Bolthole Index

Campbell County, Tennessee

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

76Index Score / 100
#29 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Campbell County, Tennessee requires a county building permit to construct, enlarge or remodel a building, and septic approval comes first.1 The Campbell County Clerk issues county permits, while the applicable city office issues permits inside municipal limits.2 Campbell County has no countywide zoning commission; zoning ordinances are handled by municipalities.3

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction, enlargement or remodeling in unincorporated Campbell County1
Permit office
Campbell County Clerk outside municipal limits; the applicable city office inside city limits2
County zoning
No countywide zoning commission; municipalities handle their own zoning ordinances3
Septic
TDEC permit required before the county building permit42
RV or tiny-home living
No county land-use zoning restriction in unincorporated areas; other requirements can still apply56
Owner-builder
Available for an owner’s own single residence, subject to Tennessee conditions7
County-road driveway
Call the Campbell County Highway Department for a site visit and permit8

Who to call

Building permits

Campbell County Clerk’s Office

County building permits for property outside municipal limits

423-562-4985

590 Main Street, Suite A 21, Jacksboro, TN 37757

Septic permits

TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office

Septic questions and forms for Campbell County

(865) 594-6035

3711 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37921

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Campbell County Highway Department

Driveway permits for new driveways connecting to county roads

423-562-3404

136 Mt. Paran Road, Jacksboro, TN 37757

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Campbell County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

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

Yes. Unincorporated Campbell County requires a county building permit when constructing, enlarging or remodeling a building.1 The Campbell County Clerk’s page says permits inside municipal limits come from the applicable city office, so confirm whether the parcel lies inside a city before applying.1

For the county process, obtain the septic permit first, then apply through the County Clerk with the property owner’s name, property address and living-space square footage.2 One- and two-family residential work in jurisdictions participating in Tennessee’s state residential program is inspected at the foundation-before-pour, framing or rough-in, and final stages by state-contracted inspectors.9 The state program uses the 2018 residential and energy codes where the jurisdiction participates.10

Who issues Campbell County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Campbell County Clerk’s Office issues county building permits and lists its main office at 590 Main Street, Suite A 21, Jacksboro, TN 37757, with phone 423-562-4985.11 The county office handles property outside municipal limits; an incorporated city’s office handles permits within that city’s limits.2

Start by confirming the parcel’s jurisdiction and sewage plan. The Clerk cannot issue the county building permit until a septic permit has been obtained.2 For septic questions, the TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office serves Campbell County and directs septic inquiries to (865) 594-6035.12 County building-permit amounts are not published in the cited county material, while applicable state residential fees depend on construction cost and septic fees depend on system size and type.13

Does Campbell County, Tennessee have zoning?

Campbell County has no countywide zoning commission, and municipalities handle their own zoning ordinances.3 In unincorporated Campbell County, county zoning sets no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size or setback.141516 County zoning also sets no lot-coverage or building-height rule and does not restrict accessory dwellings, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping.17 Land inside an incorporated municipality may have different use and dimensional rules.18

No county zoning does not mean no land rules. Building permits, septic review and subdivision review can still apply in unincorporated Campbell County.11920 Tennessee’s agricultural zoning limitation is conditional: a qualifying structure must be on land devoted to agricultural use and incidental to the agricultural enterprise, with exceptions for certain locations including floodplains and land near specified public facilities.21 Because we could not confirm a Campbell County-specific agricultural building exemption, ask the County Clerk how the proposed farm structure will be treated before ordering materials.11

How do septic permits work in Campbell County?

TDEC’s Division of Water Resources administers septic permitting and inspection for Campbell County through the Knoxville Environmental Field Office.4 A septic permit is required to construct, modify or repair a system, and the permit should be obtained before dirt work or construction of the building pad.19 The county building permit comes only after septic approval.2

Only about 2.5% of mapped Campbell County soils avoid a “very limited” rating for a conventional septic drain field, so make the site evaluation an early feasibility test rather than assuming a conventional layout will work.22 Alternative systems require an extra-high-intensity soils map from a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant.19 After installation, the installer schedules a final inspection before covering the system; approval leads to a Certificate of Completion.23

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

Unincorporated Campbell County places no county land-use zoning restriction on RV occupancy or tiny-home occupancy.56 Unincorporated Campbell County also has no county zoning minimum for dwelling size, lot size or setbacks, although building, septic, roadway, floodplain and other requirements may still constrain a site.242526 Municipal zoning can change the answer inside Caryville, Jacksboro, Jellico or LaFollette.56

A tiny home that involves constructing, enlarging or remodeling a building in unincorporated Campbell County still needs a county building permit, with septic approval first when a septic system will serve the property.12 We could not confirm whether a non-septic off-grid sanitation system is allowed, so ask the TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office about the proposed sanitation method before relying on the parcel for full-time occupancy.12

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality, because the County Clerk issues the county permit while city offices issue permits inside municipal limits.2
  2. If dividing land for future construction served by septic, obtain the required subdivision evaluation, survey and soils map; the stated exclusion is for divisions in which every tract is at least 5 acres.20
  3. Contact TDEC’s Knoxville Environmental Field Office for the septic application and site review before beginning dirt work or a building pad.1912
  4. After septic approval, apply to the Campbell County Clerk with the owner’s name, property address and living-space square footage.2
  5. If a new driveway will connect to a county road, call the Highway Department for a site visit and driveway design review before construction.8
  6. Schedule required residential inspections where the state residential program applies, including foundation-before-pour, framing or rough-in, and final construction.9
  7. Before requesting electrical service, provide written notice that the property has public sewer, has applied for a septic permit or will use an existing septic system.27

What should you check before buying land in Campbell County?

Put septic feasibility near the top of due diligence: about 2.5% of mapped soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and only about 12.8% of county land has a slope of 15% or less.2228 If the seller is dividing land for development that will use septic, verify that the required subdivision evaluation, survey and soils map are complete; the stated exclusion applies when every resulting tract is at least 5 acres.20

For access, Campbell County requires a site visit and permit for a new driveway connecting to a county road, while TDOT requires a permit for work on state-highway right-of-way.829 We could not confirm Campbell County’s floodplain-development contact or private-well permit rule, so ask the County Clerk to identify the current floodplain contact and ask TDEC which water-supply requirements apply to the parcel.1112 The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $651.3031

Watch-outs

  • Do not start the building pad before septic review; Campbell County requires septic approval before the county building permit, and TDEC advises obtaining the septic permit before dirt work.219
  • A parcel inside municipal limits follows that municipality’s permit and zoning process, not the County Clerk’s unincorporated-area path.118
  • Before an electrical-service request can be processed, written notice must show public sewer service, a septic-permit application or use of an existing septic system.27

Sources

  1. County Clerk, quoted and re-checked
  2. County Clerk, quoted and re-checked
  3. campbellcountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  5. campbellcountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. campbellcountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  7. Residential Permits, quoted and re-checked
  8. Campbell County Highway Department (campbellcountytn.gov)
  9. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  10. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  11. Campbell County Clerk’s Office (campbellcountytn.gov)
  12. TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  13. Residential Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  14. Business | Campbell County, quoted and re-checked
  15. Business | Campbell County, quoted and re-checked
  16. Business | Campbell County, quoted and re-checked
  17. Tennessee law on county zoning and building authority
  18. campbellcountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  20. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  21. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. 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
  23. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  24. campbellcountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  25. campbellcountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  26. campbellcountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  27. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  28. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, Campbell County has no countywide zoning.

RuleCampbell CountyAnderson CountyUnion CountyScott CountyKnox CountyClaiborne CountyMorgan County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningNoYesYesNot publishedYesNoYes
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECCounty Health Dept.TDECTDEC

County locator

Campbell County in Tennessee

76
County map
Campbell County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Campbell County scores

Seclusion57100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency53100% ev.
Admin Boringness64100% ev.
Durability72100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% 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 →

$248kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$5,131Land / acre
55.8"Annual rain
1.9% of yrsSevere drought
2.5 / yr (+2.4)Mid-century 100°F days
12.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.2" (+9.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.73×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,464Home insurance / yr
-0.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.21%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
16,414People within 30 min
2,136,229People within 2 hr
56,556Radius comparison (15 mi)
83.8People / sq mi
3%Federal land
12.8%Land at 15% slope or less
2.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
7,236 acWorkable land screen
86.7%Wooded land
58.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.7°FAvg temp

Scout Campbell County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Campbell County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Campbell 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.

Town of Caryville · Town of Jacksboro · Jellico · La Follette

Answers from the rulebook for Campbell County

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

Campbell County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, or remodeling of buildings in unincorporated Campbell County.

    • A septic permit must be obtained before the county building permit can be issued.
    • Within municipal city limits, building permits are issued by the applicable city office.
    • The application requires the property owner's name, address, and square footage of living space.
    “A county building permit grants legal permission to construct, enlarge, or remodel a building within Campbell County. Building permits within city limits of municipalities are issued by those city offices.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent (with conditions)

    Countywide zoning commission and county-administered zoning in Campbell County.

    • The county states that zoning ordinances are by municipality; municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Other state, municipal, septic, floodplain, subdivision, and health requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of zoning within Campbell County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.

    • The county does not administer each local ordinance; the county states that zoning ordinances are by municipality.
    • Municipality-specific rules must be checked with the applicable municipality.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Campbell County: no county rule sets this, because Campbell County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county states that zoning ordinances are by municipality; municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Other state, municipal, septic, floodplain, subdivision, and health requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone (with conditions)

    County zoning minimum-dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Campbell County.

    • Campbell County has no county-wide zoning commission; zoning ordinances are by municipality.
    • Municipal zoning ordinances may apply within incorporated municipalities; the county directs applicants to contact their municipality.
    • This claim addresses county zoning only and does not eliminate applicable building-code or other regulatory requirements.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning minimum-dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
    • None — County zoning minimum-dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone (with conditions)

    County zoning minimum-lot-size requirements in unincorporated Campbell County.

    • Campbell County has no county-wide zoning commission; zoning ordinances are by municipality.
    • Municipal zoning ordinances may apply within incorporated municipalities; the county directs applicants to contact their municipality.
    • Other applicable subdivision, septic, health, floodplain, and access requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning minimum-lot-size requirements in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
    • None — County zoning minimum-lot-size requirements in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • SetbacksNone (with conditions)

    County zoning setback requirements in unincorporated Campbell County.

    • Campbell County has no county-wide zoning commission; zoning ordinances are by municipality.
    • Municipal zoning ordinances may apply within incorporated municipalities; the county directs applicants to contact their municipality.
    • This claim addresses county zoning only and does not eliminate applicable building-code, roadway, floodplain, septic, or other setback requirements.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning setback requirements in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
    • None — County zoning setback requirements in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Campbell County: no county rule sets this, because Campbell County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county states that zoning ordinances are by municipality; municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Other state, municipal, septic, floodplain, subdivision, and health requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Building height · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Campbell County: no county rule sets this, because Campbell County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county states that zoning ordinances are by municipality; municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Other state, municipal, septic, floodplain, subdivision, and health requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Living in an RVUnrestricted

    RV occupancy in unincorporated Campbell County, as a county land-use zoning matter.

    • The county statement addresses county-wide zoning only; municipal zoning ordinances may apply within Caryville, Jacksboro, Jellico, or LaFollette.
    • Building, septic, floodplain, health, subdivision, deed, and other applicable requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Unrestricted — County land-use zoning regulation of RV occupancy on private property in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Campbell County: no county rule sets this, because Campbell County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county states that zoning ordinances are by municipality; municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Other state, municipal, septic, floodplain, subdivision, and health requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted

    Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Campbell County, as a county land-use zoning matter.

    • The county statement addresses county-wide zoning only; municipal zoning ordinances may apply within Caryville, Jacksboro, Jellico, or LaFollette.
    • Building, septic, floodplain, health, subdivision, deed, and other applicable requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Unrestricted — County land-use zoning regulation of tiny-home occupancy on private property in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Campbell County: no county rule sets this, because Campbell County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county states that zoning ordinances are by municipality; municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Other state, municipal, septic, floodplain, subdivision, and health requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Campbell County: no county rule sets this, because Campbell County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county states that zoning ordinances are by municipality; municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Other state, municipal, septic, floodplain, subdivision, and health requirements may still apply.
    “Please note: our county does not have a county-wide zoning commission. Zoning ordinances are by municipality. Contact your municipality for zoning ordinance information.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building-permit process in Campbell County and related state septic prerequisites.

    • For a county building permit, obtain a septic permit first, then apply at the County Clerk's Office with the owner's name, property address, and living-space square footage.
    • Municipalities issue building permits within city limits.
    • State septic applications may be submitted online or on paper to the appropriate Environmental Field Office; review generally takes 10 days and must be completed within 45 days.
    “Before a building permit can be issued, you must first obtain a septic permit. You may do this by contacting the TDEC Knoxville Office (865)-594-6035. You may then apply for a building permit at the County Clerk’s Office. You will need to provide the name of the property owner, address, and square footage of living space when you apply.”

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).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner constructing a single residence in Campbell County under the Tennessee owner-builder exemption.
      “Yes. Pursuant to TCA § 62-6-103, an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use, as long as it is not for resale, lease or rent without being a licensed contractor.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office residential building-code standards for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes statewide, except where a qualifying local government enforces its own current residential code or has opted out.

    • The State Fire Marshal's Office has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code with amendments.
    • For one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes, the adopted energy code is the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments.
    • The statewide program applies only in areas that have not received an exemption from the State Fire Marshal's Office because local building codes are enforced by the local government or opted out of state residential building codes and enforcement by a two-thirds vote of the city or county legislative body.
    • A qualifying local jurisdiction may continue operating its own program if its building code is current within seven years of the most recent edition; other versions may be approved in writing by the State Fire Marshal's Office.
    • A county legislative body may vote to remove unincorporated areas of the county from the state program, and a city legislative body may vote to remove the city from the state program.
    • A city or county may opt out by passage, by a two-thirds vote, of a resolution exempting the city or county; the opt-out resolution expires 180 days following the date of the election for the city or county's legislative body.
    • If the subsequent legislative body does not vote to opt out before the resolution expires, the State Fire Marshal's Office begins enforcing the residential building-code requirements until the city or county enforces residential building codes or passes another opt-out resolution.
    • The State Fire Marshal's Office enforces only the codes it adopts; local governments enforce other locally adopted codes or requirements.
    • The state residential building permit is a building permit only and is not grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, a septic or sewer permit, an electrical permit, or zoning approval.
    • The permit fee is based on the cost of construction and covers all required inspections and one free re-inspection; additional re-inspections cost $100 each.

    International Residential Code edition: 2018 (with amendments) · International Energy Conservation Code edition for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes: 2018 (with amendments) · local-code currency window: <= 7 years (other versions can be approved in writing by the State Fire Marshal's Office) · opt-out vote: two-thirds vote (resolution expires 180 days following the date of the election for the city or county's legislative body) · additional re-inspection fee: 100 USD (one re-inspection per permit is free)

    “The codes currently adopted by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office are: [...] International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 edition, published by the ICC, with amendments;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State residential building-code enforcement applicable to Campbell County jurisdictions participating in the State Residential Building Program.
      “The state has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).”
  • InspectionsRequired

    One- and two-family residential construction in Campbell County jurisdictions participating in the State Residential Building Program.

    • Inspections are performed by state-contracted inspectors.
    • Required inspections are foundation before pouring, rough-in/framing, and final construction.
    • A separate inspection is required for a non-monolithic slab under living space; garage slabs are excepted.
    • Plumbing and mechanical systems are inspected at rough-in and final inspections.
    • One free re-inspection is provided; additional re-inspections require a fee.
    “Inspections are performed by state contracted inspectors. Inspections are performed of the foundation prior to pouring, the framing/rough-in construction and the final construction.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings in Tennessee opt-out or non-code jurisdictions when the State Fire Marshal's Office inspects the dwelling during construction.

    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • The Certificate of Occupancy is released only if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes this process for opt-out or non-code jurisdictions and for new construction or additions to existing homes.
    “determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Tennessee subsurface sewage disposal system construction permitting and related SSDS administration statewide.

    • The Tennessee Division of Water Resources administers SSDS permitting in non-contract counties.
    • Permit packages and Certificate of Completion packages for sites in contract counties are submitted directly to the contract county.
    • The listed contract counties are Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson.
    • Installer permits are valid statewide, but contract counties may require an additional permit.
    “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Campbell County.
      “Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Statewide subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and assistance, with specified contract counties providing ground water protection services in their own areas.
      “NOTE: Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas. The online application form is not to be submitted for services requested in the following metropolitan or contact counties: Blount County, Davidson County/Nashville, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Madison County, Sevier County, Shelby County, Williamson County.”
  • 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 — Construction, modification, or repair of septic systems serving residential, commercial, or industrial property in Campbell County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.

    • The installer must notify the Division when installation is complete.
    • A final inspection is scheduled before the system is covered.
    • TDEC inspects each SSDS installation for compliance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
    • Inspection fees vary by system type: $100 for new conventional or large-diameter graveless pipe systems, $200 for alternative systems, and $100 for repair construction inspections.

    new conventional construction inspection fee: 100 USD · alternative construction inspection fee: 200 USD · repair construction inspection fee: 100 USD

    “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of septic systems in Campbell County.
      “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered. If the septic system installation is approved, the Environmental Scientist will issue a Certificate of Completion.”
  • 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."”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Electrical service requests for a proposed house or establishment in Campbell County.
      “This bill requires that before the electrical inspector can process a request for electrical service, he/she must be provided with written notification that the proposed house or establishment is served by a public sewer system, or, that a septic system permit has been applied for, or, that an existing septic system will be used.”
    • 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."”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Buildings or structures on land used for agricultural purposes and subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee.

    • The building or structure must be located on lands devoted to agricultural uses.
    • The building or structure must be incidental to the agricultural enterprise.
    • The exemption does not apply to agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state or federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks.
    • The exemption does not apply to land located within the one-hundred-year flood plain.
    • The Attorney General opinion states that the provision applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    • There is no blanket exemption for cotton gins, grain elevators, slaughterhouses, processing plants, or milk bottling plants; those structures qualify only when the statutory conditions are met.
    “it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.””
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land in Campbell County where septic systems are or will be used.

    • A subdivision evaluation is required for division into two or more lots, sites, or other divisions for immediate or future construction where septic will be used.
    • A survey and soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant must be submitted.
    • A division into two or more tracts or parcels is excluded when all are 5 acres or larger.

    minimum lot count: >= 2 lots/sites/divisions (No subdivision evaluation under this service when all resulting tracts or parcels are 5 acres or larger)

    “A Subdivision Evaluation is required if you want to divide any tract or parcel of land into 2 or more lots, sites or other divisions for the purpose of immediate or future construction of houses, buildings, or other development where a septic system is or will be used.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Construction, modification, revision, or change in use of a driveway on Tennessee state highway right-of-way.

    • The requirement applies to state highway right-of-way and does not establish a permit requirement for every driveway on every road.
    • Property owners must obtain the permit from TDOT.
    • County or municipal land-use regulations may also apply.
    “Under state law, a permit is required before construction of a driveway on state highway right-of-way, including the modification, revision, or change in use”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in or near mapped floodplains throughout Tennessee, insofar as Tennessee's statewide floodplain-management guidance describes locally administered requirements.

    • Floodplain development requirements are managed locally by the community where the property is located.
    • Each NFIP-participating community has a local floodplain administrator who helps manage development in mapped flood hazard areas.
    • If the property is inside city limits, contact the city floodplain administrator; if outside city limits, contact the county floodplain administrator.
    • Local review may be required before development begins in a regulated floodplain.
    • Requirements vary by community and are based on the local floodplain management ordinance and flood zones mapped in that community.
    • Development activity that may require local review includes construction, repairs, substantial improvements, placement of fill, grading, excavation, manufactured homes, accessory structures, or other development activity.
    • Floodplain management ordinances are adopted, administered, and enforced by the local community, not by TEMA.

    local review before development in a regulated floodplain: may be required (Requirements vary by community and mapped flood zone.)

    “Floodplain development requirements are managed locally. Each community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program has a local floodplain administrator who helps manage development in mapped flood hazard areas. [...] If the property is inside city limits, contact the city floodplain administrator. If the property is outside city limits, contact the county floodplain administrator. [...] Local review may be required before development begins in a regulated floodplain. Requirements vary by community and are based on the local floodplain management ordinance and flood zones mapped in that community.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building permits administered by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses where the state program applies.

    • The state program does not apply where a local government enforces local building codes under an exemption or where the city or county has opted out by a two-thirds vote.
    • For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table, an additional fee of $50.00 applies for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • The construction cost cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction.
    • An HVAC and Plumbing Inspection is required for all new construction.
    • A slab other than Monolith Pour Inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately.

    permit fee for construction cost $0 to $5,000: 100 USD · permit fee for construction cost $5,001 to $100,000: 350 USD · additional fee for plumbing and HVAC inspection: 100 USD (Applicable as stated in the fee table.) · additional fee for slab other than monolith pour: 100 USD (Applicable when slab and footing are cast separately.)

    “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — State residential building permits applicable to Campbell County SRBP jurisdictions and Tennessee septic permits.
      “The cost of a Septic System Permit varies depending on the size and type of system that will be used.”
  • 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.

  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Campbell County.
  • Well permit — Private well permits in Campbell County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term-rental regulation in Campbell 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 Campbell County, Tennessee

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

Campbell County scores 76/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals.

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

Campbell County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Resources. 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Campbell County is allowed: RV occupancy in unincorporated Campbell County, as a county land-use zoning matter. The county statement addresses county-wide zoning only; municipal zoning ordinances may apply within Caryville, Jacksboro, Jellico, or LaFollette. Building, septic, floodplain, health, subdivision, deed, and other applicable requirements may still apply. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Campbell County, Tennessee?

Land in Campbell County runs about $5,131 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Campbell County?

Campbell County gets about 55.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.9% of years.

How remote is Campbell County?

A representative private-land location has about 16,414 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,136,229 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 Campbell compares in Tennessee

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