Bolthole Index

Simpson County, Kentucky

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Simpson County, Kentucky

51Index Score / 100
#105 of 120 in Kentucky

Unincorporated Simpson County, Kentucky requires a building permit for construction and structural work, followed by inspections and a certificate of occupancy123. County zoning applies, and the Barren River District Health Department handles septic review45. Start with Planning and Zoning because the parcel's district controls allowed uses and dimensions6.

At a glance

Building permit
Required through Simpson County Planning and Zoning1
Building inspections
Required, with a final inspection before occupancy2
Zoning
Applies throughout unincorporated Simpson County4
Septic permit
Permit, site evaluation and inspection through the local health department785
RV living
Limited in permitted RV parks; no general private-land authorization confirmed9
Tiny home
No distinct rule confirmed; submit it as a dwelling proposal16
Owner-builder plumbing
Allowed by homeowner permit for a personal residence; county building permits still apply10

Who to call

Building permits

Simpson County Planning and Zoning

Building permits, inspections and zoning for Simpson County

270-586-3356

jchandler@simpsoncounty.us

100 Courthouse Sq, Franklin, KY 42134

Online permits →

Septic permits

Barren River District Health Department Onsite Sewage Program

Onsite soil evaluations, septic-system plan review, permits and inspections for Simpson County

270-781-8039 ext. 326

1109 State Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Roads & driveways

Simpson County Road/Public Works Department

County-road infrastructure and questions about entrances connecting to county-maintained roads

270-586-4294

bgroves@simpsoncounty.us

2724 Kenneth Utley Drive, Franklin, KY 42134

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 5, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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Do you need a building permit in Simpson County, Kentucky?

Yes. Unincorporated Simpson County requires a building permit before excavation, construction, moving, additions or structural alterations begin; applications require a scaled plan plus health-officer and state-plumbing documentation11. The residential process includes foundation, framing and final inspections, and occupancy or use requires a certificate of occupancy123. Simpson County specifically references the Kentucky Residential Code standard for post-and-frame structures, but the complete code coverage was not confirmed from the published material13. Recurring maintenance, exempt buildings and uses, and required improvements installed under an approved subdivision plat are exceptions to the county permit and occupancy-certificate requirement11. The county permits page links a fee schedule, but current amounts were not available; ask Planning and Zoning for the applicable fee1415.

Who is the Simpson County building department, and how do you reach it?

Simpson County Planning and Zoning is the building and zoning office: call 270-586-3356 or visit 100 Courthouse Sq, Franklin, KY 4213415. The county publishes online applications, residential and commercial permit packets, development-plan materials and inspection requests16. Applicants can apply and pay online, then contact the office for an invoice17. For county-road access, contact the Simpson County Road/Public Works Department at 270-586-4294, 2724 Kenneth Utley Drive, Franklin, KY 4213418. A proposed entrance onto a county-maintained road needs inspection and approval before installation, even when the owner installs it19. A new private farm or single-family driveway onto a state highway instead requires a written application to the Kentucky Department of Highways district engineer20.

Does Simpson County, Kentucky have zoning?

Yes. Simpson County's zoning regulations cover the unincorporated county and also apply in the City of Franklin; check other incorporated municipalities separately21. The published districts include agricultural, residential, manufactured-home, business and industrial classifications, and the RV district is closed to new additions or expansions22. Minimum lot size, lot coverage, height and setbacks depend on the district and sewer service: AG and RV lots using septic require one acre, while an R-1 lot requires 12,500 square feet with public sewer or one acre with septic2324. The RV district caps structures and impervious areas at 30% coverage25. Dividing land for eventual lot development triggers subdivision rules in addition to zoning26. The agricultural exemption has parcel-size, exclusive-use, setback and floodplain conditions27. No general minimum dwelling size was confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning to identify the parcel's district before design15.

How do septic permits work in Simpson County?

The Barren River District Health Department administers onsite sewage work in Simpson County528. Local inspectors perform the site evaluation and inspection, and a certified Kentucky onsite septic installer must install the system based on that evaluation8. A homeowner installing a personal system must obtain a homeowner's permit through the local health department7. About 69.1% of Simpson County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, but the parcel still needs its own evaluation29. Where public water and sewer mains are reasonably accessible, buildings governed by county zoning must connect to them; health-department approval of proposed or completed water and sewage facilities also accompanies building-permit and occupancy applications30.

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

Simpson County limits RV occupancy in permitted recreational-vehicle parks: an RV cannot serve as the primary residence there for more than 60 days, and it cannot be an incidental or accessory structure to a residential or commercial use9. That rule does not affirmatively authorize RV living elsewhere on private land, so ask Planning and Zoning before relying on an RV during construction915. We could not confirm a distinct tiny-home occupancy rule or general minimum dwelling size. Present a tiny home as a dwelling proposal subject to the building permit, zoning district and certificate-of-occupancy process11223. R-5 manufactured-home parks and subdivisions require at least five spaces or lots on an initially developed area of at least five acres, with no more than 12 homes per net developed acre31.

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

  1. Ask Planning and Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, allowed dwelling type, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and height limit222324323325.
  2. Have the Barren River District Health Department evaluate the site and obtain the septic permit578.
  3. Confirm whether accessible public water and sewer mains require connection30.
  4. Submit the scaled plan and required health and plumbing documents through the published permit process, then ask Planning and Zoning for the fee shown by the county's linked schedule111734.
  5. If doing your own plumbing, apply before work begins and file the required affidavit; this homeowner permit does not waive the county building permit10.
  6. Secure road-entrance approval from the county or state authority before installation1920.
  7. Request foundation, framing and final inspections, complete the septic inspection, and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving in283.

What should you check before buying land in Simpson County?

Start with zoning, septic, utilities, flood exposure and access. The parcel's district controls uses and dimensions, while dividing land for eventual development adds subdivision review2226. County flood-control and drainage rules apply alongside zoning to development or redevelopment involving rivers, streams or other bodies of water, and development in an identified floodplain also needs state and local permits3536. A county-road entrance needs approval before installation19. About 91.1% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, and about 69.1% of soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field3729. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, with a $1,246 median annual bill3839.

Watch-outs

  • A rural address does not put land outside zoning: Simpson County's regulations cover the unincorporated county, and the parcel's district controls uses and dimensions46.
  • The agricultural exemption is limited to qualifying agricultural buildings on land used solely for agriculture; habitable space is excluded, and setback and flood restrictions remain40.
  • Do not install a septic system before the local permit and site evaluation, and plan for inspection by the local health department78.
  • Long-term RV living outside a permitted park, tiny-home occupancy and a general minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask Simpson County Planning and Zoning before purchase15.
  • Kentucky allows qualifying homeowners to perform their own plumbing under a homeowner permit, but that does not exempt the project from Simpson County building permits or inspections10.

Sources

  1. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  2. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  5. Local Health Departments, quoted and re-checked
  6. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program, quoted and re-checked
  8. Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program, quoted and re-checked
  9. simpsoncountyky.gov, quoted and re-checked
  10. Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, quoted and re-checked
  11. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  12. Simpson County Zoning Regulations—Building Permits and Procedures, quoted and re-checked
  13. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  14. Permits and Forms, quoted and re-checked
  15. Simpson County Planning and Zoning (simpsoncountyky.gov)
  16. Permits and Forms, quoted and re-checked
  17. Planning and Zoning Application Portal, quoted and re-checked
  18. Simpson County Road/Public Works Department (simpsoncountyky.gov)
  19. Simpson County Road Connection Permit, quoted and re-checked
  20. 603 KAR 1:020 Driveway approaches, entrances; construction and maintenance (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  24. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  26. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  27. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Barren River District Health Department Onsite Sewage Program (barrenriverhealth.org)
  29. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  31. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  32. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  33. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  34. Permits and Forms, quoted and re-checked
  35. Simpson County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  36. Find Your Flood Zone (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  37. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Simpson County Zoning Regulations — Agricultural Land Use Exemptions, quoted and re-checked

Written October 5, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 3 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, Simpson County has countywide zoning.

RuleSimpson CountyLogan CountyWarren CountyAllen CountyButler CountyTodd CountyEdmonson County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredNot requiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesNot publishedYesYesNoNoYes
Septic permitsBarren River District Health Dept.County Health Dept.Barren River District Health Dept.County Health Dept.Barren River District Health Dept.County Health Dept.Barren River District Health Dept.

County locator

Simpson County in Kentucky

51
County map
Simpson County highlighted among the Kentucky counties · colored by Index score

How Simpson County scores

Seclusion25100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability72100% ev.
Property Autonomy33100% ev.
Carry Cost7796% 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 →

$257kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$6,821Land / acre
51.5"Annual rain
1.8% of yrsSevere drought
9.1 / yr (+8.4)Mid-century 100°F days
15 daysMid-century dry spell
2.35" (+8.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.62×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,505Home insurance / yr
-1.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.36%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
127,558People within 30 min
3,653,613People within 2 hr
67,517Radius comparison (15 mi)
86.2People / sq mi
0%Federal land
91.1%Land at 15% slope or less
69.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
101,441 acWorkable land screen
19.3%Wooded land
60.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Simpson County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Franklin

Answers from the rulebook for Simpson County

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

Simpson County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Excavation, construction, erection, moving, addition to, or structural alteration of structures in Simpson County under the county zoning regulations.

    • A building permit must be issued before covered work begins.
    • Excavation related to agricultural uses, public utilities, and an approved subdivision does not require the permit described in this section.
    • No building permit or certificate of occupancy is required for recurring maintenance work, buildings and uses exempted by the regulations, or installation of required improvements according to an approved subdivision plat.
    • Applications must include a scaled plan and the Simpson County health officer’s certificate approving proposed water and sewerage facilities, together with a state plumbing permit.

    administrative action time: 2 weeks (The administrative official shall act upon applications within two weeks.) · permit duration: 180 days (The permit becomes void unless substantial progress has been made; renewal may be available without fee before expiration.)

    “The provision of these Zoning Regulations shall apply to all property within the unincorporated portion of Simpson County and the City of Franklin. [...] It shall be unlawful to begin the excavation for or the construction and erection of any structure until the building inspector has issued a building permit for such work.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Excavation, construction, erection, moving, addition to, structural alteration of structures, and excavation, cut, or fill of earth or debris in unincorporated Simpson County.
      “It shall be unlawful to begin the excavation for or the construction and erection of any structure until the building inspector has issued a building permit for such work. It shall be unlawful to begin moving, adding to, or structurally altering any structure, until the building inspector has issued a building permit for such work.”
    • Required — Excavation, construction, erection, moving, adding to, or structurally altering structures in areas governed by the Simpson County zoning regulations.
      “It shall be unlawful to begin the excavation for or the construction and erection of any structure until the building inspector has issued a building permit for such work.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building work subject to the Simpson County/Franklin-Simpson zoning and building-code administration.

    • The county planning page specifically references the 2013 Kentucky Residential Code for Post and Frame Structures, Section 324, Second Edition February 2014.
    • Other building-code requirements may apply depending on the project type.
    “THIS EDITION: The building must be built in compliance with the 2013 Kentucky Residential Code for Post and Frame Structures Section 324, Second Edition February 2014., and what restrictions might therefore apply to you as a landowner.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Building work subject to Simpson County zoning and the referenced Kentucky Residential Code.
      “THIS EDITION: The building must be built in compliance with the 2013 Kentucky Residential Code for Post and Frame Structures Section 324, Second Edition February 2014., and what restrictions might therefore apply to you as a landowner.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Final inspection before occupancy under Simpson County zoning regulations.

    • The administrative officer must conduct a final inspection within one week after notice that the premises are ready for occupancy or use.

    final inspection deadline: 1 week (after owner notification of readiness)

    “Within one (1) week of notification, by the owner of the property, that the land, structure, or part of the premises thereof is ready for occupancy or use, it shall be the duty of the administrative officer to make a final inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use or occupancy of land, buildings, or portions thereof governed by Simpson County zoning regulations.

    • No certificate is required for recurring maintenance work or required improvements under an approved subdivision plat.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued before completion if the occupied portions are safe; continued temporary occupancy must end within 30 days after completion unless a final certificate is issued.

    temporary occupancy continuation: <= 30 days (after completion unless certificate issued)

    “It shall be unlawful to use or otherwise occupy any land, building, or other building or part thereof until the administrative officer shall have issued a certificate of occupancy.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulations for property in unincorporated Simpson County.

    • The same regulations also apply within the City of Franklin; municipal jurisdiction remains distinct.
    • Subdivision regulations and flood-control or drainage regulations apply in addition to the zoning regulations.
    “The provision of these Zoning Regulations shall apply to all property within the unincorporated portion of Simpson County and the City of Franklin.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulations in the unincorporated portion of Simpson County.
      “The provision of these Zoning Regulations shall apply to all property within the unincorporated portion of Simpson County and the City of Franklin.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation in unincorporated Simpson County.
      “The provision of these Zoning Regulations shall apply to all property within the unincorporated portion of Simpson County and the City of Franklin.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and dimensional schedules in unincorporated Simpson County.

    • The official manual publishes AG, RV, R-1, R-1S, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, B-1 through B-5, O-P, I-1, I-2, Conservancy, and Industrial Authority/Industrial Park Overlay districts.
    • The zoning map is separately linked from the county planning page.
    “For the purpose of these Zoning Regulations, the City of Franklin and Simpson County is hereby divided into zoning districts which shall be designated as follows:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Published zoning-district classifications in Simpson County and the City of Franklin.
      “For the purpose of these Zoning Regulations, the City of Franklin and Simpson County is hereby divided into zoning districts which shall be designated as follows:”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the Simpson County zoning districts; dimensional requirements vary by district and utility service.

    • Examples include AG minimum lot size of 22,000 square feet with public sewer and one acre with septic; RV minimum lot size of 22,000 square feet with public sewer and one acre with septic; R-1 minimum lot size of 12,500 square feet with public sewer and one acre with septic.
    • Other zoning districts have different requirements.
    “a. Single Family Dwelling - Minimum lot size (with public sewer) – 7,500 square feet”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Non-agricultural residential development in Simpson County Agricultural (AG) and Rural Village (RV) zoning districts.
      “a. Minimum lot size (with public sewer) – 22,000 square feet or one-half (½) acre b. Minimum lot size (septic system) – 43,560 square feet or one (1) acre.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential development in Simpson County R-1 zoning districts.
      “a. Minimum lot size (with public sewer) – 12,500 square feet b. Minimum lot size (with septic system) – 43560 square feet or one (1) acre.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Manufactured home parks and manufactured home subdivisions in Simpson County R-5 zoning districts.
      “8.8.5 R-5 District Table of Zone Dimensions Mobile Home Park and Mobile Home Subdivision a. Minimum lot size – 5 (five) acres”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Non-agricultural development in Simpson County’s AG zoning district.
      “a. Minimum building lot size for non-agricultural use with public sewer – 22,000 square feet or one-half (½) acre b. Minimum building lot size for non-agricultural use with septic system – 43560 square feet or one (1) acre.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Single-family residential development in Simpson County’s R-1 zoning district.
      “a. Minimum lot size (with public sewer) – 12,500 square feet b. Minimum lot size (with septic system) – 43560 square feet or one (1) acre. c. Minimum lot width at building line and front property line -100 feet”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Lots and structures in the zoning districts covered by the regulations.

    • Setbacks vary by zoning district, use, and structure type.
    • The R-5 manufactured-home table distinguishes park and subdivision setbacks.

    R-5 manufactured home park front setback: 20 feet · R-5 manufactured home subdivision front setback: 25 feet

    “Mobile Home Park front yard setback – 20 feet.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lot coverage in Simpson County zoning districts.

    • Coverage varies by district; the AG district has no limitation, while the RV district limits structures and impervious areas to 30 percent.

    RV district maximum lot coverage: 30 percent

    “i. Lot coverage percentage for structures and impervious areas”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lot coverage under Simpson County zoning district tables.
      “h. Lot coverage percentage - structures and impervious areas - 30%”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building heights in Simpson County zoning districts.

    • Height limits vary by district.
    • Examples include 45 feet in AG, 30 feet in RV, and 38 feet in R-1.
    “Building height - 45ft. 8.3 Rural Village District – RV”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles in permitted recreational vehicle parks.

    • A recreational vehicle park requires Board of Adjustments approval and a Commonwealth of Kentucky permit.
    • A recreational vehicle may not be used as an incidental or accessory structure to a residential or commercial use.
    • A recreational vehicle may not be used as a primary residential structure for over 60 days while parked in the permitted park.
    • The rule does not establish a general affirmative authorization for RV occupancy outside permitted parks.

    maximum primary-residential occupancy in permitted park: <= 60 days

    “No Recreational Vehicle shall be used as a primary residential structure for over 60 days while parked in the permitted park.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home parks and manufactured-home subdivisions in the R-5 zoning district.

    • R-5 is a manufactured-home residential district.
    • Manufactured-home parks and subdivisions require at least five manufactured-home spaces or lots and an initially developed area of five acres.
    • Residential density may not exceed twelve manufactured-home units per net developed acre.
    • The R-5 table specifies minimum lot sizes, setbacks, lot coverage, and a 30-foot building height.

    minimum initial R-5 development area: >= 5 acres · maximum manufactured-home density: <= 12 units per net developed acre

    “The permitted residential density shall not exceed twelve (12) manufactured home units per net acre developed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured-home parks and subdivisions in unincorporated Simpson County.
      “Manufactured Home Residential District – R-5”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory apartments in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and AG zoning districts.

    • A Board of Adjustment permit is required before establishment.
    • Only one accessory apartment is permitted per lot.
    • A principal dwelling must exist or be constructed simultaneously.
    • Either the apartment or principal dwelling must be occupied by the lot owner.
    • The apartment must be 300 square feet minimum and no more than the greater of 900 square feet or 25 percent of the principal dwelling's living area.
    • Separate access, single-family appearance, and kitchen/bathroom requirements apply.

    minimum living area: >= 300 square feet · maximum living area: greater of 900 square feet or 25 percent of principal dwelling living area

    “The provisions of this section shall govern the conduct, establishment and maintenance of an accessory apartment in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and AG zoning districts. [...] No accessory apartment shall be established unless and until a permit is issued, by the Board of Adjustment, in accordance with the provisions of these regulations.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    Local administration of onsite sewage services for Simpson County by the Barren River District Health Department.

    • The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services identifies the Barren River District Health Department as serving Simpson County.
    • Statewide Kentucky onsite sewage standards also apply, and the local health department may adopt more specific subdivision requirements when they do not conflict with the state regulation.
    “Rebecca Tyree, RN, CLC - Contact: 270-781-8039 ext. 326 (Butler, Logan, Simpson Counties)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — On-site sewage systems in Simpson County administered through the local health department serving the county.
      “Our team conducts on-site soil evaluations to determine if a property is suitable for a septic system and reviews all installation drawings before issuing permits. [...] Rebecca Tyree, RN, CLC - Contact: 270-781-8039 ext. 326 (Butler, Logan, Simpson Counties)”
  • Septic permitRequired

    A homeowner installing the homeowner's own onsite sewage system in Simpson County.

    • The permit is obtained through the local health department.
    “A homeowner who wishes to install his or her own system must obtain a homeowner’s permit through the local health department.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Onsite sewage systems in Simpson County.

    • Local health department inspectors perform site evaluations and inspections.
    • A certified Kentucky onsite septic installer must install the system based on the site evaluation.
    “The local health department onsite septic system inspectors perform site evaluations and inspections in Kentucky. A certified Kentucky onsite septic installer then must install the onsite sewage system based on the results of the site evaluation.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings regulated by the Simpson County zoning regulations.

    • Where public water and sewer mains are reasonably accessible, buildings must connect to those mains.
    • The Barren River District Health Department certificate approving proposed or completed water and sewage facilities must accompany building-permit and certificate-of-occupancy applications.
    “Wherever public water and sewer mains are reasonably accessible, buildings shall be connected to such mains.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural buildings on land used solely for agricultural use under the Simpson County Zoning Regulations.

    • The exemption applies to agricultural buildings, not agricultural uses generally.
    • Building setback lines must be adhered to and must meet the standard for the applicable zoning district to protect existing and proposed streets and highways.
    • Buildings in a designated floodway or floodplain, or buildings that tend to increase flood heights or obstruct the flow of flood waters, remain fully regulated.
    • The agricultural-building definition excludes habitable or occupiable spaces, spaces where agricultural products are processed, treated, or packaged, and places of occupancy by the general public.
    • The same section contains a separate conditional exception for replacement mobile or manufactured homes on AG-zoned property of no larger than 9.99 acres and no smaller than 1 acre, where a prior conditional use permit existed and a legitimate replacement need arises. That exception requires owner occupancy, continuous prior habitation, a Kentucky-licensed installer, compliance with current lot dimensions, anchoring and underpinning, electrical permits and septic acceptance, local planning and zoning inspection before occupancy, an existing home at inspection, common ownership of the property and removed home, and installer-license information and proof.

    agricultural land minimum size: >= 10 acres (The regulations define agriculture as land use only, excluding agricultural buildings, and in no case less than 10 acres.)

    “shall have no regulations imposed as to building permits, certificates of occupancy, height, yard, or location requirements for agricultural buildings, except as follows:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural uses and buildings on parcels larger than 10 acres.
      “Agricultural uses and buildings on parcels larger than 10 acres shall be exempt from these regulations so long as they are used exclusively for agricultural purposes, are not in the flood plain, and meet the front yard setbacks of these regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land for eventual development of lots in Simpson County.

    • Subdivision regulations apply in addition to zoning regulations.
    • Development-plan design and improvement standards may also apply.
    “In all cases where the ownership of land is divided for the purpose of eventual development of lots of any kind, the provisions of the subdivision regulations shall apply in addition to the provisions of these Zoning Regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Division of land and development in Simpson County.
      “In all cases where the ownership of land is divided for the purpose of eventual development of lots of any kind, the provisions of the subdivision regulations shall apply in addition to the provisions of these Zoning Regulations.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Entrances connecting private property to roads maintained in the Simpson County Road System.

    • Proposed entrance inspection and approval are required before installation.
    • An approved entrance tile is typically at least 15 inches in diameter by 24 feet in length, but may need to be larger for drainage.
    • The county generally owns a right-of-way at least 30 feet wide, 15 feet from the road center.

    typical entrance tile diameter: >= 15 inches (may be required to be larger if needed for drainage) · typical entrance tile length: 24 feet (may be required to be larger if needed for drainage)

    “A property owner may do their own installation of an entrance tile, but inspection of the proposed entrance and approval is still required prior to installation.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development or redevelopment involving rivers, streams, bodies of water, flood control, or drainage matters.

    • Flood-control and drainage regulations apply in addition to zoning regulations and must be incorporated into approval by the Joint City County Planning and Zoning Commission.
    • Agricultural exemption provisions separately exclude parcels in the flood plain.
    “Whenever land contains a river, stream or other body of water, or land is developed or redeveloped, the provisions of the flood control and drainage regulations shall apply in addition to the provisions of these Zoning Regulations and shall be incorporated into the approval of any action of the Joint City County Planning & Zoning Commission of Simpson County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development and redevelopment involving land containing a river, stream, body of water, or flood-control issues.
      “Whenever land contains a river, stream or other body of water, or land is developed or redeveloped, the provisions of the flood control and drainage regulations shall apply in addition to the provisions of these Zoning Regulations”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Planning, zoning, development-plan, subdivision, variance, and related application fees.

    • The regulations state that fees are set by the Planning Commission budget or resolution, with approval of the Simpson County Fiscal Court and Franklin Board of Commissioners.
    • The current numeric permit and inspection rate schedule could not be reliably extracted from the available official PDF files.
    “The amount of the fees charged shall be as set by the Planning Commission budget or adopted by resolution adopted by the Planning Commission and approval of both the Simpson County Fiscal Court and Franklin Board of Commissioners.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County planning and zoning permit applications.
      “Commercial Industrial Building Permit [...] Fee Schedule [...] Residential Building Permit Packet [...] Fee Schedule”
    • Published (with conditions) — County planning, zoning, and building-permit fee information.
      “Commercial Industrial Building Permit [...] Fee Schedule [...] Residential Building Permit Packet [...] Fee Schedule”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County planning, zoning, and building-permit applications.

    • The county publishes online applications, permit forms, residential and commercial building-permit packets, zoning regulations, development-plan materials, and inspection requests.
    • A building-permit application requires a scaled plan and health-officer and state-plumbing documentation under the zoning regulations.
    “11.6 Procedure for Obtaining Building Permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County planning, zoning, building-permit, and inspection application process.
      “Welcome to our Planning and Zoning Online Application Portal here you can apply for and pay for Permits Online after submission of your permit please contact our office to get your invoice for Payment of Fees”

Kentucky rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A Kentucky homeowner personally installing plumbing, sewerage, or drainage in a home actually occupied by the homeowner or in a home the homeowner is constructing for the homeowner’s own personal residential use, including work in Simpson County.

    • The permit application must be made before work begins.
    • The homeowner must file an affidavit agreeing to abide by the applicable requirements.
    • All work must comply with the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.
    • All work must be personally performed by the owner.
    • Only one homeowner permit for construction of a new home may be issued to an individual in a five-year period.
    • This source concerns a homeowner plumbing permit; it does not establish an exemption from Simpson County building-permit requirements.

    new-home homeowner plumbing permits per individual: 1 permit per five years

    “Permits to construct, install or alter plumbing, sewerage or drainage may be issued to homeowners who desire to install plumbing in homes actually occupied by them or in a home to be constructed by them for their own personal residential use, if all the following requirements are met:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Homeowner-performed plumbing, sewerage, or drainage work in a home actually occupied by the homeowner or to be constructed by the homeowner for personal residential use.
      “Permits to construct, install or alter plumbing, sewerage or drainage may be issued to homeowners who desire to install plumbing in homes actually occupied by them or in a home to be constructed by them for their own personal residential use, if all the following requirements are met:”
    • Conditional — An individual property owner performing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work on property the individual owns and occupies.
      “KRS 198B.650 to 198B.689 shall not apply to: [...] (3) An individual owner of real property while practicing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work on or within property owned and occupied by the individual;”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping or sleeping in the specified public and private pedestrian or vehicle-use areas statewide.

    • The person must knowingly enter or remain in a listed area with intent to sleep or camp.
    • The area must not have been designated for sleeping or camping, or the individual must lack authorization to sleep or camp there.
    • The listed areas include streets, sidewalks, areas under bridges or underpasses, paths, parks, cemeteries, and other areas designated for pedestrians or vehicles, including ingress or egress areas to businesses, homes, or public buildings.
    • The first offense is a violation; a second or subsequent offense, or a first offense where the person refuses to cease, is a Class B misdemeanor.
    • The section does not prohibit customary and temporary use of recreational camping areas, rest areas, or other properties specifically designated for resting or sleeping.
    • Temporary sleeping in a vehicle parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot is not prevented when sleeping and parking occur for less than twelve (12) hours.

    temporary vehicle sleeping period: < 12 hours (The vehicle must be parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot.)

    “A person is guilty of unlawful camping when he or she knowingly enters or remains on a public or private street, sidewalk, area under a bridge or underpass, path, park, cemetery, or other area designated for use by pedestrians or vehicles, including areas used for ingress or egress to businesses, homes, or public buildings, with the intent to sleep or camp in that area, when the area has not been designated for the purpose of sleeping or camping or the individual lacks authorization to sleep or camp in the area.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Temporary camping locations for unsheltered homeless individuals designated by local governments under Kentucky law.
      “A local government may designate indoor or outdoor areas with defined boundaries in an area zoned for commercial or industrial use, separate from any area frequently used for public purposes, as a temporary camping location for unsheltered homeless individuals.”
    • Limited — Temporary parking of recreational vehicles on public or private property associated with specified publicly announced events.
      “Nothing in KRS 219.310 to 219.410 shall be construed to apply to the temporary parking of recreational vehicles on public or private property, for not more than thirty (30) days, associated with festivals, fairs, sporting events, yard sales, or other publicly announced events.”
  • Off-grid sanitationProhibited

    Use of seepage pits, cesspools, or dry wells as onsite sewage disposal systems statewide in Kentucky, subject to the Section 13 exception.

    • The prohibition is subject to the exception provided in Section 13 of 902 KAR 10:085.
    • Section 13 permits limited repair or alteration of existing seepage-pit systems when municipal or public sewage treatment is unavailable and repair or alteration is required because of malfunction, damage, or upgrade.
    • A limited single-family vacant-lot exception applies to certain lots purchased on or before May 1, 1992, if bona fide construction began by December 25, 1992.
    “Except as provided in Section 13 of this administrative regulation, use of seepage pits, cesspools, or dry wells;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Well permitNot required

    Construction or abandonment of a private water well by a property owner statewide in Kentucky.

    • Construction, modification, and abandonment must be performed by a Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller.
    • The certified driller must complete and submit required documentation within sixty days after completion.
    • The conclusion concerns owner permitting applications and fees; it does not eliminate the separate driller-certification requirement.

    well documentation submission deadline: 60 days after completion

    “there are no permitting applications or fees for constructing or abandoning a water well required of the property owner.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Campground & park staysTemporary only (with conditions)

    Sleeping temporarily in a recreational vehicle or other vehicle in a vehicle-based location covered by KRS 511.110.

    • The vehicle must be parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot.
    • Sleeping and parking at the location must occur for less than twelve (12) hours.
    • This provision does not establish permission for long-term or permanent RV occupancy on private land.
    • KRS 511.110 separately prohibits camping in specified areas when the area has not been designated for sleeping or camping or the person lacks authorization.

    maximum sleeping and parking period: < 12 hours

    “Nothing in this section shall prevent a person from sleeping temporarily in his or her vehicle parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot, where the sleeping and parking of the vehicle at the location occur for a period of less than twelve (12) hours.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Kentucky counties' statutory authority to enact zoning regulations, including county-regulated areas outside incorporated municipalities as determined by the applicable planning-unit and political-boundary structure.

    • The statute expressly authorizes both cities and counties to enact zoning regulations.
    • A zoning regulation must contain text listing the types of zones and regulations applicable in each zone, uniform throughout the zone, and provisions for variances, conditional-use permits, and nonconforming uses.
    • Authorized subjects include land activities, structure dimensions and locations, open-space and distance requirements, density, special-interest districts, fringe areas, and activities or structures near thoroughfares, water bodies, public facilities, aircraft facilities, unique places, and floodplains.
    • Agricultural land must have no regulations except that setback lines may be required for streets and highways; floodway or floodplain buildings or structures may be fully regulated; mobile homes and other dwellings may be regulated; and uses under KRS 100.111(2)(c) may be regulated as conditional uses.
    • The applicable planning unit and political boundaries determine the area governed by a county zoning regulation.
    “Cities and counties may enact zoning regulations which shall contain:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Kentucky counties may adopt permanent land-use regulations, including zoning, through the applicable planning-unit process; this authority reaches county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas, subject to the statutory planning prerequisites.
      “When all required elements of the comprehensive plan have been adopted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, then the legislative bodies and fiscal courts within the planning unit may enact permanent land use regulations, including zoning and other kinds of growth management regulations”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Kentucky fiscal courts may adopt and enforce construction regulations and may require building permits for construction in the county, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • The construction regulations must be adopted by county order or resolution.
    • The regulations operate pursuant to KRS 198B.060 and the Uniform State Building Code framework.
    • A county building inspector may administer the regulations.
    • No person may build, erect, construct, reconstruct, remodel, relocate, alter, or repair a building within the county without first obtaining a building permit from the building inspector when the county permit system applies.
    • Permit fees must be reasonable and may not exceed the cost of the service provided.
    • A person aggrieved by the building inspector's ruling, order, or decision may appeal under KRS 198B.070.

    permit fee ceiling: <= cost of the service provided

    “The fiscal court of any county shall have authority, by order or resolution, to adopt, and to enforce, regulations governing construction as defined by KRS 198B.010 pursuant to the provisions of KRS 198B.060.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Kentucky county authority, as a local government, to enforce the Uniform State Building Code and issue building permits within its jurisdiction, including unincorporated residential construction.
      “Each local government shall employ a building official or inspector and other code enforcement personnel as necessary, or shall contract for inspection and code enforcement services in accordance with subsections (8) and (11) of this section to enforce the Uniform State Building Code within the boundaries of its jurisdiction, except that permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be mandatory for single-family residences unless a local government passes an ordinance requiring inspections of single-family residences.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area or dwelling-size requirements for residential dwellings in Simpson County zoning districts.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of a structure marketed or described as a tiny home in Simpson County, including whether it is classified as a residential, modular, manufactured, or recreational-vehicle unit.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Simpson County.

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 Simpson County, Kentucky

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

Simpson County scores 51/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 127,558 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Simpson County, Kentucky?

Simpson County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Barren River District Health Department (serves Simpson County). 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 Simpson County, Kentucky?

Land in Simpson County runs about $6,821 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Simpson County?

Simpson County gets about 51.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.8% of years.

How remote is Simpson County?

A representative private-land location has about 127,558 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,653,613 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Simpson compares in Kentucky

Compare side-by-side →See all 120 Kentucky counties ranked →