Pulaski County, MO: No Building Permit

Unincorporated Pulaski County, Missouri does not require a county building permit for a home, but the County Clerk & Commission should confirm that answer for a specific parcel¹². Countywide zoning remains unconfirmed, so ask the same office before relying on an assumed setback, minimum size or RV rule³². Missouri DHSS is the current onsite wastewater authority for Pulaski County⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required for a home in unincorporated Pulaski County; confirm the parcel with the County Clerk & Commission¹²
Zoning: Countywide status is unconfirmed; ask the County Clerk & Commission about the parcel³²
Septic permits: Missouri DHSS handles most home systems; obtain a construction permit or confirmed exemption before installation or repair⁴⁵
RV living: No Pulaski County rule was confirmed; ask the County Clerk & Commission before occupying an RV³²
Tiny homes: Occupancy, minimum-size and setback rules were not confirmed; ask the County Clerk & Commission³²
Owner-builder: An owner may build, but no general owner-builder exemption was confirmed⁶
State-highway driveway: A MoDOT right-of-way permit is required for construction or modification⁷

Who to call

Also useful

Pulaski County Clerk & Commission

General county administration and parcel-specific questions about county building permits, zoning and land use

573-774-4701

pcmoclerk@gmail.com

301 Historic Rt. 66 E., Waynesville, MO 65583

Septic permits

Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program

OWTS construction permits and general permitting questions for state-administered counties, including Pulaski County

573-751-6095

OnsiteProgram@health.mo.gov

PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

Online permits →

Septic permits

Pulaski County Health Department, Environmental Public Health

Local environmental public-health questions and complaints

(573) 774-3820

104 Ashley May Street, Suite 102, PO Box 473, Waynesville, MO 65583

Septic permits

Pulaski County Health Department OWTS Program

Publishes the current OWTS jurisdiction notice for Pulaski County

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, Missouri?

An ordinary home in unincorporated Pulaski County does not require a county building permit¹. Call the County Clerk & Commission before construction for parcel-specific confirmation, especially if a lender, insurer or contractor needs written verification¹². Inside Dixon, construction requires a city building permit from City Hall before work begins⁸. Missouri DHSS remains the countywide onsite wastewater authority, and Dixon also requires a city permit for private sewage disposal systems⁴⁹. A farm-building exemption in state law concerns county fire-protection and fire-prevention ordinances; it is not a blanket exemption from septic, floodplain, zoning or other land-use requirements¹⁰.

Who handles Pulaski County building permits and land-use questions?

Pulaski County has no confirmed building-permit office for unincorporated residential construction, so the Pulaski County Clerk & Commission is the practical first contact for parcel-specific building, zoning and land-use questions¹². Reach the office at 573-774-4701 or pcmoclerk@gmail.com, or visit 301 Historic Rt. 66 E. in Waynesville². Ask whether the parcel lies inside an incorporated municipality, because Missouri building and fire codes are adopted locally and a city may have its own requirements¹¹. We could not confirm Pulaski County requirements for a certificate of occupancy, county-road access or floodplain development; ask the County Clerk & Commission which office handles each issue². A driveway constructed or modified within MoDOT right-of-way requires a state permit¹². MoDOT accepts right-of-way applications online, through the area Traffic Specialist or by mail, and the Traffic Specialist must be contacted at least 48 hours before work begins¹³.

Does Pulaski County, Missouri have zoning?

Pulaski County's countywide zoning status could not be confirmed from an official county or state source³. Do not treat the absence of a confirmed zoning office as proof that an unincorporated parcel has no zoning, setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, height limit or lot-coverage rule³. Ask the County Clerk & Commission to identify any county ordinance affecting the parcel and to confirm whether the address is inside municipal limits². The county guidance here concerns unincorporated land; inside St. Robert, the city sets zoning and requires land uses to conform to its zoning and land-development regulations¹⁴¹⁵. Missouri DHSS remains the onsite wastewater authority within Pulaski County, including city addresses⁴. Additional county subdivision rules and rules for accessory dwellings, manufactured homes and short-term rentals remain unconfirmed; ask the County Clerk & Commission about the intended use².

How do septic permits work in Pulaski County?

Missouri DHSS is the current onsite wastewater authority for Pulaski County⁴. A construction permit is required to install or repair a system on residential property under 3 acres; nonresidential systems require a permit regardless of acreage¹⁶. Some single-family lots may qualify for an exemption, but acreage alone does not establish eligibility; wait for DHSS to issue a permit or confirm an exemption before work begins¹⁷⁵. Contact the DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program at 573-751-6095 or OnsiteProgram@health.mo.gov¹⁸. Application fees have been temporarily suspended since August 28, 2026, while DHSS develops new fee standards¹⁹. DNR approval is required for subdivisions, mobile-home parks and campgrounds planning onsite wastewater systems; owners in unapproved developments should contact DNR about residential housing-unit requirements²⁰. DNR also regulates systems discharging to surface water, non-single-family lagoons, industrial wastewater and systems over 3,000 gallons per day²¹. Only about 9% of Pulaski County soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange a site and soil evaluation before fixing the house location or septic budget²².

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

We could not confirm Pulaski County rules for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy; ask the County Clerk & Commission about the proposed use². Countywide zoning also remains unconfirmed, so the lack of a published rule is not permission to occupy an RV or tiny home on an unincorporated parcel³. An off-grid setup may use a compliant onsite sewage system instead of a regulated sewer connection, but every occupied building must provide sanitary sewage disposal and the onsite system must follow Missouri rules²³²⁴. Residential property under 3 acres needs a construction permit for septic installation or repair, and nonresidential systems need one regardless of acreage; wait for a permit or confirmed exemption before work¹⁷²¹. For a tiny home inside a city, contact that municipality because Missouri building codes are adopted locally¹¹.

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

Ask the County Clerk & Commission to confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Pulaski County and to identify any zoning, floodplain, access or subdivision rule tied to it²³.

Obtain a site and soil evaluation early because only about 9% of county soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field²².

Contact Missouri DHSS before septic work; DHSS must issue a permit or confirm an exemption before installation or repair begins²⁵⁵¹⁸.

If the project is a subdivision, mobile-home park or campground using OWTS, obtain DNR approval as well; owners in unapproved developments should contact DNR about residential housing-unit requirements²⁰.

Determine who controls the road. Construction or modification of a driveway in MoDOT right-of-way requires a state permit¹².

Confirm the building-permit answer with the County Clerk & Commission if written proof is needed; an ordinary unincorporated home does not require a county building permit¹².

What should you check before buying land in Pulaski County?

Start with septic feasibility: only about 9% of Pulaski County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a soil evaluation can change the usable building area and system cost²². About 59.7% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, and about 72% is wooded, making an on-site review of grade, clearing and access more useful than county averages alone²⁶²⁷. Federal land covers about 28.9% of the county, so verify the surveyed parcel boundary and legal access rather than inferring them from nearby open land²⁸. A parcel need not connect universally to public sewer, but every occupied building must dispose of sewage through a regulated sewer or a compliant onsite system²³. County floodplain-development rules, private-well requirements and county-road driveway permits could not be confirmed; ask the County Clerk & Commission which office controls each issue for the parcel². Missouri does not require an OWTS inspection for every sale, although a lender or buyer may request one from a licensed individual; ask DHSS whether Pulaski County has an additional local rule²⁹. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, with a median annual bill near $1,159³⁰³¹.

Watch-outs

An ordinary home in unincorporated Pulaski County does not require a county building permit; ask the County Clerk & Commission for parcel-specific confirmation before construction¹².
Pulaski County zoning, RV-occupancy, tiny-home, setback and minimum-size rules remain unconfirmed; ask the County Clerk & Commission before relying on an assumed allowance³².
A larger residential lot does not automatically establish a septic-permit exemption in Pulaski County; wait for Missouri DHSS to confirm an exemption or issue a permit before installation or repair¹⁷⁵.
Do not confuse Pulaski County, Missouri with Pulaski County, Virginia; the Missouri county office is at 301 Historic Rt. 66 E. in Waynesville².

Sources

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.

Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Pulaski County requires no county building permit for a home.

Rule	Pulaski County	Laclede County	Phelps County	Maries County	Miller County	Camden County	Wright County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Limited	Not required
County zoning	Not published	No	No	No	Not published	Yes	No
Septic permits	DHSS	County Health Dept.	DHSS	DHSS	DHSS	County Wastewater Dept.	County Health Dept.

How Pulaski County scores

Seclusion61100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.

Admin Boringness8077% ev.

Durability57100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost83100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$232kTypical home

0.6%Property tax

$3,020Land / acre

43.9"Annual rain

4.9% of yrsSevere drought

13.5 / yr (+11.2)Mid-century 100°F days

15.9 daysMid-century dry spell

2.02" (+5.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.78×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,900Home insurance / yr

1.3% / yrInsurance growth

1.73%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

26,019People within 30 min

1,404,225People within 2 hr

56,751Radius comparison (15 mi)

98.4People / sq mi

28.9%Federal land

59.7%Land at 15% slope or less

9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

31,304 acWorkable land screen

72%Wooded land

41.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac

56.1°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Pulaski County

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

Pulaski County rules

Who permits septicState
Onsite wastewater treatment systems within Pulaski County.
“Currently, MO Department of Health & Senior Services is the regulatory authority for the OWTS program within Pulaski County.”
On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
Building permitNot required
Missouri's official county building-codes dataset lists no residential, commercial, or energy building code for Pulaski County; Missouri non-charter counties generally cannot require residential building permits in unincorporated areas. Corroborated by the state County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov iq7s-izvt, 2021): no county residential building code adopted.
State of Missouri Data Portal - County Building Codes for Missouri ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable
Missouri has no statewide residential building code and Pulaski County requires no building permit, so a property owner may build their own home; there is no state residential-contractor license barring an owner-builder.
State of Missouri Data Portal - County Building Codes for Missouri ↗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”
RSMo Section 64.170 ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — Residential building-code adoption by Missouri counties, particularly construction in unincorporated county territory.
  “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification [...] is for this purpose empowered [...] to adopt [...] regulations”
  RSMo § 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Partial — County adoption of residential building codes in Missouri, with the resulting regulations applicable to unincorporated territory when adopted under the statutory authority.
  “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification, as provided by law, is for this purpose empowered”
  RSMo Section 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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”
RSMo Section 64.261 — Zoning districts, creation, regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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.”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Installation or repair of onsite wastewater systems in Missouri, including potentially applicable work in Pulaski County
  “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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Limited — Pulaski County OWTS because the county health center identifies DHSS as the current regulatory authority.
  “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.”
  health.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
- Limited — OWTS installation or repair in Pulaski County where DHSS is the regulatory authority.
  “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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
- 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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- 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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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.”
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Inspections Versus Evaluations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Not required — An onsite wastewater inspection or evaluation before a real-estate transaction.
  “No. However, if a lender or buyer requests an inspection/evaluation, it must be conducted by a licensed individual. Some counties may require an onsite system inspection/evaluation for every real estate transaction. Check with the local permitting authority.”
  health.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- 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.”
  health.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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.”
health.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Off-grid domestic wastewater disposal in Pulaski County using an onsite sewage disposal system.
  “Except as provided in this section, sewage and waste from such buildings shall be disposed of by discharging into a sewer system regulated pursuant to chapter 644, or shall be disposed of by discharging into an on-site sewage disposal system operated as defined by rules promulgated pursuant to sections 701.025 to 701.059.”
  RSMo Section 701.031 ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
- 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).”
  Onsite Wastewater Treatment ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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”
Who Regulates Water Wells in Missouri? - PUB4001 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — A person or contractor conducting regulated work to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a water well, heat-pump well, monitoring well, or related well in Missouri.
  “A non-restricted permit is required to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a well.”
  Well and Pump Installation Contractor Permitting ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- 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.”
  Water Wells - PUB2945 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Sanitary wastewater disposal for buildings in Pulaski County.
- Domestic sewage must be disposed of through a regulated sewer system or an onsite sewage disposal system operated under applicable state rules.
- The statute does not establish that public water or public sewer service is universally required for every parcel.
“Property owners of all buildings where people live, work or assemble shall provide for the sanitary disposal of all domestic sewage. Except as provided in this section, sewage and waste from such buildings shall be disposed of by discharging into a sewer system regulated pursuant to chapter 644, or shall be disposed of by discharging into an on-site sewage disposal system operated as defined by rules promulgated pursuant to sections 701.025 to 701.059.”
RSMo Section 701.031 ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
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.”
RSMo Section 64.890 — Building and land use restrictions; exemptions ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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.”
  RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- 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 [...]”
  RSMo Section 64.890 ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- 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 [...]”
  revisor.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- 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.”
  RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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 [...]”
RSMo Section 64.070 ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions, mobile-home parks, and campgrounds proposing onsite wastewater treatment systems.
  “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned. Developers as well as property owners in unapproved developments should contact DNR regarding their residential housing unit requirements.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- Limited — Subdivisions in Pulaski County where onsite wastewater treatment systems are planned.
  “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned. Developers as well as property owners in unapproved developments should contact DNR regarding their residential housing unit requirements.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
- 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.”
  RSMo Section 89.410 ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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”
Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction or modification of a driveway within MoDOT right-of-way.
  “We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways Modifications to existing driveways (e.g. proposed changes in width, grade, location, surface type, etc.)”
  Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
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.”
Laws and Regulations That Might Affect You if You Mine Sand or Gravel From Missouri Streams ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
  Floodplain Forms ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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.”
Air Construction Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Missouri DHSS onsite sewage construction, modification, and repair permit fees applicable to Pulaski County's DHSS-administered OWTS program.
  “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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
- 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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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.”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — The state OWTS construction-permit process.
  “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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- Published (with conditions) — DHSS-administered OWTS permitting in Pulaski 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. The first step of the permitting process is to determine the agency that has permitting authority where the work is being done. [...] Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption to permitting has been confirmed by the appropriate permitting authority.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
- Published — OWTS permitting through Missouri DHSS for Pulaski County.
  “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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
- 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.”
  Permit Process | Missouri Department of Transportation ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
RSMo § 64.850 — County commission may prescribe zoning regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- General — Missouri counties adopting zoning regulations for unincorporated territory.
  “If a majority of the votes cast is in favor of county zoning, the county commission shall proceed with a program of county zoning”
  RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Limited — Missouri county zoning of unincorporated land.
  “counties of the second, third or fourth class may, after approval by vote of the people [...] in the unincorporated portions of the county”
  RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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”
RSMo Section 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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”
  RSMo § 64.170 — County commissions control construction and issue building permits ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- 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”
  RSMo § 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Inspections — Building inspections in unincorporated Pulaski County.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in unincorporated Pulaski County.
County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning authority in Pulaski County, Missouri, especially unincorporated areas.
Local zoning — Local zoning within Pulaski County, including any county, municipal, or other local zoning jurisdictions.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Pulaski County, Missouri.

10 more unanswered

Minimum lot size
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
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 Pulaski County, Missouri

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

Pulaski County scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

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

Pulaski 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. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Pulaski County, Missouri?

Land in Pulaski County runs about $3,020 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Pulaski County?

Pulaski County gets about 43.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.9% of years.

How remote is Pulaski County?

A representative private-land location has about 26,019 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,404,225 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.

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Pulaski County, Missouri

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles Pulaski County building permits and land-use questions?

Does Pulaski County, Missouri have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Pulaski County?

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

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

What should you check before buying land in Pulaski County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Pulaski County in Missouri

How Pulaski County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Pulaski County

Answers from the rulebook for Pulaski County

Pulaski County rules

Missouri rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Pulaski County, Missouri

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

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

How much does land cost in Pulaski County, Missouri?

What is the water situation in Pulaski County?

How remote is Pulaski County?

How Pulaski compares in Missouri