Bolthole Index

Saline County, Missouri

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

72Index Score / 100
#51 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Saline County, Missouri appears not to require a county residential building permit; confirm the parcel’s requirements with the Saline County Commission12. Marshall has adopted city building codes, and zoning varies within Saline County’s municipalities34. The Saline County Health Department requires septic approval for new systems and major modifications serving a single home or business on less than 3 acres5.

At a glance

Building permit
Apparently not required for a home in unincorporated Saline County; confirm with the County Commission12
Zoning
Unincorporated Saline County appears to have no countywide zoning; city zoning varies64
Septic permit
County approval is required for new systems and major modifications serving a single home or business on less than 3 acres5
RV living
Not confirmed; ask the County Commission before using an RV as a residence62
Tiny home
No county-specific occupancy or placement rule was confirmed; ask the County Commission62
Farm buildings
A separate zoning exemption is conditional and cannot be confirmed for Saline County7
Private well
Missouri requires permits for professional well and pump installation, but allows a landowner to install the landowner's own well or pump without one8
Floodplain
Development in a locally administered mapped floodplain requires a permit9

Who to call

Also useful

Saline County Commission

County policy and questions about county jurisdiction, building permits and zoning

(660) 886-7777

Saline County Courthouse, 19 E. Arrow Street, Room 101, Marshall, MO 65340

Septic permits

Saline County Health Department, Environmental Health

Onsite wastewater system permits, approvals, complaints and installer questions

660-886-3434

1825 Atchison Avenue, Marshall, MO 65340

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

Off-grid gear

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

Unincorporated Saline County, Missouri appears not to require a county residential building permit1. Confirm the parcel’s requirements with the Saline County Commission before construction; we could not confirm a county residential certificate-of-occupancy requirement2. Missouri authorizes local adoption of building codes rather than imposing one uniform statewide building code10.

Marshall has adopted city building codes and directs applicants to ensure proposed construction complies with those codes before submitting a building permit application; Marshall’s adoption does not establish a building code for unincorporated Saline County311. Septic review is separate: new systems and major modifications serving a single home or business on less than 3 acres require Saline County Health Department approval5.

Who issues building permits in Saline County?

For a building project on unincorporated land, start with the Saline County Commission at (660) 886-7777 at the Saline County Courthouse in Marshall2. Give the Commission the parcel location and proposed use, and ask about residential building permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, floodplain review and county-road access2.

For construction subject to Marshall’s jurisdiction, the City Inspection Department publishes a building permit application and directs applicants to comply with the city’s adopted codes113. For qualifying septic construction or major modifications serving a single home or business on less than 3 acres, contact the Saline County Health Department at 660-886-3434512. A driveway connecting to Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way requires a state driveway permit13.

Does Saline County have zoning?

Unincorporated Saline County appears to have no countywide zoning; ask the County Commission to confirm jurisdiction for the specific parcel62. Municipal zoning varies and does not establish whether county zoning exists outside city limits4. Marshall has its own zoning districts, and the City Inspection Department publishes a zoning ordinance and map1415. Emma, mainly in Lafayette County but reaching into Saline County, also has its own zoning districts16. County health approval remains required for qualifying onsite systems serving a single home or business on less than 3 acres; Emma additionally requires a city private-sewage permit where public sewer is unavailable517.

We could not confirm unincorporated-county rules for minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, accessory dwellings or manufactured-home placement; ask the County Commission about the proposed use2. Missouri’s onsite-wastewater law does not itself set a general minimum lot size, but wastewater ordinances or subdivision approval may impose one18. The farm-structure zoning exemption depends on voter approval of the statutory county planning framework, which we could not confirm for Saline County7.

How do septic permits work in Saline County?

For a single home or business on less than 3 acres anywhere in Saline County, new onsite wastewater construction and major modifications require a septic construction permit, soil morphology test and Saline County Health Department approval5. A DHSS-certified soil scientist should analyze the site, and a registered engineer must design the system if a conventional absorption system or lagoon is unsuitable19. Only 6.4% of Saline County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field, so make the soil evaluation an early purchase contingency; that rating does not mean septic is impossible20.

Missouri DHSS supplies statewide onsite-sewage standards, while local governments may adopt stricter standards21. Missouri temporarily suspended onsite-system application fees effective August 28, 2026, although the county page still describes a fee; ask the Health Department what is currently collected22. A qualifying single-family lot of 3 acres or more may be excluded from state permitting rules, but the Health Department should confirm an exclusion before work starts2322.

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

We could not confirm a rule expressly permitting or prohibiting RV or tiny-home occupancy on private land in unincorporated Saline County; ask the County Commission about the proposed residence before buying2. The apparent absence of countywide zoning does not settle sanitation, floodplain or occupancy requirements6239. Municipal zoning varies, and construction under Marshall’s jurisdiction must comply with its adopted city codes43.

New septic systems and major modifications serving a single home or business on less than 3 acres require Saline County Health Department approval5. Domestic wastewater must go to a regulated sewer or compliant onsite system; sewage may not discharge onto the ground, into waterways, lakes or ponds other than lagoons, or off the served property2324. A tiny home using a private well also falls under Missouri well rules8.

What are the steps to building a home in Saline County?

  1. Establish whether the homesite is unincorporated or inside city limits; municipal zoning varies, and Marshall has adopted its own building codes43.
  2. For unincorporated land, give the County Commission the parcel and project details and ask about the residential building permit, inspections, certificate of occupancy, floodplain review and county-road access2.
  3. Check the mapped flood zone; development in a locally administered special flood hazard area requires a floodplain development permit9.
  4. For a lot under 3 acres, arrange a soil morphology test and apply to the Health Department for the septic construction permit before wastewater work starts5.
  5. Obtain a state land-disturbance stormwater permit if the project disturbs at least 1 acre, or belongs to a larger plan that cumulatively disturbs at least 1 acre25.
  6. Obtain a state driveway permit for work in MoDOT right-of-way and the applicable well or pump permit when a contractor installs the water system138.

What should you check before buying land in Saline County?

Put septic suitability, flood exposure, legal access and water supply ahead of the house plan. Only 6.4% of county soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field, while 94.8% of the land has a slope of 15% or less; gentle ground can still have poor septic performance2026. Saline County averages about 41 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in 8.5% of years, so evaluate both drainage and dependable water supply2728.

Ask the Commission whether a county-road entrance needs approval, and use Missouri's permit process if access touches MoDOT right-of-way213. Check the mapped floodplain before choosing a pad or driveway because development in a locally administered special flood hazard area requires a permit9. The typical home value is about $183,945, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.8%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,138293031. Subdividing land adds a state step: a new subdivision of seven or more lots under five acres each, using individual onsite systems, needs Missouri Department of Natural Resources approval before homes are built or lots sold32.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm residential inspection or certificate-of-occupancy requirements for unincorporated Saline County; ask the Saline County Commission before starting work2.
  • Emma’s private-sewage rules require a written permit signed by the City Clerk before construction where public sewer is unavailable, in addition to applicable state or Saline County health requirements17.
  • The county septic page describes an application fee, while Missouri says onsite-system application fees were temporarily suspended effective August 28, 2026; confirm the current charge with the Health Department522.

Sources

  1. Saline County MO - County Government (2026 county census)
  2. Saline County Commission (salinecountymo.gov)
  3. City Inspection Department | City of Marshall, quoted and re-checked
  4. City Inspection Department | City of Marshall, quoted and re-checked
  5. Environmental Health | Saline County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  6. Saline County MO - County Government (2026 county census)
  7. RSMo Section 64.510, quoted and re-checked
  8. Water Wells — PUB2945, quoted and re-checked
  9. Floodplain Forms, quoted and re-checked
  10. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. City Inspection Department, quoted and re-checked
  12. Saline County Health Department, Environmental Health (salinecountyhealthdepartment.com)
  13. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Marshall: Chapter 405: Zoning Regulations - City of Marshall, MO (Saline County), quoted and re-checked
  15. January 20, 2026 City Council Agenda and zoning-map ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Emma: Chapter 405: Zoning Regulations - City of Emma, MO (Saline County), quoted and re-checked
  17. Emma: Chapter 705: Sewer Regulations - City of Emma, MO (Saline County), quoted and re-checked
  18. health.mo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. Environmental Health | Saline County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  20. 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
  21. RSMo Section 701.043 — State standards, quoted and re-checked
  22. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  23. RSMo Section 701.031 — Disposal of sewage, who, how, exception, quoted and re-checked
  24. RSMo Section 701.031 — Disposal of sewage, who, how, exception, quoted and re-checked
  25. Construction Land Disturbance Permits, quoted and re-checked
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  32. No-Discharge Wastewater Treatment, quoted and re-checked

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

Unlike 3 of the 4 neighbors with published rules, Saline County has no countywide zoning.

RuleSaline CountyCarroll CountyPettis CountyChariton CountyHoward CountyCooper CountyLafayette County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot publishedNot requiredRequired
County zoningNoYesYesNot publishedNot publishedNoYes
Septic permitsDHSSCounty Health Dept.County Health CenterDHSSDHSSDHSSCounty Planning & Economic Development

County locator

Saline County in Missouri

72
County map
Saline County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Saline County scores

Seclusion59100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.
Admin Boringness8790% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost76100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$184kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$6,325Land / acre
41"Annual rain
8.5% of yrsSevere drought
15.5 / yr (+12.8)Mid-century 100°F days
17.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.08" (+7.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.74×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,908Home insurance / yr
3.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.43%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
15,503People within 30 min
2,759,244People within 2 hr
21,606Radius comparison (15 mi)
30.5People / sq mi
2.1%Federal land
94.8%Land at 15% slope or less
6.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
30,651 acWorkable land screen
18%Wooded land
58.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
54.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Saline 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: Town of Arrow Rock · Blackburn · Gilliam · Village of Grand Pass · Town of Malta Bend · Miami · Town of Mount Leonard · Nelson · Slater · Sweet Springs

Answers from the rulebook for Saline County

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

Saline County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning within Saline County, including incorporated municipalities; this aggregate does not assert that Saline County administers municipal ordinances.

    • City of Marshall maintains a zoning ordinance, zoning map, and related city inspection materials.
    • City of Slater's Planning & Inspection Department enforces zoning regulations and the city's Land Development Code.
    • Rules may differ by municipality and do not establish the existence or absence of county zoning in unincorporated areas.
    “The City of Slater's Planning & Inspection Department is responsible for the following: Enforcing building codes Enforcing zoning regulations Administering ordinances for permits and inspections Enforcing dwelling standards ordinances”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Single-home or business onsite wastewater treatment systems on less than 3 acres in Saline County.

    • The Saline County Health Department provides approval for new OWTS construction and major modifications when the property has less than 3 acres and is a single home or business.
    • A DHSS-certified soil scientist should analyze soil properties.
    • Where conventional soil absorption systems and lagoons are not suitable, a registered engineer must design the OWTS.

    lot area threshold: < 3 acres (Applies to a single home or business.)

    “requires an application fee, construction permit, a soil morphology test and approval from the Saline County Health Department.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a new OWTS or a major modification to an existing OWTS for a single home or business on less than 3 acres in Saline County.

    • An application fee is required.
    • A construction permit is required.
    • A soil morphology test is required.
    • Approval from the Saline County Health Department is required.
    • The permit may be obtained from the Saline County Health Department.
    • A DHSS-certified soil scientist should analyze soil properties.
    • A registered engineer must design the OWTS where conventional soil absorption systems and lagoons are not suitable.

    lot area threshold: < 3 acres (Applies to a single home or business.)

    “When there is less than 3 acres and is a single home or business, construction of new OWTS and major modification to existing systems requires an application fee, construction permit, a soil morphology test and approval from the Saline County Health Department.”
  • Building permitNot required

    Saline County lists no building inspection/permit department; Missouri non-charter rural counties generally cannot require residential building permits (permits apply within cities such as Marshall). Corroborated by the state County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov iq7s-izvt, 2021): no county residential building code adopted.

    Saline County MO - County Government ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning or zoning department is listed; Saline County has no countywide zoning for unincorporated areas.

    Saline County MO - County Government ↗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
  • InspectionsLimited

    New construction of a one- or two-family residential dwelling in Missouri where a licensed engineer sealed the ultimate submission of plans for the permit.

    • The licensed engineer who sealed the ultimate submission of plans for the permit may conduct the footing, foundation, wall, and framing inspections in lieu of inspection by the political subdivision.
    • Inspections must follow the procedures established by the political subdivision.
    • The engineer or architect must report the work using the political subdivision's uniform inspection forms and submit those forms to the political subdivision.
    • This statewide rule does not establish whether Saline County itself requires building inspections in cases outside this waiver.
    “In lieu of a political subdivision conducting building permit inspections of the new construction of a one- or two-family residential dwelling, the licensed engineer who sealed the ultimate submission of plans for the permit shall be allowed to conduct the footing, foundation, wall, and framing inspections in accordance with the procedures for such inspections established by the political subdivision. Such licensed engineer or architect shall report on such work by using the uniform inspection forms used by the political subdivision and shall submit such forms to the political subdivision.”
  • 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”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone (with conditions)

    Minimum lot size for onsite wastewater treatment systems where Missouri state onsite laws apply in Saline County.

    • This is an onsite-wastewater rule, not a general county land-use minimum lot size.
    • Counties with a wastewater ordinance may have restrictions.
    • Some subdivisions may have a minimum approved lot size for onsite systems.
    • DNR provides written approval of the method of wastewater treatment for some subdivisions.
    • Typically lagoons require more land due to greater setback requirements.
    “Where the state onsite laws apply, it does not set a minimum lot size. Counties with a wastewater ordinance, may have restrictions. Additionally, some subdivisions may have a minimum approved lot size for onsite systems.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    On-site sewage disposal systems constructed, modified, or repaired in Saline County when notice is given under Missouri Revised Statutes §§ 701.046–701.048 and 701.050.

    • The inspection percentages apply in the aggregate, not to every individual system.
    • For systems handled by contractors registered under §§ 701.053–701.055, the city, county, or department inspects up to 60 percent in the aggregate.
    • For systems handled by persons not registered under §§ 701.053–701.055, the city, county, or department inspects at least 75 percent in the aggregate.
    • A registered contractor not required to provide a performance bond under § 701.052 may provide certification that the system is properly designed and installed, modified, or repaired, and the authority may accept that certification without an on-site inspection.
    • The statute states that the state standard was effective August 28, 1994.

    aggregate inspection percentage for registered contractors: <= 60 percent · aggregate inspection percentage for unregistered persons: >= 75 percent

    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Off-grid domestic sewage disposal in Saline County using an onsite sewage disposal system rather than a public sewer.
      “Missouri State law RSMo701.025 701.059prohibits discharge of sewage onto the ground surface, into waterways, lakes or ponds (other than lagoons) or off the property that it serves.”
    • 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 permitRequired

    Construction or repair of water wells, and associated pump, plumbing, and electrical installation activities, in Saline County under Missouri statewide well-construction rules.

    • A non-restricted water-well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well.
    • A non-restricted pump-installation permit is required to install or replace a pump and to install or repair plumbing and electrical lines from the well to the point of entry in the structure.
    • A restricted water-well or pump-installation permit is required for a person who contracts these activities or directs the installation.
    • A landowner may install the landowner's own well or pump without a permit under the cited law and rules.
    • Public water systems must receive written approval from the Department of Natural Resources Public Drinking Water Branch before constructing or altering a public well, unless the system meets the charitable-and-benevolent-organization exemptions in RSMo § 640.116.
    • Anyone proposing to install a public well must contact the department's regional office for a well-site survey.
    • The public-water-system threshold is at least 15 service connections or regularly serving an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days per calendar year.

    public water system service connections threshold: >= 15 service connections (Alternatively, the system may regularly serve an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days per calendar year.) · public water system persons-served threshold: >= 25 individuals daily (Must be served at least 60 days per calendar year.)

    “A non-restricted water well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well in Missouri. A non-restricted pump installation permit is required to install or replace a pump in a water well. A non-restricted pump installation permit is also needed to install or repair the plumbing and electrical lines from the well to the point of entry in the structure.”
    3 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.”
    • Limited — Construction or alteration of a public well serving a Missouri public water system.
      “Public water systems must receive written approval from the PDWB before constructing or altering a public well”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings where people live, work, or assemble in Saline County.

    • Domestic sewage must be discharged into a sewer system regulated under chapter 644 or into an onsite sewage disposal system operated under Missouri rules.
    • A single-family residence lot of 3 acres or more may be excluded from sections 701.025 to 701.059 and related rules when all points of the system are more than 10 feet from adjoining property lines, no effluent enters adjoining property, no surface water or groundwater is contaminated, and no nuisance is created.
    • A residential lot of 10 acres or more with no single-family residence OWTS within 360 feet of another OWTS and no more than one single-family residence per 10 acres may also qualify, except lots adjacent to Corps of Engineers or public-utility lakes.

    large-lot setback from adjoining property line: > 10 feet (All points of the system must exceed this distance.) · separation from another OWTS: > 360 feet (For the specified 10-acre residential-lot exclusion.)

    “Property owners of all buildings where people live, work or assemble shall provide for the sanitary disposal of all domestic sewage.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures in the unincorporated area of a second- or third-class Missouri county where sections 64.510 to 64.690 apply and county planning or zoning was approved by county voters.

    • The county must be a second- or third-class county.
    • Sections 64.510 to 64.690 must apply to the county as provided in section 64.510.
    • County voters must approve planning or zoning as provided in section 64.530.
    • The exemption applies only in unincorporated portions of the county.
    • The farm building or farm structure must be used for farming purposes.
    • The exemption does not apply in an area shown on the flood hazard area map.
    • The section does not apply to incorporated portions of the county.
    • The section also excludes raising crops, livestock, orchards, forestry, and seasonal or temporary impoundments used for rice farming or flood irrigation from the regulations described in subsection 1.
    • Rice-farming or flood-irrigation berms are defined as small berms no more than eighteen inches high.
    • The statute's effective date is March 4, 1991.

    rice-farming or flood-irrigation berm height: <= 18 inches

    “farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes in an area not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.”
    6 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available — Farm buildings and farm structures in Saline County, 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 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.”
    • Available (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.
      “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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    New subdivisions and expansions in Saline County using individual single-family onsite wastewater systems.

    • Missouri Department of Natural Resources approval is required before applicable development proceeds.
    • The threshold is seven or more lots, with each lot less than five acres.
    • An expansion of an existing subdivision by three or more lots also requires approval when each added lot is less than five acres.
    • The Saline County Health Department states that approval is required before home construction or sale of any lots for developments consisting of seven or more lots less than five acres.
    • This claim addresses wastewater-treatment approval and does not establish separate Saline County or municipal plat-approval requirements.

    new subdivision lot count: >= 7 lots (each lot must be less than five acres and use an individual single-family onsite wastewater system) · lot size: < 5 acres (applies to each lot) · existing subdivision expansion: >= 3 lots (each added lot must be less than five acres)

    “Developments must receive approval from the department if the proposal has seven or more lots where each of those lots are less than five acres in size and use individual single-family on-site wastewater systems. The department must also approve any expansion of an existing subdivision by three or more lots, where each of those lots is less than five acres in size.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Subdivision plats in the unincorporated areas of counties covered by RSMo section 64.070 after the county commission adopts subdivision regulations.
      “After the county commission shall have adopted such subdivision regulations, no plat of a subdivision of land within the unincorporated area of such county [...]”
    • 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 floodplainRequired

    Development in a community-administered floodplain or Special Flood Hazard Area under Missouri floodplain-management guidance.

    • Some type of permit must be issued for all development in the floodplain.
    • The local floodplain administrator approves or denies the permit.
    • The cited state guidance describes the FEMA-mapped 1% annual-chance floodplain as the area requiring local permit approval.
    • Development includes man-made changes such as buildings, structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling, or storage of equipment or materials.
    • An Engineering No-Rise Certificate is required for all proposed development in a regulatory floodway and must be obtained before the floodplain development permit may be issued.
    • The No-Rise Certificate must be signed and sealed by a registered Missouri Professional Engineer and demonstrate no increase in flood levels during the base-flood discharge.
    • Where development is outside the Special Flood Hazard Area as determined using the community's own FEMA-published FIRM or FBFW map, the SEMA flow chart states that no floodplain development permit is required.
    • Local floodplain ordinances may impose additional or more stringent requirements.

    floodway no-rise condition: 0 increase in flood levels during base-flood discharge (Applies to proposed development in the regulatory floodway) · Zone A rise threshold: <= 1 foot (SEMA flow chart states the professional-engineer documentation must show the development will not cause more than a 1-foot rise in published water-surface elevations for numbered Zone A areas without calculated regulatory floodways)

    “This sample Floodplain Development Permit was developed by the State and can be used “as is” or modified to fit the community’s permit process. Regardless, some type of permit MUST be issued for ALL development in the floodplain. An Engineering “No-Rise” Certificate is required for all proposed development in the regulatory floodway, and must be obtained by the community before the floodplain development permit may be issued.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Projects including mining, dredging, building construction, and other dirt-moving activities in designated flood hazard areas within participating Missouri jurisdictions.
      “Some jurisdictions (for example, county, city) require any projects in certain floodplains do not raise flood heights.”
    • 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
    • Published (with conditions) — Missouri land-disturbance stormwater permits applicable to qualifying construction activity in Saline County.
      “1 - < 5 acres | $500 [...] 500 acres + | $5,000”
    • 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
    • Partial — Missouri onsite wastewater treatment system construction and repair permitting, including work in Saline County when the applicable permitting authority is the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or another authority operating under the state process.
      “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.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Permit applications for work on Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way statewide.
      “Contact the Traffic Specialist a minimum of 48 hours prior to beginning work and for all necessary inspections.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Missouri county zoning authority over unincorporated land.

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

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

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

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

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

Inside cities and towns in Saline County

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

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential and commercial construction within the City of Slater, Missouri, a municipality in Saline County.

    • This claim applies only within the City of Slater and does not establish a countywide requirement.
    • The city page directs applicants to contact the department for the necessary forms.
    “They are responsible for permitting all construction and conducting inspections of all construction-related permits as well as issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, Fire Prevention, and Special Events. [...] To obtain a permit for both residential and commercial uses, simply give us a call and we will be happy to provide you with the necessary forms.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Residential construction within the City of Marshall, Saline County, Missouri.
      “Before submitting permits please ensure that your proposed construction project is in compliance with the City of Marshall’s current codes.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction subject to the City of Marshall's building-code jurisdiction.

    • The City of Marshall page directs applicants to comply with the City's current codes before submitting permits.
    • This municipal adoption does not establish adoption by Saline County for unincorporated areas or by other municipalities.
    “Before submitting permits please ensure that your proposed construction project is in compliance with the City of Marshall’s current codes. A list of our currently adopted codes can be found below.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land within the City of Marshall, Saline County, Missouri.

    • This claim is limited to the City of Marshall and does not establish a countywide zoning ordinance or zoning in unincorporated Saline County.
    • The municipal code includes established zoning districts, a zoning district map, and district use regulations.
    • The source lists Ordinance No. 8667 as a zoning-regulations amendment adopted March 7, 2022.
    “Chapter 405 Zoning Regulations New Laws Title Adopted Subject Affects Ord. No. 8667 pdf 2022-03-07 Zoning Regulations Amendment Ch 405”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Property within the City of Marshall, Saline County, Missouri.
      “Ordinances, Permit Fee Schedule, and Zoning Map Fencing Ordinance Sign Ordinance Subdivision Ordinance Vacant or Abandoned Property Ordinance Zoning Ordinance Permit Fee Schedule City of Marshall – Zoning Map”
    • Present (with conditions) — Construction and development activities within the City of Slater, Missouri, in Saline County.
      “The Code Enforcement Division helps to protect the City of Slater public’s well-being and enhance the quality of life by enforcing the health, safety, zoning and sanitation codes.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Property and development within the City of Marshall, Missouri, in Saline County.
      “Ordinances, Permit Fee Schedule, and Zoning Map [...] Zoning Ordinance [...] City of Marshall – Zoning Map”
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the incorporated City of Slater, Saline County, Missouri.
      “The Code Enforcement Division helps to protect the City of Slater public’s well-being and enhance the quality of life by enforcing the health, safety, zoning and sanitation codes.”

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 exemption from residential building-permit requirements in Saline County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for residential buildings in Saline County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Saline County.
  • Setbacks — Land-use setbacks in unincorporated Saline County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in unincorporated Saline County.
7 more unanswered
  • 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 Saline County, Missouri

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

Saline County scores 72/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Saline County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. 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 Saline County, Missouri?

Land in Saline County runs about $6,325 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Saline County?

Saline County gets about 41" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.5% of years.

How remote is Saline County?

A representative private-land location has about 15,503 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,759,244 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 Saline compares in Missouri

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