Bolthole Index

Stone County, Missouri

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

61Index Score / 100
#94 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Stone County, Missouri requires a building permit before construction, moving or reconstruction of a structure; Stone County Planning & Zoning issues building permits and administers zoning12. For land without sewer, obtain the Stone County Health Department septic permit before the county building permit3. Some incorporated areas defer septic permitting to Missouri DHSS, so confirm the authority for a city address with the Health Department45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction, moving or reconstruction in the county zoning jurisdiction6
Permit fee
$0.20 per square foot with no maximum; residential fees use footprint area7
Inspection
A site inspection occurs before construction can start8
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated Stone County; district standards vary29
Standard setbacks
Default yards are 25 feet front and rear and 10 feet at each side; district-specific rules can differ10
Septic permits
Health Department approval comes before the building permit when the property is not on sewer113
Agricultural buildings
A conditional exception may apply to non-dwellings used entirely for agriculture in A-R or A-1 zoning12
RV or tiny home
A qualifying modular tiny home is treated as a detached dwelling; RV occupancy remains unconfirmed1314

Who to call

Building permits

Stone County Planning & Zoning Department

Building permits and zoning administration for the county zoning jurisdiction

417-357-8402

Septic permits

Stone County Health Department

Onsite wastewater permits, investigations and inspections

417-357-6134

109 East 4th Street, Galena, MO 65656

Online permits →

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

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

Before construction, moving or reconstruction of a structure begins in unincorporated Stone County, a building permit must be obtained from Planning & Zoning6. Ordinary repair or maintenance is exempt unless it changes the structure's elevation or occupied surface area6. A permit application needs a site plan and the other information requested by the director; the county issues or refuses a compliant application within 10 days unless the parties agree to more time15.

Stone County publishes a building-permit fee of $0.20 per square foot with no maximum, and the residential application bases the fee on the building footprint7. Starting concrete or construction before approval doubles the fee7. The residential application says the permit expires 6 months from purchase, while the zoning provision ties expiration to whether construction or the approved use begins; ask Planning & Zoning which deadline applies16614. The published fee schedule is undated and the regulations say the County Commission determines fees, so confirm the current total before applying71714.

Who issues building permits and inspections in Stone County?

Stone County Planning & Zoning issues building permits for unincorporated Stone County1. Branson West issues its own building permits18. Branson, mainly in Taney County but extending into Stone County, also issues its own building permits inside city limits19. Septic authority is separate: Stone County Health Department administers the county ordinance, but some incorporated areas defer septic permitting to Missouri DHSS; ask the Health Department which authority serves a city address45. Call Planning & Zoning at 417-357-8402 before finalizing a county site plan14. The residential application requires property, structure, septic or sewer, fire and access information, plus a site plan showing existing and proposed structures and setbacks16.

Stone County requires a site inspection before construction starts8. The inspector may take up to 5 working days to visit, and an unstaked site can add another week8. Ask Planning & Zoning what must be staked and which later construction inspections apply; we could not confirm a general inspection schedule after work begins14.

Does Stone County, Missouri have zoning?

Stone County administers zoning in unincorporated territory; the county zoning map sets district boundaries2021. Kimberling City and Branson West set their own zoning2223. Branson, which reaches into Stone County from Taney County, also sets its own zoning24. City zoning does not settle septic approval: Kimberling City requires a city private-sewage permit and inspection, while some incorporated areas defer septic permitting to Missouri DHSS254.

Stone County's default yards are 25 feet front and rear and 10 feet at each side, unless district rules differ; general provisions also require 10 feet between structures and a 25-foot Corps of Engineers setback where applicable1026. For individual single-family dwellings with an individual well and approved onsite sewage, A-R and RR-1 require 3.5 acres and 150 feet of frontage; the Commission may increase area requirements2728. A-1 requires 5 acres and at least 640 square feet on the first floor2930. R-1 requires 10,000 square feet with public or central sewer and water, or 3.5 acres without both31.

C-1 limits structural lot coverage, including accessory buildings, to 35%, with height limits of 30 feet for principal buildings and 25 feet for accessory structures; these are commercial-district limits, not countywide residential standards3233.

How do septic permits work in Stone County?

The Stone County Health Department administers the county onsite wastewater ordinance, which may impose requirements beyond Missouri minimum standards434. Call 417-357-6134 or visit 109 East 4th Street, Galena, MO 656565. Stone County requires a septic permit for construction, modification or repair, with a possible Health Department waiver for minor work; the state also lists possible single-family-lot exemptions, so have the Health Department confirm eligibility before work1135. For property without sewer service, obtain the Health Department permit before the county building permit15.

Applications require plans, specifications and a registered soil evaluator’s soil-morphology evaluation of the proposed absorption area; a pre-site visit precedes approval1136. An issued permit remains valid for 1 year; unfinished work requires a new permit11. The county inspects at least 60% of permitted work by registered installers and 100% of permitted work by homeowner non-registered installers; installer certification may sometimes substitute for an onsite inspection37. Only 29.7% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so settle soil and system feasibility early38.

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home in Stone County?

Stone County treats a qualifying modular tiny home as a site-built detached dwelling if the unit meets recognized construction standards, factory inspection and certification requirements, resembles a customary single-family structure and sits permanently on a concrete foundation13. The zoning district must allow the dwelling type, and district dimensions still apply; ask Planning & Zoning to classify the proposed model1314.

In Stone County’s MH-1 district, manufactured-home parks or subdivisions require at least 5 acres, with individual sites of at least 4,000 square feet39. MH-1 units must connect to a Missouri DNR-approved sewer system and public water or a state-approved well; streets, drainage and utilities must be constructed and approved before a placement permit, and a county mobile-home permit is required before occupancy40.

We could not confirm long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping rules on private land in unincorporated Stone County; ask Planning & Zoning before planning to live in an RV while building14. Where central sewer is unavailable, onsite sanitation must meet the county ordinance and applicable state standards41.

What are the steps to build a home in Stone County?

  1. Call Planning & Zoning at 417-357-8402 to confirm the parcel's current district, permitted residential use, minimum lot area and setbacks1442.
  1. Confirm that the parcel was legally created, because Stone County regulates subdivisions in unincorporated areas and a nonconforming division can block a building permit or certificate of occupancy4344.
  1. Arrange access. New access from a county road needs the county road foreman's driveway inspection number; access from a state road goes through MoDOT45.
  1. If the property is not on sewer, complete the Health Department's soil evaluation, pre-site visit and septic-permit process before seeking the building permit3615.
  1. Stake the site and prepare the building application and site plan; an unstaked site can delay the pre-construction inspection4647.
  1. Obtain the building permit before pouring concrete or starting work; early construction doubles the fee4847. Ask Planning & Zoning which later inspections and approvals apply to the project14.

What should you check before buying land in Stone County?

Start with parcel status, zoning and septic feasibility. Stone County's district map controls use and dimensions, while an improperly created parcel can be ineligible for a building permit or certificate of occupancy4244. A division into more than 4 tracts, with any tract smaller than 10 acres, follows the full platting process; 4 or fewer such lots may use the administrative-minor process, while a division whose smallest parcel is at least 10 acres is exempt43.

Terrain and soils can change the project budget quickly: 48% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, 58.2% is wooded, and only 29.7% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field495038. In the Flood Plain Overlay District, filling, drainage, levees or other improvements may not flood or harm surrounding property51. Confirm the site's floodplain status and any required approval with Planning & Zoning14. Missouri requires a permitted contractor for regulated well construction and pump work, while a separate county well permit could not be confirmed52.

Watch-outs

  • Starting concrete or construction before Stone County permit approval doubles the building-permit fee7.
  • An unstaked building site can delay the pre-construction inspection by another week8.
  • Subdivision exemptions do not replace Stone County’s district minimum lot sizes; the stricter zoning or subdivision design standard governs4353.
  • A tiny home qualifies as a detached dwelling only if it meets Stone County's modular-home conditions; long-term RV occupancy remains unconfirmed, so ask Planning & Zoning to classify the proposed unit and use1314.

Sources

  1. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  2. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Stone County Residential Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  4. OWTS Construction Permit Process — Stone County, quoted and re-checked
  5. Stone County Health Department (stonecountyhealthdepartment.com)
  6. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. FEE SCHEDULE, quoted and re-checked
  8. Stone County Residential Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  9. Stone County Zoning Regulations, Table of Contents, quoted and re-checked
  10. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Stone County Health Code Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Stone County Zoning Regulations, General Provisions, quoted and re-checked
  13. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Stone County Planning & Zoning Department (stonecountymo.gov)
  15. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  16. Stone County Residential Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  17. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  18. Branson West: Article III: Administration and Review (Stone County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Branson: Planning & Development Frequently Asked Questions | Branson, MO (Stone County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Kimberling City: Table of Contents - Kimberling City, MO (Stone County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Branson West: Article IV: Zoning Districts and Zoning Map (Stone County), quoted and re-checked
  24. Branson: Code of Ordinances, Sec. 94-38, Low Density Residential District (Stone County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Kimberling City: Chapter 705 Public and Private Sewers (Stone County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Stone County Zoning Regulations, General Provisions, quoted and re-checked
  27. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Stone County Zoning Regulations, Article 7, RR-1 Rural Residence District, quoted and re-checked
  29. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  30. Stone County Zoning Regulations, Article 5, A-1 Agriculture District, quoted and re-checked
  31. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  32. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  33. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  34. Stone County Health Code Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  35. OWTS Construction Permit Process — Stone County, quoted and re-checked
  36. Septic System Information - Stone County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  37. Stone County Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  38. 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
  39. Stone County Zoning Regulations, Article 8, MH-1 Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision District, quoted and re-checked
  40. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  41. Stone County Residential Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  42. Stone County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  43. Stone County, Missouri Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  44. Stone County, Missouri Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  45. Stone County Residential Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  46. Stone County Residential Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  47. Stone County Residential Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  48. Planning and Zoning Permit Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  49. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  50. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  51. Stone County Zoning Regulations, General Provisions, quoted and re-checked
  52. Well and Pump Installation Contractor Permitting (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  53. Stone County Subdivision Regulations, 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

Like 3 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, Stone County has countywide zoning.

RuleStone CountyBarry CountyTaney CountyChristian CountyGreene CountyLawrence CountyMcDonald County
Building permitRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredLimited
County zoningYesNot publishedYesYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Env. Services Dept.County Health Dept.County Resource Management Env. Div.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Stone County in Missouri

61
County map
Stone County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Stone County scores

Seclusion51100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency62100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability45100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$330kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$4,003Land / acre
45.8"Annual rain
7.7% of yrsSevere drought
13.8 / yr (+11.6)Mid-century 100°F days
17.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.08" (+4.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.61×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,288Home insurance / yr
3.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.83%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
28,341People within 30 min
1,445,851People within 2 hr
64,739Radius comparison (15 mi)
70.4People / sq mi
17.2%Federal land
48%Land at 15% slope or less
29.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
79,825 acWorkable land screen
58.2%Wooded land
38.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Stone 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 Blue Eye · Village of Coney Island · Crane · Galena · Hurley · Village of McCord Bend

Answers from the rulebook for Stone County

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

Stone County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, moving, or reconstruction of structures and preliminary improvement of land in the county zoning jurisdiction.

    • Repair or maintenance is exempt unless it changes the structure's elevation or occupied surface area.
    • Applications require a site plan and other information prescribed by the Planning and Zoning Director.
    • The permit is issued or refused within ten days after a complete application, unless a longer period is agreed.
    • The permit becomes void after six months unless construction or the use commences.

    permit decision period: 10 days (unless a longer period is agreed) · permit validity: 6 months (unless construction or use commences)

    “Building Permits: Unless a building permit shall first have been obtained from the Office of the Planning and Zoning Director, or by staff subordinate to the authority of the Director: (1) The construction, moving, or reconstruction of any structure shall not be commenced; and, (2) The improvement of land preliminary to any use of such land shall not be commenced.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, moving, or reconstruction of structures and preliminary improvement of land in the county zoning jurisdiction.
      “Building Permits: Unless a building permit shall first have been obtained from the Office of the Planning and Zoning Director, or by staff subordinate to the authority of the Director: (1) The construction, moving, or reconstruction of any structure shall not be commenced; and, (2) The improvement of land preliminary to any use of such land shall not be commenced.”
    • Required — Construction, moving, reconstruction of structures, and preliminary land improvement in unincorporated Stone County.
      “Unless a building permit shall first have been obtained”
  • InspectionsRequired

    County residential building permit process.

    • The application instructions state that inspections occur before construction can start.
    • The inspector may take up to five working days to visit; an unstaked site may delay the application another week.

    inspector visit period: <= 5 working days (unstaked sites may cause an additional week delay)

    “INSPECTIONS WILL BE MADE BEFORE CONSTRUCTION CAN START.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — County building-permit projects in unincorporated Stone County.
      “INSPECTIONS WILL BE MADE BEFORE CONSTRUCTION CAN START. IF A NEW ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY FROM A COUNTY ROAD IS REQUIRED, PLEASE CONTACT THE COUNTY ROAD FOREMAN IN THAT AREA TO GET YOUR DRIVEWAY INSPECTION #.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Parcels created by subdivision in unincorporated Stone County after adoption of the 2026 subdivision regulations.

    • No building or certificate of occupancy may be issued for a parcel created by a nonconforming subdivision.
    • The rule excepts Administrative Minor Subdivisions under Article 5.
    • Excavation, construction, and public or private improvements must conform to the subdivision regulations.
    “No building or certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any parcel or plot of land which was created by subdivision after the effective date of, and not in conformity with, the provisions of these subdivision regulations, except Administrative Minor Subdivisions pursuant to Article 5”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Stone County zoning regulations administered by the county in the unincorporated territory of Stone County.

    • The source expressly limits the zoning districts to the unincorporated territory of the County.
    • The zoning map establishes the district boundaries for the unincorporated territory.
    • The regulations state that they were enacted on July 27, 2009 and are in force in all unincorporated portions of the County on and after 12:01 a.m. on August 5, 2009.
    • The PDF states amendments are current through June 10, 2014.

    zoning district count: 18 districts · effective date: 2009-08-05 (The enactment date stated is July 27, 2009.)

    “For the purposes of these Zoning Regulations, the unincorporated territory of the County is hereby divided into the following categories of Zoning Districts:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — County zoning regulations administered by Stone County Planning and Zoning in unincorporated Stone County.
      “within unincorporated areas of the County.”
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulations in unincorporated Stone County.
      “within the unincorporated area of Stone County”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County-administered zoning in Stone County; this claim does not attribute municipal ordinances to the county.

    • Specific district rules, incorporated municipalities, and other local jurisdictions may differ.
    “These Zoning Regulations, in pursuance of the authority granted by Sections 64.800 through 64.895 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, shall be known as the "Stone County Zoning Regulations" and shall be cited as such.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning in unincorporated Stone County.
      “the unincorporated territory of the County is hereby divided”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Published Stone County zoning districts and boundaries.

    • The table of contents identifies district divisions and boundaries established by zoning map.
    • District-specific standards may differ.
    “Article 2, Districts and Boundaries Thereof”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Zoning districts and boundaries in unincorporated Stone County.
      “A-1 Agriculture District [...] R-1 Suburban Residence District”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings and accessory buildings in Stone County's A-1 Agriculture District.

    • The cited table specifies a first-floor minimum area, not a total dwelling floor-area minimum.
    • The A-1 district's other dimensional requirements apply, including a 5-acre lot, 200-foot frontage, 50-foot front yard, 25-foot one-side yard, 50-foot combined side yards, and 50-foot rear yard.
    • Lot area may include all road rights-of-way.

    dwelling first-floor minimum area: >= 640 sq. ft.

    “Single-family dwellings and accessory buildings 5 acres 200 feet 50 feet 25 feet 50 feet 50 feet 640 sq. ft. 1 st floor minimum”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Subdivision lots in Stone County, subject to the zoning district and subdivision design standards.

    • The more restrictive of the applicable zoning regulations and subdivision design standards governs.
    • The cited subdivision regulations state amendments current through June 10, 2014; this is a revision currency statement, not an effective date.
    “Minimum lot area shall be subject to the Zoning Regulations of the district in which the subdivision is located and the minimum design standards of this regulation. The more restrictive of the regulations shall govern.”
    11 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and permitted uses in Stone County's A-1 Agriculture District.
      “Single-family dwellings and accessory buildings 5 acres 200 feet 50 feet 25 feet 50 feet 50 feet 640 sq. ft.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings and other permitted uses in Stone County's R-1 Suburban Residence District.
      “Single-family dwelling with public or central sewer and water supply 10,000 sq. ft. 70 feet 25 feet 10 feet 12 feet 25 feet”
    • Specified — Residential lots and other permitted uses in Stone County's RR-1 Rural Residence District.
      “Individual single-family dwelling with individual well and approved on-site sewage system 3.5 acres 150 feet”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Individual single-family dwellings in Stone County's A-R Agricultural-Residence District.
      “Individual single-family dwelling with individual well and approved on-site sewage system 3.5 acres 150 feet 2½ stories (35 feet) 40 feet 25 feet 50 feet”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Individual single-family dwellings in Stone County's RR-1 Rural Residence District.
      “Individual single-family dwelling with individual well and approved on-site sewage system 3.5 acres 150 feet 2½ stories (35 feet) 40 feet 25 feet 50 feet”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Individual manufactured-home sites or lots in Stone County's MH-1 Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision District.
      “A. Minimum Park or Subdivision Size - 5 acres. B. Minimum Individual Site or Lot Size - 4000 Square Feet. C. No mobile home may be occupied until having received a mobile home permit from the Stone County Planning & Zoning Department.”
    • Specified — Lots in Stone County's UR-1 Urban Residence District.
      “A. Minimum lot area: ten thousand (10,000) square feet. B. Minimum lot width: Fifty (50) feet.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential and other permitted uses in Stone County's R-2 One- and Two-Family Residence District.
      “Single-family dwelling 9,000 sq. ft. [...] Two-family dwelling 10,000 sq. ft. [...] Cluster development and townhouses 5,000 sq. ft. [...] Other permitted uses 1 acre”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Subdivision lots in the unincorporated area of Stone County, Missouri.
      “Minimum lot area shall be subject to the Zoning Regulations of the district in which the subdivision is located”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and permitted uses in Stone County's A-R Agricultural-Residence District.
      “Individual single-family dwelling with individual well and approved on-site sewage system 3.5 acres 150 feet 2½ stories (35 feet) 40 feet 25 feet 50 feet”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Manufactured-home parks or subdivisions and individual home sites in Stone County's MH-1 Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision District.
      “A. Minimum Park or Subdivision Size - 5 acres. B. Minimum Individual Site or Lot Size - 4000 Square Feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures subject to Stone County zoning setbacks.

    • Unless specific zoning provisions specify otherwise, front yards must be at least 25 feet, side yards 10 feet, rear yards 25 feet, Corps of Engineers setbacks 25 feet, and 10 feet must be maintained between structures.
    • Double-frontage and corner lots have additional front-yard requirements.
    • The residential application separately states 25 feet from front and back and 10 feet from each side.

    front yard: >= 25 feet (unless specific zoning provisions specify otherwise) · side yard: >= 10 feet (unless specific zoning provisions specify otherwise) · rear yard: >= 25 feet (unless specific zoning provisions specify otherwise) · between structures: >= 10 feet (unless specific zoning provisions specify otherwise)

    “Unless specific provisions of these Zoning Regulations specify otherwise the following minimum yard requirements shall apply: Front Yards: a. Shall have a depth of not less than twenty-five (25) feet. [...] Side Yards: 10 feet. Rear Yards: 25 feet. Corps of Engineers: 25 feet Other: 10 feet between all structures”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Building setbacks in unincorporated Stone County zoning districts.
      “Unless specific provisions of these Zoning Regulations specify otherwise the following minimum yard requirements shall apply: Front Yards: a. Shall have a depth of not less than twenty-five (25) feet. [...] Side Yards: 10 feet. Rear Yards: 25 feet.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Structures in the cited C-1 zoning district.

    • The limit applies to maximum structural coverage of the lot, including accessory buildings.
    • The cited district has separate water/sewer frontage requirements.

    maximum structural lot coverage: <= 35 percent (including accessory buildings)

    “Maximum structural coverage of lot (including accessory buildings): thirty-five (35) percent.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Principal and accessory structures in the cited C-1 zoning district.

    • The cited height limits are district-specific.

    principal building height: <= 30 feet · accessory structure height: <= 25 feet

    “Principal building: Thirty (30) feet. 2. Accessory structure: Twenty-five (25) feet.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A tiny home that qualifies as Stone County's modular home and is occupied as a single-family dwelling in an applicable unincorporated zoning district.

    • The structure must meet the county's modular-home definition, including nationally recognized construction standards, factory inspection and certification, exterior materials and appearance similar to customary single-family structures, and permanent placement on a concrete foundation.
    • A qualifying modular home is subject to the same standards as site-built homes and is considered a single-family detached dwelling.
    • The applicable zoning district must permit a single-family detached dwelling; district-specific dimensional, wastewater, permit, and other requirements still apply.
    • The regulations do not state whether a structure marketed as a tiny home satisfies the modular-home definition.
    “A modular home shall be subject to the same standards as site built homes and shall be considered as single-family detached dwellings.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater permitting authority for Stone County outside incorporated areas that defer to DHSS.

    • Stone County Health Department administers the county ordinance.
    • The county ordinance may impose requirements beyond state minimum standards.
    • For some incorporated areas, the local permitting authority defers the process back to DHSS.
    • DHSS regulates certain other wastewater systems, including systems serving more than 3,000 gallons per day, systems discharging to surface waters, and industrial wastewater systems.
    “Agency: Stone County Health Dept. Authority Type: Ordinance [...] County: Stone”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — Onsite wastewater administration in Stone County through the Stone County Health Department.
      “The Stone County Health Department or its designated representative shall be the authority for administering this Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance, for issuing permits for construction or repairs, and shall investigate alleged violations of this ordinance and Sections 701.025 through 701.059 RSMo.”
    • County — Onsite wastewater construction and repair permitting in Stone County.
      “The administrative authority shall be the Stone County Health Department, or its designated representative.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, modification, or repair of onsite wastewater systems in Stone County.

    • The Health Department may waive the permit requirement for minor repairs or modifications.
    • Applications require plans and specifications.
    • A registered soil evaluator's soil morphology evaluation is required for the proposed absorption area.
    • The permit is valid for one year after issuance; if work is not completed within one year, a new permit is required.

    permit validity: 1 year (if the system is not constructed, modified, or repaired within one year, the permit is void)

    “All Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems must be permitted.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Most onsite wastewater treatment system installation or repair in Stone County.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, modification, or repair of onsite wastewater treatment systems.
      “It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, company, corporation, or other business entity to construct, modify or repair an onsite wastewater treatment system within Stone County unless that person holds a valid onsite wastewater permit as required by this ordinance issued by the Stone County Health Department.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Permitted onsite wastewater systems in Stone County.

    • At least 60 percent of systems constructed, modified, or repaired by registered installers are inspected.
    • 100 percent of systems constructed, modified, or repaired by homeowner non-registered installers are inspected.
    • A registered installer certification without onsite inspection may be accepted in lieu of final inspection when the Health Department permits backfilling without onsite inspection and the required certification is submitted.

    registered-installer inspection rate: >= 60 percent · homeowner non-registered-installer inspection rate: 100 percent

    “At least sixty-percent (60%) of onsite wastewater treatment systems”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted onsite wastewater systems in Stone County.
      “At least sixty-percent (60%) of onsite wastewater treatment systems constructed, modified or repaired, by registered installers that are required to have a permit, will be inspected by the Stone County Health Department or its designated representative and one-hundred percent (100%) of onsite wastewater treatment systems constructed, modified or repaired by homeowner non-registered installers, that are required to have a permit, will be inspected by the Stone County Health Department or its designated representative.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation systems serving properties not connected to sewer.

    • A Health Department onsite wastewater permit is required before a county building permit when the property is not on sewer.
    • Minor repairs or modifications may qualify for a county permit waiver.
    • All onsite wastewater systems must comply with the county ordinance and applicable state standards.
    “IF NOT ON SEWER YOU MUST HAVE A HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERMIT PRIOR TO THE BUILDING PERMIT.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential building permit applications in unincorporated Stone County.

    • If the property is not on sewer, a Health Department permit is required before the building permit.
    • The permit application also requests sewer, electric, fire-protection, and school-district information.
    “SEWER OR HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERMIT: NAME OF CITY OR SUBDIVISION SEWER PLANT. IF NOT ON SEWER YOU MUST HAVE A HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERMIT PRIOR TO THE BUILDING PERMIT.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Buildings or structures incidental to 100% agricultural use on land zoned A-R or A-1.

    • The exemption does not apply to dwellings.
    • Whether a permit is required is left to the Planning & Zoning Director's discretion.
    “Nothing contained in these Zoning Regulations shall prohibit the use of any land zoned A-R or A-1 for agricultural purposes or the construction of use of buildings or structures incidental to the use for 100% agricultural purposes of the land on which such buildings or structures are located, except dwellings.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land subdivision in unincorporated Stone County.

    • The regulations apply to all land in the unincorporated area.
    • Division into more than four tracts, any smaller than ten acres, follows Article 6 platting provisions.
    • Four or fewer lots, any smaller than ten acres, may use the Administrative Minor Subdivision procedure.
    • Divisions where the smallest parcel is ten acres or greater are exempt.
    • A preliminary plat must be approved and recorded before subdivision; Administrative Minor Subdivisions are an exception to the cited certificate/building restriction.

    smallest parcel exemption threshold: >= 10 acres (The division is exempt when the smallest parcel created is ten acres or greater.) · platting threshold: > 4 tracts (More than four tracts, any smaller than ten acres, must use Article 6.)

    “These regulations shall apply to all land located in the unincorporated area of Stone County, Missouri. [...] The division of any parcel of land or tract into more than four (4) tracts, any of which are smaller than ten (10) acres, shall be made under the platting provisions of Article 6, "Submission of Plats". The division of any parcel of land or tract into four (4) or fewer lots, any of which are smaller than ten (10) acres may be made under the provisions of Article 5, "Administrative Minor Subdivision".”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New access to a property from a Stone County road.

    • If new access from a county road is required, the applicant must contact the county road foreman and obtain a driveway inspection number.
    • State-road access requires contacting MoDOT instead.
    “IF A NEW ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY FROM A COUNTY ROAD IS REQUIRED, PLEASE CONTACT THE COUNTY ROAD FOREMAN IN THAT AREA TO GET YOUR DRIVEWAY INSPECTION #.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — New access to property from a Stone County road in unincorporated Stone County.
      “IF A NEW ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY FROM A COUNTY ROAD IS REQUIRED, PLEASE CONTACT THE COUNTY ROAD FOREMAN IN THAT AREA TO GET YOUR DRIVEWAY INSPECTION #. [...] IF A NEW ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY FROM A STATE ROAD IS REQUIRED, PLEASE CONTACT MODOT AT 1-800-ASK-MODOT”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development and improvements in the Stone County Flood Plain Overlay District.

    • Filling, draining, constructing levees, or otherwise improving land is allowed only if the improvement does not cause surrounding properties to be flooded or harmed by the action.
    “Nothing provided in these Zoning Regulations shall be so construed as to prohibit the owner of lands within any Flood Plain Overlay District from lawfully filling, draining, constructing levees or otherwise improving his land, so as to eliminate or reduce the danger of flood or erosion providing that such improvements do not cause surrounding properties to be flooded or harmed by the action.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building permits administered by Stone County Planning and Zoning.

    • The published fee is $0.20 per square foot with no maximum.
    • For residential applications, the application states that the fee is based on the footprint square footage.
    • If concrete is poured or construction is started before approval, the fee will be doubled.
    • The retrieved official fee schedule does not state an effective or adoption date.

    building permit fee: per 0.2 USD per square foot (no maximum) · fee multiplier for work begun before approval: 2 multiplier (applies when concrete is poured or construction is started before approval)

    “FEE SCHEDULE SERVICE FEE BUILDING PERMIT $0.20 PER SQUARE FT (NO MAX)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Stone County building permits administered under the zoning regulations.
      “Section 4, Fees. For all building permits a fee shall be charged, as determined by the County Commission.”
    • Published — Planning and Zoning permit services.
      “BUILDING PERMIT $0.20 PER SQUARE FT (NO MAX)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building permit applications.

    • The application requires site location, directions, legal description, acreage, property information, septic or sewer information, and a site plan showing existing and proposed structures and setbacks.
    • If not on sewer, a Health Department permit is required before the building permit.
    • Construction started before approval doubles the fee.
    • The permit expires six months from purchase date.

    permit fee increase for premature construction: 2 multiplier (if concrete is poured or construction starts before approval) · permit expiration: 6 months (from purchase date)

    “This building application requires a site plan that shows the location of all structures existing and proposed, also set-backs from the property lines to the proposed structure.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building permit applications in unincorporated Stone County.
      “This building application requires a site plan that shows the location of all structures existing and proposed, also set-backs from the property lines to the proposed structure. [...] ANY CONCRETE POURED OR CONSTRUCTION STARTED BEFORE APPROVAL, FEE WILL BE DOUBLED.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit and onsite-wastewater permit processes.
      “within ten days after the receipt of an application”
  • Owner-builder exemptionNot available

    The zoning ordinance requires a building permit for construction of any structure and enumerates only repair/maintenance and agricultural (non-dwelling) exemptions, with no owner-builder self-construction exemption for dwellings.

    Stone County Zoning Regulations (Article 3, Sec. 15) ↗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
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential occupancy of an RV on private land in unincorporated Stone County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Stone County.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in Stone County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Stone County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Stone County.

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 Stone County, Missouri

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

Stone County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 45.8″/yr rainfall with little drought.

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

Stone County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Stone County Health Department. 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 Stone County, Missouri?

Land in Stone County runs about $4,003 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Stone County?

Stone County gets about 45.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.7% of years.

How remote is Stone County?

A representative private-land location has about 28,341 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,445,851 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 Stone compares in Missouri

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