Bolthole Index

Andrew County, Missouri

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Andrew County, Missouri

73Index Score / 100
#39 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Andrew County, Missouri has no county zoning and does not issue county building or occupancy permits.123 Cities such as Savannah can run their own building permits and zoning inside city limits, but septic permits for every address, city or not, come from the Andrew County Health Department.456

At a glance

County building permit
None in unincorporated Andrew County2
County zoning
None in unincorporated Andrew County; cities may zone14
Occupancy permit
No county occupancy permit in unincorporated areas3
Septic permit
Andrew County Health Department permit, inspection or exemption review67
RV or tiny home living
No county zoning rule sets it in unincorporated areas; septic still applies8
Minimum home size
No county zoning-based minimum in unincorporated areas9
Owner-installed septic
Allowed for the individual homeowner; otherwise a state-registered installer10

Who to call

Building permits

Andrew County Commission

County government questions about building permits, occupancy permits and zoning

816-324-5716 Ext 4, Option 2

P.O. Box 206, Savannah, MO 64485

Septic permits

Andrew County Health Department

On-site sewage permits and inspections

(816) 324-3139

info@andrewcountyhealth.com

106 North 5th Street, Savannah, Missouri 64485, USA

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Andrew County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Andrew County, Missouri?

No county building permit is required for a home or other structure in unincorporated Andrew County, because the county states it has no authority to issue building permits.2 Andrew County likewise issues no county occupancy permit in its unincorporated area.3

That answer stops at city limits. Inside Savannah, a building permit may be needed for a new home, fence, roof or patio, and it is issued from City Hall only after utility-connection applications are submitted, approved and paid.5 Septic is not part of that city process: the Andrew County Health Department still handles it.6

The county's published statement does not say whether any residential building code applies or whether inspections happen, so ask the Andrew County Commission about your parcel.1112

Who issues building permits in Andrew County, and how do you reach them?

Andrew County has no building department that issues building or occupancy permits for unincorporated land.23 The Andrew County Commission is the first call for county-government questions, because it publishes the county's no-zoning and no-permit position.12

Each other approval has its own office. Septic permits and inspections come from the Andrew County Health Department.13 A local floodplain development permit could be required for work in a floodplain.14 A driveway onto a Missouri state highway needs a written MoDOT driveway permit before the county assigns an address.15

Inside the City of Savannah, building permits go through the city's Building/Zoning Inspector, and the city publishes a building permit rate schedule that applicants are told to call and verify.165 Other incorporated cities set their own rules, so call the city for any parcel inside its limits.

Does Andrew County have zoning?

Unincorporated Andrew County has no county zoning ordinance.1 The county therefore sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage or building-height rule there.917181920

Cities are different. The county's own page says there may be zoning issues in the incorporated cities, and the City of Savannah publishes a zoning map and names a Planning & Zoning Administrator.4 Confirm which side of the city line a parcel sits on before treating it as unzoned.

No zoning does not remove septic, floodplain or road-access requirements.71415 We could not confirm a general county subdivision rule, so ask the Andrew County Commission before dividing land.12

How do septic permits work in Andrew County?

The Andrew County Health Department handles on-site sewage permits and inspections for the whole county, including land inside cities.6 Installation permit applications are available through its office, and its Environmental Public Health Specialist handles the inspections and permits.2113

Residential lots of 3 acres or more are generally exempt from permitting, with exceptions, and commercial property needs a permit regardless of lot size.7 With two or more systems on a property, the exemption requires 10 acres per system and at least 360 feet between systems.7 Larger subdivisions may fall under Missouri Department of Natural Resources rules.7

Only 12% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make a soil evaluation an early step.22 An individual homeowner may install a system; otherwise the installer must be Missouri state-registered.10 The health department links a permit fee schedule, but we could not read the amounts, so ask the department.23

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

In unincorporated Andrew County, no county rule governs RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings or temporary camping, because the county has no zoning ordinance.8 That is a county answer only: a city can set its own rules inside its limits.4

Sanitation is the practical limit. Any RV or tiny home that uses an on-site sewage system falls under the Andrew County Health Department's permit and exemption rules, and floodplain and state-highway driveway requirements still apply.71415 Ask the Health Department whether a permit or exemption covers your specific parcel and use.13

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

  1. Confirm the parcel is outside an incorporated city; the no-zoning and no-building-permit answers apply to unincorporated Andrew County.21 For a parcel in Savannah or another city, start with that city's building and zoning office.5
  2. Ask the Andrew County Commission about any building-code, inspection or subdivision question tied to the site.12
  3. Contact the Andrew County Health Department before designing the septic system, and get either a construction permit or confirmation that an exemption applies.67
  4. Use a state-registered installer, or install it yourself as the individual homeowner, then complete the required inspections.1021
  5. If the driveway enters a state highway, get the written MoDOT driveway permit before requesting the county address.15
  6. If the site is in a flood hazard area, complete floodplain review before construction.14

What should you check before buying land in Andrew County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 12% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and the acreage exemption does not guarantee a workable site.227 Check floodplain status, since qualifying work can require a local development permit.14 Confirm legal access, and allow time for a MoDOT permit if the driveway meets a state highway.15

We could not confirm private-well permit rules or a countywide water or sewer connection requirement, so ask the Andrew County Health Department and identify the serving water district before closing.13

For carrying costs, the effective property tax rate is about 0.8% and the median annual bill is about $1,495.2425 Farmland averages about $5,070 per acre, a county benchmark rather than a parcel appraisal.26

Watch-outs

  • Septic exemptions for large residential lots do not cover commercial sites, multiple systems or some subdivisions.7
  • A state-highway driveway needs a written MoDOT permit before Andrew County will assign an address, even for an existing building.15
  • The county's no-zoning and no-building-permit statements do not govern incorporated cities such as Savannah, which run their own building permits.45
  • We could not confirm residential building-code adoption, building inspections or private-well permit rules for unincorporated Andrew County; ask the Andrew County Commission and Health Department.1213

Sources

  1. Commissioner | Andrew County MO, quoted and re-checked
  2. Commissioner | Andrew County MO, quoted and re-checked
  3. Commissioner | Andrew County MO, quoted and re-checked
  4. Commissioner | Andrew County MO, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building and Zoning - Savannah, MO, quoted and re-checked
  6. Sewage | Andrew County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  7. Sewage | Andrew County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  8. Missouri law on county zoning and building authority
  9. Commissioner | Andrew County MO, quoted and re-checked
  10. Andrew County Address Request Form, quoted and re-checked
  11. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Andrew County Commission (andrewcounty.org)
  13. Andrew County Health Department (andrewcountyhealth.com)
  14. Andrew County Water Improvements Environmental Assessment, quoted and re-checked
  15. Andrew County Address Request Form, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building and Zoning - Savannah, MO, quoted and re-checked
  17. Commissioner | Andrew County MO, quoted and re-checked
  18. Commissioner | Andrew County MO, quoted and re-checked
  19. Commissioner | Andrew County MO, quoted and re-checked
  20. Commissioner | Andrew County MO, quoted and re-checked
  21. Sewage Inspection & Permitting | Andrew County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  22. 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
  23. Sewage Inspection & Permitting | Andrew County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 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, Andrew County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleAndrew CountyBuchanan CountyDeKalb CountyHolt CountyNodaway CountyGentry CountyClinton County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot publishedNot requiredNot requiredRequired
County zoningNoYesNoNot publishedNoNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Planning & ZoningDHSSCounty Health Dept.County Health CenterNot publishedCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Andrew County in Missouri

73
County map
Andrew County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Andrew County scores

Seclusion59100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.
Admin Boringness8990% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost74100% 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 →

$305kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$5,070Land / acre
37.3"Annual rain
6.7% of yrsSevere drought
10.3 / yr (+8.5)Mid-century 100°F days
18.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.95" (+7.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.72×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,045Home insurance / yr
3.9% / yrInsurance growth
2.03%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
11,315People within 30 min
2,676,173People within 2 hr
19,098Radius comparison (15 mi)
41.9People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
88.2%Land at 15% slope or less
12%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
32,962 acWorkable land screen
20.2%Wooded land
35.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Andrew 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.

Not yet researched: Village of Amazonia · Bolckow · Village of Cosby · Fillmore · Rea · Rosendale · Savannah

Answers from the rulebook for Andrew County

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

Andrew County rules

  • Building permitNot required

    County-issued building permits in unincorporated Andrew County.

    • This claim concerns county-issued permits; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.
    “Thus the lack of zoning in Andrew County also dictates that the County has no authority to issue building permits or occupancy permits”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Andrew County building permits in unincorporated areas.
      “Thus the lack of zoning in Andrew County also dictates that the County has no authority to issue building permits or occupancy permits”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Homeowner installation of an on-site sewage system in Andrew County.

    • All sewage systems must otherwise be installed by a Missouri state-registered installer.
    • The county form states the exception is for installation by the individual homeowner.
    “ALL SEWAGE SYSTEMS MUST BE INSTALLED BY A MISSOURI STATE REGISTERED INSTALLER UNLESS INSTALLED BY THE INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNER.”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    County-issued occupancy permits or certificates in unincorporated Andrew County.

    • Incorporated municipalities may have separate occupancy requirements.
    “Thus the lack of zoning in Andrew County also dictates that the County has no authority to issue building permits or occupancy permits”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — County-issued occupancy permits or certificates in unincorporated Andrew County.
      “Thus the lack of zoning in Andrew County also dictates that the County has no authority to issue building permits or occupancy permits”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning ordinances in unincorporated Andrew County.

    • The source states that incorporated cities may have zoning issues.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county. There may be some zoning issues in the incorporated areas (cities) of the county but none in the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Absent — County zoning ordinances in unincorporated Andrew County.
      “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Zoning across Andrew County, aggregated from the county's unincorporated area and incorporated municipalities.

    • Andrew County states that it has no county zoning ordinances.
    • Incorporated cities may administer their own zoning rules; the City of Savannah publishes a zoning map and identifies a Planning & Zoning Administrator.
    • The county-level result is an aggregate conclusion and does not mean Andrew County administers municipal zoning.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county. There may be some zoning issues in the incorporated areas (cities) of the county but none in the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of land-use regulation across Andrew County; county zoning is absent, while incorporated cities may have zoning.
      “There may be some zoning issues in the incorporated areas (cities) of the county but none in the county.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Andrew County: no county rule sets this, because Andrew County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Incorporated cities may have zoning issues or ordinances.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning-based minimum dwelling-size rules in unincorporated Andrew County.

    • No county zoning ordinance means no county zoning-based dimensional control; building, septic, health, floodplain, and municipal rules may still apply.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning-based minimum lot-size rules in unincorporated Andrew County.

    • No county zoning ordinance means no county zoning-based dimensional control; subdivision, septic, health, floodplain, and municipal rules may still apply.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning-based setback rules in unincorporated Andrew County.

    • No county zoning ordinance means no county zoning-based setback control; other public-safety, roadway, floodplain, septic, and municipal rules may still apply.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning-based lot-coverage rules in unincorporated Andrew County.

    • No county zoning ordinance means no county zoning-based lot-coverage control; other applicable laws and municipal rules may still apply.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning-based building-height rules in unincorporated Andrew County.

    • No county zoning ordinance means no county zoning-based height control; building, floodplain, airport, safety, and municipal rules may still apply.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Andrew County: no county rule sets this, because Andrew County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Incorporated cities may have zoning issues or ordinances.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Andrew County: no county rule sets this, because Andrew County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Incorporated cities may have zoning issues or ordinances.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Andrew County: no county rule sets this, because Andrew County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Incorporated cities may have zoning issues or ordinances.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Andrew County: no county rule sets this, because Andrew County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Incorporated cities may have zoning issues or ordinances.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Andrew County: no county rule sets this, because Andrew County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Incorporated cities may have zoning issues or ordinances.
    “Andrew County has no zoning ordinances in the county.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site sewage systems in Andrew County.

    • The Andrew County Health Department administers permitting and inspections.
    • Applications must meet Missouri state requirements and Andrew County regulations.
    “The Andrew County Health Department provides guidance, permitting, and inspections to ensure compliance with state and local regulations regarding sewage disposal systems.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — On-site sewage permitting and inspections in Andrew County.
      “Inspection and Permitting: Our Environmental Public Health Specialist handles all inspections and permits for on-site sewage systems.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — On-site sewage disposal regulation and administration in Andrew County.
      “The Andrew County Health Department provides guidance, permitting, and inspections to ensure compliance with state and local regulations regarding sewage disposal systems.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    On-site sewage system installation, repair, or replacement in Andrew County.

    • Residential lots 3 acres or larger are generally exempt, except in certain situations.
    • All commercial properties require a permit regardless of lot size.
    • For two or more sewage systems, exemption requires 10 acres for each system and at least 360 feet between systems.
    • Lots subdivided into seven or more tracts may fall under Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations.

    minimum lot size for general residential exemption: >= 3 acres (Generally exempt, except in certain situations.) · land per sewage system for multiple-system exemption: per 10 acres (At least 360 feet must separate systems.) · minimum separation for multiple-system exemption: >= 360 feet (Applies with 10 acres available per system.)

    “Residential lots 3 acres or larger are generally exempt from the permitting process, except in certain situations: All commercial properties require a permit, regardless of lot size. If there are two or more sewage systems on a property, there must be 10 acres available for each system and at least 360 feet between systems to remain exempt. Lots subdivided into seven or more tracts may fall under Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations regarding on-site sewage disposal.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation, repair, or replacement of private sewage systems in Andrew County.
      “Residential lots 3 acres or larger are generally exempt from the permitting process, except in certain situations:”
    • Limited — On-site sewage system installation permits in Andrew County.
      “Residential lots 3 acres or larger are generally exempt from the permitting process, except in certain situations:”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway access associated with address requests on Missouri state highways in Andrew County.

    • The requirement applies to all state highway address requests, including existing buildings.
    • A written MoDOT driveway permit is required before an address can be assigned.
    “ALL STATE HIGHWAY ADDRESS REQUESTS MUST SUBMIT MODOT DRIVEWAY PERMIT EVEN IF IT IS AN EXISTING BUILDING. A WRITTEN PERMIT FROM MODOT IS REQUIRED BEFORE AN ADDRESS CAN BE ASSIGNED.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and other floodplain work in Andrew County.

    • Andrew County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
    • Compliance and permits are required as needed for work in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
    • A local floodplain development permit could be required for work in the floodplain.
    • For the referenced Andrew PWSD #2 project, the Commission believed the work was exempt, subject to review by the county floodplain administrator as final plans develop.
    “A local floodplain development permit could be required for work in the floodplain.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Andrew PWSD #2 water-improvement project floodplain crossings.
      “The Commission believes the work in the floodplain for Andrew PWSD # 2 is exempt from floodplain development regulation, but as final design plans are developed, the County's floodplain administrator will review the project to determine if a floodplain development permit is necessary.”
    • Limited — Development or work in Special Flood Hazard Areas in Andrew County.
      “They responded that the projects must meet local floodplain ordinances since Andrew County is a participant in the NFIP. This would include compliance and permits as needed for work in Special Flood Hazard Areas. A local floodplain development permit could be required for work in the floodplain.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Andrew County on-site sewage permit fees.

    • The fee schedule is linked by the official Health Department page, but the exact dollar amounts and any effective or adoption date could not be extracted from the inaccessible PDF.
    “Download Permit Fee Schedule Download Waste Water Ordinance”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    On-site sewage treatment system permit and inspection process in Andrew County.

    • Applications are available through the Health Department office during normal business hours or may be requested by mail.
    • An On-Site Sewage Treatment System Construction Permit is available.
    • The Environmental Public Health Specialist handles inspections and permits.
    “If you're planning to install an on-site sewage system, obtaining the proper permits is essential. Applications for on-site sewage system installation permits are available through our office. You can pick up an application during normal business hours, or request it to be mailed to you.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Missouri rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Missouri statewide legal framework for building-code adoption by counties and other communities; the statutes authorize local adoption rather than establishing one uniformly adopted statewide building code.

    • County authority under RSMo 64.170 applies to counties of the first and second classification.
    • A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001 must obtain voter approval before adopting under RSMo 64.170 to 64.200.
    • The adoption vote is limited to voters in the affected area; a code affecting a county is not voted on by citizens of incorporated territory.
    • A county adopting under RSMo 64.180 must use a current nationally recognized building code edition from calendar year 1999 or later, as amended.
    • A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installation requirements governed by RSMo 323.020.
    • A community may incorporate a code by reference only if it otherwise has legal power to adopt the ordinance.
    • A code incorporated by reference must be filed with the community clerk and available for public inspection for 90 days before adoption.
    • An ordinance adopting a code by reference must state the penalty separately rather than incorporate the penalty by reference.
    • RSMo 67.280 defines community to include any county, fire protection district, or municipality, and municipality to include an incorporated city, town, or village.
    “Because fire and building codes are adopted at the local level in Missouri”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Inspection or evaluation of existing onsite wastewater systems in connection with Missouri real-estate transfers.

    • Local public health agencies generally no longer inspect existing systems for real-estate transfers.
    • A private licensed inspector may perform an inspection or evaluation.
    • A lender, buyer, or other transaction participant may require an assessment.
    • Some local standards may be more stringent than state regulations.
    • Inspections and evaluations are distinct; an inspection includes a hydraulic test, while an evaluation does not.
    “For the most part, local public health agencies no longer inspect existing systems related to real estate transfer. The help of a licensed inspector can be obtained to check the condition of the system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Inspections of existing onsite sewage systems in connection with property sales statewide in Missouri.
      “Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) rules governing onsite sewage systems cover minimum construction requirements, system inspections at the time of property sales, and requirements for percolation testers and soil evaluators.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid domestic wastewater treatment using onsite wastewater treatment systems where central sewer service is unavailable.

    • Onsite systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where generated.
    • A construction permit is generally required, including for residential property less than three acres, subject to county-specific exceptions.
    • Wastewater may not be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground.
    • Local permitting authorities may impose additional requirements.

    residential lot threshold: < 3 acres (The exemption does not apply in some counties.)

    “Onsite wastewater treatment systems are sometimes referred to as "septic systems." These systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where it is generated.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Use of onsite wastewater treatment systems as off-grid sanitation where central sewer service is unavailable in Missouri.
      “In Missouri, where central sewer service is not available, homeowners and small business owners use various types of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction or alteration of a public well serving a Missouri public water system.

    • Public water systems must receive written approval from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Public Drinking Water Branch before constructing or altering a public well.
    • The requirement does not apply when the system meets the charitable-and-benevolent-organization exemptions in section 640.116, RSMo.
    • Anyone proposing to install a public well must contact the department’s regional office for a well-site survey.
    • The survey addresses minimum isolation or setback distances from known or potential contaminant sources, including septic tanks, sanitary sewer lines, and landfills.
    • Before applying for construction authorization, the public water system must obtain an estimated casing-depth letter from the Missouri Geological Survey Water Resources Center.
    • There is no fee for the well-site-survey and estimated-casing-depth-letter services.
    • Failure to obtain construction authorization may result in approval delays and possibly require the owner to properly plug the well and drill a new one according to 10 CSR 60-3.

    public water system threshold: at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily, at least 60 days per calendar year

    “Public water systems must receive written approval from the PDWB before constructing or altering a public well”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — A person or contractor conducting regulated work to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a water well, heat-pump well, monitoring well, or related well in Missouri.
      “A non-restricted permit is required to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a well.”
    • Limited — Construction or repair of water wells, installation or replacement of pumps, and associated plumbing and electrical work in Missouri.
      “A non-restricted water well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well in Missouri.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Farm buildings and farm structures used for agricultural purposes under the county building and land-use restriction provisions of RSMo sections 64.800 to 64.905.

    • The exemption does not apply within incorporated portions of counties.
    • The exemption applies to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry and to specified rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments.
    • For farm buildings or farm structures, the area must not be within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.
    • The statute preserves the validity of county ordinances or orders adopted before March 4, 1991.
    • Other laws and local requirements may still apply.

    rice-farming or flood-irrigation berm height: <= 18 inches (small berms placed around a field to hold water for growing rice or flood irrigation)

    “This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes in an area not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures as against county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
      “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for agricultural purposes under RSMo section 64.890, outside incorporated portions of counties and outside areas shown on flood hazard area maps.
      “This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes [...]”
    • Available (with conditions) — Farm buildings and farm structures statewide, with respect to county fire-protection and fire-prevention ordinances.
      “no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits [...]”
    • Available — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures with respect to county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
      “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    Subdivision plats in the unincorporated areas of counties covered by RSMo section 64.070 after the county commission adopts subdivision regulations.

    • The county commission must first adopt subdivision regulations.
    • The plat must first be submitted to the planning commission.
    • If the county planning commission does not report upon the plat within thirty days, it may then be deemed approved.
    • If amended or rejected by the planning commission, the action may be overruled and the plat approved only by the county commission, with the reasons for overruling spread upon the county commission minutes.
    • The recorder of deeds may not record the plat until receiving a certificate of authority from the county zoning enforcement officer.
    • The statute also permits a county planning commission, upon written request of an incorporated area's legislative body where there is no municipal planning commission, to pass upon subdivision plats within that incorporated area; those plats are subject to county planning commission rules and approval procedures.

    planning commission reporting period: 30 days (If no report is made, the plat may then be deemed approved.)

    “After the county commission shall have adopted such subdivision regulations, no plat of a subdivision of land within the unincorporated area of such county [...]”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Subdivision regulations adopted by Missouri cities, towns, or villages under RSMo section 89.410.
      “The planning commission shall recommend and the council may by ordinance adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Missouri county zoning authority over unincorporated land.

    • RSMo § 64.850 applies to counties of the first class without a charter and counties of the second, third, or fourth class.
    • RSMo § 64.620 applies to counties of the second or third class to which §§ 64.510–64.690 apply.
    • Adoption under §§ 64.510–64.690 requires approval by vote of the people under § 64.530.
    • The authority applies in unincorporated portions and not incorporated portions.
    • The regulations must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • Under § 64.090, the zoning power does not apply to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry; seasonal or temporary rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments; specified farm structures outside mapped flood-hazard areas; or underground mining entered through shafts outside mapped flood-hazard areas.
    • Existing lawful uses and specified public-utility services are protected under the cited statutory schemes.
    “the county commission of any county of the first class not having a charter form of government, or of any county of the second, third or fourth class may, after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.845, regulate and restrict, by order of record, in the unincorporated portions of the county, the height, number of stories, and size of buildings, the percentage of lots that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, the density of population, the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • county building authorityLimited

    County authority to regulate residential construction and issue building permits in unincorporated areas of Missouri.

    • The authority under sections 64.170 to 64.200 applies to counties of the first and second classification.
    • A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001, must obtain voter approval before adopting one under those sections.
    • Only voters in the area affected by the proposed code may vote; incorporated-territory citizens cannot vote on a code affecting a county.
    • The county commission must hold at least three public hearings and provide the statutory newspaper publication and county posting notices before adoption.
    • Regulations adopted under section 64.180 apply to unincorporated territory, except as otherwise provided.
    • Adopted or amended codes after August 28, 2001, must use a current, calendar year 1999 or later edition of a nationally recognized building code, as amended.
    • A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installations governed by section 323.020.

    public hearings before adoption: >= 3 hearings minimum (Section 64.180(3)) · newspaper notice: >= 15 days (Notice of hearing time and place must be published in at least two newspapers having general circulation within the county) · posted notice: >= 15 days (Notice must be posted in four conspicuous places in the county) · minimum nationally recognized building-code edition: >= calendar year 1999 edition year (Applies after August 28, 2001, under section 64.180)

    “The regulations adopted shall be applicable to the unincorporated territory of the county, except as otherwise provided herein”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — County regulation of construction and issuance of building permits for buildings, including residential construction, in Missouri counties, with the practical focus on county-controlled areas outside incorporated territory.
      “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification [...] is for this purpose empowered [...] to adopt [...] regulations to control the construction”
    • Limited — Missouri counties' authority to require permits and regulate residential construction in unincorporated areas.
      “Before the adoption of such code of regulations, the county commission shall hold at least three public hearings thereon”

Inside cities and towns in Andrew County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit fees for construction and property improvements within the City of Savannah, Andrew County, Missouri.

    • The City of Savannah publishes a Building Permits Rate Schedule link on its official Building and Zoning page.
    • The page instructs applicants to call to verify the rate schedule.
    • The source does not establish that Savannah's municipal fee schedule applies in unincorporated Andrew County or other municipalities.
    “Applications and the rates schedule are listed below. Building Permits Rate Schedule *please call to verify the rate schedule.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit application and issuance process within the City of Savannah, Andrew County, Missouri.

    • Applicants may need a building permit for a new building or home, fence, roof, patio, or other property improvements.
    • Permits may be obtained at City Hall.
    • Applicants are directed to contact the Building/Zoning Inspector to start the process.
    • The permit is valid for one year from issuance.
    • If the project is not completed or changes are made from the original permit, a new permit must be purchased.
    • Building permits are issued only after utility-connection applications have been submitted, approved, and the fee paid.
    • The application includes project description, cost, structure size, zoning, lot coverage, plot-plan, location, dimensions, setbacks, easements, alleys, driveways, and north-direction requirements.
    • The source does not establish that this municipal process applies in unincorporated Andrew County or other municipalities.

    permit validity period: 1 year (from date of issuance)

    “This permit is valid for ONE YEAR from date of issuance. If project is not completed or if changes are made from the original permit a new permit will need to be purchased. Building Permits will be issued only after application for UTILITY CONNECTIONS have been submitted, approved and fee paid.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Inspections — Building inspections in unincorporated Andrew County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements in Andrew County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Andrew 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 Andrew County, Missouri

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

Andrew County scores 73/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in Andrew County, Missouri?

Andrew County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Andrew 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Andrew County is allowed: Unincorporated Andrew County: no county rule sets this, because Andrew County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Incorporated cities may have zoning issues or ordinances. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Andrew County, Missouri?

Land in Andrew County runs about $5,070 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Andrew County?

Andrew County gets about 37.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.7% of years.

How remote is Andrew County?

A representative private-land location has about 11,315 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,676,173 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 Andrew compares in Missouri

Compare side-by-side →See all 115 Missouri counties ranked →