Bolthole Index

Accomack County, Virginia

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Accomack County, Virginia

70Index Score / 100
#34 of 133 in Virginia

Accomack County, Virginia requires a building permit for construction, repair, relocation, removal or demolition, with separate permits for electrical, plumbing and mechanical work1. County zoning also controls what can be built and where, although incorporated towns may administer their own approvals2. Septic permits come through the Virginia Department of Health's Eastern Shore Health District3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction; separate trade permits apply1
Zoning
Yes; every parcel is assigned a zoning district, with incorporated-town approvals handled separately where applicable45
Septic permit
A state permit is required through the Virginia Department of Health's Eastern Shore Health District36
Agricultural lots
A house permitted by right in an Agricultural District needs at least 5 acres7
Manufactured homes
Not allowed by right in the Residential District; a special-use permit is required8
RV living
No countywide private-parcel occupancy rule was confirmed; ask Building and Zoning before relying on an RV9
Owner-builder
No general owner-builder permit exemption was confirmed10
Farm structures
A qualifying active farm may claim a farm-structure exemption by affidavit, but floodplain and other rules still apply11

Who to call

Building permits

Accomack County Building, Planning & Economic Development

Building permits and inspections, with planning and zoning available through the same department

757-787-5721

[email protected]

23296 Courthouse Ave. Suite 105 Accomac, VA 23301

Septic permits

Virginia Department of Health, Eastern Shore Health District — Accomack County Health Department

Local contact for state-administered onsite sewage and private-well applications in Accomack County

(757) 787-5880

23191 Front Street P.O. Box 177 Accomac, VA 23301-0177

Floodplain permits

Accomack County Floodplain Administration

Flood-map determinations for properties in unincorporated Accomack County

757-787-5797

23282 Courthouse Avenue in Accomac

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Accomack County, Virginia?

Yes. Accomack County requires a building permit for construction, repair, relocation, removal or demolition of a building or structure, and electrical, plumbing and mechanical work each requires its own trade permit1. Work cannot legally begin until the permit has been obtained and is on the job site1. The county lists limited exemptions and exceptions for minor ordinary work, certain small structures and ordinary repairs, but special flood hazard areas can bring even otherwise-exempt work back into permit review112. A qualifying farm building used with an active crop or livestock-for-sale operation may receive a farm-structure exemption after an affidavit, but the floodplain ordinance and other regulations still apply11.

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

Accomack County Building, Planning & Economic Development handles building and zoning questions from 23296 Courthouse Ave., Suite 105, Accomac, VA 23301; call 757-787-5721 for Building or email [email protected]9. Planning is available through the same department at 757-824-5223 or [email protected]9. Most applications move through Environmental, Zoning, Health, the Treasurer's Office and the Building Department, so treat the county permit as a coordinated review rather than a single counter visit13. Building-permit prices depend on construction cost, while any separate rezoning request follows its own application and fee process14. For land inside an incorporated town, ask the town which approvals it administers before relying solely on the county process4.

Does Accomack County have zoning?

Yes. Accomack County's zoning ordinance assigns all land to a district, including Agricultural and Residential districts, and each district has its own permitted uses and development rules45. For a house permitted by right in an Agricultural District, the minimum lot size is 5 acres; the stated setbacks are 50 feet from the road right-of-way or front property line, 15 feet at the sides and 35 feet at the rear715. Those figures do not automatically apply in every other district or recorded subdivision: an approved subdivision's plat or covenants may supply the setbacks and frontage standards used in zoning review16. A principal building in that Agricultural District may not exceed 35 feet, with separate conditions for tall accessory structures17. Incorporated towns may administer their own approval process, so confirm jurisdiction as well as the parcel's district4.

How do septic permits work in Accomack County?

Virginia, rather than Accomack County, regulates onsite sewage systems through the Virginia Department of Health and its Eastern Shore Health District318. Start with the Accomack County Health Department at 23191 Front Street, P.O. Box 177, Accomac, VA 23301-0177, phone (757) 787-588019. A written state permit is required before constructing, operating, expanding or modifying a sewage disposal system6. Site feasibility deserves attention: 0% of mapped county soils rate as free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not assume a standard system will work without an evaluation20. A professionally certified design follows a different inspection path, while other installations must be inspected and approved before any part is covered21.

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

We could not confirm a countywide Accomack County rule allowing long-term RV occupancy on a private parcel, so ask Building and Zoning at 757-787-5721 before buying land for that plan9. Virginia's temporary-camping rule concerns permitted campgrounds and does not establish permission to live in an RV on an ordinary private lot22. We also could not confirm a countywide tiny-home rule or minimum dwelling size; a permanently built small house still faces the county's normal zoning and building-permit reviews232. A manufactured home has a clearer but district-specific path: it is not permitted by right in the Residential District and requires a Board of Zoning Appeals special-use permit there8. Confirm septic feasibility and sanitation approval separately with the Eastern Shore Health District before treating any mobile or small dwelling as habitable319.

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

  1. Call Planning at 757-824-5223 to confirm whether the county or an incorporated town has jurisdiction, identify the zoning district and check the parcel's setbacks94.
  2. Ask the Eastern Shore Health District at (757) 787-5880 for the required site evaluation and written septic construction permit before fixing the house location193.
  3. If the parcel may flood, request a county flood-map determination; a new building in a special flood hazard district needs a Flood Elevation Certificate prepared before permit issuance2425.
  4. Submit the building application and separate trade-permit applications to Accomack County Building, Planning & Economic Development before work begins91.
  5. Arrange required inspections before concealed work is covered and pass the final inspection26.
  6. Obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving in27.
  7. Obtain a VDOT land-use permit if the driveway connects to a VDOT-maintained highway28.

What should you check before buying land in Accomack County?

Check zoning first because Accomack County assigns every parcel to a district, and a recorded subdivision plat or covenant may control frontage and setbacks used in review516. Check septic feasibility early because 0% of mapped soils rate as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field20. Check flood status with Accomack County Floodplain Administration at 757-787-5797; the county provides map determinations for unincorporated parcels, while town properties go to the relevant town office24. Confirm road access because a new or modified entrance on a VDOT-maintained highway needs a state land-use permit28. Finally, budget around an effective property-tax rate of about 0.5% and a median annual bill near $962, while recent farmland value averages about $5,045 per acre293031.

Watch-outs

  • Accomack County's Agricultural District figures are not universal countywide standards; confirm the parcel's district and any recorded subdivision plat before applying the 5-acre minimum or listed setbacks716.
  • A special flood hazard location can trigger permit review even for work otherwise listed as exempt, and new buildings there require a Flood Elevation Certificate before the permit is issued1225.
  • We could not confirm countywide rules for residential RV use, tiny homes, private wells or a general owner-builder exemption; ask Building and Zoning and the Eastern Shore Health District before relying on any of those assumptions91910.

Sources

  1. Example FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Things You Need to Know About Building in Accomack County (2026 county census)
  3. Virginia Department of Health - Onsite Sewage and Water Services (2026 county census)
  4. Things You Need to Know About Building in Accomack County, quoted and re-checked
  5. Rezoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. 12VAC5-610-240. Permits; general (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Things You Need to Know About Building in Accomack County, quoted and re-checked
  8. Things You Need to Know About Building in Accomack County, quoted and re-checked
  9. Accomack County Building, Planning & Economic Development (accomack.gov)
  10. (2026 county census)
  11. Things You Need to Know About Building in Accomack County, quoted and re-checked
  12. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Things You Need to Know About Building in Accomack County, quoted and re-checked
  14. Example FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  15. Things You Need to Know About Building in Accomack County, quoted and re-checked
  16. Septic, Sewage, and Well Applications, quoted and re-checked
  17. Things You Need to Know About Building in Accomack County, quoted and re-checked
  18. § 32.1-164. Powers and duties of Board; regulations; fees; onsite soil evaluators; letters in lieu of permits; inspections; civil penalty (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Virginia Department of Health, Eastern Shore Health District — Accomack County Health Department (vdh.virginia.gov)
  20. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  21. 12VAC5-610-320. Inspection and correction (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. 12VAC5-450 Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Example FAQs (2026 county census)
  24. Accomack County Floodplain Administration (accomack.gov)
  25. Things You Need to Know About Building in Accomack County, quoted and re-checked
  26. 13VAC5-63-130. Section 113 Inspections (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. 13VAC5-63-160. Section 116 Certificates of occupancy (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Land use permits (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 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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County locator

Accomack County in Virginia

70
County map
Accomack County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Accomack County scores

Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness3990% ev.
Durability56100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost80100% 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 →

$252kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,045Land / acre
45.7"Annual rain
2.4% of yrsSevere drought
1 / yr (+1)Mid-century 100°F days
12.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.33" (+5.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.34×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,495Home insurance / yr
-1.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.06%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
15,382People within 30 min
1,822,816People within 2 hr
18,910Radius comparison (15 mi)
74People / sq mi
10.7%Federal land
97.1%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
0 acWorkable land screen
30.8%Wooded land
80.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Accomack County

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

Accomack County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, repair, relocation, removal, or demolition of buildings and structures in Accomack County.

    • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work requires a separate permit for each trade.
    • Work may not legally begin before the permit is obtained and on the work site.
    • The county lists exemptions and exceptions, including minor ordinary work, specified small structures, ordinary repairs, historic districts, and special flood hazard areas.
    “You need a building permit for all construction that involves the construction, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building or structure.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning ordinance in Accomack County.

    • The county zoning ordinance governs what can be built and where it can be located.
    • Incorporated towns and other entities may administer their own approval process.
    “Accomack County's zoning ordinance places all land into a zoning district, such as Agricultural or Residential.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Accomack County zoning districts and their permitted uses and regulations.

    • The county page identifies Agricultural and Residential districts as examples.
    • Each district has its own permitted uses and regulations.
    “Accomack County's zoning ordinance places all land into a zoning district, such as Agricultural or Residential. Each district has its own set of permitted uses and regulations.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Houses permitted by right in Accomack County Agricultural Districts.

    • The county FAQ states a 5-acre minimum lot size for houses permitted by right in Agricultural Districts.
    • Other zoning districts may have different standards.

    minimum lot size: >= 5 acres (Agricultural District houses permitted by right.)

    “Houses are permitted "by right" in Agricultural Districts, but they must meet the following criteria: Lot size (5-acre minimum)”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Houses and accessory structures permitted by right in Accomack County Agricultural Districts.

    • The stated setbacks apply to houses permitted by right in Agricultural Districts.
    • Accessory structures have reduced side and rear setbacks and cannot be located in the front setback area.

    front setback: 50 feet (road right-of-way or front property line) · side setback: 15 feet (5 feet for accessory structures) · rear setback: 35 feet (5 feet for accessory structures)

    “50 feet from road right-of-way or front property line 15 feet from side property lines (5 feet for accessory structures) 35 feet from rear property line (5 feet for accessory structures)”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Houses and accessory structures permitted by right in Accomack County Agricultural Districts.

    • The stated limits apply to Agricultural District houses permitted by right.
    • Accessory structures exceeding 12 feet at the eave line must be more than 10 feet from any property line.

    principal building height: <= 35 feet · accessory structure eave height: <= 12 feet (If exceeded, structure must be more than 10 feet from any property line.)

    “Not to exceed 35 feet Accessory structures not to exceed 12 feet at the eave line as defined Accessory structures that exceed 12 feet at the eave line as defined must be more than 10 feet from any property line”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile or manufactured homes in the Accomack County Residential District.

    • Mobile homes are not permitted by right in the Residential District.
    • A Board of Zoning Appeals Special Use Permit is required.
    • The zoning ordinance contains specific building-code standards for constructing mobile homes.
    “Mobile homes are not permitted "by right" in the Residential District. If you would like to locate a mobile home in the Residential District, you will have to first apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a Special Use Permit.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Pole barns and farm structures associated with an active farming operation in Accomack County.

    • An active farming operation means cultivation of crops or raising livestock for sale, according to the county FAQ.
    • The applicant must sign an affidavit for a farm-structure exemption.
    • Other regulations, including the floodplain ordinance, still apply.
    “Yes, unless you have an active farming operation such as the cultivation of crops or the raising of livestock for sale. You will be required to sign an affidavit for a farm structure exemption. You still will be subject to other regulations such as the floodplain ordinance.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision reviews and subdivision plats affecting zoning review in Accomack County.

    • The VDH page identifies subdivision reviews among applications requiring private-sector consultant support.
    • For an approved subdivision recorded with the County, the plat or covenants may establish the setback and frontage standards considered in zoning review.
    “In the case of an approved subdivision that is on record with the County, the set-back and frontage requirements should be stated on the plat or in the covenants and those would be the standards that are considered for the zoning review process.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    New buildings and accessory structures in Accomack County special flood hazard districts.

    • All new buildings in a special flood hazard district require a Flood Elevation Certificate completed by a surveyor or engineer before a permit is issued.
    • Accessory structures are permitted but subject to more restrictive building standards.
    • Permit exemptions may also be required to obtain a permit in a special flood hazard area.
    “Note: All new buildings in a special flood hazard district require a Flood Elevation Certificate completed by a surveyor or engineer prior to a permit being issued.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    County building permits and rezoning applications.

    • The building-permit FAQ states that the permit price is calculated using construction cost.
    • A rezoning application fee of $980 is stated on the county rezoning page.

    rezoning application fee: 980 USD · building permit price basis: cost of construction

    “Submit a completed application form, with all requested supporting documents, and submit the application fee of $980.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building permit review process in Accomack County.

    • Most applications proceed through Environmental, Zoning, Health, Treasurer's Office, and Building Department reviews.
    • Work may not legally begin before the permit is obtained and on the work site.
    “The following reviews are required for most applications: Environmental Department Zoning Department Health Department Treasurer's Office Building Department”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction of new buildings, structures, and additions; maintenance, repair, renovation, and changes in use of existing buildings and structures throughout Virginia.

    • The Board of Housing and Community Development adopts and amends the USBC.
    • Enforcement is the responsibility of the local government's building inspections department.
    • The Uniform Statewide Building Code does not supersede other state-agency regulations governing building-related activities not covered by the USBC, including public water supply systems, wastewater treatment and disposal systems, and solid waste facilities.
    • The Code does not supersede specified proffered conditions, special exceptions, special or conditional use permits, variances, clustering and open-space development conditions, airport or highway overlay-district requirements, historic-district requirements, or local floodplain regulations adopted for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    current adopted code edition: 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code · effective date: 2024-01-18 · adopted referenced electrical code: 2020 National Electrical Code

    “The effective date of the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2021 Statewide Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Industrialized Building Safety Regulations and the 2021 Amusement Device Regulations is Jan. 18, 2024.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or permits subject to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, with inspections administered by the applicable local building official or approved inspection agency.

    • The building official must conduct the listed minimum inspections when applicable to the construction or permit.
    • The minimum inspections include footings, foundations, preparatory concrete work, structural members and fasteners before concealment, electrical/mechanical/plumbing systems before concealment, energy-conservation materials before concealment, and final inspection.
    • Where construction cost is less than $2,500, an inspection may be waived at the inspecting authority's discretion.
    • The permit holder must provide ladders, scaffolding, or test equipment necessary for a requested inspection and must notify the building official when an inspection stage is reached.
    • Approved third-party inspection reports may be accepted under the building official's written policy.
    • A final inspection is required upon completion of construction for which a permit was issued.

    construction cost threshold for discretionary inspection waiver: < 2500 USD (inspection may be waived at the discretion of the inspecting authority)

    “The following minimum inspections shall be conducted by the building official when applicable to the construction or permit:”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy or change of occupancy of buildings or structures regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    • A certificate of occupancy must be obtained before occupancy or change of occupancy.
    • The building official issues it within five working days after approval of the final inspection and determination of compliance with the code and pertinent laws or ordinances.
    • A certificate of occupancy is not required for an IRC accessory structure.
    • A new certificate of occupancy is not required for an addition to an existing Group R-5 building that already has a certificate of occupancy.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued before completion if the portion can be occupied safely without endangering life or public safety.
    • For certain contractor-license exemptions, a certificate of occupancy must still be obtained before conveying the property to a third-party purchaser unless the purchaser acknowledges in writing that none was issued and consents to acquire without one.

    certificate issuance deadline after final inspection approval: 5 working days (when the building or structure is determined to comply with the code and pertinent laws or ordinances)

    “Prior to occupancy or change of occupancy of a building or structure, a certificate of occupancy shall be obtained in accordance with this section.”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage systems and alternative discharging sewage systems in Accomack County under Virginia law.

    • VDH specifically manages and enforces Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act septic pump-out requirements in Accomack County effective July 1, 2023.
    • Local ordinances may also apply where authorized by state law.
    “The Board shall have supervision and control over the safe and sanitary collection, conveyance, transportation, treatment, and disposal of sewage by onsite sewage systems and alternative discharging sewage systems, and treatment works as they affect the public health and welfare.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, operation, expansion, or modification of a sewage disposal or handling system in Virginia.

    • A written construction permit is required before construction, expansion, or modification.
    • A written operation permit is required for sewage disposal systems constructed after the effective date of the chapter.
    • Permit conditions may be imposed and must be followed.
    • The $75 statutory onsite sewage permit application fee may be waived for applicants below federal poverty guidelines or applications for a pit privy or repair of a failing onsite sewage system; the fee is refunded if the Department denies a permit for land on which the applicant seeks to construct a principal residence.

    onsite sewage permit application fee: 75 USD (Statutory fee; waiver and refund provisions apply as stated in § 32.1-164(C).)

    “No person or owner shall construct, operate, expand or modify a sewage disposal or handling system without a written permit from the commissioner.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Installation of sewage disposal systems statewide.

    • For installations not pursuant to a design certified by a licensed professional engineer or onsite soil evaluator, no part may be covered or used until inspected, corrected if necessary, and approved by the district or local health department, unless expressly authorized.
    • Installations under a certified professional engineer or onsite soil evaluator design are exempt from the local-health-department inspection requirement in 12VAC5-610-320 and instead require the certifier's inspection report under 12VAC5-610-330.
    • The rule is inapplicable to a Type III septage disposal facility.
    “This section shall not apply to any sewage disposal system installation that is pursuant to a design certified by a licensed professional engineer or onsite soil evaluator.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or modification of entrances connecting to VDOT-maintained highways and activities in VDOT highway right-of-way.

    • The requirement applies to state-maintained highways and right-of-way under VDOT jurisdiction.
    • Entrance location and design must comply with VDOT access-management regulations and design standards.
    • Applications are typically obtained through the VDOT district or residency office serving the locality.
    • An existing entrance also requires a land-use permit when modified because of a change in land use, traffic volume, or type of traffic.
    “Anyone who plans to work or perform an activity on or crossing any right of way under the jurisdiction of the Department must first obtain a land use permit. These include activities such as installation of utilities, construction of private and commercial entrances, landscaping, the temporary use of the right-of-way, as well as numerous other types of activities.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Residential dwelling use as a short-term rental in Virginia.

    • Existing local authority to regulate short-term rentals through general land-use and zoning authority is preserved.
    • A locality may adopt a registration ordinance, and a registration ordinance may impose a penalty up to $500 per violation for an operator required to register.
    • A locality may limit a lessee or sublessee to one short-term rental within the locality.
    • For a residential dwelling also legally occupied by the property owner as the primary residence, a local ordinance enacted after December 31, 2023, or a later amendment, may not require a special exception, special use, or conditional use permit for short-term rental use.
    • Private contracts, condominium instruments, common-interest-community declarations, cooperative instruments, and property-owners-association declarations are not superseded.

    registration penalty: <= 500 USD per violation (Only where a locality adopts a registry ordinance and the operator is required to register.) · owner-occupied primary residence special-use permit prohibition date: > 2023-12-31 (Applies to local ordinances enacted after this date or subsequent amendments.)

    “Except as provided in this section, nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit, limit, or otherwise supersede existing local authority to regulate the short-term rental of property through general land use and zoning authority.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Temporary camping in a Virginia campground regulated under 12VAC5-450.

    • Campground construction, renovation, or addition requires plan submission and written approval by the Health Commissioner before construction begins, except that temporary campground owners or operators submit the plans as part of the permit application and do not need separate written plan approval.
    • A valid campground permit is required before operation.
    • Local plumbing, building, electrical, and zoning ordinances also apply.
    • Temporary permits are limited to temporary camping of 14 days duration or less; a temporary permit may be valid for 60 days or less, but total operation may not exceed 14 days during any 60-day period.

    temporary camping permit duration: <= 14 days (temporary permit may be valid for 60 days or less, but total days of operation may not exceed 14 days during any 60-day period) · campsite minimum area: >= 1600 square feet · campsite minimum narrowest width: >= 25 feet

    “to allow temporary camping of 14 days duration or less.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Virginia counties adopting and administering zoning ordinances over unincorporated territory statewide.

    • The zoning power is exercised by county governing bodies through ordinance.
    • County zoning jurisdiction covers unincorporated territory; incorporated areas are under municipal jurisdiction.
    • The statute permits regulation of land uses, structures, dimensional standards, open spaces, and excavation or mining, including residential and flood-plain uses.
    “For the purpose of zoning, the governing body of a county shall have jurisdiction over all the unincorporated territory in the county, and the governing body of a municipality shall have jurisdiction over the incorporated area of the municipality.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Virginia counties administering and enforcing the Uniform Statewide Building Code and issuing building permits for construction, including residential construction, in county jurisdiction.

    • Virginia's building code is a Uniform Statewide Building Code adopted by the State Board; it supersedes county building codes and regulations.
    • The county's role is local administration and enforcement through a local building department, not independent adoption of a conflicting county building code.
    • A county without a building department or local board of Building Code appeals must enter an agreement with another county, municipality, agency, or approved state agency for enforcement and appeals.
    • A town with a population of less than 3,500 may elect to administer and enforce the Building Code; if it does not, the county administers and enforces the Code for that town.
    • Buildings may be inspected before completion and are not deemed compliant until approved by the inspecting authority; inspections under $2,500 construction cost may be waived at the inspecting authority's discretion.
    • Building permit and enforcement fees may be levied by the local governing body.
    • Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the Building Code except for a farm building or portion operated as a licensed restaurant; farm buildings in flood plains or mudslide-prone areas remain subject to applicable flood-proofing or mudslide regulations.

    small-town population threshold: < 3500 people (The town may elect to administer and enforce the Building Code; otherwise the county administers it for the town.) · inspection-waiver construction cost threshold: < 2500 USD (The inspecting authority may waive inspection at its discretion.)

    “Enforcement of the provisions of the Building Code for construction and rehabilitation shall be the responsibility of the local building department. [...] Whenever a county or a municipality does not have such a building department or board of Building Code appeals, the local governing body shall enter into an agreement with the local governing body of another county or municipality or with some other agency, or a state agency approved by the Department for such enforcement and appeals resulting therefrom.”

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 building-permit requirements in Accomack County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Accomack County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in Accomack County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy in Accomack County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Accomack County.
5 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup

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.

Water rights & wells in Accomack County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Virginia’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

Household wells are exempt from the groundwater withdrawal permit even inside a Groundwater Management Area, but a private well in a GWMA must be registered with DEQ within 30 days (Va. Code 62.1-258); a permit is triggered only at 300,000 gal/month.

Limit: < 300,000 gal/month (no withdrawal permit)

Virginia DEQ — Ground Water Withdrawal Permitting ↗
  • Eastern Shore Groundwater Management Area

    Covers all of Accomack and Northampton on the EPA sole-source Columbia/Yorktown-Eastville aquifer; large withdrawals (>=300,000 gal/mo) are tightly managed against saltwater intrusion. Household wells are exempt but must be registered.

    Virginia DEQ / 9VAC25-600-20 ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Virginia state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Accomack County, Virginia

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

Accomack County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 15,382 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Accomack County, Virginia?

Accomack County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Virginia Department of Health, Eastern Shore Health District. 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 Accomack County, Virginia?

Land in Accomack County runs about $5,045 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Accomack County?

Accomack County gets about 45.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.4% of years. On water rights, Accomack County lies in the Eastern Shore Groundwater Management Area — Covers all of Accomack and Northampton on the EPA sole-source Columbia/Yorktown-Eastville aquifer; large withdrawals (>=300,000 gal/mo) are tightly managed against saltwater intrusion. Household wells are exempt but must be registered..

How remote is Accomack County?

A representative private-land location has about 15,382 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,822,816 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 Accomack County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Accomack compares in Virginia

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