Bolthole Index

Nottoway County, Virginia

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

72Index Score / 100
#28 of 133 in Virginia

Nottoway County, Virginia requires a building permit for a new dwelling, along with zoning approval and Health Department approval before the building permit is issued.1 County parcels are zoned, while projects inside Blackstone, Burkeville or Crewe follow the town's zoning-permit process.2

At a glance

Building permit
Required for a new dwelling1
Zoning
Yes; town zoning applies inside Blackstone, Burkeville and Crewe2
Septic
VDH permit through the local health department3
Private well
Written permit application required4
Owner-builder
Limited contractor-license exemption; permits still apply5
RV or tiny home
Ask County Zoning before relying on occupancy6
Setbacks
Vary by zoning district7

Who to call

Building permits

Nottoway County Building Department

Building permits, code enforcement and inspections

434-645-8696

344 West Courthouse Road, Crewe, VA 23930

Planning & zoning

Nottoway County Planning Department

Zoning, ordinance compliance, land divisions and subdivisions

434-645-8696

[email protected]

344 West Courthouse Road, Crewe, VA 23930

Online permits →

Septic permits

Nottoway County Health Department

Local contact for septic and private-well permitting

(434) 645-7595

207 West Courthouse Road, Nottoway, VA 23955

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 Nottoway County, Virginia?

Yes. A new dwelling on a Nottoway County parcel requires an approved zoning permit, an approved septic permit, a completed building-permit application and structural plans before construction proceeds.8 The county administers the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and the county building official inspects new construction, renovation, remodeling and other code-regulated alterations.9

The permit is not the last approval. Code-covered work receives inspections, including applicable foundation, concealed-system and final inspections.10 A certificate of occupancy is required before occupying a regulated new building, subject to the code's limited exceptions.11 Qualifying nonresidential farm buildings may be exempt from the Building Code, but that exemption does not turn a dwelling into an exempt farm structure.12

Who handles building and zoning permits in Nottoway County?

The Nottoway County Building Department handles building permits, code enforcement and inspections at the County Administration office in Crewe.9 The Nottoway County Planning Department assists with zoning compliance, land divisions and subdivisions at the same office.13 Start with Planning to confirm the parcel's district and site constraints, then take the required approvals to Building.

For a county parcel, the published application package includes an approved county zoning permit, Health Department septic approval, a completed building-permit application and two sets of structural plans.14 Inside Blackstone, Burkeville or Crewe, obtain the applicable town zoning approval and submit it to the County for the building-permit process.2 Permit fees vary by project type and size, so ask Building for a project-specific total before filing.15

Does Nottoway County have zoning?

Yes. Nottoway County applies zoning to county parcels, while Blackstone, Burkeville and Crewe use their own zoning-permit processes within town limits.2 The county publishes district-specific setbacks: Agricultural and Conservation parcels use larger front, side and rear setbacks than the published Urban Residential and Rural Residential categories.7 Confirm the mapped district and measure from the correct lot lines before placing a house, well, septic area, shed or driveway.

The available county material does not settle every parcel-level question about long-term RV living, tiny-home occupancy, minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size or accessory dwellings. Ask the Planning Department for a written interpretation tied to the parcel and proposed use before purchase or site work. The Planning Department is the county office that assists with ordinance compliance and land-division questions.13

How do septic and well permits work in Nottoway County?

The Virginia Department of Health administers Nottoway County septic and private-well permitting through the local health department.3 A new dwelling served by onsite sewage needs an approved septic permit as part of the county building-permit application.16 Private-well construction also requires a written application directed to the district or local health department.4

Piedmont Health District says septic and well applications must include supporting work from a properly licensed private-sector consultant; an onsite soil evaluator commonly supplies evaluation and design work for residential systems.17 Soil suitability deserves early attention: about 51.3% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.18 For an existing house being replaced or enlarged, ask the Health Department whether a safe, adequate and proper review or system expansion is needed before assuming the existing system can serve the project.17

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Nottoway County?

We could not confirm a Nottoway County rule that generally authorizes long-term RV occupancy on private land or a county standard that generally authorizes tiny-home occupancy. Because county parcels are zoned, ask the Nottoway County Planning Department whether the proposed dwelling type and temporary occupancy are allowed in the parcel's district.2 Inside Blackstone, Burkeville or Crewe, ask the town zoning office instead.2

A small home is not automatically exempt from the normal approval sequence: a new dwelling on a county parcel requires zoning, septic and building approvals.1 Manufactured homes receive conditional protection under Virginia law in districts where site-built housing is allowed, but placement, conversion, age and local standards can still matter.19 Get a parcel-specific answer in writing before buying an RV, tiny home or manufactured home for the site.

Building a home in Nottoway County: what are the steps?

  1. Ask the Planning Department to confirm whether the parcel is under county or town zoning, identify the zoning district and review the proposed use and setbacks.13
  2. Hire the appropriate licensed private-sector consultant for onsite sewage and well evaluation, then apply through the Nottoway County Health Department for the required approvals.3
  3. Obtain zoning approval and assemble the completed building application with two sets of structural plans and the approved septic permit.14
  4. Apply to the Nottoway County Building Department before covered work begins and pay the project-specific fee.915
  5. If the entrance touches VDOT right-of-way, obtain the required land-use permit for the private entrance.20
  6. Schedule required inspections as work progresses, obtain final approval and secure the certificate of occupancy before moving in.1011

What should you check before buying land in Nottoway County?

Confirm jurisdiction first: a mailing address does not tell you whether county zoning or the zoning process of Blackstone, Burkeville or Crewe controls the parcel.2 Then verify the zoning district, setbacks, legal access, proposed driveway location, septic reserve area and well location before treating a house site as buildable. A private entrance involving VDOT right-of-way requires a land-use permit.20

Order soil work early because only about 51.3% of county soils rate without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field.18 Check the flood map as well: the building official may require a permit even for otherwise exempt work in a special flood hazard area.21 For budgeting context, the median property-tax bill is about $756 per year and the effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, but verify the actual parcel assessment and tax status with the county.2223

Watch-outs

  • Do not rely on a Nottoway mailing address to identify the zoning authority; Blackstone, Burkeville and Crewe use their own zoning-permit processes.2
  • An owner-builder exemption can excuse qualifying contractor licensing, but it does not waive building, zoning, septic, inspection or occupancy approvals.5
  • A permit can close after six months without an inspection, and the county generally limits building permits to 36 months.8
  • Long-term RV occupancy and tiny-home rules need a parcel-specific answer from County Planning or the applicable town zoning office.2

Sources

  1. Building Permit Checklist (2026 county census)
  2. Building Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  3. VDH Piedmont Health District Onsite Sewage & Water Program (2026 county census)
  4. 12VAC5-630-230. Procedures for obtaining a construction permit for a private well, quoted and re-checked
  5. § 54.1-1101. Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penalties, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Permit Checklist (2026 county census)
  7. Building Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  9. Nottoway County Building Department (nottoway.org)
  10. 13VAC5-63-130. Section 113 Inspections (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 13VAC5-63-160. Section 116 Certificates of occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  12. Code of Virginia § 36-99. Provisions of Code; modifications (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Nottoway County Planning Department (nottoway.org)
  14. Building Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  17. Nottoway County Health Department (vdh.virginia.gov)
  18. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  19. § 15.2-2290. Uniform regulations for manufactured housing (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Land use permits, quoted and re-checked
  21. 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  23. 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

Nottoway County in Virginia

72
County map
Nottoway County highlighted among the Virginia counties · colored by Index score

How Nottoway County scores

Seclusion49100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency78100% ev.
Admin Boringness3990% ev.
Durability72100% ev.
Property Autonomy66100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% 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 →

$203kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$4,440Land / acre
45.7"Annual rain
0.1% of yrsSevere drought
7.5 / yr (+6.8)Mid-century 100°F days
13.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.28" (+10.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.39×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,245Home insurance / yr
4.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.89%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
26,503People within 30 min
3,284,322People within 2 hr
28,356Radius comparison (15 mi)
49.5People / sq mi
0%Federal land
87%Land at 15% slope or less
51.3%Septic soil without severe limits
100,726 acWorkable land screen
76.2%Wooded land
54.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.8°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Nottoway County

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

Nottoway County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New dwelling construction and specified later work on county parcels in Nottoway County.

    • The County checklist requires an approved zoning permit, approved septic permit, completed building-permit application, and two sets of structural plans.
    • Health Department approval is required before a building permit is issued for a new dwelling.
    • Building permits are good for six months; an inspection extends the permit six months; permits without an inspection in six months close and require another permit to finish; permits are generally limited to 36 months, except manufactured homes are limited to 18 months.
    “Approved Zoning Permit (County Administration Office) Approved Septic Permit (Nottoway County Health Department) Completed Building Permit Application”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County parcels in Nottoway County; projects within Blackstone, Burkeville, or Crewe town limits follow that locality's zoning-permit process.

    • New dwelling construction on a county parcel requires a County zoning permit and Health Department approval.
    • Later additions, garages, decks, sheds, pools, and similar work require County zoning permits and Health Department approval before a building permit.
    • County-parcel zoning permits are not required for renovation, electrical, gas, HVAC, generator, demolition, plumbing, asbestos-remediation, or tank-removal permits.

    county septic/zoning permit fee: 30 USD (For new dwelling construction described by the checklist.)

    “New Dwelling Construction (stick built, modular, doublewide, or singlewide) on a county parcel requires a Zoning Permit from the County and Health Department approval.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning setback categories labeled Agricultural, Conservation, Urban Residential (Town Water & Sewer), and Rural Residential.

    • The source presents the following as zoning setbacks.

    Agricultural and Conservation front setback: 100 feet · Agricultural and Conservation side setback: 50 feet (Each side lot line.) · Agricultural and Conservation rear setback: 70 feet · Urban Residential front setback: 35 feet (Town Water & Sewer.) · Urban Residential side setback: 15 feet (Town Water & Sewer.) · Urban Residential rear setback: 25 feet (Town Water & Sewer.) · Rural Residential front setback: 75 feet · Rural Residential side setback: 15 feet · Rural Residential rear setback: 35 feet

    “Agricultural: Minimum setbacks 100 Feet from the front lot line 50 Feet to each side lot line 70 Feet to the rear lot line”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New dwelling construction on a Nottoway County parcel served by onsite sewage.

    • The County checklist requires an approved septic permit from the Nottoway County Health Department as part of the building-permit application.
    • A state sewage-system construction permit is issued by the Commissioner following initial direction of requests to the district or local health department.
    “Approved Septic Permit (Nottoway County Health Department)”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Nottoway County building permits.

    • The listed cost depends on the project's type and size.
    “Cost of permits depends upon the type and size of project you have planned.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Nottoway County building-permit applications.

    • The County page publishes the needed structural-plan sets, approved County zoning permit, approved Health Department septic permit, and completed building-permit application.
    • Requirements differ for projects within Blackstone, Burkeville, or Crewe town limits because town zoning approval must be submitted to the County.

    structural plan sets: 2 sets (Required items include footing/foundation, exterior wall, electrical, and HVAC design; HVAC design does not apply to manufactured or modular homes.)

    “2 Sets of structural plans to include but not limited to footing/foundation design, exterior wall design, electrical with lighting fixtures and receptacles ; HVAC design (HVAC design does not apply to manufactured or modular homes).”

Virginia rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Contractor-licensing requirements for an owner performing or supervising work on the owner's primary residence in Virginia, including Nottoway County.

    • The exemption is limited to no more than one primary residence owned by the person and for that person's own use during any 24-month period.
    • This source establishes a contractor-licensing exemption, not an exemption from building, zoning, septic, inspection, or certificate-of-occupancy requirements.

    primary residences: <= 1 residence (Owned by the person and for the person's own use during any 24-month period.)

    “Any person who performs or supervises the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by him and for his own use during any 24-month period;”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction in Virginia, including Nottoway County, subject to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Occupancy or a change of occupancy of a building or structure in Virginia, including Nottoway County.
      “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Sewage disposal construction permits in Virginia, administered through a district or local health department, including the Piedmont Health District service area.
      “Construction permits are issued by the commissioner but all requests for a sewage disposal construction permit shall be directed initially to the district or local health department.”
  • 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.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private-well construction in Virginia, including Nottoway County.

    • The request must be a written application signed by the owner or owner's agent and directed to the district or local health department.
    • The application is on a form provided by the district or local health department and approved by the Commissioner.
    “Requests for a private well construction permit shall be by written application, signed by the owner or the owner's agent, and shall be directed to the district or local health department.”
  • 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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land and its development in every Virginia locality.

    • The governing body of every locality must adopt the ordinance; the resulting subdivision controls are administered through the applicable locality's ordinance.
    “The governing body of every locality shall adopt an ordinance to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or modification of a private or commercial entrance involving right-of-way under Virginia Department of Transportation jurisdiction, including applicable locations in Nottoway County.
      “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.”
  • 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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Dwelling size in Nottoway County zoning districts.
  • Minimum lot size — Lot size in Nottoway County zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Nottoway County zoning districts.
  • Building height — Building height in Nottoway County zoning districts.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term RV occupancy on private land in Nottoway County.
5 more unanswered
  • 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 Nottoway County, Virginia

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

Nottoway County scores 72/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 45.7″/yr rainfall plus 76.2% wooded land. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Nottoway County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Virginia Department of Health - Piedmont Health District (Nottoway County Health Department). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. 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 Nottoway County, Virginia?

Land in Nottoway County runs about $4,440 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Nottoway County?

Nottoway County gets about 45.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.1% of years.

How remote is Nottoway County?

A representative private-land location has about 26,503 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,284,322 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 Nottoway County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Nottoway compares in Virginia

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