Bolthole Index

Howard County, Missouri

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

73Index Score / 100
#44 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Howard County, Missouri has no confirmed county building-permit requirement, so ask the County Commission before you build.1 Inside Glasgow, the city issues building permits and sets zoning.23 Fayette sets its own zoning.4 Septic permits come through the Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program and are required on residential lots under 3 acres and for any nonresidential system.56

At a glance

Building permit
Not confirmed for unincorporated land; Glasgow requires one inside city limits172
Zoning
Not confirmed for unincorporated land; Glasgow and Fayette zone inside their limits834
Septic
Required under 3 acres and for nonresidential systems of any lot size; DHSS is the listed authority56
RV living
Howard County occupancy rule not confirmed; ask the County Commission and septic authority89
Tiny homes
County occupancy and minimum-size rules not confirmed81
Private wells
Contractors need a state permit; landowners may do their own well or pump work without one1011
State-highway driveway
MoDOT permit required for construction or modification in state right-of-way12

Who to call

Building permits

Howard County Commission

Starting contact for unconfirmed county building, zoning and land-use questions

660-248-2193

1 Courthouse Square Fayette MO 65248-1283

Septic permits

Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program

Howard County onsite wastewater construction permits and application numbers

(573) 751-6095 ext. 5

OnsiteProgram@health.mo.gov

930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Online permits →

Floodplain permits

Howard County Floodplain Administrator

County floodplain questions and local floodplain administration

(660) 248-2193

1 Courthouse Square Fayette, MO 65248

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 Howard 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 Howard County, Missouri?

We could not confirm a countywide building-permit requirement for unincorporated Howard County.1 Missouri fire and building codes are adopted locally, so statewide law alone does not answer whether a particular Howard County project needs a permit.13

Start with the Howard County Commission before ordering plans or materials.7 Ask whether the parcel is inside a city, whether the county has adopted a code for the area, and whether floodplain, septic, driveway or utility approvals apply. The county's inspection procedure, permit fees and owner-builder exemption remain unconfirmed, so get the answer for your parcel in writing before construction.1

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

Howard County does not list a dedicated building department, and a county building-permit process could not be confirmed.1 The practical first call is the Howard County Commission at the courthouse.7

The county's answers apply to unincorporated land. Inside Glasgow, building permits are filed with the city before construction begins.2 In Fayette, the city has adopted the 2015 International Building Code and 2015 International Residential Code, which cover land inside the city only.14 Septic permits and wells follow state rules whether or not a parcel is inside a city.1511

Other approvals have their own offices: the county Floodplain Administrator16, the Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program for septic6, and MoDOT for a driveway built or modified within state right-of-way.12 When you call, give the parcel address, say whether it lies inside a city, and describe every planned structure and access point.

Does Howard County, Missouri have zoning, and who sets land-use rules?

We could not confirm countywide zoning or a zoning map for unincorporated Howard County.8 Missouri law lets certain counties zone unincorporated land only after a vote, so the authority alone does not show Howard County adopted zoning.17

Two cities do zone inside their limits: Glasgow3 and Fayette.4 Setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, accessory dwellings and tiny homes are unconfirmed for unincorporated land, so ask the County Commission about the exact parcel.87

Anyone subdividing or developing property must comply with Missouri DNR residential-development regulations and the onsite-sewage law; a Howard County subdivision ordinance could not be confirmed.18 The state's farm-structure exemption applies against county fire-protection ordinances only, not against zoning, septic or floodplain rules.19

How do septic permits work in Howard County, and who issues them?

A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater systems in Howard County, though some single-family lots may be exempt based on size.20 Residential property under 3 acres needs a permit, as does a nonresidential system on a lot of any size; local rules may be stricter, so confirm any exemption before work.5 The Missouri DHSS permit page lists DHSS as the Howard County authority and directs applicants to request an application number online.6 Application fees for septic construction and repairs are temporarily suspended effective August 28, 2026.21

Only about 3% of Howard County soils are rated "not limited" for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system before choosing a house site or closing.22 DHSS licenses people to inspect existing systems for real-estate sales, but we could not confirm that every Howard County sale requires an inspection.23 DNR, not DHSS, handles larger-flow and discharge systems.24

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Howard County, Missouri?

We could not confirm a Howard County rule allowing or prohibiting full-time RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land.8 We also could not confirm county minimum-home-size, setback or accessory-dwelling standards, so a small structure should not be assumed legal merely because the parcel is rural.8

Ask the Howard County Commission about land-use and occupancy rules for the exact parcel, and ask the relevant city if the site is incorporated.7 For sanitation, Missouri onsite-wastewater rules may apply where central sewer service is unavailable, and wastewater may not be discharged onto the ground or into a road ditch.9 The state-listed Howard County onsite wastewater contact is DHSS.6 Before buying for RV or tiny-home use, describe whether the unit will be temporary or permanent, whether it has wheels, how utilities will connect, and where sewage will go; those details can change which approvals apply.

Building a home in Howard County, Missouri: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and ask the Howard County Commission whether a building permit, adopted code or inspection applies; inside Glasgow, file with the city.172
  2. Ask the same office whether zoning or setbacks affect the house site; if dividing land, account for state residential-development and onsite-sewage rules.818
  3. Contact the Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program before septic work; most installations and repairs need a permit.206
  4. Arrange the site and soil evaluation early, because only about 3% of county soils are rated not limited for a drain field.22
  5. For a private well, hire an installer with a state permit, or confirm the landowner exception before doing the work yourself.1011
  6. Ask the Floodplain Administrator about the building area, and apply to MoDOT if the driveway will be built or modified within state right-of-way.1612

What should you check before buying land in Howard County?

Start with wastewater feasibility, access and flood exposure rather than assuming a buildable-looking field is ready for a house. About 3% of Howard County soils avoid severe conventional septic limitations, while about 85.1% of the county has slopes of 15% or less.2225 For a property with an existing system, ask for records and consider a licensed real-estate-sale evaluation because a universal Howard County inspection requirement could not be confirmed.23

Ask the Floodplain Administrator about the proposed building area because some participating Missouri jurisdictions restrict projects in designated flood-hazard areas.2616 MoDOT requires a permit to construct a driveway or modify its width, grade, location or surface within state right-of-way.12 Confirm the water plan as well: well and pump contractors need a state permit, while a landowner may install a well or pump personally without one.1011 Howard County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,262.2728

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume an unincorporated Howard County parcel is permit-free; the county building-permit requirement remains unconfirmed, so ask the County Commission before work starts.17
  • City limits change the answer: Glasgow requires a building permit before construction and has its own zoning, while septic permits still follow state rules.2315
  • Septic feasibility is a major due-diligence item because only about 3% of Howard County soils are rated not limited for a conventional drain field.22
  • A MoDOT permit applies when a driveway is built or modified within state right-of-way, even though the county driveway rule remains unconfirmed.12

Sources

  1. (2026 county census)
  2. Glasgow: Chapter 503: Building Permits and Code Enforcement - City of Glasgow, MO (Howard County), quoted and re-checked
  3. Glasgow: Table of Contents - City of Glasgow, MO (Howard County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Fayette: Article II Designation of Districts and General Regulations (Howard County), quoted and re-checked
  5. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  6. Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program (health.mo.gov)
  7. Howard County Commission (mocounties.com)
  8. (2026 county census)
  9. health.mo.gov (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Well and Pump Installation Contractor Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  11. Water Wells - PUB2945, quoted and re-checked
  12. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  13. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Department of Building Safety, quoted and re-checked
  15. health.mo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  16. Howard County Floodplain Administrator (sema.dps.mo.gov)
  17. RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Resources, quoted and re-checked
  19. RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Onsite Wastewater Treatment, quoted and re-checked
  21. OWTS Construction Permit Process (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Resources, quoted and re-checked
  24. On-site Septic Systems and Subdivisions (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Laws and Regulations That Might Affect You if You Mine Sand or Gravel From Missouri Streams (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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

RuleHoward CountyRandolph CountyBoone CountyCooper CountySaline CountyChariton CountyMoniteau County
Building permitNot publishedNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNot publishedNoYesNoNoNot publishedNot published
Septic permitsDHSSCounty Health Dept.County Resource ManagementDHSSDHSSDHSSMO DHSS Onsite Sewage Program

County locator

Howard County in Missouri

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

How Howard County scores

Seclusion63100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency66100% ev.
Admin Boringness6235% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% ev.

Evidence strength: 89%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$238kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$3,853Land / acre
41.3"Annual rain
8.2% of yrsSevere drought
13.2 / yr (+11)Mid-century 100°F days
17 daysMid-century dry spell
1.96" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.8×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,829Home insurance / yr
2.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.78%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
11,862People within 30 min
1,114,157People within 2 hr
24,891Radius comparison (15 mi)
21.8People / sq mi
1.9%Federal land
85.1%Land at 15% slope or less
3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
8,646 acWorkable land screen
35.3%Wooded land
48.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
54.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Howard 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: Armstrong · Franklin · New Franklin

Answers from the rulebook for Howard County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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 permitRequired

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

    residential lot threshold: < 3 acres (The exemption does not apply in some counties.) · temporary permit-fee suspension effective date: 2026-08-28 (Applies to application fees associated with onsite sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs.)

    “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.”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation or repair of most onsite wastewater treatment systems serving Howard County, 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 — New onsite wastewater treatment system construction and major repairs in Howard County where Missouri state standards govern.
      “Generally, a permit must be obtained before starting construction or repair work. However, certain residential properties may be exempt from state permitting requirements. When authority is based on a local ordinance, regulation can be more restrictive than the state standard; check with your local authority.”
    • Required — Installation or repair of onsite wastewater systems governed by Missouri state onsite-wastewater requirements.
      “A construction permit is required to install or repair an onsite system on any residential property less than three acres. (This exemption does not apply in some counties; check with the county authority.) Regardless of the size of the property, a permit is necessary for all other onsite systems that serve non-residential structures.”
    • 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
    • Limited — Inspection and evaluation of existing onsite sewage systems in Howard County under Missouri's statewide program.
      “In addition, DHSS provides training and registration for onsite system installers and licenses individuals to inspect or evaluate existing onsite sewage systems related to a real estate sale.”
    • Limited — Inspections of existing onsite sewage systems in connection with property sales statewide in Missouri.
      “Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) rules governing onsite sewage systems cover minimum construction requirements, system inspections at the time of property sales, and requirements for percolation testers and soil evaluators.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “After the county commission shall have adopted such subdivision regulations, no plat of a subdivision of land within the unincorporated area of such county [...]”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision or development of property in Howard County subject to Missouri residential-development and onsite-sewage requirements.
      “Anyone subdividing or developing property must comply with DNR residential development regulations as well as the onsite sewage law.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and development involving onsite wastewater in Missouri, including Howard County.
      “Anyone subdividing or developing property must comply with DNR residential development regulations as well as the onsite sewage law.”
    • 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 a driveway or modification of an existing driveway within Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way, including applicable state-highway right-of-way in Howard County, Missouri.

    • A MoDOT permit is required for construction of driveways in MoDOT right-of-way.
    • A permit is also required for modifications to existing driveways, including changes in width, grade, location, or surface type.
    • An initial online request must be submitted for each planned activity.
    • An engineered set of drawings or plans may be required depending on the scope, type, or complexity of the work.
    • A traffic study may be required for larger developments or commercial activity.
    • A hydraulic analysis may be required if storm water or drainage is impacted.
    • A traffic control plan may be required for proposed work on the right-of-way.
    • A surety deposit or performance bond may be required for some permits.
    “We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — All development in a Missouri floodplain, administered through the applicable community floodplain permitting process.
      “Regardless, some type of permit MUST be issued for ALL development in the floodplain.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Missouri Department of Natural Resources air construction permits statewide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Missouri county zoning authority over unincorporated land.

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

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

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

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

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

Inside cities and towns in Howard County

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building-code requirements within the City of Fayette, Missouri.

    • The codes are adopted with additions, insertions, deletions, and changes under ordinance 500.010.

    International Building Code edition: 2015 · International Residential Code edition: 2015 · National Electric Code edition: 2014

    “International codes. The following codes, as published by the International Code Council, are hereby adopted as if fully set out in this legislation, with the additions, insertions, deletions, and changes per ordinance 500.010. 1. 2015 International Fire Code. 2. 2015 International Fuel Gas Code. 3. 2015 International Plumbing Code. 4. 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. 5. 2015 International Mechanical Code. 6. 2015 International Building Code. 7. 2015 International Residential Code. 8. 2015 International Property Maintenance Code. 9. 2014 National Electric Code (NEC)”

Still unanswered

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

  • Building permit — Residential and other building permits in Howard County, especially unincorporated areas.
  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from building-permit or contractor requirements in Howard County.
  • Inspections — Building inspections in Howard County, Missouri.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Howard County, Missouri.
  • County-wide zoning — County zoning regulation, including the unincorporated area of Howard County.
13 more unanswered
  • Local zoning
  • Minimum dwelling size
  • 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 Howard County, Missouri

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

Howard County scores 73/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and workable self-sufficiency basics (41.3″/yr rainfall).

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

Building-permit rules for unincorporated Howard County are not published on an official source. Onsite septic is permitted by Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) — Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Howard County, Missouri?

Land in Howard County runs about $3,853 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Howard County?

Howard County gets about 41.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.2% of years.

How remote is Howard County?

A representative private-land location has about 11,862 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,114,157 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 Howard compares in Missouri

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