set-backs from property lines, allowable height and lot area coverage of the building(s).”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Allowable building height imposed by the applicable township or municipal zoning authority.

    • The local zoning officer provides the applicable height requirements.
    “Contact the local Zoning Officer in the Municipality or Township you are wanting to build in. They can provide information needed to help make your determination. This includes, but not limited to: minimum lot areas and road frontage, building set-backs from property lines, allowable height and lot area coverage of the building(s).”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private sewage treatment systems in Logan County.

    • The Logan County Health District administers the local sewage treatment system program under current state and local laws.
    • The page references Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3701-29 and Logan County Regulation No. 26.
    “The LCHD permits and inspects all new or altered Household sewage treatment systems (HSTS) and small flow on-site sewage treatment systems (SFOST) that treat no more than 1,000 gallons of sewage per day.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local — Household sewage treatment systems and small-flow onsite sewage treatment systems in Logan County.
      “The LCHD permits and inspects all new or altered Household sewage treatment systems (HSTS) and small flow on-site sewage treatment systems (SFOST) that treat no more than 1,000 gallons of sewage per day.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New or altered HSTS and SFOST systems treating no more than 1,000 gallons per day.

    • The Logan County Health District permits and inspects covered systems.
    • New, altered, or replacement designs require a soil evaluation no more than five years old by an approved soil scientist.

    daily treatment capacity: <= 1000 gallons/day (SFOST coverage)

    “The LCHD permits and inspects all new or altered Household sewage treatment systems (HSTS) and small flow on-site sewage treatment systems (SFOST) that treat no more than 1,000 gallons of sewage per day.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or altered household and small-flow onsite sewage treatment systems in Logan County.
      “After the “Site Review Application” is approved the “Permit to install or Alter a Sewage Treatment System” will be issued and the payment will be processed.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New or altered household and small-flow sewage treatment systems covered by the Logan County Health District program.

    • The Health District states it permits and inspects all new or altered covered systems.
    • All existing and new STS systems require an operation and maintenance permit renewing on a 1-, 5-, or 10-year period based on system type.

    O&M renewal period: 1, 5, or 10 years (based on system type)

    “The LCHD permits and inspects all new or altered Household sewage treatment systems (HSTS) and small flow on-site sewage treatment systems (SFOST) that treat no more than 1,000 gallons of sewage per day.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Well permitRequired

    Private water systems and wells in Logan County.

    • A permit is issued after Environmental Specialist approval and payment of the permit fee.
    • Work must be performed by a registered private water system contractor, subject to stated exceptions or registration procedures.
    • A variance may be requested if distance or code requirements cannot be met.
    “The Logan County Health District inspects and permits PRIVATE water systems in Logan County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private water systems, including qualifying private wells, in Logan County.
      “The Logan County Health District inspects and permits PRIVATE water systems in Logan County.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sewer connections for development in Logan County.

    • The Logan County Health District handles onsite water and septic questions in unincorporated areas.
    • The Logan County Water Pollution Control District handles county sewer areas and sewer taps or line work.
    • Cities and villages handle water and sewer connections within their corporate limits.
    • A sanitary sewer review is needed for work around Indian Lake.
    “In areas with sewer provided by the Logan County Water Pollution Control District, they issue the approvals for sewer taps and sewer line work (new or existing). 1 copy for our file. They also must approve new work after check clearances from existing sewer. 1 copy for our file. In Municipalities, contact their offices for water and sewer connections. 1 copy for our file.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Water and sewer arrangements for construction in Logan County.
      “In areas with sewer provided by the Logan County Water Pollution Control District, they issue the approvals for sewer taps and sewer line work (new or existing).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Parcel splits and lot splits in unincorporated Logan County.

    • Parcel splits in the unincorporated area require approval through the County Engineer's office.
    • Lot-split requirements may vary and may involve LUC Planning, the County or City Engineer, or individual villages.
    • A survey drawing and warranty deed may be required for the approval process.
    “Either the seller, financial institution, realtor, or attorney contacts the Engineer’s Office for approval if the sale involves a “parcel” split in the unincorporated area of the County.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway access and addressing for new construction in Logan County.

    • A driveway permit may be required if no driveway exists.
    • For property on a state highway, ODOT issues the driveway permit before the County Engineer establishes the address.
    • Within city or village limits, contact the applicable municipality.
    “This may require a driveway permit if one does not exist. For property located on a State Highway you will need to contact ODOT for the drive-way permit, then the County Engineer’s office will establish the address once the driveway permit is issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New residential building sites requiring driveway access in Logan County.
      “Obtain a driveway permit from the County Engineer’s office or the Ohio Department of Transportation as the case may be.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    All development projects and construction or fill in flood hazard areas in Logan County.

    • All development projects require a floodplain determination form as part of the building permit application package.
    • In unincorporated areas, the form is submitted to the county floodplain administrator.
    • Construction or fill in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires SFHA approval.
    • Municipal properties use the applicable city or village floodplain administrator, and special engineering requirements may apply.
    “All development projects in Logan County must have a floodplain determination form to complete the building permit application package.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building applications and development potentially affected by flood hazards.
      “If there is any construction or fill going into the Flood Zone, a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) approval is required.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building permit process administered by the Logan County Building Authority.

    • Applications require a zoning permit, Health Department approval, and floodplain determination.
    • A sanitary sewer review is needed around Indian Lake.
    • Inspections require telephone scheduling, at least 24 hours' notice, and next-day requests by 2:30 p.m.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours (all inspections)

    “All applications for building requests - MUST have a Zoning Permit, Health Department Approval and Floodplain Determination. A Sanitary Sewer Review is needed when work is being done around Indian Lake.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building permit process in Logan County.
      “Obtain a reputable builder and begin the Building Permit process with the Logan County Building Authority.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Land use is governed by township zoning across Logan County's 17 townships; a zoning permit is a prerequisite for a building permit application.

    Logan County - Township Zoning Laws ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Ohio rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings and classes of buildings regulated under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3781, including residential and nonresidential buildings and industrialized units.

    • The Ohio Board of Building Standards formulates and adopts separate residential and nonresidential building codes.
    • Residential-code requirements are uniform in areas with a building department certified to enforce the state residential building code.
    • A local code or regulation may differ from the state residential building code only when it addresses subject matter not addressed by the state residential building code or is adopted pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 3781.01.
    • Enforcement authority is exercised by certified municipal, township, and county building departments or other certified personnel as provided by law.
    “The board of building standards shall formulate and adopt rules governing the erection, construction, repair, alteration, and maintenance of all buildings or classes of buildings specified in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code, including land area incidental to those buildings, the construction of industrialized units, the installation of equipment, and the standards or requirements for materials used in connection with those buildings. The board shall incorporate those rules into separate residential and nonresidential building codes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and nonresidential building construction, repair, alteration, and maintenance subject to Ohio building standards.
      “The board shall incorporate those rules into separate residential and nonresidential building codes.”
  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
    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.”
  • 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;”
    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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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”
  • 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”

Inside cities and towns in Logan County

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

  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum lot area and road-frontage requirements under applicable local zoning ordinances.

    • Requirements vary by township or municipality.
    • No countywide numeric minimum was located.
    “Contact the local Zoning Officer in the Municipality or Township you are wanting to build in. They can provide information needed to help make your determination. This includes, but not limited to: minimum lot areas and road frontage”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building setbacks from property lines under applicable local zoning ordinances.

    • Requirements vary by township or municipality.
    • No countywide numeric setback was located.
    “This includes, but not limited to: minimum lot areas and road frontage, building set-backs from property lines, allowable height and lot area coverage of the building(s).”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot-area coverage under applicable local zoning ordinances.

    • Requirements vary by township or municipality.
    • No countywide numeric lot-coverage limit was located.
    “This includes, but not limited to: minimum lot areas and road frontage, building set-backs from property lines, allowable height and lot area coverage of the building(s).”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Allowable building height under applicable local zoning ordinances.

    • Requirements vary by township or municipality.
    • No countywide numeric height limit was located.
    “This includes, but not limited to: minimum lot areas and road frontage, building set-backs from property lines, allowable height and lot area coverage of the building(s).”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from residential building requirements.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning-district maps or schedules for Logan County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Logan County.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in Logan County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Logan County.
4 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Short-term rentals

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, Ohio

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

Logan County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 87,156 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Logan County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Logan County Health District (under Ohio DoH, ORC 3718 / OAC 3701-29). 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 Logan County, Ohio?

Land in Logan County runs about $8,497 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Logan County?

Logan County gets about 41.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.7% of years.

How remote is Logan County?

A representative private-land location has about 87,156 people within a 30-minute drive and 7,273,430 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.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Logan County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

How Logan compares in Ohio

Compare side-by-side →See all 88 Ohio counties ranked →