Bolthole Index

Campbell County, Virginia

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Campbell County, Virginia

71Index Score / 100
#31 of 133 in Virginia

Campbell County, Virginia requires a building permit before constructing, moving, altering, or demolishing a building or structure, except within a town that issues its own building permits1. Most projects that add something to a property also need a zoning permit2. Septic and private-well approval comes from the Virginia Department of Health before the county issues a building permit for land without public service3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered work, except in a town that issues its own permits1
Zoning
Yes; most additions need a zoning permit, as do some uses without construction2
Septic permit
VDH approval is required before the county building permit when public sewer is unavailable3
Owner-builder exemption
None from the permit requirement; owners may apply for their own permit4
Farm buildings
Exempt from the building code if non-residential and used for farm purposes5
Entrance onto a state road
Needs a VDOT land-use permit; the county itself does not maintain roads67

Who to call

Building permits

Campbell County Community Development (Building Permits & Inspections)

Building permit applications, plan review, and inspections for Campbell County; enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

(434) 332-9596

85 Carden Lane, Suite A, Rustburg, VA 24588

Zoning

Campbell County Community Development (Zoning, Planning & Subdivisions)

Zoning permits, setbacks, subdivision, and land-use questions for Campbell County.

(434) 332-9596

85 Carden Lane, Suite A, Rustburg, VA 24588

Septic permits

Campbell County Health Department

Onsite sewage (septic) and well construction permits for Campbell County, under the Central Virginia Health District.

434.592.9550

116 Kabler Lane, Rustburg, VA 24588

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

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

Yes. Campbell County requires a permit before covered construction, moving, alteration, demolition, equipment work, or certain changes of use; the county permit rule excludes the corporate limits of a town that issues its own building permits1. Examples on the county page include a swimming pool more than 24 inches deep and a storage building or detached garage larger than 256 square feet8. Painting, residential re-roofing, certain replacement windows and doors, fences, and other listed work are exempt from the county permit requirement1. Campbell County administers the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, while the current statewide edition is the 2021 code910. A qualifying non-residential farm building used primarily for farm purposes is exempt from the building code, but floodplain rules still apply and a farm building operated as a licensed restaurant is not exempt5.

Who is the Campbell County building department, and how do you reach them?

Campbell County Community Development is at 85 Carden Lane, Suite A, Rustburg, VA 24588, phone (434) 332-95968. Building-permit applications must go through the county's online portal; most complete applications can be issued while the applicant waits, while permits needing plan review may take several days11. Permits are not written after 4:30 p.m., and a permit remains valid for six months from issuance, with another six months added whenever an inspection is performed11. The county publishes building-permit and inspection fees, adds a 2% state levy to every permit fee, and charges a $50 reinspection fee when listed problems cause an additional visit12. Required inspections occur at applicable stages before work is concealed, followed by a final inspection13. After final approval and a finding of compliance, the building official issues the certificate of occupancy within five working days14.

Does Campbell County have zoning?

Campbell County administers zoning across the county, while incorporated municipalities retain jurisdiction inside their boundaries under Virginia law215. A zoning permit is needed in most cases when something is added to a property2. A zoning permit may also be required when no building work occurs, including for a sign, occupancy permit, or home occupation2. Campbell County also regulates subdivision of land through its subdivision ordinance, so splitting acreage is a planning review rather than only a survey and deed exercise16. The reviewed rules do not establish a single countywide numeric setback, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, height limit, or lot-coverage limit. Ask Community Development at (434) 332-9596 for the parcel's zoning district and the dimensions that apply before choosing a homesite or drawing new lot lines7.

How do septic permits work in Campbell County?

The Virginia Department of Health administers onsite sewage and private-well permits for Campbell County through the Campbell County Health Department3. Reach the Health Department at 116 Kabler Lane, Rustburg, VA 24588, phone 434.592.955017. For property without public sewer or water, obtain the VDH approval before Campbell County will issue the building permit3. Virginia requires a written construction permit before building, expanding, or modifying a sewage-disposal system18. An installation not built from a design certified by a licensed engineer or onsite soil evaluator must be inspected and approved by the local or district health department before any part is covered or used19. About 55.6% of Campbell County soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field, but parcel-level evaluation still determines the workable system and location20.

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

We could not confirm a Campbell County rule that answers long-term RV occupancy or tiny-home occupancy on private land. The Virginia limit on temporary camping applies to permitted campgrounds, so it does not settle whether an owner may live in an RV on a rural parcel21. Campbell County zoning can regulate land uses and structures, and most additions to property need a zoning permit215. Manufactured homes have a separate statewide rule: qualifying agricultural districts that allow site-built houses must allow manufactured homes, while placement in other qualifying districts carries real-property, individual-lot, and certificate-of-occupancy conditions22. Before buying or moving a unit, call Community Development at (434) 332-9596 and ask whether the parcel permits the exact RV, tiny-home, or manufactured-home use you have in mind7.

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

  1. Call Community Development at (434) 332-9596 to identify the parcel's zoning requirements before fixing the house location7.
  2. If public sewer or water is unavailable, obtain the required VDH septic or well approval before seeking the county building permit3.
  3. Submit the building-permit application through Campbell County's online portal with all required information and fees11.
  4. Budget for the published county fees, the 2% state levy, and a possible $50 reinspection charge when a listed problem causes another visit12.
  5. Request each applicable inspection before concealing structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or energy-conservation work13.
  6. If the driveway enters a state-maintained highway, obtain the required VDOT land-use permit6.
  7. Complete the final inspection and obtain the certificate of occupancy before occupying the home14.

What to check before you buy land in Campbell County

Start with the parcel's zoning district and confirm the allowed use with Community Development; the reviewed material does not establish one universal setback, minimum lot size, or dwelling-size rule. If you plan to divide acreage, Campbell County's subdivision ordinance adds a county review step16. Test the proposed homesite rather than judging septic potential from acreage alone: about 55.6% of county soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field20. About 75.1% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, while 66.8% is wooded, so clearing and grading can materially affect the practical building area2324. An entrance onto a state-maintained highway requires a VDOT land-use permit6. For carrying costs, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, the median annual tax bill is about $913, and typical annual home insurance is about $1,044252627.

Watch-outs

  • A Campbell County building permit remains valid for six months and gains another six months with each inspection; failing to request an inspection can lead to suspension and reactivation fees11.
  • Campbell County itself does not maintain roads; a private road is the landowners' own responsibility, and only an entrance onto a state-maintained road needs a VDOT permit76.
  • Farm buildings are exempt from Virginia's building code only if they are non-residential and used primarily for farm purposes; one operated as a licensed restaurant loses the exemption5.

Sources

  1. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Onsite Sewage & Water Program - Central Virginia, quoted and re-checked
  4. Campbell County, VA - Building Permits (2026 county census)
  5. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Land use permits (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Campbell County Community Development (Zoning, Planning & Subdivisions) (co.campbell.va.us)
  8. Campbell County Community Development (Building Permits & Inspections) (co.campbell.va.us)
  9. Campbell County Code, Chapter 5—Buildings, quoted and re-checked
  10. Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  13. 13VAC5-63-130. Section 113 Inspections (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. 13VAC5-63-160. Section 116 Certificates of occupancy (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. § 15.2-2280. Zoning ordinances generally (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Campbell County Code, quoted and re-checked
  17. Campbell County Health Department (vdh.virginia.gov)
  18. 12VAC5-610-240. Permits; general (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. 12VAC5-610-320. Inspection and correction (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  21. 12VAC5-450 Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. § 15.2-2290. Uniform regulations for manufactured housing (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Campbell County in Virginia

71
County map
Campbell County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Campbell County scores

Seclusion48100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency75100% ev.
Admin Boringness38100% ev.
Durability81100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$280kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$3,656Land / acre
44.7"Annual rain
0.9% of yrsSevere drought
5.5 / yr (+5.1)Mid-century 100°F days
14.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.25" (+10.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.42×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,044Home insurance / yr
2.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.67%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
45,988People within 30 min
2,379,700People within 2 hr
94,014Radius comparison (15 mi)
109.8People / sq mi
0%Federal land
75.1%Land at 15% slope or less
55.6%Septic soil without severe limits
174,157 acWorkable land screen
66.8%Wooded land
52.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.4°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Campbell County

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

Campbell County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, moving, alteration, demolition, regulated equipment, and specified changes of use in Campbell County.

    • A permit is required before the listed work.
    • Examples of exempt work include painting, residential re-roofing, certain replacement windows and doors, fences, and other listed projects.
    • The county code exception applies within corporate limits of a town that issues its own building permits.
    “A building permit is required before: Constructing, moving, altering, or demolishing a building or structure.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code enforcement for construction and rehabilitation in Campbell County.

    • The county code identifies the 2018 USBC edition as effective July 1, 2021.
    • Certain towns issuing their own building permits are excluded from the county permit section.
    “The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, with additional provisions of local applicability, shall control all matters concerning the construction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings or part or parts thereof”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning permits and zoning administration in Campbell County.

    • A zoning permit is needed in most instances where something is being added on a property.
    • Zoning permits are usually required in conjunction with building permits and are also needed in some cases where no building is taking place, including signs, an occupancy permit, or a home occupation permit.
    “A Zoning permit is needed in most instances where something is being added on a property.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in Campbell County.

    • The county code lists a current Chapter 21, Subdivision of Land.
    “The purpose of this chapter is to establish certain guidelines and procedures for the regulation of subdivision of lands within the County.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Campbell County building-permit and inspection fee schedules.

    • A 2% state levy is added to all permit fees.
    • A $50 reinspection fee applies for each additional inspection caused by wrong or absent 911 address, inaccessible premises, incomplete repairs or corrections, or work not ready when inspection is requested.
    • The fee appendix states it was adopted June 17, 2002 and last amended July 19, 2022.

    state levy: 2 percent (added to all permit fees) · reinspection fee: 50 USD (each additional inspection for listed causes)

    “A reinspection fee of $50 shall be charged for each additional inspection when any of the following reasons are the cause of the additional inspection:”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Campbell County building-permit application and issuance process.

    • Applications must be submitted through the online portal.
    • Most permits can be issued while the applicant waits if required information and fees are included; plan-review permits may take several days.
    • Permits are not written after 4:30 p.m.
    • Permits remain valid six months from issuance, with six-month extensions when inspections are performed; failure to request inspection within six months may result in suspension and additional reactivation fees.

    permit validity: 6 months (extended another six months each time an inspection is performed)

    “Applications must be submitted via our online portal.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionNot available

    Owners may apply for their own permits, but the county requires a building permit for all covered work; no exemption from the permit requirement is provided.

    Campbell County, VA - Building Permits ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Virginia rules that apply here

  • 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.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and occupancy of manufactured homes in Virginia localities that adopt and enforce zoning ordinances.

    • In agricultural zoning districts, or similarly classified districts where agricultural, horticultural, or forest uses are dominant and site-built housing is allowed, placement of manufactured homes must be permitted.
    • In other zoning districts where site-built housing is allowed, the manufactured home must be converted to real property under § 46.2-653.1, have its certificate of occupancy issued within five years following the manufacture date on the data plate, and be placed on an individual lot.
    • Localities may adopt uniform standards applying to all residential structures in the zoning district, but those standards may not exclude manufactured housing compliant with the Virginia Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Law.
    • Restrictive covenants may continue to impose obligations.
    • Local zoning and land-use controls that do not affect construction or installation remain in force; site preparation, utility connections, skirting, and maintenance must meet the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    certificate of occupancy deadline from manufacture date: <= 5 years (date listed on the home's data plate) · placement requirement: individual lots

    “the placement of manufactured homes shall be permitted for manufactured homes that are (i) converted to real property in accordance with § 46.2-653.1”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Virginia Department of Health administration of onsite sewage and private-well permitting applicable to Campbell County.

    • The Central Virginia Health District page identifies the Campbell Health Department mailing address.
    • For properties without public sewer or public water, VDH permitting is required before the county issues a building permit.
    “We issue sewage disposal system construction permits and inspect finished sewage disposal systems.”
    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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farm buildings and structures under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

    • A farm building or structure is not used for residential purposes, is located on property where farming operations take place, and is used primarily for a listed farm use.
    • The exemption does not apply to a building or portion of a building on a farm that is operated as a restaurant and licensed by the Board of Health under Chapter 2 (§ 35.1-11 et seq.) of Title 35.1.
    • Farm buildings and structures in a flood plain or mudslide-prone area remain subject to applicable flood-proofing or mudslide regulations.
    • A qualifying agritourism farm building or structure where the public is invited to enter and which is used for display, sampling, or sale described in § 36-99 must have portable fire extinguishers, a simple written emergency plan, and the required exemption sign.
    “Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, farm buildings and structures shall be exempt from the provisions of the Building Code, except for a building or a portion of a building located on a farm that is operated as a restaurant as defined in § 35.1-1 and licensed as such by the Board of Health pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 35.1-11 et seq.) of Title 35.1.”
  • 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.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Work otherwise exempt from a Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code permit when located in a special flood hazard area.

    • The building official may require a permit for items that are otherwise exempt under the permit-application section when they are located in a special flood hazard area.
    • The rule does not establish that every floodplain development project is exempt from other local floodplain, building, zoning, or federal requirements.
    “Application for a permit may be required by the building official for any items exempted in this section that are located in a special flood hazard area.”
  • 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.

  • Zoning districts — Published zoning-district classifications or schedules in Campbell County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Campbell County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Campbell County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Campbell County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Campbell County.
7 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • 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.

Living off-grid in Campbell County, Virginia

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

Campbell County scores 71/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Campbell County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Virginia Department of Health - Central Virginia Health District (Campbell Health Department). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Campbell County, Virginia?

Land in Campbell County runs about $3,656 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Campbell County?

Campbell County gets about 44.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.9% of years.

How remote is Campbell County?

A representative private-land location has about 45,988 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,379,700 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 Campbell County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Campbell compares in Virginia

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