Bolthole Index

Madison County, Ohio

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

26Index Score / 100
#88 of 88 in Ohio

Unincorporated Madison County, Ohio requires a building permit for a home, with building permits processed through the Village of West Jefferson portal1. County zoning applies in applicable unincorporated areas; London and incorporated villages use their own building and zoning officials, while household septic permits and inspections remain with Madison County Public Health countywide2.

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

Yes.

Yes. A home in unincorporated Madison County requires a building permit, and Madison County sends applicants to the Village of West Jefferson permit process1. West Jefferson enforces current Ohio residential and commercial building-code requirements in the jurisdictions it serves, including Madison County residential permits, although the reviewed material does not identify the code edition6. Ohio requires an owner of a covered building to submit plans and supporting documents to the building department with jurisdiction and wait for approval before beginning work4. Permit fees vary by the locally adopted schedule, so request a project-specific total7. A qualifying agricultural structure may receive a conditional state-law exemption based on its use8.

Who handles Madison County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Madison County contracts with the Village of West Jefferson for its building-permit process and directs applicants to the online portal for building-permit applications and research.

Madison County contracts with the Village of West Jefferson for its building-permit process and directs applicants to the online portal for building-permit applications and research1. Call the building-permit office at 614-379-5250 or email kristie.west@madison.oh.gov with building questions1. Zoning approval is separate: unincorporated land goes to the Madison County Building and Zoning Office at 1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, phone (740) 852-28332. Property inside London or an incorporated village goes to that municipality's building and zoning officials, but Madison County Public Health still administers household septic permits and inspections countywide2. An owner-builder may undertake covered work, but ownership does not waive plan approval or code compliance4.

Does Madison County have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. Madison County has a zoning resolution for applicable unincorporated areas3. London and incorporated villages use their own building and zoning officials, while unincorporated property goes to the Madison County Building and Zoning Office2. Comprehensive-plan map colors are not proof of a parcel's current district2. County materials identify lot-ratio, frontage and size rules for A-1 and R-1 lots in applicable areas without supplying the measurements on the reviewed page9. Darby Fields Section 5 has plat-specific front, rear and side setbacks, plus limited encroachments, but the plat says the zoning code controls if requirements conflict10. Before ordering plans, ask the correct zoning office to confirm the parcel's district, permitted use, setbacks, lot dimensions, dwelling standards and zoning-certificate requirements.

How do septic permits work in Madison County?

Madison County Public Health administers household septic permits and inspections throughout Madison County.

Madison County Public Health administers household septic permits and inspections throughout Madison County2. A septic permit is required for a new home or business not connected to public sanitary sewer and for specified alterations or replacements; replacing a pump or motor and certain minor tank-access work are exceptions2. The program includes site evaluation, design, soil surveys, installation inspections and operational inspections, although the county page does not say every system receives every inspection2. None of the county's mapped soils avoid a severe USDA limitation rating for a conventional drain field, so complete a site-specific evaluation before fixing the house location11. In a Madison County Sanitary Sewer and Water District service area, water or sewer connection work must wait for district approval and full fee payment, then use an approved installer and receive a final inspection12.

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

Madison County has not confirmed a countywide rule allowing long-term RV residence or tiny-home occupancy on private land.

Madison County has not confirmed a countywide rule allowing long-term RV residence or tiny-home occupancy on private land. For unincorporated property, ask the Madison County Building and Zoning Office how the parcel's current zoning district treats the proposed unit and use2. For land inside London or a village, ask that municipality's building and zoning officials instead2. Ohio's campground rules regulate recreational vehicles within licensed and temporary campgrounds, but those rules do not answer whether an RV may serve as a residence on a private homestead parcel13. A manufactured home regulated under Ohio law generally cannot be occupied until an inspector issues its inspection seal14. For a tiny home, confirm zoning, building-code treatment, sanitation approval and legal occupancy before buying or placing the structure.

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

Identify whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside London or an incorporated village, then have the correct office confirm its zoning district and site standards.

  1. Identify whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside London or an incorporated village, then have the correct office confirm its zoning district and site standards2.
  2. If land will be divided, complete the applicable county plat or subdivision review before treating a proposed lot as buildable3.
  3. Ask Madison County Public Health for septic site evaluation and a septic permit when public sewer is unavailable; in a district service area, obtain district approval before water or sewer connection work2,12.
  4. Submit the County Subdivision Review Board pre-application for covered zoning-certificate, building-permit, lot-split, driveway or other road-access proposals, then obtain any required driveway access permit5.
  5. Apply for the building permit through the contracted West Jefferson portal and wait for plan approval before construction1,4.
  6. Arrange applicable building inspections and complete the county health department's septic inspection process1,2.

What should you check before buying land in Madison County?

Start with jurisdiction and parcel zoning because planning-map colors may not show current zoning and incorporated municipalities use their own building and zoning officials.

Start with jurisdiction and parcel zoning because planning-map colors may not show current zoning and incorporated municipalities use their own building and zoning officials2. Check soils before selecting a house site because none of Madison County's mapped soils avoid a severe USDA limitation rating for a conventional septic drain field11. Confirm whether the tract is already a lawful buildable lot or needs subdivision review5. Verify road access because a qualifying new or modified entrance onto a county or township road requires an Engineer's Office driveway access permit in covered unincorporated areas5. Development in a regulated special flood-hazard area may require a floodplain development permit, engineering analysis, elevation documentation and utility protection15. Madison County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $2,43711.

Watch-outs

  • A comprehensive-plan map is not proof of current parcel zoning; confirm the district with the Madison County Planning and Zoning Office2.
  • Do not assume an RV or tiny home can be occupied on private land; Madison County has not confirmed those rules, so ask the zoning office with the parcel address2.
  • None of Madison County's mapped soils avoid a severe USDA limitation rating for a conventional septic drain field, so complete the health department's site and soil review before committing to a house location2,11.
  • A qualifying new or changed driveway onto a county or township road needs a driveway access permit from the Madison County Engineer's Office in covered unincorporated areas5.

Sources

15 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 10, 2026

  1. Madison County Building & Zoning - Building Permit (2026 county census)
  2. Madison County Zoning Standards and Regulations
  3. Madison County Zoning Standards and Regulations
  4. Section 3791.04 | Submission of plan - approvals - prohibition - fine (2026 county census)
  5. Madison County Access Management Regulations
  6. Department of Development
  7. Chapter 4101:7-7 | Fees (Ohio statewide rule)
  8. Section 3781.06 | Public buildings to be safe and sanitary - definitions (Ohio statewide rule)
  9. Madison County Zoning Standards and Regulations
  10. Darby Fields Section 5 Final Plat
  11. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  12. New Construction Process
  13. Rule 3701-26-04 | Campground requirements (Ohio statewide rule)
  14. Chapter 4781-7 | Manufactured home inspections (Ohio statewide rule)
  15. Flood Hazard Area Development Permit Application and Administrative Checklist

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Madison County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleMadison CountyFranklin CountyClark CountyFayette CountyChampaign CountyPickaway CountyUnion County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesNoYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Public HealthCounty Public HealthCounty Combined Health DistrictCounty Public HealthChampaign Health DistrictCounty Public HealthCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Madison County in Ohio

26
County map
Madison County highlighted among the Ohio counties · colored by Index score

How Madison County scores

26 / 100 · #88 of 88 in Ohio · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion9100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency30100% ev.
Admin Boringness4090% ev.
Durability86100% ev.
Property Autonomy35100% ev.
Carry Cost63100% 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 →

$322kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$9,260Land / acre
40.6"Annual rain
1.1% of yrsSevere drought
3.8 / yr (+3.7)Mid-century 100°F days
12.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.62" (+7.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.91×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,409Home insurance / yr
1.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.83%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
478,523People within 30 min
6,971,150People within 2 hr
92,224Radius comparison (15 mi)
95.8People / sq mi
1.8%Federal land
99.5%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
6.9%Wooded land
70.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Madison County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet covered: Canaan Township · Darby Township · Deer Creek Township · Fairfield Township · Jefferson Township · Village of Midway · Monroe Township · Village of Mount Sterling · Oak Run Township · Paint Township · Pike Township · Pleasant Township · Range Township · Somerford Township · Village of South Solon · Stokes Township · Union Township · Village of West Jefferson

Answers from the rulebook for Madison County

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

Madison County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial building-code enforcement for jurisdictions served by West Jefferson's Department of Development, including Madison County residential permits.

    • The source does not identify the specific Ohio code edition.
    • The department says it serves multiple jurisdictions, so incorporated-jurisdiction applicability may differ.
    “The Department of Development is committed to preserving the public health, safety, and welfare in all jurisdictions under our authority in the new construction environment through the effective, efficient use and enforcement of current residential and commercial building code requirements of the State of Ohio.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Madison County zoning resolution as administered in the county’s unincorporated areas.

    • The county page identifies a Madison County zoning resolution enacted under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 303.
    • For property in a village or within London city limits, the county directs applicants to local building and zoning officials rather than the county office.
    • The page identifies a current zoning resolution effective August 26, 2026, but this claim does not treat that link text as an effective date for the underlying rule beyond the page’s stated date.
    “Madison County Zoning Standards and Regulations”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning resolution and zoning administration for applicable unincorporated areas of Madison County.
      “New Zoning Resolution (Effective August 26, 2026)”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Madison County: county zoning applies in unincorporated areas, while incorporated villages and the City of London use their own local building and zoning officials.

    • The county zoning page states that a Madison County zoning resolution exists.
    • The county’s official contact guidance directs unincorporated properties to the Madison County Building and Zoning Office.
    • For a village or property within London city limits, the county directs applicants to local building and zoning officials listed on the respective municipal websites.
    • This is an aggregate conclusion and does not claim that Madison County administers municipal ordinances.
    “in a village or in London’s city limit’s, you will need to contact the local building and zoning officials listed on their websites:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of zoning administered by the county and local municipal or township authorities.
      “If the property is in the unincorporated parts of Madison County, contact the Madison County Building and Zoning Office at 1 N. Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, Phone: (740) 852-2833, Monday thru Friday from 8am to 4pm. If you are in a village or in London’s city limit’s, you will need to contact the local building and zoning officials listed on their websites:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Madison County zoning code, zoning-resolution materials, and identified A-1/R-1 lot-designation materials.

    • The zoning page links to the 2026 updated zoning resolution effective August 26, 2026 and related zoning standards.
    • The page states that comprehensive-plan map colors do not necessarily represent current parcel zoning; parcel status must be confirmed with the Planning and Zoning Office.
    “New Zoning Resolution (Effective August 26, 2026)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    A-1 and R-1 designated lots located in non-jurisdictional areas of Madison County.

    • The county page identifies lot-ratio, frontage, and size requirements but does not provide their numeric values on the opened page.
    “Lot ratios, frontage requirements and sizes for A-1 and R-1 designated lots located in non-jurisdictional areas of Madison County.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Darby Fields Section 5 final plat, Madison County parcel numbers 04-00824.154 and 04-00824.083

    • The plat states that its zoning limitations are shown for reference only and that the then-applicable zoning code controls conflicting requirements.
    • Front setback is 25 feet measured to the building line.
    • Rear setback is 25 feet on each side; decks, screened porches, and patios may encroach a maximum of 10 feet into the minimum rear yard setback.
    • Side setback is 5 feet on each side; stoops, steps, air conditioning units, egress windows, chimneys, and bay windows may encroach a maximum of 3 feet into the minimum side yard setback.
    • No vehicular access is to be in effect until the public street right-of-way is extended and dedicated by plat or deed.

    front setback: 25 feet (Building line) · rear setback: 25 feet (Decks, screened porches and patios may encroach a maximum of 10 feet) · side setback: 5 feet (Stoops, steps, air conditioning units, egress windows, chimneys and bay windows may encroach a maximum of 3 feet)

    “NOTE "F" - MINIMUM FRONT, SIDE AND REAR YARD SETBACKS: Front: 25 feet (Building Line) Rear: 25 feet each side (Decks, screened porches and patios shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 10 feet into the minimum rear yard setback) Side: 5 feet each side (Stoops, steps, air conditioning units, egress windows, chimneys and bay windows shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 3 feet into the minimum side yard setback)”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Household sewage treatment systems in Madison County, including properties outside public sanitary sewer service.

    • Madison County Public Health administers the local permitting and inspection program.
    • Ohio Department of Health rules govern soil evaluation and system design requirements cited by the county.
    “overseeing the sewage treatment systems permits and inspection program.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — Household sewage treatment systems in Madison County.
      “Contact any of our MCPH sanitarians with your questions or concerns. Jim Jordan, REHS, is overseeing the sewage treatment systems permits and inspection program.”
    • County — Household sewage-treatment permitting and inspection in Madison County.
      “Contact any of our MCPH sanitarians with your questions or concerns. Jim Jordan, REHS, is overseeing the sewage treatment systems permits and inspection program.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New homes and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer, and alterations or replacements of existing sewage systems.

    • A permit is required for all new homes and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system.
    • A permit is also required when an existing home's system is altered or replaced, including the listed leach-line, dosing-tank, lift-station, sand-filter, additional-leach-line, distribution-box, or switch-box work.
    • No permit is required to add or replace risers and a secure lid, replace existing-system pumps or motors, or uncover the tank access opening before pumping.
    “A permit is required for all new homes and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system. A permit is also required when an existing home’s system being altered or replaced.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New homes and businesses not connected to public sanitary sewer systems, and alterations or replacements of existing sewage systems in Madison County.
      “A permit is required for all new homes and businesses not connected to a public sanitary sewer system. A permit is also required when an existing home’s system being altered or replaced. This includes replacing the leach lines, adding additional components such as a dosing tank, lift station, sand filter, additional leach lines to the existing system, or distribution box /switch box between leach fields or lines. No permit is required to add or replace risers and a secure lid to the tank, replace pumps or motors of the existing system, or to uncover the access opening of the tank prior to pumping the tank.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Madison County Public Health’s household sewage treatment system permitting and inspection program.

    • The official page lists installation inspections and operational inspections as program activities.
    • The page does not state that an inspection is required for every household sewage treatment system within the countywide scope.
    • The page separately states that permits are required for all new homes and businesses not connected to public sanitary sewer systems and for specified alterations or replacements, with stated exceptions for certain minor work.
    “Permitting, site evaluation, system design, installation inspections, operational inspections”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sanitary-sewer connections within Madison County Sanitary Sewer and Water District operating areas.

    • The property owner must submit a plot plan and copies of approved signatures from all required regulatory agencies before submitting to Madison County Building and Zoning.
    • The District issues water and/or sewer permits only after approving the connections and receiving connection fees in full.
    • No connection work may be performed until approvals are finalized and fees are paid in full.
    • Connections must be completed by an approved installer, and the installer must schedule the work and obtain a final inspection.
    • Low-pressure grinder-system areas require an approved grinder pump, site inspection before installation, approved installation, and a final system inspection.
    “Once the Madison County Sanitary Sewer and Water District approves the water and/or sanitary sewer connections, the District will issue a Water Permit and/or Sewer Permit upon payment in full of the connection fees. No work may be performed for the connection of a water and/or sewer connection until all approvals are finalized and fees are paid in full.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Water and sanitary-sewer connections within the Madison County Sanitary Sewer and Water District operating areas.
      “Once the Madison County Sanitary Sewer and Water District approves the water and/or sanitary sewer connections, the District will issue a Water Permit and/or Sewer Permit upon payment in full of the connection fees. No work may be performed for the connection of a water and/or sewer connection until all approvals are finalized and fees are paid in full.”
    • Conditional — New construction within the operating areas of the Madison County Sanitary Sewer and Water District.
      “No work may be performed for the connection”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Plats and subdivisions of land within the jurisdiction of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners and Regional Planning Commission.

    • The county page states that regulations govern plats and subdivisions within the applicable jurisdiction.
    • The county page cites Ohio Revised Code Section 711.001.
    “The Ohio Revised Code Section 711.001 enables the Madison Board of County Commissioners and the Madison County Regional Planning Commission to adopt regulations governing plats and subdivisions of land within their jurisdiction. The Madison County Regional Planning Commission has adopted a plan for major streets or highways of the County, a statutory requirement for reviewing plats or subdivisions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Plats and subdivisions of land within Madison County subdivision jurisdiction.
      “Subdivision Regulations –The Madison County Subdivision Regulations as enacted and amended by the Madison County Planning Commission.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or modified vehicular access to county or township roads in unincorporated Madison County.

    • The regulations do not apply to incorporated areas, state or federal routes, major subdivisions subject to subdivision regulations, or certain township roads with their own access regulations.
    • Pre-existing access points are exempt except when reconstructed, relocated, or affected by a qualifying land-use change.
    • The Madison County Engineer's Office administers the regulations.
    “No person shall construct any new access or modify an existing access resulting in a change of use as defined in Section 3.8, Access Management Procedures, that provides direct vehicular movement to or from any county or township roadway to or from property abutting a county or township road without a valid access permit issued by The Madison County Engineer’s Office.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or modified direct vehicular access to county or township roadways from abutting property in applicable unincorporated areas.
      “No person shall construct any new access or modify an existing access resulting in a change of use as defined in Section 3.8, Access Management Procedures, that provides direct vehicular movement to or from any county or township roadway to or from property abutting a county or township road without a valid access permit issued by The Madison County Engineer’s Office.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in a special flood hazard area where the applicable community flood-damage-reduction regulations require a development permit.

    • The form requires compliance with applicable federal, state, and local permits.
    • Floodway proposals require hydrologic and hydraulic analysis certified by a registered professional engineer.
    • Other flood-hazard categories may require analyses, elevation documentation, utility protection, anchoring, and other standards.
    • The form itself does not state a countywide numeric prohibition or identify the effective date of the underlying local resolution.
    “No structure shall be permitted within the 100 year floodplain. No use shall be permitted within the floodplain that will adversely impact the natural benefits and function of the 100-year floodplain.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit processing administered for Madison County through the Village of West Jefferson permit portal.

    • Madison County contracts with the Village of West Jefferson for the building permit process.
    • The county directs users to the West Jefferson permit portal.
    • Permits issued before April 15, 2024 cannot be used to schedule an inspection in the changed permitting software.
    “Madison County contracts with the Village of West Jefferson for the building permit process. Please use the Permit Portal for the fastest and most convenient way to process or research a building permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Pre-application and access-permit process for residential, industrial, commercial, retail, driveway, lot-split, zoning-certificate, and building-permit proposals in applicable unincorporated areas.
      “Pre-applications for not only zoning certificates, building permits or lot‐splits but also driveway, thoroughfare / access modifications and other road-related requests are to be submitted to the County Subdivision Review Board.”
    • Partial — County building-permit process and county access/subdivision review.
      “Madison County contracts with the Village of West Jefferson for the building permit process. Please use the Permit Portal for the fastest and most convenient way to process or research a building permit.”

Ohio rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, erection, manufacture, equipment, alteration, or addition of buildings subject to Ohio Revised Code section 3781.06, including industrialized units, statewide.

    • Plans or drawings, specifications, and data must be submitted before beginning the work.
    • Submission is made to the municipal, township, or county building department having jurisdiction.
    • If no certified municipal, township, or county building department certified for nonresidential buildings has jurisdiction, submission is made to the superintendent of industrial compliance.
    • If no certified municipal, township, or county building department certified for residential buildings has jurisdiction, the owner is not required to make the submission described in division (A)(1).
    “No owner shall proceed with the construction, erection, alteration, or equipment of any building until the plans or drawings, specifications, and data have been approved as this section requires, or the industrialized unit inspected at the point of origin.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Electrical and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning work performed as contracting within an Ohio county; the statute authorizes, but does not itself impose, county licensing rules.

    • A board of county commissioners may adopt licensing rules by resolution for electrical and HVAC contractors not required to hold a valid and unexpired Chapter 4740 license.
    • County rules may be enforced in unincorporated areas and in municipalities that contract with the county for enforcement.
    • A county rule may require examinations, technical-skill demonstrations, fees, and additional licensing requirements.
    • A county board may accept a valid and unexpired Chapter 4740 license for construction, replacement, maintenance, or repair of one-, two-, or three-family dwellings or incidental accessory structures.
    • The statute does not establish a statewide owner-builder electrical or HVAC contractor-license exemption; county and municipal rules must be checked for the specific location.
    “Each board of county commissioners may adopt, by resolution, rules establishing standards and providing for the licensing of electrical and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning contractors who are not required to hold a valid and unexpired license pursuant to Chapter 4740. of the Revised Code.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner-builder constructing, erecting, altering, or equipping a building covered by Ohio Revised Code section 3781.06, including residential buildings, where a certified municipal, township, or county building department has jurisdiction.
      “No owner shall proceed with the construction, erection, alteration, or equipment of any building until the plans or drawings, specifications, and data have been approved as this section requires, or the industrialized unit inspected at the point of origin.”
    • Conditional — An owner performing contractor-regulated construction, improvement, or renovation on the owner's own primary residential building in Ohio.
      “(F) "Construction project" means a construction project involving a building or structure subject to Chapter 3781. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under that chapter, but not an industrialized unit or a residential building as defined in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building work subject to Ohio building-code enforcement after certificate of plan approval, and inspections initiated after complaints, accidents, or natural disasters.

    • Inspections are directed after a certificate of plan approval has been issued, or after a complaint, accident, or natural disaster.
    • The building official identifies special conditions affecting inspection timing and schedules inspection times mutually agreed upon by the building official and owner.
    • Special inspections required under section 1704 of rule 4101:1-1-01 are excepted from the stated scheduling rule.
    • Certified inspectors inspect work within the limits of their certification and the approved construction documents.
    “Once a certificate of plan approval has been issued in accordance with rule 4101:1-1-01 or 4101:8-1-01 of the Administrative Code, or upon receipt of a complaint or occurrence of an accident or natural disaster, the building official directs necessary inspections and investigations to determine whether the work which has been performed and the installations which have been made are in conformity with the approved construction documents.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Residential buildings and structures (one-, two- and three-family dwellings) in Ohio, where a certified residential building department enforces the Residential Code of Ohio (RCO section 111.1)

    • The requirement is enforced through a residential building official of a building department the Board of Building Standards certifies. Where no certified residential building department has jurisdiction, no residential building official issues the certificate, so the requirement does not apply in practice.
    • The residential building official may issue a certificate of completion instead of a certificate of occupancy, for example for work on part of a building. Spaces in the building that the work does not affect may keep being occupied if the official finds they can be occupied safely.
    • The certificate states the conditions of use, and the owner may use the structure only in compliance with those conditions.
    • Time-limited occupancy is possible under RCO 111.1.1.4 when no violations or orders are pending and the use does not endanger public safety.
    • The state copy cited is the Board's July 2019 resource package, which reproduces RCO section 111. I did not confirm the current codes.ohio.gov rule text; the PDF of the current rule was not retrievable.
    “no residential building or structure, in whole or in part, shall be used or occupied until the residential building official has issued an approval in the form of a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion in compliance with this section.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — A building or structure erected, enlarged, or extended and regulated by the Ohio Building Code.
      “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. Occupancy of spaces within a building which are unaffected by the work may be permitted to continue if the building official determines the existing spaces can be occupied safely.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Township zoning regulation of height for agricultural buildings or structures on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres in qualifying platted subdivisions or qualifying areas of fifteen or more contiguous lots.

    • The local regulation must arise under a township zoning resolution or amendment.
    • The subdivision or area must meet the statutory qualification in section 519.21(B).
    • The statute does not provide a statewide numeric height limit.
    • Township zoning may not regulate agriculture, agricultural buildings or structures, or dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres under division (B).

    lot size lower threshold: > 1 acre · lot size upper threshold: <= 5 acres

    “Buildings or structures incident to the use of land for agricultural purposes [...] height;”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary park-camps (tracts used to park five or more recreational vehicles, dependent recreational vehicles or portable camping units for event-type short periods) in Ohio

    • A separate license is required for each temporary campground, obtained from the licensor not less than seven days before beginning operation during the calendar year, and only after written approval of the plans for the temporary campground.
    • The licensor reviews and approves or disapproves temporary campground plans; it may waive plan submission/review and the location evaluation if the plans were approved less than two years before the proposed opening and the required information has not changed since last licensed.
    • Each license is valid for no more than seven consecutive days and cannot be transferred.
    • No tract may be used as a temporary campground for more than 21 days in a calendar year; operating more than 21 days requires a license as a recreational vehicle park, recreation camp, or combined park-camp.
    • No license is required of a person who neither intends to receive nor receives anything of value from the use of, or sale of goods or services in connection with, the camp.
    • Exemptions: county/state fairs and independent agricultural societies for participant units during the fair; motorsports park participant-only areas; historical reenactment sites (seven days total); equestrian event facility participant-only areas.
    • Any person subject to the chapter or rules may apply to the director of health for a waiver or variance, which may be granted if the person demonstrates it will not adversely affect public health and safety (ORC 3729.05(i)).
    • Plan approval does not exempt a park or camp from local land use and building requirements; development in a 100-year flood plain requires a local floodplain permit (ORC 3729.04).

    maximum days per tract per calendar year: <= 21 days (beyond 21 days a campground license applies; no license required if nothing of value is received) · maximum license period: <= 7 consecutive days · license obtained before beginning operation: >= 7 days (plan approval required first, subject to waiver in rule 3701-26-03(G)(1))

    “no tract of land shall be permitted for use as a temporary campground for more than twenty-one days in a calendar year.”
  • 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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sewage and human excreta generated within an Ohio dwelling or building that is not served by sanitary sewerage, including household sewage treatment systems, gray-water recycling systems, privies, and composting or incinerating toilet arrangements.

    • An STS or GWRS may not be installed, altered, or operated without an approved permit from the applicable board of health.
    • All sewage and human excreta generated in a dwelling or building must be conveyed to an approved STS or sanitary sewerage system; all or part of gray water may instead be conveyed to an approved GWRS operated under Rule 3701-29-17.
    • A sewage treatment system may not be sited, permitted, or installed where sanitary sewerage is accessible unless otherwise excepted by law; when sewerage becomes accessible, the dwelling or structure must connect and the STS must be abandoned.
    • Composting and incinerating toilets may treat toilet waste, but all other sewage from the dwelling or building must discharge to an STS.
    • Composting toilets must be certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 41, and incinerating toilets must be certified to NSF Protocol P157, unless the manufacturer obtains director approval under Revised Code section 3718.04.
    • Privies are limited to the conditions in Rule 3701-29-18, including no plumbing or drain connections, at least 500 gallons capacity, required isolation distances except for unoccupied buildings, and a vented superstructure minimizing entry of insects, animals, and surface water.
    • Local boards of health administer the installation, operation, and alteration approvals and may adopt more-stringent standards subject to state review and approval.
    “All sewage and human excreta generated from within a dwelling or building shall be conveyed to an approved STS or a sanitary sewerage system. All or a portion of the gray water from the dwelling or building may be conveyed to an approved GWRS installed and operated in accordance with rule 3701-29-17 of the Administrative Code.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, sealing, or decommissioning of private water systems, including private wells and test wells, in Ohio.

    • A valid permit must be issued by the board of health before construction, alteration, or sealing, except that a person sealing a well or decommissioning a private water system not being replaced must apply no later than five business days afterward.
    • Except where specified exceptions apply, no work may begin until the permit is issued and approved.
    • Applications require the applicable permit fee, required information, and a fee for at least one water sample for alteration, conversion, or new construction.
    • An application becomes a permit upon validation by the local health district.
    • Plans are additionally required for specified systems, including systems serving a building, non-one/two/three-family dwellings, cisterns, springs or ponds, flowing-well areas, drive-point wells, buried pressure tanks, gasoline-powered pumps, continuous disinfection or filtration, and certain point-of-entry treatment systems.

    post-sealing/decommissioning application deadline: <= 5 business days (Applies when the well or private water system is not being sealed or decommissioned because it is being replaced.)

    “No person shall construct, alter or seal a private water system, test well or part thereof, unless a valid permit for the system has been issued”
  • 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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionConditional

    One-story detached accessory structures to one-, two-, and three-family dwellings within the scope of the Residential Code of Ohio.

    • The structure must be one-story and detached.
    • The structure must be used as a tool shed, storage shed, playhouse, similar use, or be a playground structure.
    • Floor area must not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 square meters).
    • Although approval is exempt, the work must comply with all applicable rules of the Ohio Board of Building Standards.

    maximum floor area: <= 200 square feet (Applies to one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses.) · maximum floor area: <= 18.58 square meters (Applies to one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses.)

    “102.10 Work exempt from approval. Approval shall not be required for the following work; however, this work shall comply with all applicable provisions of the rules of the board: Building: 1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed two hundred square feet (18.58 m²) and playground structures.”
  • 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

    Roadside camping at designated Ohio state forests along public roads maintained by the division of forestry.

    • Permitted only at designated state forests, along public roads maintained by the division of forestry, during certain legally established hunting seasons.
    • The chief of the division of forestry must authorize the applicable season.
    • Only self-contained camping units meeting Rule 1501:3-3-04 are permitted unless restroom facilities are available.
    • Vehicles must be parked sufficiently far off the roadway not to present a hazard and may not block roads, trails, or gated access areas.
    • Other restrictions in Rule 1501:3-3-06 apply.
    “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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy and placement of recreational vehicles in Ohio-licensed campgrounds and temporary campgrounds.
      “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;”
    • 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 — Recreational vehicles and portable camping units placed in licensed campgrounds (recreational vehicle parks, recreation camps, combined park-camps) in Ohio; the statutory definitions apply to tracts with five or more units
      “except as otherwise provided in paragraph (i)(8) of this rule, each recreational vehicle or portable camping unit in a campground shall be placed upon the site so as to provide the following proper distances:”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Ohio boards of county commissioners adopting and enforcing local residential building regulations in unincorporated county areas, including districts established within those areas, and administering state building codes when certified.
      “The board of county commissioners may adopt local residential building regulations governing residential buildings”

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 unincorporated Madison County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Madison County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Madison County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy on private land in unincorporated Madison County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory-dwelling occupancy in unincorporated Madison County.
1 more unanswered
  • 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 Madison County, Ohio

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

Madison County scores 26/100 on the Bolthole Index, a weak county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 478,523 people within a 30-minute drive and workable self-sufficiency basics (40.6″/yr rainfall).

How much does land cost in Madison County, Ohio?

Land in Madison County runs about $9,260 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Madison County?

Madison County gets about 40.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.1% of years.

How remote is Madison County?

A representative private-land location has about 478,523 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,971,150 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Madison compares in Ohio

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