Bolthole Index

Gentry County, Missouri

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

73Index Score / 100
#42 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Gentry County, Missouri does not require a county building permit and appears not to have countywide zoning12. King City requires building permits, while Albany and King City have municipal zoning345. Missouri DHSS handles septic permitting for Gentry County; King City also has private-sewer requirements67. Floodplain development and driveway work in MoDOT right-of-way require separate approvals89.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required for unincorporated county construction1
Zoning
Appears to have no countywide zoning; verify parcel jurisdiction2
Septic permits
Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program6
Septic soil conditions
Only about 0.6% of soils avoid severe drain-field limits10
RV and tiny-home living
Occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask the County Commission211
Farm structures
Protected from county fire-code permits; other approvals may apply12
Private well
Landowners may install their own; hired contractors need state permits13

Who to call

Also useful

Gentry County Commission

General Gentry County government, based at the Presiding Commissioner's office. There is no separate county building or zoning department, so this is the office to call about county roads and anything else this guide can't confirm online.

(660) 726-3525

Gentry County Courthouse, 200 W. Clay, Albany, MO 64402

Septic permits

Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program (Gentry County)

Septic (onsite wastewater treatment system) construction and operation permits for Gentry County. The state's own county-by-county lookup lists Gentry as directly administered by DHSS rather than a delegated local health department.

(573) 751-6095 ext. 5

930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102

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 Gentry 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 Gentry County, Missouri?

Unincorporated Gentry County does not require a county building permit for ordinary construction1. Separate septic permits, floodplain-development permits and MoDOT driveway permits may still be required1489. Inside King City, building permits are required for construction, enlargement, alteration and placement of house trailers or temporary or prebuilt structures, with an exception for qualifying ordinary repairs and minor alterations3. Missouri protects farm buildings and farm structures from county fire-ordinance regulations and permits, but that protection does not waive septic, floodplain, state, federal or municipal requirements12.

Who issues building permits in Gentry County?

For unincorporated Gentry County, call the Gentry County Commission about county road access and unresolved land-use questions; a county building permit is not required for ordinary construction111. King City issues its own building permits3. Missouri DHSS remains the listed septic-permit authority for Gentry County, and King City’s private-sewer rules allow additional state or county health requirements67. For state-highway access, submit an initial request to MoDOT: constructing a driveway or changing its width, grade, location or surface within MoDOT right-of-way requires a driveway permit9.

Does Gentry County have zoning?

Unincorporated Gentry County appears not to have countywide zoning; confirm the current status with the County Commission before relying on that answer211. Albany and King City have their own zoning, while Missouri DHSS remains the listed county septic authority and King City also imposes private-sewer requirements4567. Missouri’s applicable county land-use framework exempts crops, livestock, orchards and forestry; farm structures qualify only when used for those purposes outside the mapped flood-hazard area15. That exemption excludes incorporated areas, preserves county orders or ordinances adopted before March 4, 1991, and does not waive other applicable requirements15. County subdivision-rule adoption could not be confirmed; ask the Commission before dividing a tract1611.

How do septic permits work in Gentry County?

Missouri DHSS is the listed septic-permit authority for Gentry County, with additional private-sewer requirements inside King City67. A septic construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater systems, although some single-family residential lots may qualify for an exemption that must be confirmed before work begins14. A residential parcel under 3 acres requires a construction permit, and a nonresidential system requires one regardless of parcel size17. State septic application fees for construction, modification and repair are temporarily suspended18. Missouri does not require a septic inspection for every real-estate sale, but a lender, buyer or county-specific rule may require one; Gentry County's local inspection rule could not be confirmed19. Only about 0.6% of county soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so evaluate the site early10.

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

We could not confirm a Gentry County rule that expressly allows or prohibits living in an RV, occupying a tiny home, or camping temporarily on private land. Gentry County's apparent lack of countywide zoning does not by itself prove that every residential use is allowed2. Ask the County Commission about the parcel's jurisdiction, occupancy and road-access expectations before moving an RV or tiny home onto the site11. Any occupied setup still needs a lawful wastewater plan: Missouri prohibits releasing wastewater onto the ground or into a road ditch, and holding tanks require specific approval plus managed pump-out by a qualified provider20. A property inside an incorporated city may be subject to municipal rules even when the unincorporated county does not require a building permit121.

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

  1. Confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction with the County Commission; the unincorporated county building-permit answer does not apply inside King City, which issues its own building permits1113.
  2. Obtain a Missouri DHSS septic construction permit or confirmation of an exemption before wastewater work begins614.
  3. Check flood hazards: floodplain development requires a permit, and regulatory-floodway development requires an engineering No-Rise Certificate8.
  4. Arrange road-authority supervision for a driveway crossing a ditch; for work in MoDOT right-of-way, submit the initial driveway-permit request and complete required plans, utility locates, notices and inspection steps22923.
  5. For a private well, a landowner may perform installation without a permit, but hired well or pump contractors need applicable state permits13.

What should you check before buying land in Gentry County?

Evaluate septic feasibility early: only about 0.6% of Gentry County soils avoid severe conventional drain-field limits10. Missouri does not automatically require a septic inspection at sale, but buyers or lenders may require one; Gentry County’s local transaction rule could not be confirmed19. Identify the road authority before designing access: Missouri requires road-overseer or road-district-commissioner supervision for driveway crossings over ditches, and MoDOT requires driveway permits for work in its right-of-way229. Where Missouri’s county-road special-use permit provisions apply, an application fee may be set by county order but cannot exceed $7; Gentry County’s adopted fee and process could not be confirmed, so ask the County Commission2411.

Watch-outs

  • Agricultural exemptions do not eliminate floodplain or septic requirements, and county land-use exemptions do not apply inside incorporated cities1512.
  • Do not plan on an improvised off-grid wastewater discharge or assume a holding tank is a permanent workaround; Missouri limits both20.
  • Gentry County's rules for RV occupancy, tiny homes, temporary camping, minimum home size and setbacks could not be confirmed; ask the County Commission before buying for one of those uses11.

Sources

  1. Missouri County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov) (2026 county census)
  2. Gentry County Elected Officials (2026 county census)
  3. King City: Article II: Building Permits (Gentry County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Albany: Chapter 400 Zoning Regulations (Gentry County), quoted and re-checked
  5. King City: Table of Contents - City of King City, MO (Gentry County), quoted and re-checked
  6. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  7. King City: Article I: Public and Private Sewers (Gentry County), quoted and re-checked
  8. SEMA Floodplain Forms, quoted and re-checked
  9. MoDOT Permits, quoted and re-checked
  10. 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
  11. Gentry County Commission (gentrycounty.net)
  12. RSMo § 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures, quoted and re-checked
  13. Water Wells - PUB2945, quoted and re-checked
  14. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  15. RSMo § 64.620 — Building restrictions; exemptions and limitations, quoted and re-checked
  16. RSMo § 64.580 — Regulations governing subdivision of land, quoted and re-checked
  17. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  18. OWTS Construction Permit Process — Temporary Permit Fee Suspension, quoted and re-checked
  19. health.mo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  20. An Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Owner’s Manual, quoted and re-checked
  21. RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. RSMo Section 229.150, quoted and re-checked
  23. MoDOT Permits, quoted and re-checked
  24. RSMo Section 229.340, quoted and re-checked

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 all 6 of its neighbors, Gentry County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleGentry CountyWorth CountyHarrison CountyDeKalb CountyNodaway CountyAndrew CountyDaviess County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNot publishedNot publishedNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsNot publishedNot publishedDHSSDHSSCounty Health CenterCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Gentry County in Missouri

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

How Gentry County scores

Seclusion71100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency60100% ev.
Admin Boringness8790% ev.
Durability43100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% 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 →

$140kTypical home
1%Property tax
$4,448Land / acre
38.1"Annual rain
8.7% of yrsSevere drought
11.4 / yr (+9.5)Mid-century 100°F days
18.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.05" (+6.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.77×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,023Home insurance / yr
4.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.54%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
7,912People within 30 min
1,887,045People within 2 hr
9,275Radius comparison (15 mi)
12.8People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
92.6%Land at 15% slope or less
0.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
1,892 acWorkable land screen
17.8%Wooded land
49.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Gentry 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: Athens Township · Bogle Township · Cooper Township · Village of Darlington · Village of Gentry · Howard Township · Huggins Township · Jackson Township · McFall · Miller Township · Stanberry · Wilson Township

Answers from the rulebook for Gentry County

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

Gentry County rules

  • Building permitNot required

    Missouri's official open-data County Building Codes dataset shows Gentry County has adopted no residential, commercial, or energy building code, and the county lists no building/code-enforcement office. Corroborated by the state County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov iq7s-izvt, 2021): no county residential building code adopted.

    Missouri County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Gentry County lists no planning or zoning office among its offices, indicating no countywide zoning.

    Gentry County Elected Officials ↗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”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Missouri.

    • DHSS administers minimum standards and permits through DHSS, local contract authorities, or local authorities operating under ordinance.
    • County or city governments may adopt standards stricter than the state standard.
    • DNR regulates lagoons serving anything other than single-family residences, systems discharging to surface waters, systems treating flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day and dispersing through soil absorption systems, and industrial wastewater systems.
    • DNR approval is required for subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds when OWTS use is planned.

    domestic wastewater flow threshold: <= 3000 gallons per day (DNR regulates systems with flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day when wastewater is dispersed through soil treatment or absorption systems)

    “DHSS OWTS permitting falls under one of three authority types: DHSS Onsite Program, Local Authority (contract), or Local Authority via Ordinance. The application process varies by permitting authority.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Onsite wastewater systems in Gentry County, Missouri, for which Missouri DHSS is the listed permitting authority.
      “Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS [...] County: Gentry”
    • Mixed — Missouri wastewater treatment systems, including domestic onsite systems, larger-flow systems, direct discharges, lagoons, subdivisions, and industrial wastewater.
      “In Missouri, different state and local agencies are responsible for regulating wastewater treatment systems.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    OWTS installation or repair in Gentry County under the DHSS permitting program.

    • A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most OWTS.
    • A residential property less than three acres requires a construction permit.
    • Some single-family residential lots may be exempt; the exemption does not apply in some counties, so the county authority must be checked.
    • Regardless of property size, a permit is required for non-residential OWTS.
    • Work must not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption has been confirmed.
    • Effective August 28, 2026, application fees for onsite sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs are temporarily suspended.

    residential property acreage threshold: < 3 acres (Some single-family residential lots may be exempt, and the exemption does not apply in some counties.) · application fee suspension effective date: 2026-08-28 (Temporary suspension under the page's stated RSMo 701.046 update.)

    “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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Missouri, including residential systems subject to state permitting.
      “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.”
    • Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Missouri.
      “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.”
    • Required — Proposed campgrounds, mobile home parks, and subdivisions planning to use onsite wastewater treatment systems anywhere in Missouri.
      “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — An OWTS inspection/evaluation before a Missouri real estate transaction, absent a lender, buyer, or county-specific requirement.
      “Does the law require an inspection/evaluation of an OWTS prior to a real estate transaction? No.”
    • 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 sanitation methods, including holding tanks, for property in Gentry County where the Missouri state onsite-wastewater rules apply.

    • Wastewater may not be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground.
    • Holding tanks are only used when soil and site conditions do not permit an OWTS and public sewer is unavailable.
    • Holding tanks are allowed only temporarily, usually less than a year, until sewer connection is possible or an OWTS can be completed, or where no other wastewater treatment option is available to prevent a health hazard, nuisance, or groundwater/surface-water contamination.
    • A management program and specific approval are required for holding-tank use.
    • A registered wastewater professional or qualified service provider must remove and transport holding-tank contents to a permitted wastewater treatment facility.

    temporary holding-tank period: usually less than one year (A different situation may apply where no other wastewater treatment option is available to prevent a health hazard, nuisance, or contamination.)

    “In these situations, HOLDING TANKS may only be used when a MANAGEMENT program is in place and specific approval has been given.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Off-grid domestic wastewater treatment using onsite wastewater treatment systems where central sewer service is unavailable.
      “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.”
    • 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”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Construction or repair of water wells in Gentry County, Missouri.
      “Landowners may install their own well or pump without a permit pursuant to the above mentioned law and rules.”
    • 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)

    Agricultural land uses and farm buildings or farm structures in unincorporated portions of Gentry County subject to the county zoning powers described in RSMo §§ 64.510–64.690.

    • Gentry County is identified by the Missouri State Auditor as a third-class county.
    • The statutory exemption does not apply to incorporated portions of the county.
    • The exemption covers raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry.
    • Seasonal or temporary impoundments for rice farming or flood irrigation are included; the statute defines these as small berms no more than eighteen inches high placed around a field to hold water for growing rice or flood irrigation.
    • Farm buildings or farm structures are covered only when used for the listed agricultural purposes and located outside 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 applicable laws and permits, including floodplain requirements, may still apply.

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

    “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.”
    8 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures with respect to county fire protection or fire prevention ordinances in Missouri, including unincorporated Gentry County.
      “Effective - 28 Aug 2025 [...] 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 — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures in Gentry County where a county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinance would otherwise apply.
      “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) — Agricultural uses and farm buildings or farm structures in counties operating under the zoning authority described in RSMo sections 64.510 to 64.690, including potentially unincorporated Gentry County
      “or to the raising of crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry,”
    • 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 [...]”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Unincorporated areas of Missouri second- and third-class counties, including Gentry County as a third-class county, if the county planning commission adopts subdivision regulations.
      “The county planning commission may also prepare, adopt, change and amend, as parts of the official master plan or otherwise, sets of regulations governing subdivisions of land in unincorporated areas, and amend or change same from time to time, as herein provided, which regulations may provide for the proper location and width of streets, building lines, open spaces, safety, recreation, and for the avoidance of congestion of population, including minimum width and area of lots.”
    • 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 of driveways and modifications to existing driveways within Missouri Department of Transportation rights-of-way, including applicable state-road rights-of-way in Gentry County.

    • The permit requirement applies to work on MoDOT's Right of Way.
    • Modifications include proposed changes in width, grade, location, or surface type.
    • An initial online request must be submitted for each planned activity.
    • Engineered drawings or plans, traffic studies, hydraulic analyses, traffic-control plans, surety deposits, or performance bonds may be required depending on the work.
    “We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Driveways or crossings over ditches connecting highways with private property in Missouri counties subject to RSMo 229.150.
      “All driveways or crossings over ditches connecting highways with the private property shall be made under the supervision of the road overseer or commissioners of the road districts.”
    • Required — Construction or modification of driveways within MoDOT rights-of-way, including applicable state highways in Gentry County.
      “We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways; Modifications to existing driveways (e.g. proposed changes in width, grade, location, surface type, etc.)”
    • Required — Construction or modification of driveways within MoDOT right-of-way statewide.
      “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 floodplains in Missouri, including FEMA-mapped floodplain development in Gentry County where the local community administers the permit.
      “This sample Floodplain Development Permit was developed by the State and can be used “as is” or modified to fit the community’s permit process. Regardless, some type of permit MUST be issued for ALL development in the floodplain.”
    • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Missouri onsite wastewater treatment system construction, modification, and repair application fees, including work in Gentry County where the state authority applies.
      “the application fees [...] will be temporarily suspended.”
    • Variable (with conditions) — Permits under RSMo sections 229.300 to 229.370, including applicable county-road special-use permits in counties subject to those provisions.
      “Each applicant for a permit under the provisions of sections 229.300 to 229.370 may be required by the county highway engineer to pay a fee in an amount determined by the county commission by order of record, not to exceed the sum of seven dollars for each such application”
    • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Missouri onsite wastewater treatment system permitting, including applicable work in Gentry County.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).”
    • Published (with conditions) — Work in MoDOT rights-of-way in Missouri, including construction or modification of driveways.
      “For EACH planned activity listed above - please submit an initial on-line request to obtain a permit.”
    • 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”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Any owner-builder exemption from Gentry County building-permit, inspection, or occupancy requirements.
  • Inspections — Building inspections for construction in Gentry County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in Gentry County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning controls within Gentry County, including incorporated municipalities and any other local authorities; this claim does not attribute municipal ordinances to the county.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for residential construction in unincorporated Gentry County.
11 more unanswered
  • Minimum lot size
  • 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 Gentry County, Missouri

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

Gentry 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 Gentry County, Missouri?

Gentry 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 Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Gentry County, Missouri?

Land in Gentry County runs about $4,448 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Gentry County?

Gentry County gets about 38.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.7% of years.

How remote is Gentry County?

A representative private-land location has about 7,912 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,887,045 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 Gentry compares in Missouri

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