Bolthole Index

Dade County, Missouri

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

76Index Score / 100
#24 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Dade County, Missouri appears not to require a residential building permit; confirm the project with the County Clerk12. Greenfield and Lockwood issue city building permits, and Greenfield has city zoning345. The Dade County Health Department requires septic construction permits regardless of property size; Lockwood also requires a city permit for private sewage systems67.

At a glance

Building permit
Appears not to be required in unincorporated Dade County; confirm with the County Clerk12
Zoning
Countywide zoning could not be confirmed; Greenfield has its own city zoning code52
Septic
The County Health Department requires a construction permit for every onsite system; there is no property-size exemption86
Floodplain development
A permit is required for all development in a mapped flood hazard area, plus a No-Rise Certificate if it's in the floodway9
Water wells
A landowner may install a private well or pump without a permit; public-system wells need written state approval1011
RV, tiny home & manufactured home living
RV, tiny-home and manufactured-home occupancy rules in unincorporated Dade County remain unconfirmed; ask the County Clerk2
Farm buildings
Qualifying agricultural structures outside city limits and mapped flood-hazard areas have a limited state land-use exemption1213

Who to call

Septic permits

Dade County Health Department (Environmental Public Health)

On-site sewage disposal system 'permit to construct', inspections, and installer/soil-evaluator registration for Dade County

417-637-2345

info@dadecountyhealthdept.com

413 W Water Street, Greenfield, MO 65661

Also useful

Dade County Courthouse (County Clerk / Commission)

General county government contact at the Dade County Courthouse; the county has no separate building, zoning or floodplain office to direct land-use questions to

417-238-2400

300 Water Street, Greenfield, MO 65661

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Dade 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 Dade County, Missouri?

A residential building permit appears not to be required in unincorporated Dade County, Missouri; ask the County Clerk to confirm the rule for the parcel and project before construction12. Missouri does not impose one uniform statewide building code; qualifying counties adopt codes locally under state-law procedures14. Inside Greenfield and Lockwood, city building permits are required before covered construction begins34. City building permits do not replace Dade County Health Department septic construction permits, and Lockwood also requires its Superintendent’s written permit for a private sewage system867.

Who issues building permits in Dade County?

For building-permit questions on unincorporated Dade County land, contact the County Clerk and Commission through the Dade County Courthouse2. The residential building-permit answer appears to be no, but we could not confirm a direct county statement; ask about inspections and occupancy approval for the proposed project as well12. Greenfield requires city building permits for residential structures, including tiny residences3. Lockwood requires city building permits for covered construction, improvements, exterior-dimension alterations and excavation4. Start septic questions with the Dade County Health Department; within Lockwood, also obtain the city’s private-sewage permit where public sanitary sewer is unavailable1587.

Does Dade County have zoning?

We could not confirm an adopted zoning ordinance or map for unincorporated Dade County; ask the County Clerk about the parcel’s zoning, setbacks and minimum dwelling size2. Greenfield has city zoning, including a Medium Density Residential Zone identified for tiny houses5. City zoning does not replace the Dade County Health Department’s septic construction-permit requirement86. Missouri law excludes qualifying agricultural buildings outside incorporated territory and mapped flood-hazard areas from specified county land-use restrictions; the exemption is limited, and the statute preserves certain older county ordinances1213. A farm-building exemption does not eliminate the separate floodplain development-permit requirement for work in a mapped floodplain9.

How do septic permits work in Dade County?

The Dade County Health Department administers onsite-wastewater permitting under a county ordinance that may exceed state minimum standards15. Dade County requires a septic “permit to construct” for every onsite system, including renovation or repair, and states that there are no property-size exemptions6. Missouri’s general acreage exclusions therefore do not remove Dade County’s permit requirement; obtain the county permit before work begins16176. Use a Missouri-registered installer and keep required work open for inspection with advance notice to the permitting authority618. State application fees are temporarily suspended; ask the Health Department about charges under its local process1915. Inside Lockwood, private sewage systems also need the Superintendent’s written permit where public sewer is unavailable7. Only about 2.9% of Dade County land is rated without severe limitations for conventional septic drain fields, making a soil evaluation a priority before choosing a homesite20.

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on your land in Dade County?

We could not confirm whether unincorporated Dade County allows residential occupancy in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home; ask the County Clerk about occupancy and dwelling requirements before buying for that use2. Inside Greenfield, tiny residences require city building permits, and the city identifies a Medium Density Residential Zone for tiny houses35. Off-grid living still requires sanitary disposal of domestic sewage and a registered onsite-system installer; the state acreage exclusions do not override Dade County’s no-property-size-exemption permit rule166. Where central sewer is unavailable, an onsite system must meet the county ordinance; wastewater cannot be discharged onto the ground or into a road ditch21.

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

  1. Establish jurisdiction: Greenfield and Lockwood require city building permits for covered projects; for unincorporated land, confirm the building-permit answer with the County Clerk3412.
  2. Confirm zoning and occupancy requirements with the County Clerk for unincorporated land; Greenfield has its own city zoning25.
  3. Apply to the Dade County Health Department for the septic construction permit before installing or repairing an onsite system, regardless of acreage; Lockwood also requires a city private-sewage permit867.
  4. Obtain a floodplain development permit before work in a mapped floodplain and an engineering No-Rise Certificate for regulatory-floodway work9.
  5. Arrange well work with a properly permitted contractor, or follow the landowner exception for installing your own private well or pump10.
  6. Obtain a MoDOT driveway permit before constructing or modifying access on state highway right-of-way22.

What to check before you buy land in Dade County

Soils: only about 2.9% of Dade County land is rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so have the site evaluated before assuming a standard system will work20. Flooding: development in a mapped floodplain needs a permit, and work in the regulatory floodway needs an engineering No-Rise Certificate before the permit can be issued9. Water: well construction, repair and pump installation generally require state permits, but a landowner may install a private well or pump without one under Missouri law23. Access: a new or modified driveway on MoDOT right-of-way requires a state permit; we could not confirm a separate county driveway rule22. Taxes: the effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, and the median annual bill is about $1,0222425. The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 37 miles from the county center26.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm county building-permit, zoning or alternative-dwelling occupancy rules directly; ask the County Clerk before committing to a project in unincorporated Dade County2.
  • Dade County’s septic construction-permit requirement has no property-size exemption, even where Missouri’s general acreage exclusions would otherwise apply616.
  • Lockwood requires a city private-sewage permit where public sewer is unavailable and prohibits subsurface absorption systems on lots smaller than 15,000 square feet7.

Sources

  1. Dade County, Missouri - Government Offices (2026 county census)
  2. Dade County Courthouse (County Clerk / Commission) (dadecountymo.gov)
  3. Greenfield: Chapter 500, Article I — Building Code (Dade County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Lockwood: Chapter 500: Building Regulations - City of Lockwood, MO (Dade County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Greenfield: City of Greenfield, MO Code of Ordinances — Table of Contents (Dade County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Sewage Laws, quoted and re-checked
  7. Lockwood: Chapter 710: Sewers - City of Lockwood, MO (Dade County), quoted and re-checked
  8. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  9. Floodplain Forms | SEMA, quoted and re-checked
  10. Water Wells - PUB2945, quoted and re-checked
  11. Who Regulates Water Wells in Missouri? - PUB4001, quoted and re-checked
  12. RSMo Section 64.890 — Building and land use restrictions — exemptions — limitations on use of powers, quoted and re-checked
  13. 2025-2026 Missouri Roster, quoted and re-checked
  14. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. OWTS Construction Permit Process — Dade County listing, quoted and re-checked
  16. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 701.031, quoted and re-checked
  17. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  18. RSMo Section 701.050, quoted and re-checked
  19. OWTS Construction Permit Process (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. 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
  21. Onsite Wastewater Treatment, quoted and re-checked
  22. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Water Wells - PUB2945, quoted and re-checked
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 12, 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 4 neighbors with published rules, Dade County has no countywide zoning.

RuleDade CountyCedar CountyLawrence CountyPolk CountyBarton CountyGreene CountyJasper County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoNoNoNoNot publishedYesNot published
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health CenterCounty Health Dept.County Resource Management Env. Div.County Health Dept.

County locator

Dade County in Missouri

76
County map
Dade County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Dade County scores

Seclusion70100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness8790% ev.
Durability48100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$203kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$3,520Land / acre
44.8"Annual rain
6.8% of yrsSevere drought
16.1 / yr (+12.7)Mid-century 100°F days
18 daysMid-century dry spell
2.21" (+4.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.62×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,749Home insurance / yr
2.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.6%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
7,008People within 30 min
1,250,694People within 2 hr
15,568Radius comparison (15 mi)
15.7People / sq mi
5.2%Federal land
93%Land at 15% slope or less
2.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
8,868 acWorkable land screen
21.1%Wooded land
49.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Dade 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 Arcola · Village of Dadeville · Everton · Village of South Greenfield

Answers from the rulebook for Dade County

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

Dade County rules

  • Who permits septicCounty

    Onsite wastewater system construction and existing-system repairs in Dade County.

    • The Dade County Health Department is identified by DHSS as the ordinance authority for Dade County.
    • DHSS staff may also regulate construction and repairs according to state standards.
    • DNR regulates other wastewater facilities, including systems with flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day, systems discharging to surface waters, industrial wastewater, and non-single-family lagoons.
    “Agency: Dade County Health Dept. Authority Type: Ordinance [...] County: Dade [...] Contact the agency above for onsite wastewater permitting instructions. This county has their own Onsite Wastewater Ordinance and may have additional requirements beyond the state minimum construction standards.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    All onsite sewage disposal systems in Dade County, including construction and renovation or repair of systems.

    • Dade County states there are no property-size exemptions.
    • Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption has been confirmed by the appropriate permitting authority.
    • DNR jurisdiction applies to other wastewater facilities, including non-single-family lagoons, systems discharging to surface waters, systems over 3,000 gallons per day, and industrial wastewater.
    • Since 2004, systems must be installed by an installer registered with the Missouri Department of Health.

    permit requirement start: 1996 year · application fees for onsite sewage construction, modifications, and repairs: temporarily suspended (Effective August 28, 2026; suspension is due to changes to RSMo 701.046)

    “In Dade County Missouri, all on-site sewage disposal systems have been required to get a "permit to construct" since 1996. [...] Do I need a permit to renovate the sewage disposal system? Yes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems in unincorporated Dade County.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Use of onsite wastewater treatment systems where central sewer service is unavailable in unincorporated Dade County.

    • The system must comply with the Dade County onsite wastewater ordinance and any requirements beyond state minimum standards.
    • A construction permit is generally required before installation or repair unless the applicable exemption is confirmed.
    • Wastewater may not be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground.
    • Systems serving more than 3,000 gallons per day, discharging to surface waters, or otherwise outside DHSS jurisdiction may be regulated by DNR.

    domestic wastewater flow threshold: <= 3000 gallons per day (Other wastewater systems fall under DNR jurisdiction.)

    “In Missouri, where central sewer service is not available, homeowners and small business owners use various types of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).”
  • Building permitNot required

    Dade County lists no building or planning department and, as a non-charter rural Missouri county, generally lacks authority to require residential building permits in unincorporated areas. Corroborated by the state County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov iq7s-izvt, 2021): no county residential building code adopted.

    Dade County, Missouri - Government Offices ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Dade County has no countywide zoning department or ordinance for unincorporated areas; only incorporated cities such as Greenfield have local zoning.

    Dade County, Missouri - Government Offices ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Missouri statutory authority for counties to create zoning districts in unincorporated territory; this does not establish or publish the actual zoning districts for any particular county.

    • The statute applies to unincorporated territory of counties subject to sections 64.211 to 64.295.
    • Actual district boundaries, regulations, and maps depend on county adoption and are not supplied by this statewide statute.
    • District regulations must be uniform for each class or kind of building or land use within each district, although regulations may differ between districts.
    • The regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    “the unincorporated territory may be divided into districts of such number, shape and area as may be deemed best suited”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Construction, major modification, or major repair of an on-site sewage disposal system when notice and application are required under RSMo 701.046.

    • The person must provide notice and an opportunity for inspection before completion.
    • Registered contractors must notify the city, county, or department before 9:00 a.m. on the day preceding completion.
    • Persons not registered under RSMo 701.053 to 701.055 must notify before 9:00 a.m. on the second day preceding completion.
    • The system must remain open and inspectable until 3:00 p.m. on the day of completion unless the agency confirms earlier inspection and approval.
    • The system may not be closed or completed if inspection determines it fails the state standard.
    • The agency must provide written inspection results, or confirmation that it did not inspect, within three working days after completion.
    • The requirement is limited by the exceptions in RSMo 701.046 and RSMo 701.031.

    registered-contractor notice deadline: 9:00 a.m. on the day preceding completion · unregistered-person notice deadline: 9:00 a.m. on the second day preceding completion · inspection availability deadline: 3:00 p.m. on the day of completion (Unless earlier inspection and approval is confirmed) · written inspection result deadline: within three working days (After the day of completion)

    “No person required to provide notice and apply to the city, county or department under section 701.046 may complete the construction, major modification or major repair of an on-site sewage disposal system* without providing notice and an opportunity for inspection by the city, county or department as provided in this section.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Inspection or evaluation of existing onsite wastewater systems in connection with Missouri real-estate transfers.
      “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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Private and domestic water wells in Dade County, Missouri.
      “A restricted water well or pump installation permit is required for someone to contract these activities or to direct the installation. Landowners may install their own well or pump without a permit pursuant to the above mentioned law and rules.”
    • Required — Water wells serving a Missouri public water system, including qualifying public systems in Dade County.
      “Public water systems must receive written approval from the PDWB before constructing or altering a public well, unless the system meets the charitable and benevolent organization exemptions in section 640.116, RSMo.”
    • Limited — Water-well construction, repair, pump installation, and contracted well work applicable in Dade County under Missouri law.
      “A non-restricted water well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well in Missouri. A non-restricted pump installation permit is required to install or replace a pump in a water well.”
    • 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)

    County building and land-use restrictions affecting agricultural activities and farm buildings or farm structures in Missouri, including unincorporated Dade County.

    • The exemption does not apply to incorporated portions of counties.
    • The exemption does not apply to the raising of crops, livestock, orchards or forestry.
    • The exemption does not apply to seasonal or temporary impoundments used for rice farming or flood irrigation; rice-farming or flood-irrigation berms are defined as small berms no more than eighteen inches high placed around a field to hold water.
    • The exemption applies to erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for agricultural purposes only when the area is not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.
    • The section does not apply to underground mining where entrance is through an existing shaft or shafts or through a shaft or shafts not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.
    • The statute preserves the use or maintenance of existing property for the purpose to which it was lawfully devoted, judicial review of the reasonableness of regulations and powers, and authorized public utility services.
    • The statute does not affect the existence or validity of a county ordinance or order adopted before March 4, 1991.
    “The provisions of this section shall not apply [...] nor to the raising of crops, livestock, orchards or forestry”
    6 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural activities and farm buildings or farm structures in Dade County, a Missouri third-class county, insofar as Missouri county planning and zoning powers under sections 64.510 to 64.690 apply.
      “The provisions of this section shall not apply to the incorporated portions of the counties, or to the raising of crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry, or to seasonal or temporary impoundments used for rice farming or flood irrigation. As used in this section, the term "rice farming or flood irrigation" means small berms of no more than eighteen inches high that are placed around a field to hold water for use for growing rice or for 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. This section shall not apply to underground mining where entrance is through an existing shaft or shafts or through a shaft or shafts not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.”
    • 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.”
    • Available (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.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or modification of driveways within MoDOT right-of-way statewide.

    • A permit is required for construction of driveways and modifications to existing driveways on MoDOT right-of-way.
    • An initial online request must be submitted for each planned listed activity.
    • Engineered plans, traffic studies, hydraulic analysis, traffic-control plans, surety deposits, or performance bonds may be required depending on the work.
    • The rule does not establish a permit requirement for driveways outside MoDOT right-of-way.
    “We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Projects including mining, dredging, building construction, and other dirt-moving activities in designated flood hazard areas within participating Missouri jurisdictions.

    • The source describes local county or city flood damage reduction ordinances rather than one uniform statewide ordinance.
    • The project must be within a participating jurisdiction.
    • The project must be within a designated flood hazard area.
    • The cited rule does not apply if either condition is absent.
    • Covered projects must not raise flood heights.
    “Some jurisdictions (for example, county, city) require any projects in certain floodplains do not raise flood heights.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Development in a floodplain in Missouri, including development administered by the Dade County floodplain administrator.
      “Regardless, some type of permit MUST be issued for ALL development in the floodplain. An Engineering “No-Rise” Certificate is required for all proposed development in the regulatory floodway, and must be obtained by the community before the floodplain development permit may be issued.”
    • Required — All development in a Missouri floodplain, administered through the applicable community floodplain permitting process.
      “Regardless, some type of permit MUST be issued for ALL development in the floodplain.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Missouri Department of Natural Resources air construction permits statewide.

    • Fees apply to air construction permits, not to every Missouri building or land-use permit.
    • Construction permit fees include a filing fee and an hourly processing fee.
    • The filing fee depends on the type of construction permit.
    • The listed fees are effective January 1, 2026.
    • Fees applicable until December 31, 2025 are available on the Air Construction Permit Fees white sheet.
    • A convenience fee is charged for electronic payment.

    portable source relocation filing fee: 300 USD · minor permit filing fee: 300 USD · minor permit processing fee: per 100 USD (hour) · general permit filing fee: 700 USD · new source review filing fee: 6000 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee) · prevention of significant deterioration filing fee: 6000 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee) · hazardous air pollutant filing fee: 6000 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee) · temporary or pilot filing fee: 250 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee)

    “Construction permit fees include a filing fee and an hourly processing fee. The filing fee is dependent on the type of construction permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Missouri onsite wastewater treatment system construction, modification, and repair application fees administered under the statewide DHSS OWTS program.
      “Effective August 28, 2026, [...] the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Installation or repair of most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Missouri.

    • Some single-family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.
    • The applicant must determine which agency has permitting authority where the work is being done.
    • DHSS permitting may be administered by the DHSS Onsite Program, a local authority under contract, or a local authority via ordinance.
    • Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption has been confirmed.
    • DHSS regulates single-family residential systems and onsite or cluster systems treating domestic wastewater flows of 3,000 gallons per day or less that disperse wastewater through soil treatment or absorption systems.
    • DNR regulates other systems, including non-single-family lagoons, systems discharging to surface waters, systems over 3,000 gallons per day, and industrial wastewater systems.
    • DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds if OWTS use is planned.

    domestic wastewater flow threshold: <= 3000 gallons per day (Systems above this threshold are regulated by DNR when they disperse wastewater through soil treatment or absorption systems.)

    “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Permit applications for work on Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way statewide.
      “Contact the Traffic Specialist a minimum of 48 hours prior to beginning work and for all necessary inspections.”
  • 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 Dade County

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings and structures within the City of Greenfield, including detached one- and two-family dwellings, multiple single-family dwellings not more than three stories above grade plane with separate egress, accessory structures, and other structures.

    • For detached one- and two-family dwellings and specified related structures, the code states that the BOCA National Building Code, Thirteenth Edition, 1996, is adopted.
    • For other structures, the International Building Code, 2012 Edition, including Appendix Chapters D, E, and F, is adopted.
    • The page states that Ordinance No. 8-2013 was adopted on November 19, 2013.
    • The page provides a building or occupancy permit fee schedule of $50 for the first 2,000 square feet plus $0.05 per square foot thereafter.
    • The page states the ordinance's effective date is the date it was passed and approved by the City's aldermen.

    building or occupancy permit fee: 50 USD for first 2000 square feet (plus $0.05 per square foot thereafter) · building or occupancy permit fee after first 2000 square feet: per 0.05 USD per square foot

    “being marked and designated as the International Building Code, 2012 Edition [...] be and is hereby adopted as the Building Code of the City of Greenfield”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use controls within the corporate limits of the City of Greenfield, Dade County, Missouri.

    • The code includes chapters concerning subdivision plats, manufactured homes, temporary housing, and a special economic redevelopment zone.
    • The cited page is the City of Greenfield municipal code hosted by eCode360.
    “Title IV Zoning Code [...] Chapter 400 Subdivision Plats — Acceptance [...] Chapter 405 Manufactured Homes”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — An owner constructing or performing residential building work on property in Dade County.
  • Inspections — Residential building inspections in Dade County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for residential buildings in Dade County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Dade County, Missouri.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Dade County, Missouri.
10 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

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 Dade County, Missouri

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

Dade County scores 76/100 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 Dade County, Missouri?

Dade 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 Dade County Health Department (Environmental Public Health). 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 Dade County, Missouri?

Land in Dade County runs about $3,520 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Dade County?

Dade County gets about 44.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.8% of years.

How remote is Dade County?

A representative private-land location has about 7,008 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,250,694 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 Dade compares in Missouri

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