Bolthole Index

New Madrid County, Missouri

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in New Madrid County, Missouri

52Index Score / 100
#110 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated New Madrid County, Missouri does not require a county building permit for a home1. County zoning remains unconfirmed; ask the County Commission about the parcel23. Missouri DHSS handles county septic permitting: most installations and repairs need a construction permit, including residential systems on lots under 3 acres; larger lots need a confirmed exemption before work begins456.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required by the county for a home in an unincorporated area1
County zoning
Unconfirmed; ask the County Commission about the parcel23
Septic permit
DHSS handles most home septic systems; under 3 acres requires a permit, larger lots need exemption confirmation465
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask the County Commission before buying23
Water wells
Private-well construction standards apply; public-system wells need approval before drilling7
Septic soil suitability
About 1% of soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field8
Property tax
About 0.7% effective rate and a $746 yearly median bill910

Who to call

Also useful

New Madrid County Commission

General county-government and unincorporated land-use questions

(573) 748-2524

nmcocommissioners@newmadridcountymo.gov

450 Main Street, New Madrid, MO 63869

Septic permits

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program

Onsite wastewater construction permits for New Madrid County

(573) 751-6095 ext.5

OnsiteProgram@health.mo.gov

930 Wildwood Dr. Jefferson City, MO 65102

Online permits →

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

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Do you need a building permit in New Madrid County, Missouri?

Unincorporated New Madrid County does not require a county building permit for a home1. Missouri leaves building-code adoption to local governments instead of imposing one uniform statewide code11. City requirements differ: Portageville requires building permits for covered construction, Lilbourn requires a manufactured- or mobile-home setup permit, and Morehouse requires a building permit before placing a tiny house121314. County septic permitting starts with Missouri DHSS; Portageville and Morehouse also require city private-sewage approvals under state health requirements41516. Missouri exempts farm buildings from county fire-ordinance permits, which does not establish an exemption from every approval a farm project might need17.

Who issues building permits in New Madrid County?

New Madrid County has no identified county building department, and a county building permit is not required for a home in an unincorporated area1. Start questions about unincorporated parcels with the County Commission, which governs county infrastructure, services and local ordinances3. Call (573) 748-2524, email nmcocommissioners@newmadridcountymo.gov, or visit 450 Main Street, New Madrid, MO 638693. For septic construction permits, request an application number from Missouri DHSS through the state form linked below518. Missouri DNR must approve subdivisions planning onsite wastewater systems; that requirement does not establish a general county subdivision process19.

Does New Madrid County have zoning?

Countywide zoning in unincorporated New Madrid County could not be confirmed2. Missouri allows certain non-charter counties to establish zoning after voter approval, but that authority does not prove New Madrid County adopted zoning20. We could not confirm county requirements for setbacks, lot coverage, building-height limits, minimum home size or minimum lot size; ask the County Commission for a parcel-specific answer23. Portageville and Matthews administer their own city zoning, as does Sikeston, which lies mainly in Scott County and reaches into New Madrid County212223. City zoning does not replace septic approval: start with DHSS for the county authority, and in Portageville obtain the city private-sewage permit as well415.

How do septic permits work in New Madrid County?

Missouri DHSS is the septic-permit authority listed for New Madrid County4. A construction permit is required before installing or repairing a residential septic system on property under 3 acres; nonresidential systems require a permit regardless of lot size, from the agency with jurisdiction6. Some larger single-family lots may qualify for an exemption, but New Madrid’s eligibility is not established; obtain DHSS confirmation before starting work245. DHSS covers single-family residential systems, including lagoons; DNR handles non-single-family lagoons, surface-water discharges and industrial wastewater systems5. Request an application number through the state form, call (573) 751-6095 ext.5 or email OnsiteProgram@health.mo.gov18. Application fees have been temporarily suspended since August 28, 202625. Only about 1% of county soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make wastewater feasibility an early purchase check8.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in New Madrid County?

We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated New Madrid County2. The absence of a county building permit for a home does not itself authorize RV or tiny-home occupancy; ask the County Commission about use restrictions and setbacks before buying123. Inside Morehouse, placing a tiny house requires Board of Aldermen review and purchase of a building permit before placement14. Morehouse also requires a city permit for private sewage disposal, with state or county health requirements preserved16. On unincorporated land, most septic installations and repairs require DHSS approval unless an exemption is confirmed5.

How do you build a home in New Madrid County, step by step?

  1. Verify whether the parcel is unincorporated; inside a city, ask the city about its building permit and zoning approval12.
  1. For an unincorporated parcel, ask the County Commission about zoning approval, setbacks, subdivision, floodplain permits and county-road access23.
  1. Test wastewater suitability because only about 1% of county soils avoid severe drain-field limits8.
  1. Request a septic application number from Missouri DHSS, then wait for a septic permit or confirmed exemption before work begins2618.
  1. For residential property under 3 acres, plan on a septic permit; for a larger lot, ask DHSS whether an exemption applies before installation or repair65.
  1. If the driveway enters a state highway, obtain a MoDOT right-of-way permit27.
  1. Confirm the applicable construction rules before drilling a private well; a public-system well requires written approval before drilling7.

What should you check before buying land in New Madrid County?

Make wastewater feasibility a purchase contingency because only about 1% of county soils avoid severe conventional drain-field limits8. A proposed subdivision using onsite wastewater also needs Missouri DNR approval19. Private wells must follow Missouri construction requirements that vary by well category and location7. About 100% of the county has slopes of 15% or less, while about 6.1% is wooded2829. Typical farmland value is about $6,704 per acre and typical home value is about $104,7683031. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a $746 median annual bill910. Confirm legal access and flood exposure, and ask the County Commission for a parcel-specific zoning answer before closing23.

Watch-outs

  • Countywide zoning, setbacks, minimum dwelling size and RV occupancy remain unconfirmed; ask the County Commission about the parcel23.
  • A larger lot does not automatically waive a septic permit in New Madrid County; ask DHSS to confirm eligibility before work begins245.
  • Septic application fees are temporarily suspended, but the septic-permit requirement still applies unless Missouri DHSS confirms an exemption2526.

Sources

  1. State of Missouri - County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov) (2026 county census)
  2. (2026 county census)
  3. New Madrid County Commission (newmadridcountymo.gov)
  4. OWTS Construction Permit Process — New Madrid County authority listing, quoted and re-checked
  5. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  6. health.mo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  7. Who Regulates Water Wells in Missouri?, quoted and re-checked
  8. 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
  9. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  11. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Portageville: Article VII: Building Regulations — Generally - City of Portageville, MO (New Madrid County), quoted and re-checked
  13. Lilbourn: Chapter 515 Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes, and Manufactured Home Parks (New Madrid County), quoted and re-checked
  14. Morehouse: Article IV: Tiny Houses - City of Morehouse, MO (New Madrid County), quoted and re-checked
  15. Portageville: Chapter 710 Sewers - City of Portageville, MO (New Madrid County), quoted and re-checked
  16. Morehouse: Chapter 710: Sewer Regulations - City of Morehouse, MO (New Madrid County), quoted and re-checked
  17. RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program (health.mo.gov)
  19. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  20. RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Portageville: Table of Contents - City of Portageville, MO (New Madrid County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Matthews: City of Matthews, MO Code — Table of Contents (New Madrid County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Sikeston: Division 1 R-1 and R-2 Single-Family Residential Districts (New Madrid County), quoted and re-checked
  24. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  25. OWTS Construction Permit Process fee update, quoted and re-checked
  26. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  27. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  31. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleNew Madrid CountyMississippi CountyStoddard CountyDunklin CountyPemiscot CountyScott CountyButler County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsDHSSDHSSMO Dept. of Health & Senior ServicesDHSSMO Dept. of Health & Senior ServicesCounty Health Dept.DHSS

County locator

New Madrid County in Missouri

52
County map
New Madrid County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How New Madrid County scores

Seclusion59100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency24100% ev.
Admin Boringness7868% ev.
Durability48100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost76100% ev.

Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$105kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$6,704Land / acre
49.8"Annual rain
7.7% of yrsSevere drought
16.4 / yr (+14.4)Mid-century 100°F days
16.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.46" (+6.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.7×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,828Home insurance / yr
-1.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.8%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
21,482People within 30 min
1,159,404People within 2 hr
24,632Radius comparison (15 mi)
22.9People / sq mi
2.8%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
3,940 acWorkable land screen
6.1%Wooded land
35.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in New Madrid 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: Canalou · Town of Catron · Gideon · Howardville · Marston · Village of North Lilbourn · Parma · Risco · Tallapoosa

Answers from the rulebook for New Madrid County

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

New Madrid County rules

  • Building permitNot required

    The State of Missouri county building-codes dataset lists New Madrid County with no adopted residential/commercial/energy building code, and this rural non-charter county has no county building department (the Chapter 62 zoning code found is the City of New Madrid, not the county). Corroborated by the state County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov iq7s-izvt, 2021): no county residential building code adopted.

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

Missouri rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

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

    Onsite wastewater permitting for New Madrid County under the Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Program.

    • The DHSS page lists New Madrid County with Agency: DHSS and Authority Type: DHSS.
    • DHSS regulations cover single-family residential systems and onsite or cluster systems treating domestic wastewater flows of 3,000 gallons per day or less through soil treatment/absorption systems.
    • DNR regulates lagoons serving anything other than a single-family residence, systems discharging to surface waters, systems over 3,000 gallons per day dispersed through soil treatment, and industrial non-domestic wastewater systems.
    • DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds if OWTS is planned.
    • Some incorporated areas may defer permitting back to DHSS.
    “Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS Address: 930 Wildwood Dr. Jefferson City, MO 65102 County: New Madrid Phone: (573) 751-6095 ext.5 Website: N/A”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater permitting authority for New Madrid County.
      “Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS Address: 930 Wildwood Dr. Jefferson City, MO 65102 County: New Madrid Phone: (573) 751-6095 ext.5 Website: N/A Alert: Submit the information at https://stateofmissouri.wufoo.com/forms/q1l2xmqk0yjvaut/ to request an application number.”
    • 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.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Missouri.
      “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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Most onsite wastewater treatment system installations and repairs in New Madrid County, where the official Missouri DHSS county lookup identifies DHSS as the agency and authority type.

    • A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems.
    • Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.
    • Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption to permitting has been confirmed by the appropriate permitting authority.
    • The New Madrid County lookup directs applicants to request an application number from DHSS at the listed state form.
    • Effective August 28, 2026, application fees for onsite sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs are temporarily suspended due to changes to RSMo 701.046.
    • DHSS regulations cover single-family residential systems, including lagoons, and onsite or cluster systems treating domestic wastewater flows of 3,000 gallons per day or less and dispersing wastewater through soil treatment or absorption systems.
    • The Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulates lagoons serving anything other than single-family residences, systems discharging into surface waters, systems treating flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day and dispersing through soil treatment or absorption systems, and industrial non-domestic wastewater systems.
    • DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds if onsite wastewater treatment system use is planned.

    domestic wastewater flow threshold: <= 3000 gallons per day (DHSS coverage described for onsite or cluster systems; DNR regulates systems treating flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day and dispersing through soil treatment or absorption systems.) · application-fee suspension effective date: 2026-08-28 (Temporary suspension stated by DHSS due to changes to RSMo 701.046.)

    “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. [...] Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS [...] County: New Madrid”
    8 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Onsite wastewater treatment systems in New Madrid County administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). [...] Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS [...] County: New Madrid”
    • Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Missouri, including individual septic systems serving single-family residences, subject to stated exemptions and jurisdictional limits.
      “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. The first step of the permitting process is to determine the agency that has permitting authority where the work is being done.”
    • Required — Most onsite wastewater system installations and repairs in Missouri, including systems within New Madrid County, subject to the applicable permitting authority.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
    • Required — Installing or repairing an onsite wastewater treatment system on a residential property of less than three acres in New Madrid County, where Missouri DHSS is the listed permitting authority.
      “A construction permit is required to install or repair an onsite system on any residential property less than three acres.”
    • Required — Installation, repair, modification, or construction of most onsite wastewater treatment systems in New Madrid County.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
    • Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Missouri, including residential systems subject to state permitting.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
    • Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Missouri.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
    • Required — Proposed campgrounds, mobile home parks, and subdivisions planning to use onsite wastewater treatment systems anywhere in Missouri.
      “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Onsite sewage disposal system construction, major modification, or major repair subject to Missouri notice and inspection provisions in New Madrid County.

    • For covered work, notice and an opportunity for inspection must be provided before completion.
    • Registered contractors require notice before 9:00 a.m. on the day preceding completion; unregistered persons require notice before 9:00 a.m. on the second day preceding completion.
    • The system must remain available for complete inspection until 3:00 p.m. on the completion day unless the authority confirms earlier inspection and approval.
    • The system may not be closed or completed if inspection finds it fails the state standard.
    • The authority must provide written inspection results, or confirmation that it did not inspect, within three working days.
    • The state standard allows aggregate inspection of up to 60% of systems constructed by registered contractors and at least 75% of systems constructed by unregistered persons, and permits certification without onsite inspection in specified circumstances.

    registered-contractor aggregate inspection rate: <= 60 percent (Aggregate rate under RSMo 701.043.) · unregistered-person aggregate inspection rate: >= 75 percent (Aggregate rate under RSMo 701.043.)

    “A city, county or the department shall inspect, in the aggregate, up to sixty percent of on-site sewage disposal systems constructed, modified or repaired by contractors registered under sections 701.053 to 701.055 and at least seventy-five percent of on-site sewage disposal systems constructed, modified or repaired by persons not registered under sections 701.053 to 701.055 for which notice of construction, repair or modification is given under sections 701.046 to 701.048 and 701.050.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Inspection or evaluation of existing onsite wastewater systems in connection with Missouri real-estate transfers.
      “For the most part, local public health agencies no longer inspect existing systems related to real estate transfer. The help of a licensed inspector can be obtained to check the condition of the system.”
    • Limited — Inspections of existing onsite sewage systems in connection with property sales statewide in Missouri.
      “Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) rules governing onsite sewage systems cover minimum construction requirements, system inspections at the time of property sales, and requirements for percolation testers and soil evaluators.”
  • 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”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Water wells in New Madrid County, with construction authorization specifically required before drilling or altering a public water-system well; private-well construction requirements also apply under Missouri well-construction rules.
      “Public water systems must receive written approval from the PDWB before constructing or altering a public well, unless the system meets the charitable and benevolent organization exemptions in section 640.116, RSMo.”
    • 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 [...]”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Subdivisions in New Madrid County where onsite wastewater treatment systems are planned.
      “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned.”
    • Limited — Subdivision regulations adopted by Missouri cities, towns, or villages under RSMo section 89.410.
      “The planning commission shall recommend and the council may by ordinance adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

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

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

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

    • The source describes local county or city flood damage reduction ordinances rather than one uniform statewide ordinance.
    • The project must be within a participating jurisdiction.
    • The project must be within a designated flood hazard area.
    • The cited rule does not apply if either condition is absent.
    • Covered projects must not raise flood heights.
    “Some jurisdictions (for example, county, city) require any projects in certain floodplains do not raise flood heights.”
    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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — DHSS onsite-wastewater permit fees applicable to New Madrid County.
      “Effective August 28, 2026, due to changes to RSMo 701.046, the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended. 701.046 was changed to take out the $90 permit fee and authorizes the Department of Health and Senior Services to set reasonable fees—effectively placing current fees on hold until the new standards take effect.”
    • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — The Missouri onsite-wastewater permit process applicable to qualifying work in New Madrid County.
      “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. Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption to permitting has been confirmed by the appropriate permitting authority.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Permit applications for work on Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way statewide.
      “Contact the Traffic Specialist a minimum of 48 hours prior to beginning work and for all necessary inspections.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Missouri county zoning authority over unincorporated land.

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from building-permit or building-code requirements in New Madrid County.
  • Inspections — Building inspections in unincorporated New Madrid County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated New Madrid County.
  • County-wide zoning — A county-adopted zoning ordinance applicable to unincorporated New Madrid County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate of municipal and county zoning within New Madrid County; the county website identifies 15 organized municipalities, but this research did not establish the zoning status of each jurisdiction from official government webpages.
12 more unanswered
  • 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 New Madrid County, Missouri

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

New Madrid County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: strong self-sufficiency basics: 49.8″/yr rainfall with little drought.

Do you need a building permit in New Madrid County, Missouri?

New Madrid County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas. Onsite septic is permitted by Missouri Department of Health and 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 New Madrid County, Missouri?

Land in New Madrid County runs about $6,704 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in New Madrid County?

New Madrid County gets about 49.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.7% of years.

How remote is New Madrid County?

A representative private-land location has about 21,482 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,159,404 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 New Madrid compares in Missouri

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