Bolthole Index

Henry County, Virginia

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

66Index Score / 100
#50 of 133 in Virginia

Unincorporated Henry County, Virginia requires a building permit for a home, issued and inspected by the county's Planning, Zoning & Inspections department1. Henry County also administers countywide zoning and subdivision rules2. For land without public sewer, obtain the state septic construction permit before applying for the county building permit34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new construction; issued by Henry County Planning, Zoning & Inspections3
Zoning
Yes, countywide in unincorporated Henry County, with a Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals5
Septic
State-run: the Henry/Martinsville Health Department (VDH) issues the construction permit before a building permit64
Manufactured home
Allowed if converted to real property and, outside agricultural districts, placed with a certificate of occupancy within 5 years of manufacture7
RV / temporary camping
Not confirmed for a private parcel; ask Henry County Planning & Zoning before relying on an RV for housing85
Owner-builder exemption
Not stated on the county's own pages; confirm directly with Planning, Zoning & Inspections9
Driveway onto a state road
A VDOT land use (entrance) permit is required for a new or modified entrance onto a state-maintained highway10

Who to call

Building permits

Henry County Building Inspection

Building permits and inspections under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for Henry County

276-634-4615

Henry County Administration Building, Room #205, 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112

Planning & zoning

Henry County Planning & Zoning

Zoning administration, rezoning and the Board of Zoning Appeals for Henry County

276-634-4620

Henry County Administration Building, Room #205, 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112

Septic permits

Henry/Martinsville Health Department (Virginia Department of Health)

Onsite sewage (septic) and well permits for Henry County, as part of the West Piedmont Health District

276-638-2311

295 Commonwealth Boulevard, P.O. Box 1032, Martinsville, VA 24112

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 Henry County, Virginia?

Yes. Henry County's Department of Planning, Zoning and Inspections regulates, permits and inspects new homes, additions, alterations, manufactured-home placement, subdivision development and land disturbance1. Virginia's current statewide code edition is the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code, effective January 18, 2024, and the county building department enforces it locally11. Apply to the building official before covered work starts; Virginia allows applications by mail or through an online process where the locality offers one, and an applicant cannot be required to appear in person12. Henry County's published fee schedule charges residential new construction at $0.08 per square foot, including electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, with a $25 minimum, and adds a 2% state tax13. Permit exceptions may apply under the statewide code, so describe the exact project to Building Inspection before assuming small or accessory work is exempt1.

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

Henry County Building Inspection is reached at 276-634-4615, in Room #205 of the Henry County Administration Building at 3300 Kings Mountain Road in Martinsville14. Zoning, rezoning, special-use permits and variances go through Henry County Planning & Zoning at 276-634-4620 in the same building152. Once a permit is issued, the building official conducts the applicable inspections, including footings, foundations, structural framing and utilities before concealment, followed by a final inspection16. Henry County's fee schedule also sets a $10 charge for an extra inspection trip caused by listed problems such as work not being ready or corrections not being made17. A certificate of occupancy is required before occupancy of a regulated new building and is issued within five working days after final-inspection approval and a compliance determination18.

Does Henry County have zoning?

Yes. Henry County administers zoning and subdivision ordinances, including rezoning, special-use permits and variances that go before the Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals2. County zoning jurisdiction covers unincorporated territory, while an incorporated municipality controls zoning within its own boundaries19. Henry County also regulates subdivision development, so splitting acreage is not merely a deed-recording exercise20. The available rules do not confirm one countywide residential setback, minimum lot size, minimum home size, accessory-dwelling rule or tiny-home standard; ask Planning & Zoning for the parcel's district and the standards that attach to it155. A qualifying nonresidential farm building used primarily for farm purposes is exempt from the statewide Building Code, but flood-proofing requirements still apply in a floodplain21.

How do septic permits work in Henry County?

Septic is a state function here, not a county one: Virginia's Department of Health has statewide supervision and control over onsite sewage systems, and local or district health departments, not the county government, handle applications, inspections and permits622. For Henry County that's the Henry/Martinsville Health Department, part of the West Piedmont Health District, at 295 Commonwealth Boulevard in Martinsville (276-638-2311)23. No one may construct, operate, expand or modify a sewage disposal system without a written permit from the state, and the standard application fee is $75, with waivers available for applicants below federal poverty guidelines or for a pit privy or repair of a failing system4. Soils are mixed here: only about 27.6% of Henry County's soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field under the USDA soil survey, so budget time and money for a site evaluation on much of the county's land24. Systems not built under a licensed professional engineer's or onsite soil evaluator's certified design must be inspected and approved by the health department before any part is covered or used25.

Can you live in an RV or put a manufactured home on your land in Henry County?

Virginia requires manufactured homes to be allowed in an agricultural zoning district, or a similar district dominated by farm or forest uses, when site-built housing is allowed there7. In other districts where site-built housing is allowed, a manufactured home must be converted to real property, have a certificate of occupancy issued within five years of the data-plate manufacture date and occupy an individual lot7. Henry County treats manufactured-home placement as regulated development1. We could not confirm a Henry County rule for living in an RV on a private parcel, temporary camping on private land or occupancy of a tiny home; call Planning & Zoning at 276-634-4620 with the parcel number and proposed use155. Virginia's separate temporary-camping limits apply to regulated campgrounds and do not answer whether a landowner may occupy an RV on a private homesite8.

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

  1. Call Henry County Planning & Zoning at 276-634-4620 to confirm the zoning district, proposed use and parcel-specific dimensional standards152.
  2. Apply for a septic construction permit with the Henry/Martinsville Health Department at 276-638-2311 when the parcel lacks public sewer233.
  3. Obtain a VDOT land-use permit before constructing or modifying an entrance to a state-maintained highway10.
  4. Apply to Henry County Building Inspection at 276-634-4615 before covered work begins; the county's process is published only in part, so ask which plans and supporting approvals your project requires142612.
  5. Schedule each applicable inspection before work is concealed and arrange the final inspection when construction is complete16.
  6. Obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving into the completed home18.

What to check before you buy land in Henry County

Start with septic and soils: only about 27.6% of Henry County's soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so ask the Henry/Martinsville Health Department about site evaluation before you count on a standard system2423. Ask Planning & Zoning which zoning district the parcel sits in and whether it's in a mapped special flood hazard area, since a building permit can be required there even for work that would otherwise be exempt1527. If access runs to a state road, confirm whether the existing entrance already has a VDOT land use permit or whether you'll need to apply for one10. Henry County is genuinely rural: about 49,702 people at 130 people per square mile, 82.1% wooded, with 44.6% of land at gentle slope, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more people is about 42 miles away2829303132. Typical home value runs around $142,929, and Henry County's property taxes are light for the region: a median bill near $604 a year at an effective rate of about 0.5%333435.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm whether Henry County allows residential RV occupancy on a private parcel; the available state rule covers regulated campgrounds, so ask Planning & Zoning before relying on an RV during a build815.
  • The county's own pages do not state an owner-builder exemption from the building permit requirement; confirm directly with Henry County Building Inspection14 rather than assuming one exists9.
  • Septic permitting in Henry County runs through the state Health Department, not the county government; don't call the county building department expecting them to issue it6.

Sources

  1. Planning, Zoning, & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning, Zoning, & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning, Zoning, & Inspections (2026 county census)
  4. 12VAC5-610-240. Permits; general (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. Planning, Zoning, & Inspections (2026 county census)
  6. VDH Division of Onsite Water and Wastewater Services (2026 county census)
  7. § 15.2-2290. Uniform regulations for manufactured housing (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. 12VAC5-450 Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. (2026 county census)
  10. Land use permits (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Henry County Building Inspection Department Schedule of Fees, quoted and re-checked
  14. Henry County Building Inspection (henrycountyva.gov)
  15. Henry County Planning & Zoning (henrycountyva.gov)
  16. 13VAC5-63-130. Section 113 Inspections (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Planning, Zoning, & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  18. 13VAC5-63-160. Section 116 Certificates of occupancy (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. § 15.2-2280. Zoning ordinances generally (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning, Zoning, & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  21. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. § 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
  23. Henry/Martinsville Health Department (Virginia Department of Health) (vdh.virginia.gov)
  24. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  25. 12VAC5-610-320. Inspection and correction (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Building Inspection, quoted and re-checked
  27. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  34. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Effective property tax rate: 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

Henry County in Virginia

66
County map
Henry County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Henry County scores

Seclusion40100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.
Admin Boringness3990% ev.
Durability79100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$143kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$3,027Land / acre
47.1"Annual rain
0.7% of yrsSevere drought
4.3 / yr (+4.1)Mid-century 100°F days
13.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.44" (+10.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.4×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,028Home insurance / yr
2.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.73%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
59,285People within 30 min
4,077,626People within 2 hr
95,234Radius comparison (15 mi)
130People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
44.6%Land at 15% slope or less
27.6%Septic soil without severe limits
65,912 acWorkable land screen
82.1%Wooded land
54.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.4°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Henry County

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

Henry County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Development regulated, permitted, and inspected by Henry County, including new single- and multi-family construction, manufactured-home placement, subdivision development, and land disturbance.

    • Permit exceptions may apply under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
    • For property without public sewer or public water, VDH sewage or private-well permitting precedes the County building permit.
    “The Department of Planning, Zoning and Inspection is responsible for regulating, permitting and inspecting all aspects of development in Henry County. Examples are new single/multi family home construction, additions, alterations, commercial and industrial construction, manufactured home placement, subdivision development and all land disturbance activities.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    County-regulated development and building work in Henry County.

    • The County describes its department as responsible for inspecting all aspects of development.
    • Additional or reinspection fees may apply under the County fee schedule.

    reinspection fee: 10 USD (Each extra trip when inspection is necessary for listed reasons.)

    “The Department of Planning, Zoning and Inspection is responsible for regulating, permitting and inspecting all aspects of development in Henry County.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning and land-use regulation administered by Henry County.

    • The County administers zoning and subdivision ordinances, including rezoning, special-use permits, and variances.
    “The Department also administers the County’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances including requests for rezoning, special use permits, variances and all other matters that must go before the County’s Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning-district classifications and district-specific controls.

    • The County announced a Data Center (D-C) District; no property was currently zoned D-C when the page was posted.
    • A data center would require rezoning, public hearings, and a special-use permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
    • The announced D-C standards include a 1,000-foot setback from properties not zoned industrial and a 500-foot setback where adjoining property is industrial.

    data-center setback from nonindustrial property: 1000 feet · data-center setback from industrial property: 500 feet

    “The amendment creates a new Data Center (D-C) District and establishes requirements addressing setbacks, noise, water use, electrical infrastructure, cooling systems, screening, lighting, emergency response and decommissioning.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Obtaining public water and/or sewer service from the Henry County Public Service Authority.

    • Several forms and identity, ownership, authorization, credit, deposit, and payment information may be required.
    • A $30 accounting fee is required when signing up for service.
    • Deposits vary depending on the services required.

    accounting fee: 30 USD

    “To obtain water and/or sewer service, several forms must be completed to process your request and other documents may be necessary to verify your identity, creditworthiness, and authorization to obtain service at a particular location.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision development in Henry County.

    • The County administers a Subdivision Ordinance and subdivision development is included among regulated development examples.
    “The Department also administers the County’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances including requests for rezoning, special use permits, variances and all other matters that must go before the County’s Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Henry County building, land-disturbance, sign, and related permit fees.

    • The fee schedule states an effective date of December 13, 2022.
    • A 2% state tax is added to listed fees.
    • Residential new construction is charged 8 cents per square foot with a $25 minimum; single-family land-disturbing permits are $15 plus $1 per acre disturbed; other land-disturbing permits are $40 plus $5 per acre disturbed.

    residential new construction fee: 0.08 USD per square foot (Includes electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work; $25 minimum fee.) · single-family land-disturbing permit: 15 USD plus 1 USD per acre (Existing rate.) · other land-disturbing permit: 40 USD plus 5 USD per acre (Applies to purposes other than a single-family dwelling, including mobile-home parks and commercial use.) · state tax: 2 percent

    “HENRY COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT SCHEDULE OF FEES EFFECTIVE 12/13/22”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building, zoning, subdivision, and land-disturbance permit processes.

    • The County provides an online building-inspection portal and lists forms, but the opened sources did not provide a complete end-to-end process for every permit type.
    • Rezoning, special-use-permit, and variance applications require a concept plan.
    “The Henry County Zoning Ordinance requires that a concept plan be submitted with each application for rezoning, special use permit, or variance.”

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.”
  • 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

    Statewide supervision and control of onsite sewage systems, alternative discharging sewage systems, and treatment works affecting public health and welfare.

    • Local or district health departments administer application, inspection, and permit functions under the statewide framework.
    • Alternative discharging sewage systems are also subject to applicable State Water Control Board regulations and permits.
    “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.”
  • 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.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder permit exemptions in Henry County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Henry County zoning districts.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Henry County zoning districts.
  • Setbacks — Setback requirements in Henry County zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Henry County zoning districts.
6 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation

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 Henry County, Virginia

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

Henry County scores 66/100 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 and about 59,285 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Henry County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Virginia Department of Health (VDH). 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 Henry County, Virginia?

Land in Henry County runs about $3,027 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Henry County?

Henry County gets about 47.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.7% of years.

How remote is Henry County?

A representative private-land location has about 59,285 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,077,626 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 Henry County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Henry compares in Virginia

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