Bolthole Index

Greene County, Missouri

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

57Index Score / 100
#101 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Greene County, Missouri requires building permits for structural work and for electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing work, issued by the Resource Management Department’s Building Regulations office12. Every unincorporated parcel is zoned by the county, while cities zone property inside their own limits34. Septic permits for new, repaired or replacement onsite systems are separate, with the Environmental Division administering the rules and Building Regulations taking the application56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structural and building-system work7
Zoning
All unincorporated property is zoned8
Septic permit
Required for new systems and repairs or replacements9
RV living
No living quarters in an RV parked or stored at a residence10
Building codes
2012 International Codes and 2011 National Electrical Code with amendments11
Owner-builder
The recorded owner may hold the permit; all rules still apply12
Septic-friendly soils
Only 8.6% of soils rate “not limited” for a conventional drain field13
Floodplain
Development permit required for any activity in the mapped floodplain14

Who to call

Building permits

Greene County Resource Management Department, Building Regulations

Building permits and onsite wastewater permit applications in unincorporated Greene County

(417) 868-4015

940 N Boonville Ave, Room 305, Springfield, MO 65802

Zoning

Greene County Resource Management Department, Planning and Zoning

Zoning maps, permitted-use questions and development requests in unincorporated Greene County

(417) 868-4005

940 N. Boonville Ave, Room 306, Springfield, MO 65802

Septic permits

Greene County Resource Management Department, Environmental Division

Onsite wastewater standards and environmental review

(417) 868-4147

940 N Boonville Ave, Room 315, Springfield, MO 65802

Floodplain permits

Greene County Resource Management Department, Environmental Division

Floodplain development permits in unincorporated Greene County

(417) 868-4147

940 N Boonville Ave, Room 315, Springfield, MO 65802

Roads & driveways

Greene County Highway Department

Driveway, culvert and utility permits on county right-of-way

(417) 831-3591

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 13, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Greene 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 Greene County, Missouri?

Yes. Unincorporated Greene County requires a permit to construct, alter, repair, move, demolish or change a structure7. Permits also cover installation, alteration, repair or removal of electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems, wastewater-system or sewer-line work, and disconnection from septic to connect to city sewer7. Greene County applies the 2012 International Codes, the 2011 National Electrical Code with adopted amendments and county wastewater standards11. Recorded property owners may obtain permits in their own names, or authorized agents may apply with proof of ownership, but this does not waive the permit, code, inspection, zoning or wastewater requirements12. A certificate of occupancy is issued only after required inspections are approved and other departmental requirements are met15. Unlike most counties around it in Missouri, Greene County requires a county building permit16.

Who issues building permits in Greene County, and how do you reach the office?

Greene County Resource Management’s Building Regulations office issues building permits for unincorporated Greene County at 940 N Boonville Ave, Room 305, Springfield, MO 65802; call (417) 868-40152. Commercial submittals require sealed design documents, 5 plan sets, an application and the plan-review fee; initial comments should be available in 10 to 15 working days, and the building permit issues after all reviewers approve1718. Inside city limits, Springfield, Rogersville and Walnut Grove issue their own building permits; Republic requires a city commercial change-of-occupancy permit for the specified existing-building or infill work19202122. Septic permits in unincorporated Greene County come through Building Regulations under the Environmental Division’s rules523; inside Rogersville, the city superintendent issues private sewage disposal permits24.

Does Greene County have zoning?

Every property in unincorporated Greene County is zoned by the county; county zoning stops at city limits8. Inside Springfield, Rogersville, Walnut Grove, Willard, Strafford and Ash Grove, the city’s own zoning code applies instead252627282930. Lot division depends on the district: the A-R option allows tracts of at least 5 acres and RR-1 at least 3 acres, both requiring rezoning31. More than 3 lots requires a surveyor-prepared plat and county review; parcels of at least 10 acres may use the stated no-plat exception unless a new public road is dedicated32. Ask Planning and Zoning for the parcel's setbacks, height, dwelling-size and applicable coverage rules33.

How do septic permits work in Greene County?

Greene County's Environmental Division administers onsite wastewater rules, while permit applications go to Building Regulations634. A permit is required for a new onsite system and for repair or replacement of an existing system; systems not connected to public sewer remain subject to county permitting and design rules935. The application needs a building-permit application, a site evaluation by a qualified soil scientist, and a site plan and system design by an approved professional; commercial, non-residential and mechanical systems require a professional engineer34. Only 8.6% of Greene County soils rate “not limited” for a conventional drain field; that does not rule out septic, but makes site evaluation essential before fixing the house site13. We could not confirm whether every new, repaired or replaced system receives a construction inspection; ask Environmental what inspections the proposed system will require23.

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

Greene County allows one recreational vehicle to be stored at specified residential locations, but no permanent or temporary living quarters may be maintained in it while parked or stored there10. Authorized travel trailer parks are limited to C-2 districts and must meet county sanitary, building-code, utility, area and yard conditions10. A tiny home on wheels counts as a recreational vehicle under the same rule36. A tiny home that qualifies as a county-defined manufactured home and is smaller than 1,000 square feet may be used as an accessory residence in an A-1 Agriculture District37. Manufactured homes used as dwellings are limited to A-1 or MH-1 districts, previously approved mobile-home parks, or mobile-home subdivisions; modular homes meeting site-built code requirements are allowed in any zoning district38. A park model home of 400 square feet or less may be a primary use only in an approved travel trailer park39. We could not confirm a general temporary-camping rule outside an approved park or a general minimum dwelling size, so take the unit specifications and parcel number to Planning and Zoning before buying33.

What are the steps to build a home in Greene County?

  1. Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, setbacks and proposed use with Planning and Zoning84033.
  2. Determine whether public water and sewer are required; Greene County requires both for urban-style development, including lots of 10,000 square feet or less41.
  3. If onsite wastewater is needed, obtain the site evaluation and system design before applying through Building Regulations34.
  4. Check the flood map: any activity in the Special Flood Hazard Area on the FEMA maps for unincorporated Greene County needs a floodplain development permit, with plans and the fee submitted to the Environmental Division1442.
  5. Apply before building a driveway or culvert on county right-of-way43.
  6. Submit the building-permit application and plans to Building Regulations; the recorded owner may be the permittee7122.
  7. Schedule building inspections the day before; same-day inspections are unavailable44. Start work within six months and maintain inspections every six months to keep the permit valid, except for the stated demolition inspection exception45.

What should you check before buying land in Greene County?

Confirm the zoning district and any division history before assuming acreage can be split; tract sizes and plat requirements vary by district and proposal3132. Get a soil evaluation before counting on conventional septic because only 8.6% of Greene County soils rate “not limited” for a conventional drain field13. Agricultural practices in unincorporated Greene County remain subject to sinkhole-use standards, floodplain standards and onsite wastewater regulations46. Any activity in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area needs a floodplain development permit14, and an agricultural pond needs one too if it lies there, or a grading permit if soil leaves the property47. Verify road ownership: a county-right-of-way driveway requires a county permit before work, while access on Missouri transportation right-of-way follows the state process4348.

Watch-outs

  • An owner may hold the permit, but owner-builder status does not waive Greene County's permit, code, inspection, zoning or wastewater requirements12.
  • Greene County bars permanent and temporary living quarters in an RV while it is parked or stored at the allowed residential locations10.
  • Published county-road fees are dated and subject to change, so confirm the current driveway or utility charge with the Highway Department before applying4950.

Sources

  1. Building Regulations - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  2. Greene County Resource Management Department, Building Regulations (greenecountymo.gov)
  3. Proposed Greene County Land Use Plan - Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  4. Proposed Greene County Land Use Plan, quoted and re-checked
  5. Environmental - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  6. Environmental Division, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Regulations - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  8. Land Use - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  9. Environmental Division, quoted and re-checked
  10. Greene County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Regulations - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Regulations - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  13. 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
  14. Environmental Division, quoted and re-checked
  15. greenecountymo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Regulations - Resource Management (2026 county census)
  17. Building Regulations - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Regulations - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  19. Springfield: Building Permits & Codes | Springfield, MO—Official Website (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Rogersville: Article VIII: Permits and Fees - City of Rogersville, MO (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Walnut Grove: Section 500.030. Building and Zoning Permits—Regulations and Fees (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Republic: Commercial Change of Occupancy Application (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Greene County Resource Management Department, Environmental Division (greenecountymo.gov)
  24. Rogersville: City of Rogersville, MO Sewers (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Springfield: Land Development Code, Sec. 36-303—General provisions (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Rogersville: Table of Contents - City of Rogersville, MO (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  27. Walnut Grove: Section 405.290. R-1 Single-Family Residential District (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  28. Willard: Table of Contents - City of Willard, MO (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  29. Strafford: Chapter 400: Zoning Ordinance - City of Strafford, MO (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  30. Ash Grove: City of Ash Grove, MO Code of Ordinances — Table of Contents (Greene County), quoted and re-checked
  31. Land Use - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  32. Proposed Greene County Land Use Plan - Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  33. Greene County Resource Management Department, Planning and Zoning (greenecountymo.gov)
  34. Environmental - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  35. Environmental Division, quoted and re-checked
  36. Greene County Zoning Regulations — Article I Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  37. Greene County Zoning Regulations — Article III, General Provisions, quoted and re-checked
  38. Greene County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  39. Greene County Zoning Regulations — Article I Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  40. Greene County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  41. Proposed Greene County Land Use Plan, quoted and re-checked
  42. Greene County Resource Management Department, Environmental Division (greenecountymo.gov)
  43. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  44. Building Regulations - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  45. Building Regulations - Resource Management, quoted and re-checked
  46. Greene County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  47. greenecountymo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  48. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  49. Permits - Greene County Highway Department, quoted and re-checked
  50. Greene County Highway Department (greenecountymo.gov)

Written October 13, 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

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Greene County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleGreene CountyWebster CountyChristian CountyLawrence CountyPolk CountyDallas CountyDade County
Building permitRequiredNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningYesNoYesNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Resource Management Env. Div.County Health UnitCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health CenterCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Greene County in Missouri

57
County map
Greene County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Greene County scores

Seclusion30100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness4690% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost70100% 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 →

$260kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$7,004Land / acre
45"Annual rain
5.5% of yrsSevere drought
13.6 / yr (+11.6)Mid-century 100°F days
17.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.14" (+4.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.66×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,005Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.72%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
295,158People within 30 min
1,653,556People within 2 hr
278,223Radius comparison (15 mi)
451.1People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
94.2%Land at 15% slope or less
8.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
36,753 acWorkable land screen
34%Wooded land
52.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Greene 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: Fair Grove

Answers from the rulebook for Greene County

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

Greene County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and other listed work in unincorporated Greene County

    • A permit is required for constructing, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing a structure; installing, altering, repairing, or removing electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems; repairing or replacing wastewater systems or sewer lines; and disconnecting septic to connect to city sewer.
    • The page states the rule applies to unincorporated areas.
    “A permit is required when any owner or authorized agent intends to construct”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Structures and building systems in unincorporated Greene County.
      “A permit is required when any owner or authorized agent intends to construct, alter, repair, move, demolish or change a structure. A permit is also required when the electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system is installed, altered, repaired or removed. You will also need a permit to repair or replace a wastewater system or sewer line. If you are disconnecting from a septic system and connecting to city sewer, a permit will also be required.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner of property in unincorporated Greene County may obtain a county permit as the permittee instead of identifying a separate contractor or installer on the county miscellaneous permit application.

    • A building permit is still required when an owner or authorized agent intends to construct, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change a structure.
    • The application must be signed by the property owner or the owner's authorized representative.
    • The owner remains responsible for compliance with Greene County's adopted codes, required inspections, and applicable wastewater, utility, zoning, and other requirements.
    “Permits are issued in the name of the recorded property owner(s). However, authorized agents with appropriate proof of ownership may obtain permits in the owner(s) behalf.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction regulated by Greene County Building Regulations in unincorporated Greene County.

    • Greene County has adopted the listed codes and amendments, plus Greene County Wastewater Standards.

    International Codes edition: 2012 · National Electrical Code edition: 2011 (with adopted amendments)

    “Greene County has adopted the 2012 International Codes, the 2011 National Electric Codes with adopted amendments, and Greene County Wastewater Standards.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building-system inspections conducted by Greene County Building Regulations.

    • Inspections must be scheduled by calling the office the day before.
    • A permit becomes invalid if an inspection is not conducted every six months, except demolition permits.
    “A permit becomes invalid if the authorized work is not started within six months of the permit date or if an inspection is not conducted every six months.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building-code inspections in unincorporated Greene County.
      “Same day inspections are no longer available. Please call (417) 868-4015 the day before to schedule inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificate-of-occupancy issuance for permitted construction in unincorporated Greene County.

    • The certificate is issued only after required inspections are approved and other departmental requirements are met.
    “the requirements of other departments have been met.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Greene County zoning in unincorporated areas

    • Greene County zoning does not apply inside municipal city limits; municipal zoning authorities govern there.
    “All property in unincorporated Greene County is zoned.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — Zoning administered by Greene County for unincorporated property.
      “All property in unincorporated Greene County is zoned.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate zoning across Greene County, including county zoning in unincorporated areas and municipal zoning inside city limits.

    • The county administers zoning in unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities administer zoning within their city limits.
    “For zoning information inside city limits, contact your city hall.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Subdivision and rezoning options in unincorporated Greene County.

    • The 5-acre A-R and 3-acre RR-1 options require rezoning; the 20-acre administrative subdivision option is one-time and further subdivision of created tracts is not allowed; 10-acre parcels may be subdivided under state statute without a plat or rezoning unless a new public road is dedicated.

    A-R minimum tract: >= 5 acres · RR-1 minimum tract: >= 3 acres · state-statute parcel threshold: >= 10 acres (A new public road dedication changes the plat exception) · 20-acre administrative subdivision result: two 5-acre tracts and one 10-acre tract (One-time basis)

    “You may apply to rezone all or a portion of your property to A-R, Agriculture-Residential, which allows subdividing of property into 5-acre tracts or larger. [...] You may apply to rezone all or a portion of your property to RR-1, Rural-Residential, which allows subdivision of property into 3-acre tracts or larger.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Setbacks under Greene County zoning regulations in unincorporated areas

    • The zoning regulations state that tower and accessory-building setbacks must adhere to the minimum setback requirements of the applicable zoning district.
    “All towers and accessory buildings must adhere to the minimum setback requirements”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Travel trailer parks in Greene County zoning districts.

    • The stated coverage limit applies to buildings, cabins, trailers, and non-accessory buildings in a tourist camp or travel trailer park.

    maximum aggregate lot coverage: <= 25 percent

    “The buildings, cabins, and trailers in any tourist camp or travel trailer park, together with any non-accessory buildings established on the lot, shall occupy, in the aggregate, not more than twenty-five (25) percent of the area of the lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Storage and occupancy of recreational vehicles and travel trailers under Greene County zoning regulations.

    • One RV may be stored in specified residential driveway, garage, accessory building, or approved parking location, but no living quarters or business may be maintained while stored; authorized travel trailer parks are permitted only in C-2 and must meet sanitary, building-code, utility, area, yard, and other conditions.

    public sewer connection deadline: 72 hours · public water connection deadline: 72 hours (The water requirement may be waived if an approved well complies with Missouri Division of Health and Springfield-Greene County Health Department requirements.) · travel trailer park minimum area: >= 5 acres · minimum distance between adjacent trailers: >= 12 feet · maximum aggregate lot coverage by buildings, cabins, trailers, and non-accessory buildings: <= 25 percent

    “One (1) travel trailer, motorhome, camper, or other recreational vehicle may be stored in a driveway leading to a required off-street parking space for a single-family detached, single-family semi-detached, duplex, or townhouse dwelling unit or mobile home on an individual lot, or stored in an enclosed garage or other accessory building, or parked in an approved parking spot as defined in Article IV, Section 2(G), provided that no living quarters, permanent or temporary, shall be maintained or any business conducted in connection therewith while such vehicle is parked or stored.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Occupancy of tiny homes on wheels, which Greene County classifies as recreational vehicles, in unincorporated Greene County.

    • A tiny home on wheels is treated as a recreational vehicle under the County definitions.
    • One recreational vehicle may be stored at specified residential parking locations, in an enclosed garage or accessory building, or in an approved parking spot.
    • No permanent or temporary living quarters may be maintained while the recreational vehicle is parked or stored in those locations.
    • The cited provision does not state a duration limit for temporary residential occupancy.
    • Travel trailer parks must comply with Springfield-Greene County Health Department sanitary regulations and County Building Code requirements.
    • Travel trailer parks are permitted in C-2 General Commercial Districts and require public sewer and water connections within seventy-two (72) hours, subject to the stated approved-well waiver for water.

    public sewer connection deadline in authorized travel trailer park: 72 hours · public water connection deadline in authorized travel trailer park: 72 hours (May be waived if the developer or proprietor provides approved wells complying with Missouri Division of Health and Springfield-Greene County Health Department requirements.)

    “Homes built on a permanent trailer chassis with wheels, often referred to as “tiny homes on wheels,” are considered recreational vehicles.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — A tiny home that qualifies as a Greene County-defined manufactured home and is used as an accessory residential structure in unincorporated Greene County.
      “B. Permitted Accessory Structures and Uses [...] k. Manufactured homes (as defined in Article I, Section 3 Definitions) smaller than 1000 square feet, provided they are located in A-1, Agriculture Districts and used for residential purposes only. A mobile home or manufactured home designed for residential use cannot be used as a storage building.”
    • Limited — Park model homes, a County-defined category of dwelling unit of 400 square feet or less, in unincorporated Greene County.
      “Park model homes as defined in Article I, Section 3 Definitions shall be permitted as a primary use only in an approved travel trailer park.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes used as residential structures in unincorporated Greene County.

    • Manufactured homes must be used solely for dwelling purposes and meet applicable Missouri standards; placement is limited to MH-1 or A-1 districts, previously approved mobile-home parks, or mobile-home subdivisions; park model homes are primary uses only in approved travel trailer parks; modular homes meeting site-built code requirements are permitted in any zoning district.
    “Manufactured homes as defined in Article I, Section 3 Definitions shall be utilized solely for dwelling purposes and meet all applicable standards set forth in Chapter 700 of the 1978 Missouri Revised Statutes. [...] No manufactured home shall be placed in any district other than an MH-1, Manufactured Home Subdivision District or an A-1, Agriculture District, except in a previously approved mobile home park or mobile home subdivision.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater systems in unincorporated Greene County.

    • Installers must also be currently certified with the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.
    “The Environmental Division administers the County's Stormwater, sinkhole, erosion & sediment control, floodplain and on-site wastewater system regulations.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    On-site wastewater systems, including septic systems not connected to public sewer, in Greene County.

    • A permit is required for installation of a new system and for repair or replacement of an existing system.
    • Permits may be obtained from the Building Regulations office in Room 305 of the Historic Courthouse.
    • For a new system or repair/replacement, submit the appropriate Building Regulations building permit application, a Site Evaluation Form prepared by a qualified soil scientist, and a site plan and system design prepared by a qualified soil scientist, professional engineer, registered sanitarian, or geologist.
    • All commercial, non-residential, or mechanical systems must be designed by a professional engineer.
    • Installers must be currently certified with Greene County and the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.
    “On-site wastewater systems are commonly referred to as "septic systems" but include all systems not connected to public sewer. A permit is required for installation of a new system and for repair or replacement of an existing system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a new on-site wastewater system and repair or replacement of an existing system
      “A permit is required for installation of a new system”
    • Required — Installation of a new on-site wastewater system and repair or replacement of an existing system.
      “A permit is required for installation of a new system and for repair or replacement of an existing system.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation systems not connected to public sewer.

    • On-site wastewater systems are subject to county permitting and site/design requirements.
    “On-site wastewater systems are commonly referred to as "septic systems" but include all systems not connected to public sewer. A permit is required for installation of a new system and for repair or replacement of an existing system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Urban-style development in unincorporated Greene County.

    • The county requires public water and sewer for all urban-style development, including lots of 10,000 square feet and smaller and urban commercial and industrial development.

    lot size threshold: <= 10000 square feet (applies to urban-style development)

    “Greene County currently requires all urban-style development to be on public water and sewer. This includes lots that are 10,000-square-foot and smaller, along with urban commercial and industrial development.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural practices in unincorporated Greene County

    • Agricultural practices are not exempt from Greene County sinkhole-use standards, floodplain standards, or on-site wastewater system regulations.
    • Other federal and state regulations may supersede Greene County regulations.
    “Agriculture practices are not exempt from the County’s Sinkhole Use Standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural pond construction under Greene County grading and floodplain rules.
      “Construction of ponds is considered an agricultural activity unless the soil leaves the property (which would require a grading permit) or is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (which would require a floodplain development permit).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of property in unincorporated Greene County

    • More than three lots requires a subdivision plat prepared by a registered surveyor and submitted for county review.
    • The Planning Board reviews and approves subdivision plats and vacations.
    • The FAQ states that parcels of 10 acres or larger may be subdivided without a subdivision plat or rezoning request under state statute, subject to the stated public-road exception.

    plat threshold: > 3 lots · state-statute no-plat threshold: >= 10 acres (The county FAQ states an exception where a new public road is dedicated.)

    “Subdivision of property in the unincorporated portions of the County is governed by the Greene County Subdivision Regulations”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of property in unincorporated Greene County.
      “Subdivision of property in the unincorporated portions of the County is governed by the Greene County Subdivision Regulations, copies of which are available at the Greene County Planning & Zoning Office or online at: https://www.greenecountymo.org/resource_management/planning_and_zoning.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Widening or constructing a new driveway to access a Greene County-maintained road in unincorporated Greene County.

    • The applicant must contact the Greene County Highway Department Right-of-Way Inspector.
    • The desired location must be staked.
    • The Inspector examines placement and culvert size if needed under county requirements.
    • The Inspector issues installation instructions if the location and work request are permissible.
    • Plastic pipe is not allowed.
    • Work may not begin before the permit is issued.
    • The applicant must appear in person to pay and sign for the permit.
    • Listed fees are a $40 residential driveway permit, $65 commercial driveway permit, and $100 security deposit; the security deposit is refundable after completion and acceptance of installation.
    • The page states that fees were as of 04/01/21 and are subject to change.
    • A separate check is required for the security deposit; no cash or credit cards are accepted.
    • The permit is valid for 30 days from issuance, and the applicant must contact the Inspector for a final inspection when work is complete.

    residential driveway permit fee: 40 USD (Fees as of 04/01/21; subject to change.) · commercial driveway permit fee: 65 USD (Fees as of 04/01/21; subject to change.) · security deposit: 100 USD (Refundable upon completion and acceptance of installation.) · permit validity: 30 days (From date of issuance.)

    “A permit is required to construct a driveway or install a culvert on county right-of-way, or for utility work.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Any activity within the Special Flood Hazard Area designated on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for unincorporated Greene County

    • A floodplain development permit application, plans for the proposed activity, and the appropriate fee must be submitted to the Environmental Division.
    “A floodplain development permit is required for any activity within the Special Flood Hazard Area”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Any activity within the Special Flood Hazard Area designated on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for unincorporated Greene County.
      “A floodplain development permit is required for any activity within the Special Flood Hazard Area (often referred to as the mapped floodplain) designated on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for unincorporated Greene County.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Greene County Highway Department driveway and utility permits.

    • Fees were listed as of 04/01/21 and are subject to change; the security deposit is refundable upon completion and acceptance.

    residential driveway permit: 40 USD · driveway security deposit: 100 USD (Refundable upon completion and acceptance) · commercial driveway permit: 65 USD · utility permit: per 100 USD (Per half mile of work)

    “Residential Driveway Permit: $40.00 [...] Security Deposit: $100.00 [...] Commercial Driveway Permit: $65.00 [...] Utility permit: $100.00 (per half mile of work)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building and development permit process in unincorporated Greene County

    • Commercial plan submittals require sealed design documents, five plan sets, a permit application, and plan review fee before review.
    • Plans may be routed to stormwater, zoning, highway, utilities, building, and health reviewers as applicable.
    • Initial plan review comments should be available within 10 to 15 working days, and permits issue after all departments approve.

    initial plan review comments: 10-15 working days

    “Design documents are required to be sealed by a design professional licensed with the State of Missouri. We require five (5) sets of plans. Plans will be routed to the Stormwater Engineer, Zoning Reviewer, Greene County Highway Department, Springfield City Utilities, and the Building Regulations Plan Reviewer. An additional set will be submitted to the Health Department review when the proposed project has any type of food service. A permit application must be submitted with the plans, and plan review fee shall be collected before the plans are reviewed. Initial plan review comments should be available within ten (10) to fifteen (15) working days. A building permit can be issued when all departments have approved the project.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Commercial building permit plan-submittal process in unincorporated Greene County.
      “We require five (5) sets of plans. Plans will be routed to the Stormwater Engineer, Zoning Reviewer, Greene County Highway Department, Springfield City Utilities, and the Building Regulations Plan Reviewer. An additional set will be submitted to the Health Department review when the proposed project has any type of food service. A permit application must be submitted with the plans, and plan review fee shall be collected before the plans are reviewed. Initial plan review comments should be available within ten (10) to fifteen (15) working days. A building permit can be issued when all departments have approved the project.”

Missouri rules that apply here

  • 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 inspectionLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Greene County zoning districts.
  • Building height — Building-height limits in Greene County zoning districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside an authorized travel trailer park.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling occupancy.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Greene County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Greene County, Missouri

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

Greene County scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 295,158 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Greene County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Greene County Resource Management Environmental Division (installers also certified with Missouri DHSS). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Greene County is limited to specific cases: Storage and occupancy of recreational vehicles and travel trailers under Greene County zoning regulations. One RV may be stored in specified residential driveway, garage, accessory building, or approved parking location, but no living quarters or business may be maintained while stored; authorized travel trailer parks are permitted only in C-2 and must meet sanitary, building-code, utility, area, yard, and other conditions. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Greene County, Missouri?

Land in Greene County runs about $7,004 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greene County?

Greene County gets about 45" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.5% of years.

How remote is Greene County?

A representative private-land location has about 295,158 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,653,556 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 Greene compares in Missouri

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