Bolthole Index

Putnam County, Missouri

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

77Index Score / 100
#15 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Putnam County, Missouri does not require a residential building permit, but local zoning varies: Lincoln, Sherman and York townships are zoned12. Missouri DHSS handles Putnam County septic permits, and a construction permit is required to install or repair a residential system on property smaller than 3 acres34. Confirm the parcel's township and applicable local rules before buying.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required for a residence in unincorporated Putnam County1
Zoning
Varies by township; Lincoln, Sherman and York townships are zoned2
Septic authority
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services3
Septic permit
Required for residential property smaller than 3 acres and for nonresidential systems regardless of tract size4
Septic application fees
Temporarily suspended by Missouri beginning August 28, 20265
RV and tiny-home living
Not confirmed; first identify the township and ask the applicable local authority26
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed, though an ordinary residence does not require a county building permit71
Driveway onto a state highway
A MoDOT right-of-way permit is required8

Who to call

Septic permits

Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program

Onsite wastewater permit applications for Putnam County

(573) 751-6095 ext. 5

onsiteprogram@health.mo.gov

930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Online permits →

Also useful

Putnam County Clerk

Starting contact for unresolved Putnam County building, zoning, floodplain and county-road questions

660-947-2674

1601 MAIN ST RM 101, UNIONVILLE MO 63565-1600

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 5, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Putnam 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 Putnam County, Missouri?

No residential building permit is required for an ordinary home in unincorporated Putnam County, Missouri1. Missouri adopts fire and building codes locally rather than through one uniformly adopted statewide code, and Putnam County is not listed as having adopted a residential, commercial or energy building code91. That answer is limited to the county building permit: a septic permit, a MoDOT right-of-way permit or a permit tied to a designated flood hazard area can still apply to the same project4810. Putnam County building inspections and certificates of occupancy could not be confirmed, so ask the Putnam County Clerk about any project-specific county review before construction6.

Who handles Putnam County permits, and how do you reach them?

Putnam County does not publish a building department or building-permit office, and a residential building permit is not required in unincorporated Putnam County1. Start unresolved county questions with the Putnam County Clerk at 660-947-2674, 1601 MAIN ST RM 101, UNIONVILLE MO 63565-16006. Septic is separate: the Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program is Putnam County's permitting authority and can be reached at (573) 751-6095 ext. 5 or onsiteprogram@health.mo.gov113. DHSS directs Putnam County applicants to its online form to request an application number, and work should wait until DHSS issues a permit or confirms an exemption1112.

Does Putnam County have zoning?

Zoning in Putnam County varies by township rather than applying uniformly across the county: Lincoln, Sherman and York are the only townships identified as currently zoned2. The available information does not provide the zoning map, district rules, setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, height or lot-coverage standards. Identify the parcel's township, then ask the Putnam County Clerk which township or municipal authority can confirm the rules for that address6. Land inside Unionville or another incorporated place can be governed by municipal rules instead of township rules13.

How do septic permits work in Putnam County?

Missouri DHSS is the onsite wastewater permitting authority for Putnam County3. A construction permit is required to install or repair a residential onsite system on property smaller than 3 acres, while a nonresidential onsite system requires a permit regardless of property size4. Contact DHSS before assuming a larger residential tract is exempt, because work should not begin until the proper authority issues a permit or confirms an exemption12. Missouri temporarily suspended application fees for onsite sewage construction, modification and repair beginning August 28, 20265. Putnam County soils deserve early testing: 0% of mapped county soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so a site evaluation may point toward a more specialized design14. Missouri does not generally require a septic inspection for every real-estate transaction, but a lender or buyer may request one and it must be performed by a licensed person15.

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

Long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping and tiny-home occupancy on private land in Putnam County could not be confirmed. Local zoning varies, and Lincoln, Sherman and York townships are currently zoned, so identify the parcel's township before treating any use as allowed2. Ask the Putnam County Clerk which local authority can confirm occupancy, setbacks, minimum dwelling size and floodplain conditions for the parcel6. Any occupied setup still needs lawful wastewater disposal: Missouri onsite systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property, and residential property smaller than 3 acres requires a construction permit for installation or repair164. A mobile-home park or campground planning onsite wastewater also needs Missouri DNR approval17.

Building a home in Putnam County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Putnam County, where an ordinary residence does not require a county building permit1.
  2. Identify the parcel's township because Lincoln, Sherman and York townships are zoned, then call the Putnam County Clerk at 660-947-2674 for the applicable local authority and questions about floodplain review, road access or subdivision approval26.
  3. Have the proposed septic area evaluated early because 0% of mapped county soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field14.
  4. Request a septic application number from Missouri DHSS and do not start onsite wastewater work until DHSS issues the permit or confirms an exemption1112.
  5. If the driveway enters a state highway, obtain a MoDOT right-of-way permit before construction and contact the Traffic Specialist at least 48 hours before work begins818.

What should you check before buying land in Putnam County?

Septic feasibility is the first due-diligence item because 0% of Putnam County's mapped soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field14. Terrain varies: 58.2% of the land has a slope of 15% or less, while 30.8% is wooded, so inspect the actual homesite and access route rather than relying on county averages1920. Putnam County averages 39.2 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in 8.7% of years, making both drainage and a dependable water source worth checking2122. The effective property-tax rate is about 1%, with a median annual bill of $1,1012324. The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 82 miles from the county's center, so price contractor travel and material delivery before committing25.

Watch-outs

  • Lincoln, Sherman and York townships are zoned, but their district rules and Putnam County's RV-occupancy and tiny-home rules could not be confirmed; ask the Putnam County Clerk which local authority covers the parcel26.
  • A tract larger than 3 acres is not an automatic green light for septic work; DHSS says work should wait until the permitting authority confirms the exemption412.
  • Every mapped Putnam County soil is rated severely limited for a conventional septic drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency14.

Sources

  1. Missouri State Data Portal - County Building Codes for Missouri (2026 county census)
  2. Putnam County Assessor, quoted and re-checked
  3. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  4. health.mo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  5. OWTS Construction Permit Process (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Putnam County Clerk (mocounties.com)
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Laws and Regulations That Might Affect You if You Mine Sand or Gravel From Missouri Streams (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program (health.mo.gov)
  12. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  13. RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. 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
  15. health.mo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  16. health.mo.gov (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  18. Permit Process | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  20. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 5, 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 5 of its 6 neighbors, Putnam County requires no county building permit for a home.

RulePutnam CountySullivan CountySchuyler CountyMercer CountyAdair CountyGrundy CountyLinn County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedNoNot publishedNo
Septic permitsDHSSMO Dept. of Health & Senior ServicesDHSSMO Dept. of Health & Senior ServicesDHSSMO DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment ProgramDHSS

County locator

Putnam County in Missouri

77
County map
Putnam County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Putnam County scores

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency56100% ev.
Admin Boringness7868% ev.
Durability55100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost8196% ev.

Evidence strength: 94%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$215kTypical home
1%Property tax
$3,789Land / acre
39.2"Annual rain
8.7% of yrsSevere drought
7.9 / yr (+6.8)Mid-century 100°F days
17.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.95" (+6.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,032Home insurance / yr
4.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.69%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
4,433People within 30 min
344,800People within 2 hr
7,648Radius comparison (15 mi)
9People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
58.2%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
30.8%Wooded land
35.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Putnam 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.

Elm Township · Grant Township · Jackson Township · Liberty Township · Lincoln Township · Village of Livonia · Village of Lucerne · Medicine Township · Village of Powersville · Richland Township · Sherman Township · Union Township · Unionville · Wilson Township · Village of Worthington · York Township

Answers from the rulebook for Putnam County

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

Putnam County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    The aggregate local-zoning situation across Putnam County townships, especially unincorporated areas.

    • Putnam County is described by its official assessor as a township county with eleven townships.
    • The official assessor states that only Lincoln, Sherman, and York townships are currently zoned.
    • The conclusion aggregates township zoning; it does not mean Putnam County administers each township ordinance.
    • The assessor directs zoning questions to the Putnam County Clerk at 660-947-2674.
    “Putnam County is a township county. It is made up of eleven townships. Of those eleven, only three are currently zoned. They are Lincoln, Sherman, and York townships. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the county clerk at 660-947-2674.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning within Putnam County, aggregated across its townships; the county assessor identifies Lincoln, Sherman, and York townships as zoned, while the remaining townships are not identified as zoned on that page.
      “Putnam County is a township county. It is made up of eleven townships. Of those eleven, only three are currently zoned. They are Lincoln, Sherman, and York townships.”
  • Who permits septicState

    Onsite wastewater permitting for Putnam County.

    “Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS Address: 930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102 County: Putnam”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    DHSS onsite-wastewater permit process for Putnam County.

    • Putnam County is listed with DHSS as the agency and authority type.
    • The application-number request must be submitted through the state form identified by DHSS.
    • Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption has been confirmed by the appropriate authority.
    “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.”
  • Building permitNot required

    The State of Missouri County Building Codes inventory lists no residential, commercial, or energy building code adopted for Putnam County (all fields dashed), consistent with rural non-charter counties that cannot require residential building permits. Corroborated by the state County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov iq7s-izvt, 2021): no county residential building code adopted.

    Missouri State 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”
    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”
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Onsite wastewater system installation or repair in Putnam County under Missouri state onsite-wastewater rules.
      “A construction permit is required to install or repair an onsite system on any residential property less than three acres. (This exemption does not apply in some counties; check with the county authority.) Regardless of the size of the property, a permit is necessary for all other onsite systems that serve non-residential structures.”
    • Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Missouri.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
    • Required — Proposed campgrounds, mobile home parks, and subdivisions planning to use onsite wastewater treatment systems anywhere in Missouri.
      “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

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

    • Local public health agencies generally no longer inspect existing systems for real-estate transfers.
    • A private licensed inspector may perform an inspection or evaluation.
    • A lender, buyer, or other transaction participant may require an assessment.
    • Some local standards may be more stringent than state regulations.
    • Inspections and evaluations are distinct; an inspection includes a hydraulic test, while an evaluation does not.
    “For the most part, local public health agencies no longer inspect existing systems related to real estate transfer. The help of a licensed inspector can be obtained to check the condition of the system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater inspection or evaluation before a real-estate transaction in Putnam County.
      “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.”
    • 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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — A person or contractor conducting regulated work to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a water well, heat-pump well, monitoring well, or related well in Missouri.
      “A non-restricted permit is required to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a well.”
    • Limited — Construction or repair of water wells, installation or replacement of pumps, and associated plumbing and electrical work in Missouri.
      “A non-restricted water well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well in Missouri.”
  • 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
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions in Putnam County 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.”
    • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Missouri onsite wastewater treatment system construction, modification, and repair application fees administered under the statewide DHSS OWTS program.
      “Effective August 28, 2026, [...] the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended.”
  • 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, building-code, or contractor requirements applicable in Putnam County.
  • Inspections — Building inspections in unincorporated Putnam County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in unincorporated Putnam County.
  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning regulations in Putnam County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Putnam County.
11 more unanswered
  • Minimum lot size
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Putnam County, Missouri

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

Putnam County scores 77/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 4,433 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Putnam 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 Putnam County, Missouri?

Land in Putnam County runs about $3,789 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Putnam County?

Putnam County gets about 39.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.7% of years.

How remote is Putnam County?

A representative private-land location has about 4,433 people within a 30-minute drive and 344,800 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 Putnam compares in Missouri

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