Bolthole Index

Blount County, Tennessee

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Blount County, Tennessee

69Index Score / 100
#56 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Blount County, Tennessee requires a written building permit before most construction, structural alterations, building moves or changes in use, with exceptions that include agricultural uses and accessory farm buildings1. Blount County Development Services enforces commercial and residential regulations from the 2018 ICC edition through plan review and inspections2. Blount County Environmental Health administers septic services locally under Tennessee standards3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most covered work in unincorporated areas; listed agricultural and interior-finish exceptions apply1
Building inspections
Required after permit issuance and scheduled by the builder or owner4
Zoning
County zoning applies outside municipal limits; district standards vary56
Septic permits
Blount County Environmental Health administers septic rules under Tennessee standards37
Owner-builder
Available for an owner-used home, subject to Tennessee's timing, use and contractor conditions8
RV living
Commercial RV parks prohibit permanent residence and limit ordinary stays; private-lot occupancy remains unconfirmed9
Tiny homes
No tiny-home-specific occupancy rule was confirmed; district, building and septic rules still matter617
Manufactured homes
Allowed only where the county zoning district permits; building, septic and inspection rules still apply10

Who to call

Building permits

Blount County Development Services (Office of the Building Commissioner)

Building permits, plan review, inspections, occupancy certificates and zoning enforcement for unincorporated Blount County

865-681-9301

development@blounttn.org

303 McGhee Street, Maryville, TN 37801

Planning & zoning

Blount County Planning Department

Staff support to the Planning Commission and general land-use planning for the county

865-681-9301

Septic permits

Blount County Department of Environmental Health

Subsurface sewage disposal (septic) permits and private water supply bacteriological testing

865-681-9301

Zoning

Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee

The county's adopted zoning ordinance text, administered by the Building Commissioner

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Blount County, Tennessee?

Unincorporated Blount County requires a written building permit before erecting, structurally altering or moving a building or structure, or changing the use of a building or land1. Listed exceptions include maintenance or interior finishes in one- or two-family residences, agricultural uses, accessory farm buildings and home gardening1. Development Services enforces commercial and residential rules from the 2018 ICC edition through plan review and inspection2. After permit issuance, the contractor or owner must schedule required inspections4. Building fees are based on project valuation and may include review fees, while other published charges vary by permit type11. Qualifying agricultural uses and structures receive the zoning exemption provided by Tennessee law, and the county permit manual separately exempts agricultural uses and accessory farm buildings from the written building-permit requirement1213.

Who is the Blount County building department, and how do you reach it?

Blount County Development Services, through the Office of the Building Commissioner, issues building permits and enforces county zoning14. The office is at 303 McGhee Street, Maryville, TN 37801; call 865-681-9301 or email development@blounttn.org14. Development Services accepts construction-permit applications, collects fees, issues permits, schedules inspections, keeps permit records and issues occupancy certificates15. The Blount County Planning Department supports the Planning Commission and provides general planning services16. Planning also implements rezoning and subdivision processes and approves plats17. Properties within a municipality need a separate city check because Blount County's zoning resolution applies outside municipal limits and municipal zoning is administered separately518.

Does Blount County have zoning?

Blount County zoning covers land outside municipal limits, while incorporated municipalities administer their own zoning518. The county zoning map assigns districts and flood-hazard and airport-hazard overlays, so the parcel's mapped district controls the answer19. District rules vary by use and can govern lot size, density, setbacks, height and special exceptions6. In applicable residential provisions, the minimum lot size can be 32,670 square feet per unit, but that figure is not a countywide default20. Typical cited setbacks are 30 feet from a road right-of-way or easement, 20 feet at the rear for a principal structure and 10 feet at the side, with road class, plats, accessory buildings and special exceptions changing the result21. Single-family, duplex and accessory structures are generally limited to 35 feet, subject to district-specific exceptions22.

How do septic permits work in Blount County?

Blount County Environmental Health administers subsurface sewage services locally under standards set by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation323. A septic construction permit is required before installing a new system or repairing a failed one, and permit packages for Blount County sites go directly to the county724. The published county fee is $400 for a septic-system permit or modification, with no charge listed for a repair permit11. Only about 20% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so verify a primary and reserve field before fixing the house location25. Some district rules require both septic-field areas to remain unobstructed by buildings, parking, drainage or other site elements26. A final septic inspection is required for new systems, repairs and modifications27.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Blount County?

Blount County's confirmed RV occupancy rule applies to commercial campgrounds and RV parks, not every private parcel9. In those regulated parks, permanent residences are prohibited and ordinary occupants may stay no more than 60 days in any 365-day period, subject to the stated seasonal-worker exception9. We could not confirm a general rule for temporary RV occupancy on an individual unincorporated parcel; ask the Building Commissioner about the parcel's district and proposed use14. We also could not confirm a tiny-home-specific occupancy rule or a general minimum dwelling floor area. A tiny home used as a residence would still need to fit the applicable zoning district, building-permit path and septic approval617. Manufactured-home dwellings are permitted only in the county zoning districts that allow them, and building, utility, septic and inspection requirements may still apply10.

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

  1. Ask the Building Commissioner to identify the parcel's county zoning district and overlays, or confirm that municipal rules apply instead514.
  2. If the project divides land, take the plat through Planning because subdivision regulations apply alongside county zoning2817.
  3. Establish septic feasibility and obtain the required construction permit from Blount County Environmental Health37.
  4. Choose a licensed contractor or confirm the Tennessee owner-builder path; that path is limited to an owner-used residence and carries timing and contractor restrictions8.
  5. Submit plans, pay the applicable valuation- or permit-based fees and obtain the written building permit before covered work begins15111.
  6. Obtain a TDOT entrance permit if the driveway connects to state-highway right-of-way29.
  7. Schedule required building and septic inspections, then obtain the applicable occupancy or completion certificate before moving in42730.

What should you check before buying land in Blount County?

Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, permitted use, lot standard, setbacks and overlays before relying on a listing description5631. In the R-2 district, vacation cabin rentals and tourist accommodations require a special exception rather than being allowed automatically32. Check septic suitability early because only about 20% of county soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field25. The county's separate floodplain resolution applies within the mapped Flood Hazard Overlay, and development there can require professional elevation certification3334. A state-highway driveway requires TDOT approval; the county's confirmed driveway geometry applies only to commercial campgrounds and RV parks, so ask the Building Commissioner about other county-road access293514. Ask Environmental Health about private-well requirements because a county well-permit rule was not confirmed23.

Watch-outs

  • County zoning stops at municipal limits; a Maryville, Alcoa, Louisville or other municipal address needs its own local zoning check18.
  • The mapped Flood Hazard Overlay has separate county controls, and development there may need a qualified engineer to establish the minimum floor elevation before a building permit is issued3334.
  • The agricultural zoning exception applies only as provided by Tennessee law; confirm that the proposed use and structure qualify before relying on it1236.

Sources

  1. Permitting Process Reference Manual, quoted and re-checked
  2. Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  4. Permitting Process Reference Manual, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  6. Revised Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. Underground Injection Control Permit, quoted and re-checked
  8. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. blounttn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  10. Revised Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Blount County Development Services Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  12. Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  13. Revised Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Blount County Development Services (Office of the Building Commissioner) (blounttn.gov)
  15. Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  16. Blount County Planning Department (blounttn.gov)
  17. Permitting Process Reference Manual, quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  20. Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  21. Revised Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Revised Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. Blount County Department of Environmental Health (blounttn.gov)
  24. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. 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
  26. Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  27. Definitions of Services, quoted and re-checked
  28. Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  29. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  31. Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  32. blounttn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  33. Zoning Regulations of Blount County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  34. Subdivision Regulations (7/27/2023 Revision), quoted and re-checked
  35. blounttn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  36. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Blount County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleBlount CountyKnox CountyLoudon CountyMonroe CountySevier CountyAnderson CountyJefferson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesNoYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Dept. of Env. HealthCounty Health Dept.TDECTDECCounty Health Dept.TDECTDEC

County locator

Blount County in Tennessee

69
County map
Blount County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Blount County scores

Seclusion40100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability74100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost71100% 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 →

$399kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$8,030Land / acre
56.5"Annual rain
3.7% of yrsSevere drought
3.5 / yr (+3.4)Mid-century 100°F days
12.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.29" (+9.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.63×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,546Home insurance / yr
-0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.64%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
51,078People within 30 min
1,926,338People within 2 hr
208,833Radius comparison (15 mi)
253.1People / sq mi
28.9%Federal land
42.5%Land at 15% slope or less
20.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
68,424 acWorkable land screen
70.2%Wooded land
74.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Blount 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: Friendsville · Louisville · Maryville · Rockford · Townsend

Answers from the rulebook for Blount County

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

Blount County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction subject to Blount County Development Services permitting.

    • The county accepts applications for all construction permits and issues permits; inspection cannot occur before permit issuance without an approved site plan.
    “Except as herein before provided, a written building permit shall be obtained from the Department of Development Services before starting or proceeding with the erection, structural alteration, or moving of any building or structure, or changing the use of any building or land, except that no permit shall be required for maintenance or installation of interior finishes in one or two family residences, agricultural uses and accessory farm buildings, or for home gardening or similar uses in any zone.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Erection, structural alteration, moving of buildings or structures, and changes in use in unincorporated Blount County.
      “Except as herein before provided, a written building permit shall be obtained from the Department of Development Services before starting or proceeding with the erection, structural alteration, or moving of any building or structure”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Commercial and residential construction regulated by Blount County Development Services.

    • The page identifies the 2018 edition of the International Code Council and says enforcement occurs through plan review and inspection processes.

    building code edition: 2018 edition of the International Code Council

    “The Department of Development Services enforces the commercial and residential regulations of the 2018 edition of the International Code Council through the plan review and inspection processes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Commercial and residential construction regulated by Blount County Development Services.
      “The Department of Development Services enforces the commercial and residential regulations of the 2018 edition of the International Code Council through the plan review and inspection processes.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction subject to Blount County building permits.

    • The builder or owner schedules inspections.
    • Licensed architects or engineers may provide an alternative inspection only with Building Official approval.
    • Residential and commercial re-inspection fees are $30 and $50 respectively.

    residential re-inspection fee: 30 USD · commercial re-inspection fee: 50 USD

    “After a permit is issued, it is the contractor or owners responsibility to schedule all required inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy certificates issued by Blount County Development Services.

    • The county page states that the department issues occupancy certificates but does not state that every project requires one.
    “This department accepts applications for all construction permits and Board of Construction Appeals, collects fees, issues permits, schedules inspections, maintains permit record files and issues occupancy certificates.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Blount County land outside municipal limits.

    • The resolution is effective throughout the entire area of the county outside of any municipal limits.
    • Original adoption effective date is September 1, 2000; the document states that subsequent amendments take effect on their respective effective dates.
    • The document is a compilation and directs users to official Board of Commissioners minutes for adopted resolutions.
    “Section 1.5. Jurisdiction. This Resolution shall be effective throughout the entire area of the county outside of any municipal limits. Section 1.6. Effective Date. The provisions and regulations of this Resolution shall be effective from September 1, 2000 as of original adoption, and the effective date of any subsequent amendment thereafter.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate county result: county zoning applies outside municipal limits, while incorporated municipalities independently administer their own zoning; Alcoa's official site publishes its own zoning ordinance and zoning districts.

    • This aggregate does not mean Blount County administers municipal ordinances.
    • Alcoa is independently documented; Maryville, Louisville, and other municipalities require separate ordinance verification.
    “This Resolution shall be effective throughout the entire area of the county outside of any municipal limits.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts outside municipal limits.

    • District boundaries are established by the separately maintained Zoning Map.
    • Flood Hazard and Airport Hazard overlays are included as mapped overlays.
    • Municipal zoning districts are separate.
    “The boundaries of the above districts are established as shown on the Zoning Map entitled Zoning Map of Blount County, Tennessee, and any amendments which may be made thereto.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning districts and district-specific development standards in unincorporated Blount County.
      “Article 9. REGULATIONS AND PROVISIONS FOR DISTRICTS. The following are the provisions and regulations for the various districts created in Article 8.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential development in applicable Blount County zoning districts.

    • Lot-size requirements vary by district and septic/public-sewer circumstances.
    • The zoning resolution includes waivers and exceptions for certain lots of record and developments.

    minimum lot size per unit: >= 32670 square feet (The cited district provision states this applies whether on an individual septic system or public utility sewer, unless otherwise explicitly required in subsections above.)

    “F. Minimum Lot Size and Density: Whether on individual septic system or on public utility sewer, unless otherwise explicitly required in subsections above, the minimum lot size per unit for development shall be 32,670 square feet (.75 acres).”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks for uses in unincorporated Blount County zoning districts.

    • Setbacks vary by district, use, road classification, lot history, special exception, lot-of-record, and nonconforming status.
    • The cited residential provision includes exceptions for arterial roads and previously platted lots.

    front setback: 30 feet (60 feet for principal arterial roads, 40 feet for major arterial roads, or registered-plat setback for qualifying pre-enactment plats) · rear setback for principal structure: 20 feet (five feet for accessory structures; 40 feet or greater may be required for special exceptions) · side setback: 10 feet (20 feet or greater may be required for special exceptions)

    “the minimum depth of the front building setback shall be 30 feet from any road right-of-way or easement line”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Buildings and uses permitted or allowed by special exception in county zoning districts.
      “the minimum depth of the front building setback shall be 30 feet from any road right-of-way or easement line”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lot coverage in specified unincorporated Blount County zoning districts and uses.

    • The cited provision applies to all other uses in the referenced district section, not universally to every zoning district.
    • Both primary and duplicate septic-field areas must remain unhindered by structures, parking, drainage, or other design elements that may affect septic functioning.

    maximum building lot coverage: <= 25 percent (both primary and duplicate septic-field areas must remain unhindered)

    “maximum lot coverage of all buildings shall be no more twenty five (25) percent”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building heights in unincorporated Blount County zoning districts.

    • Height varies by structure type and district.
    • Church spires, belfries, domes, communication towers, and other tall structures have separate exceptions or overlay requirements.
    • Scenic Highway provisions may control building height.

    maximum height for single-family and duplex residential structures: <= 35 feet · maximum height to eave for other primary structures: <= 40 feet (hip and gable roofs may reach 50 feet to ridge) · maximum accessory-structure height: <= 35 feet

    “All accessory structures shall be no greater than 35 feet in height.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Structures in county zoning districts, subject to stated exceptions.
      “Unless otherwise explicitly allowed in other articles of this Resolution, all structures shall be no greater than 35 feet higher than the highest natural grade immediately adjacent to the structure.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupancy in county-regulated commercial campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks.

    • Commercial campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks require site plans.
    • Minimum development site is 10 acres.
    • Occupants may not remain more than 60 days in any 365-day period, except recreational vehicles owned by the campground owner to house seasonal camp workers.
    • Permanent residences are prohibited in commercial campgrounds and RV parks.

    maximum occupancy duration: 60 days in any 365-day period (Campground-owner RVs housing seasonal camp workers are exempt.) · minimum development site: >= 10 acres

    “Any occupant within the campground or RV Park, including RV sites, tent sites and cabins, shall not remain,(Resolution 15-04-003) for more than sixty (60) days in any three hundred sixty five (365) day period), except:”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home dwellings and manufactured-home parks in county zoning districts.

    • Manufactured-home parks and multifamily uses must satisfy design requirements.
    • The S district lists manufactured-home dwellings as permitted uses on a single lot.
    • Specific park, setback, buffering, road, drainage, open-space, and special-exception requirements apply.

    park side/rear buffer setback: >= 40 feet (Accessory structures may be within the buffer if at least 10 feet from side/rear property lines and no higher than 12 feet.)

    “It is the intent of this Resolution that manufactured home parks and multifamily uses are acceptable housing options in the County, provided that minimum design requirements are followed to mitigate impact on surrounding properties and public infrastructure, and a minimum of internal design standards are incorporated.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured-home dwellings in county zoning districts where the zoning resolution permits them.
      “A. Permitted Uses: one or two single family dwellings or manufactured home dwellings on a single lot”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Blount County.

    • Blount County Environmental Health administers services under TDEC rules and regulations.
    • Blount is identified by TDEC as a contract county.
    “The Blount county Department of Environmental Health operates under the rules and regulations that govern subsurface sewage disposal systems, set forth by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, a Division of Groundwater Protection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Blount County.
      “The Blount county Department of Environmental Health operates under the rules and regulations that govern subsurface sewage disposal systems, set forth by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, a Division of Groundwater Protection.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection of septic systems in Blount County.

    • The county definition includes all new systems, repairs to existing systems, and modifications to existing systems.
    “Final Layouts - The final inspection of all septic systems (this includes all new systems, repairs to existing systems, and modifications to existing systems).”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural uses and structures under the county zoning resolution and permit rules.

    • The zoning resolution states the exemption is provided under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 13-7-114.
    • The permit manual separately exempts agricultural uses and accessory farm buildings from the written building-permit requirement.
    “no permit shall be required for maintenance or installation of interior finishes in one or two family residences, agricultural uses and accessory farm buildings, or for home gardening or similar uses in any zone.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural uses and structures under the county zoning resolution.
      “Agricultural uses and structures shall not be subject to the regulations and provisions of this Resolution as provided in Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 13-7-114.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and plat approval processes in Blount County.

    • The county Planning Department implements subdivision processes and approves plats.
    • The county publishes subdivision regulations.
    “the Blount County Planning Department implements the rezoning or subdivision of property, use-on-review processes and approves plats.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land development involving division of land in unincorporated Blount County.
      “In the event that a division of land is involved in the development of such land, then the Subdivision Regulations of the regional planning commission having jurisdiction shall also be applicable to the development of that land, provided that such subdivision of land shall also conform with applicable regulations and provisions in this Resolution.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Commercial campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks governed by Section 7.19.

    • Campground access is limited to specified arterial/collector corridors and qualifying intersecting roads.
    • Entrances and exits must support safe traffic movement; driveway cuts and placement at intersections require a minimum 50-foot turning radius.

    minimum turning radius: >= 50 feet

    “Curb radii, driveway cut and placement at intersections shall have a minimum of fifty (50) feet turning radius and exits shall be designed to allow ingress and egress simultaneously.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Work located in a flood zone or flood fringe and plans related to floodplain development.

    • The manual states the county regulates work in the flood zone or flood fringe.
    • Plans related to flood plain development have an additional $25 fee.
    • Specific floodplain development standards were not fully extracted.

    floodplain plans additional fee: 25 USD

    “It also regulates any work located in the flood zone or flood fringe.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Construction and development within mapped flood zones and floodplains in unincorporated Blount County.
      “Floodway: The channel of the watercourse and those portions of the adjoining floodplain which are reasonably required to provide for the passage of flow from the regulatory flood (the 100-year Flood). This area must be left unobstructed in order to preserve the flood- carrying capacity of the stream and its floodplain without appreciably increasing the height of the floodwaters.”
    • Limited — Development within the Blount County Flood Hazard Overlay and mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas.
      “Such regulations are contained in a separately maintained Blount County Floodplain Zoning Resolution that is adopted as part of this resolution to be applied in the Flood Hazard Overlay area shown on the Zoning Map.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Vacation cabin rental and tourist accommodations in the R-2 Rural District 2.

    • Vacation cabin rental and tourist accommodations are listed as special exceptions in the R-2 district; the source does not establish a countywide short-term-rental rule.
    “vacation cabin rental (see also section 7.11), tourist accommodations, bed and breakfast accommodations, tourist oriented recreation facilities;”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Blount County Development Services building permits and related permit categories.

    • The fee schedule is labeled effective January 1, 2020.
    • Fees are non-refundable.
    • Building permit fees are based on project valuation and include a review fee.
    • The building official or designee may determine valuation using the most current ICC Building Valuation Data when the applicant's valuation is not reasonable.
    • A 3.25 percent non-refundable credit-card convenience fee is charged separately on the Development Services page.

    building permit fee for valuation $2,000 or less: 50 USD plus review fee · residential gas/mechanical-only permit: 50 USD plus applicable review fees · commercial gas/mechanical-only permit: 75 USD plus applicable review fees · residential reinspection fee in fee schedule: 75 USD · commercial reinspection fee in fee schedule: 100 USD

    “A. Valuation $2000 or less $50 plus review fee.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Blount County building, plan-review, manufactured-home, reinspection, floodplain-plan, and related permit fees.
      “Permit and plan review fees are based on the value of the work to be performed or on the type of permit in some cases.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Blount County Development Services, Planning, Zoning, and Environmental Health fee schedule.
      “Septic System Permit $400 Septic Repair Permit No charge Septic Modification Permit $400”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building, environmental-health, planning, zoning, and stormwater permit/application processes.

    • The county page lists the relevant forms but does not provide every review step or approval criterion.
    • Development Services accepts construction-permit applications, collects fees, issues permits, schedules inspections, and maintains permit records.
    “This department accepts applications for all construction permits and Board of Construction Appeals, collects fees, issues permits, schedules inspections, maintains permit record files and issues occupancy certificates.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A Tennessee property owner constructing a single residence for the owner's individual use.

    • The owner may have one permit every two years.
    • The residence must not be for sale, lease, or rent.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, the contractor is a prime and must be licensed and obtain the building permit for inspections.
    • Contracts may not be split into phases to circumvent the licensing law.
    • Anyone paid more than $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and must be licensed.
    • The exemption is based on TCA 62-6-103 and Rule 0680-1-.22.

    owner permits: per 1 permit per two years · contractor payment threshold: > 25000 USD (Anyone paid in excess of this amount is considered a prime and must be licensed.)

    “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Overnight camping on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled Wildlife Management Areas and related lands where overnight camping is allowed.

    • Overnight camping may be permitted only in designated areas and by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor.
    • Camping is subject to limitations prescribed in the permit if required.
    • Camping may not exceed three weeks from the beginning to the end of the camping stay.
    • Owner contact information or a TWRA ID number and date of arrival must be displayed on a camper, tent, vehicle, or similar item at all times.
    • Where overnight camping is allowed, firearms and archery equipment must remain in camp except during legal hunting hours.

    maximum camping stay: <= 3 weeks

    “May be permitted in designated areas by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor. Such camping is subject to the limitations prescribed in the permit if required.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Camping and use of trailers or other camper units in Tennessee state forests administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry.
      “Camping and the use of trailers or other camper units are allowed only at designated locations. The district forester will issue written permits to persons to camp in backcountry or other isolated sections of a forest area.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, modification, or repair of residential, commercial, or industrial septic systems in Tennessee.

    • A permit is required before construction, modification, or repair.
    • A septic system permit should be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building, including the building pad.
    • Repair permits have no permit fee.
    • Alternative systems require an extra-high intensity soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant.
    • Contract counties may require an additional permit.

    new conventional SSDS permit fee: 400 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · new alternative SSDS permit fee: 500 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($150 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · experimental SSDS permit fee: 500 USD · repair permit fee: 0 USD (Repair construction inspection fee is $100)

    “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system. This permit ensures that the septic system design complies with state regulations and safeguards your health by properly managing wastewater.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Single-family domestic waste disposal systems, including systems serving property in Blount County.
      “The operation of a single family domestic waste disposal system requires a construction permit from the Division of Water Resources but does not require a UIC permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Connection of buildings to sanitary sewer systems where a qualifying Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services and the property abuts a street or public way containing a sanitary sewer.

    • The property must abut a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer.
    • A building must exist on the lot or parcel for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
    • The utility system may require connection and cessation of other sewage-disposal methods.
    • For electrical service, written notification must show public sewer service, a septic permit application, or an existing septic system.
    “Utility systems within the State of Tennessee that have issued bonds payable for sewer services are granted authority in TCA § 7-35-201 (1) to "require the owner tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land that abuts upon a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and upon which lot or parcel a building exists for residential, commercial or industrial use, to connect the building with the sanitary sewer and to cease to use any other means for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste or other polluting matter."”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Residential, commercial, or industrial buildings on lots or parcels abutting a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer, where the applicable Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services.
      “Utility systems within the State of Tennessee that have issued bonds payable for sewer services are granted authority in TCA § 7-35-201 (1) to "require the owner tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land that abuts upon a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and upon which lot or parcel a building exists for residential, commercial or industrial use, to connect the building with the sanitary sewer and to cease to use any other means for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste or other polluting matter."”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    County legislative bodies adopting zoning regulations for portions of Tennessee counties outside municipal corporations.

    • The authority is exercised under the conditions and procedures in Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 13-7-101 through 13-7-119.
    • The grant applies to portions of counties outside municipal corporations.
    • County zoning authority does not authorize county building permits or regulation of buildings or structures on agricultural land when the building or structure is incidental to the agricultural enterprise, except on agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state federal-aid highways, public airports or public parks.
    • The agricultural-land limitation applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    “Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-101, et seq., the General Assembly has expressly delegated the authority to county legislative bodies to enact zoning regulations and create a board of zoning appeals.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Blount County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Blount County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory-dwelling occupancy in unincorporated Blount County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Blount County.
  • Well permit — Private domestic well construction or use in Blount 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 Blount County, Tennessee

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

Blount County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 51,078 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Blount County, Tennessee?

Blount County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Blount County Department of Environmental Health. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Blount County, Tennessee?

Land in Blount County runs about $8,030 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Blount County?

Blount County gets about 56.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.7% of years.

How remote is Blount County?

A representative private-land location has about 51,078 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,926,338 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 Blount compares in Tennessee

Compare side-by-side →See all 95 Tennessee counties ranked →