Bolthole Index

Cannon County, Tennessee

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

65Index Score / 100
#70 of 95 in Tennessee

Cannon County, Tennessee requires a building permit for covered residential construction before soil is disturbed, and county building-code administration includes Woodbury but excludes Auburntown.12 Unincorporated Cannon County has zoning, while TDEC handles septic permits and final septic inspections.345

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered residential construction before site soil is disturbed1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated Cannon County3
Septic
TDEC issues the construction permit and inspects before the system is covered45
Owner-builder
Allowed for an owner's own single residence, subject to licensing limits6
RV living
Long-term occupancy on an individual parcel is not confirmed; ask Planning3
Tiny home
Placement and occupancy are not confirmed; ask Planning before purchase3
Floodplain
A development permit is required in regulated flood-hazard areas7

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Cannon County Planning Department

Building permits, zoning administration, planning and floodplain questions

(615) 563-5263

200 West Main St. Woodbury, TN 37190

Online permits →

Septic permits

TN Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) Division of Water Resources Septic System Assistance

Septic-system permitting assistance for Cannon County

931-206-6329

1221 South Willow Avenue Cookeville, TN 38506

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

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

Yes. Cannon County requires a residential building permit before soil is disturbed for covered construction; manufactured and modular homes are an exception to that building-permit requirement, although impact fees still apply.1 County building-code administration covers Cannon County, including Woodbury, but excludes Auburntown.2

Permitted residential work normally receives four inspections: foundation before the pour, rough-in and framing, plumbing and mechanical systems, and final construction.8 A fifth inspection applies to a concrete slab under living space when its footing is poured separately and is not monolithic.8 The permit holder must request inspections; one re-inspection is free, while later re-inspections cost $100 each.8 Zoning approval, septic approval, floodplain review and electrical requirements remain separate from the building permit.9

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

The Cannon County Planning Department is the starting point for building permits and zoning in its service area. The department administers and enforces the county zoning resolution and supports the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.10 The office is at 200 West Main St. in Woodbury, and its phone number is (615) 563-5263.10

After a building-permit application is submitted, the county says it creates the permit-and-fee invoice within three workdays and issues the permit after payment.11 Residential construction is charged an Adequate Facilities Privilege Tax of $0.90 per square foot of heated space and, outside Woodbury, a zoning-compliance fee of $0.95 per square foot of heated space.12 Auburntown is outside the county's building-permit administration, while a Woodbury residential application needs a town-approved site plan before permit issuance.11

Does Cannon County have zoning?

Yes. Cannon County zoning applies in unincorporated territory; Woodbury and Auburntown are separate municipal jurisdictions for relevant planning and zoning matters.313 The unincorporated map uses R-1 residential, C-1 commercial, A-1 agricultural and I-1 industrial districts.14

Lot size depends on district and utility availability. In R-1, the minimum is 15,000 square feet with public water and sewer, 30,000 square feet with public water, and 2 acres without public water, or more if TDEC requires it.15 In A-1, nonfarm buildings generally need a 30-foot front yard and 5-foot rear and side yards; a corner lot abutting a state or federal highway has a 25-foot minimum setback.16 Building height is also district-specific.17

How do septic permits work in Cannon County?

Tennessee's Division of Water Resources is the septic authority identified for Cannon County, and a septic construction permit is required before installing a new subsurface system or repairing a faulty one.418 The TDEC septic-assistance contact listed by the county is at 1221 South Willow Avenue in Cookeville and can be reached at 931-206-6329.19

After installation, the installer must arrange a final inspection before covering the system; TDEC issues a Certificate of Completion if the work is approved.5 Soil suitability should be settled early because only 0.8% of mapped county soils avoid a “very limited” rating for a conventional drain field.20 In unsewered R-1 areas, the zoning minimum is 2 acres or more if TDEC requires it, so meeting the acreage rule does not establish that the parcel has a workable septic site.15

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

We could not confirm a complete rule allowing or prohibiting long-term residence in an individual RV in unincorporated Cannon County. Ask the Cannon County Planning Department about the parcel's district, temporary occupancy and required utilities before buying or moving an RV onsite.10

We also could not confirm the placement and occupancy conditions for a tiny home or a countywide minimum dwelling floor area. County zoning still applies in unincorporated areas, and lot area, setbacks and height depend on the district and utility service.31516 Three or more mobile homes used for living or sleeping outside Woodbury and Auburntown must be in an approved mobile-home park, but that rule does not settle individual RV or tiny-home occupancy.21

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated Cannon County, Woodbury or Auburntown; county building-code administration includes Woodbury but excludes Auburntown.2
  2. Ask the Cannon County Planning Department for the zoning district, lot and setback rules, and floodplain status.101416
  3. Secure the TDEC septic construction permit, then arrange the final inspection before the installed system is covered.185
  4. Resolve access; a driveway built or changed on state highway right-of-way requires a TDOT permit.22
  5. Submit the building-permit application before disturbing soil and budget for the applicable taxes and zoning-compliance fees.112
  6. Request each required construction inspection as the permit holder.8
  7. An owner-builder may construct one residence every two years for personal use, not resale, lease or rent; hired work of $25,000 or more remains subject to contractor licensing.6

What should you check before buying land in Cannon County?

Start with buildability, not just acreage. Only 0.8% of mapped soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, while 48.9% of county land is at a 15% slope or less.2023 A soil evaluation, reserve area and buildable access route can matter more than gross acreage.

Check the zoning map and utilities because district lot rules vary with public water and sewer availability.15 A land division creating two or more lots may require Planning Commission plat review; divisions into parcels of 5 acres or more are excluded only when they involve no new roads, utility construction or access easements.24 Regulated flood-hazard development needs a permit before work begins.7 The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual bill is $1,091.2526

Watch-outs

  • Auburntown is excluded from county building-code administration; ask the town which building permits and codes apply there.2
  • A building permit does not replace separate zoning, septic, electrical or floodplain approvals.9
  • Long-term RV occupancy and tiny-home placement remain unconfirmed; ask Cannon County Planning about the specific parcel before committing.10

Sources

  1. Cannon County Building Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Cannon County Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  3. Official Zoning and Building Codes Resolution of Cannon County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  4. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  5. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  6. Cannon County Building Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  7. cannoncountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. CanCo Building Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  9. Residential Permit FAQs (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Cannon County Planning Department (cannoncountytn.gov)
  11. Cannon County Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  12. Cannon County Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  13. Planning Department – Cannon County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  14. Official Zoning and Building Codes Resolution of Cannon County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  15. Amended Zoning Resolution and Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  16. Amended Zoning and Building Codes Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  17. Amended Zoning Resolution and Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  18. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. TN Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) Division of Water Resources Septic System Assistance (cannoncountytn.gov)
  20. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Official Zoning and Building Codes Resolution of Cannon County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  22. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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 all 6 of its neighbors, Cannon County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleCannon CountyWarren CountyRutherford CountyDeKalb CountyCoffee CountyBedford CountyWilson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesNoYesNoYesYesYes
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Cannon County in Tennessee

65
County map
Cannon County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Cannon County scores

Seclusion37100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability66100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% 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 →

$331kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$6,095Land / acre
57.2"Annual rain
3.9% of yrsSevere drought
7.8 / yr (+7.3)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
2.49" (+8.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.55×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,703Home insurance / yr
0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.75%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
54,380People within 30 min
3,509,729People within 2 hr
63,604Radius comparison (15 mi)
56.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
48.9%Land at 15% slope or less
0.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
1,337 acWorkable land screen
59.7%Wooded land
51.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Cannon 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 Auburntown · Town of Woodbury

Answers from the rulebook for Cannon County

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

Cannon County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential and CIM construction administered by Cannon County, including Woodbury and excluding Auburntown.

    • A residential building permit is required before disturbing construction-site soil.
    • CIM construction requires site-plan approval before permit issuance.
    • Manufactured and modular homes are an exception to the residential building-permit requirement, but impact fees still apply.
    “At what point during the construction process, is a Building Permit required? A. The Building Permit is required prior to disturbing the soil of the construction site.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential building construction and additions governed by Cannon County permitting.
      “The Building Permit is required prior to disturbing the soil of the construction site.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Residential, commercial, industrial, and multifamily construction administered by Cannon County, including Woodbury but excluding Auburntown.

    • The County adopted the 2025 IBC, including the 2025 IRC and IECC.
    • Effective January 1, 2025, county administration applies throughout Cannon County including Woodbury, but excludes Auburntown.
    “adopted the 2025 International Building Code”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — Residential building-code administration in Cannon County, including the county's IRC and IECC resolutions.
      “The County has adopted the 2025 International Building Code (IBC), which includes the 2025 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2025 International Energy Conservation Code (IEEC), as the County’s Building Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction performed under a Cannon County building permit in areas where the Cannon County Planning Department administers and enforces building codes.

    • Four inspections are required: foundation prior to pour, rough-in/framing, plumbing and mechanical systems, and final construction.
    • A fifth inspection is required when the foundation is a concrete slab under a living space with a separately poured non-monolithic footing.
    • The slab-foundation inspection is not required for garage slabs and applies only to slabs of living spaces.
    • The permit holder is solely responsible for requesting an inspection; subcontractors should not schedule one, and homeowners should schedule one only if they are the permit holder.
    • All inspections must occur within three working days of the request, except footer inspections, which must occur within one working day.
    • Any inspection may be waived if an inspection letter approving the work is signed and submitted by an architect or engineer currently registered in Tennessee.
    • The Cannon County Planning Department administers and enforces building codes throughout Cannon County, including Woodbury, but excluding Auburntown, effective January 1, 2025.
    • One re-inspection per permit is free; a second or subsequent re-inspection costs $100 each.

    required inspections: 4 inspections (A fifth inspection is required for a concrete slab under a living space with separately poured non-monolithic footing.) · additional re-inspection fee: 100 USD (One re-inspection per permit may be performed without an additional fee.)

    “Four inspections will be required: the foundation prior to pour, the rough-in/framing, the plumbing and mechanical systems and at final construction. If your foundation is to be a concrete slab under a living space with separately poured (non-monolithic) footing, you will need a fifth inspection.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning districts, zoning administration, and building-code controls in Cannon County outside municipal corporate limits.

    • The resolution applies to the unincorporated territory of Cannon County.
    • Municipal corporate limits may be governed by municipal rules.
    “A resolution establishing zoning districts and building codes within the unincorporated territory of Cannon County, Tennessee to regulate the uses of, and construction on, property therein, adopting a map of said districts, requiring building permits for the construction and use of structures and premises within said districts”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning and building-code regulation in Cannon County's unincorporated territory.
      “A resolution establishing zoning districts and building codes within the unincorporated territory of Cannon County, Tennessee to regulate the uses of, and construction on, property therein, adopting a map of said districts, requiring building permits for the construction and use of structures and premises within said districts, establishing a Board of Zoning Appeals, creating a county Land Use Administrator and fixing the powers and duties thereof, creating resolutions for Flood Hazard Reduction in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), creating resolutions for Nontraditional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems in compliance with the Clean Water Act of 1977, and providing for the adjustment, administration, enforcement, and penalties for violation of this Resolution.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Cannon County zoning administered by the County Planning Department in unincorporated areas.

    • The County Planning Department administers and enforces the County Zoning Resolution.
    • Woodbury and Auburntown are separate municipal jurisdictions for relevant planning and zoning matters.
    “Administers and enforces the provisions of the Cannon County Zoning Resolution”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts in unincorporated Cannon County.

    • The resolution identifies four district classes: R-1, C-1, A-1, and I-1.
    • District boundaries are shown on the Cannon County Zoning Map dated 2018, as amended.

    published district classes: R-1, C-1, A-1, I-1

    “For the purpose of this Resolution, Cannon County, Tennessee is hereby divided into four (4) classes of districts as follows:”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Minimum lot areas in Cannon County zoning districts.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district and public-water availability.
    • R-1 requires 15,000 square feet with public water and sewer, 30,000 square feet with public water, and 2 acres without public water, or more if required by TDEC.
    • C-1 requires 30,000 square feet with public water and 1 acre without public water, or more if required by TDEC.
    • A-1 requires 30,000 square feet with public water and 2 acres without public water, or more if required by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment.

    R-1 lot area with public water and sewer: 15000 square feet · R-1 lot area with public water: 30000 square feet · R-1 lot area without public water: 2 acres (Or more if required by TDEC) · C-1 lot area with public water: 30000 square feet · C-1 lot area without public water: 1 acre (Or more if required by TDEC) · A-1 lot area with public water: 30000 square feet · A-1 lot area without public water: 2 acres (Or more if required by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment)

    “Minimum required lot area w/ public water and sewer 15,000 sq. ft Minimum required lot area with public water 30,000 sq. ft. [...] Minimum required lot area without public water 2 acres. [...] Minimum required lot area with public water 30,000 sq. ft. [...] Minimum required lot area without public water 1 acre.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Buildings in Cannon County's Agricultural (A-1) zoning district, outside municipal jurisdiction.

    • The A-1 requirements apply to all buildings except farm buildings.
    • Buildings must be set back from road right-of-way lines and lot lines.
    • A corner lot abutting a State or Federal Highway has a 25-foot minimum setback.

    front yard depth: >= 30 ft (all buildings except farm buildings) · rear yard depth: >= 5 ft (all buildings except farm buildings) · side yard width: >= 5 ft (all buildings except farm buildings) · corner lot abutting State or Federal Highway setback: >= 25 ft

    “All buildings shall be set back from road right-of- way line and lot lines to comply with the following yard requirements. [...] Front yard – Minimum required front yard depth for all buildings except farm buildings 30 ft. [...] Rear yard – Minimum required rear yard depth for all buildings except farm buildings 5 ft. [...] Side yards – Minimum required side yard widths for all buildings except farm buildings 5 ft. [...] Corner Lots that abut a State or Federal Highway Minimum required setback 25 ft.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building height under Cannon County zoning districts.

    • The resolution prohibits buildings or structures from exceeding the height limit specified for the district in which located.
    • The reviewed excerpts did not identify a single countywide numeric height limit.
    “No building or structure shall hereafter be executed or altered so as to exceed the height limit, to accommodate or house a greater number of families, to have narrower or smaller front yards or side yards than are required or specified in the regulations herein for the district in which it is located.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Three or more mobile homes used for living or sleeping purposes outside the corporate limits of Auburntown and Woodbury.

    • Three or more mobile homes must be contained in a planned mobile-home park approved under the County regulations.
    • The park must be at least two acres, provide approved water and sewer to each space, meet access, spacing, setback, density, drainage, and sanitation standards, and receive Planning Commission approval.
    • Double-wide mobile homes and modular homes on permanent foundations are excluded from the regulation's definition of mobile home.

    minimum mobile-home park area: >= 2 acres · maximum mobile-home spaces: <= 4 per gross acre · minimum distance between mobile homes: >= 30 feet (In all directions.) · minimum setback from public street: >= 30 feet · minimum setback from property lines: >= 15 feet

    “It is unlawful for any person to place or maintain three (3) or more mobile homes for living or sleeping purposes on any premises or tract of land in Cannon County outside the corporate limits of Auburntown and Woodbury unless they are contained within a planned mobile home park duly permitted pursuant to the provisions of this act.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured or mobile-home occupancy and mobile-home parks in unincorporated Cannon County.
      “It is unlawful for any person to place or maintain three (3) or more mobile homes for living or sleeping purposes on any premises or tract of land in Cannon County outside the corporate limits of Auburntown and Woodbury unless they are contained within a planned mobile home park duly permitted pursuant to the provisions of this act.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in Cannon County outside the incorporated municipalities of Woodbury and Auburntown.

    • Woodbury and Auburntown are excluded because those areas fall under municipal jurisdiction.
    • A division of five acres or more without new roads, utility construction, or access easements is excluded from the definition of subdivision.
    • Owners wishing to subdivide within the Cannon County Planning Region must submit a plat to the Planning Commission, conforming to Articles II and III.

    subdivision threshold: >= 2 lots or more (also includes a division of less than five acres for sale or building development) · large-parcel exclusion: >= 5 acres (division must not involve new roads, utility construction, or easements of access)

    “These regulations shall govern all subdivision of land within the Cannon County boundary excepting those areas falling under the jurisdiction of the municipalities of Woodbury and Auburntown. [...] The following are not included within the definition of subdivision: [...] the division of land into parcels of five (5) acres or more not involving any new roads, utility construction, or easements of access”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in areas subject to Cannon County flood-hazard regulations.

    • The ordinance applies to all areas within the unincorporated area of Cannon County.
    • FEMA flood-hazard areas, the latest Flood Insurance Study, Flood Insurance Rate Map, and supporting technical data are adopted by reference.
    • The development permit must be obtained before commencement of development activities.
    • More stringent overlapping restrictions prevail.
    • Applications may require scaled plans showing location, dimensions, elevations, structures, fill, stored materials, equipment, and drainage facilities.
    “This Ordinance shall apply to all areas within the unincorporated area of Cannon County, Tennessee. [...] A development permit shall be required in conformity with this Ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published building-permit-related taxes and zoning-compliance fees administered by Cannon County for covered areas, including Woodbury but excluding Auburntown.

    • The County's building-code and permit administration excludes Auburntown.
    • Residential AFT and Residential ZCF are payable when the building permit is purchased.
    • Residential AFT may be deferred as a tax lien for one year, until the residence is occupied, or until the property is sold, whichever occurs first.
    • There are no Zoning Compliance Fees for residential or CIM construction within Woodbury.

    Residential Adequate Facilities Privilege Tax: 0.9 USD per square foot of heated space · CIM Adequate Facilities Privilege Tax: 1.5 USD per square foot of commercial and/or industrial construction · Residential Zoning Compliance Fee: 0.95 USD per square foot of heated space (not charged within Woodbury) · Commercial Zoning Compliance Fee: 1.95 USD per square foot of retail space (not charged within Woodbury) · Industrial Zoning Compliance Fee: 2.95 USD per square foot of operational space · Multi-Family residential Zoning Compliance Fee: 1.95 USD per square foot of heated space (not charged within Woodbury)

    “Residential AFT is $0.90 per square foot of heated space; [...] Commercial Industrial and Multi-Family residential is $1.50 per square foot of commercial and/or industrial construction [...] Residential ZCF is $0.95 per square foot of heated space; [...] Commercial ZCF is $1.95 per square foot of retail space; [...] Industrial ZCF is $2.95 per square foot of operational space; and [...] Multi-Family residential ZCF is $1.95 per square foot of heated space.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential and CIM building-permit process administered by Cannon County in covered areas, including Woodbury but excluding Auburntown.

    • Auburntown is excluded from Cannon County's building-permit administration.
    • Residential permits within Woodbury require a Town-approved site plan before issuance.
    • CIM permits within Woodbury require approval by the Town of Woodbury Planning Commission; CIM permits elsewhere in Cannon County require approval by the Cannon County Regional Planning Commission.
    • For CIM permits, the SFMO Deputy State Building Inspector establishes the permit fee and the County establishes the AFT and ZCF.

    invoice creation time after application: 3 workdays

    “Application for a Building Permit; once the application is submitted, an invoice for the permit and impact fees is created within three workdays; when the invoice is paid, the building permit is issued.”

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).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner constructing a single residence for the owner's own use in Cannon County.
      “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. However, anyone hired by the homeowner whose portion is $25,000 or more would not be exempt from the contractors’ licensing requirements.”
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner constructing a single residence for the owner's own use in Cannon County.
      “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. However, anyone hired by the homeowner whose portion is $25,000 or more would not be exempt from the contractors’ licensing requirements.”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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 system permitting serving property in Cannon County.
      “Prior to any construction of a structure, mobile or permanent, the plans for the exact house/structure location must be approved and a SSD system permit issued by the Division of Ground Water Protection.”
    • 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.”
  • 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
  • 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 for a proposed house or establishment using public sewer or septic service in Cannon 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.””
  • 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”
  • 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 Cannon County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Cannon County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Cannon County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Cannon County.
3 more unanswered
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Cannon County, Tennessee

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

Cannon County scores 65/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 54,380 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Cannon County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county 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.

How much does land cost in Cannon County, Tennessee?

Land in Cannon County runs about $6,095 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cannon County?

Cannon County gets about 57.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.9% of years.

How remote is Cannon County?

A representative private-land location has about 54,380 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,509,729 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 Cannon compares in Tennessee

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