Bolthole Index

Cheatham County, Tennessee

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

59Index Score / 100
#86 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Cheatham County, Tennessee requires building permits for homes and covered construction, issued by Cheatham County Building & Codes1. The same office enforces zoning in unincorporated areas, while property inside a city follows that city's rules2. Septic permits for any address come from the state environmental agency (TDEC), not the county; get the septic permit and county-road driveway approval before applying for the county building permit34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for homes and covered construction in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated areas2
Septic
TDEC permit, site evaluation and final inspection required356
Owner-builder
Allowed for the owner’s own home, subject to use and timing conditions7
Tiny home
Must meet the adopted residential code, foundation and plan requirements8
Minimum lot size
At least one acre for a building permit, with larger district minimums possible910
Accessory dwelling
One may be allowed when the owner lives in the principal home and zoning conditions are met11

Who to call

Building permits

Cheatham County Building & Codes

Building permits, inspections, zoning, land use and flood-hazard applications in unincorporated Cheatham County

(615) 792-7915

codes@cheathamcountytn.gov

338 Frey Street Ashland City, TN 37015

Online permits →

Septic permits

TDEC Nashville Environmental Field Office

TDEC septic-related services for Cheatham County

(615) 687-7000

711 R.S. Gass Blvd, Nashville, TN 37216

Roads & driveways

Cheatham County Highway Department

County-road driveway permits and inspections

(615) 792-4240

1027 George Boyd Rd Ashland City, TN 37015

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Yes. In unincorporated Cheatham County, residential and commercial construction and covered alterations require a building permit; the first accessory structure on a parcel is exempt when it is no larger than 200 square feet.1 Agricultural buildings supporting a commercial farm may qualify for relief from some permit requirements, but the county recommends applying, charges no permit fee, and still requires setback and final inspections.12

Cheatham County uses the 2018 International Residential Code, International Building Code and related amended codes.13 Permitted construction proceeds through footing, foundation, framing and rough-in, insulation, and final inspections.14 The building official must issue a Certificate of Occupancy before a building or structure is used or occupied, and final septic and driveway inspections must be complete before the county final inspection.15

Who issues building permits in Cheatham County?

Cheatham County Building & Codes administers building permits, inspections, zoning, subdivision rules and land use in the county’s unincorporated areas.16 The office is at 338 Frey Street in Ashland City and can be reached at (615) 792-7915 or codes@cheathamcountytn.gov.16 Applications are accepted and processed until 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, and the county provides online links for permit applications, inspection scheduling and permit-status checks.17

County permit fees vary by project type; the published schedule includes an archive fee and separate charges for homes, additions, manufactured or modular homes, mobile homes and commercial work.18 An owner may obtain a permit to build the owner’s own home once every two years if the home is for individual use and will not be sold, leased or rented.7 A hired contractor is treated as the prime contractor, must be licensed and must obtain the permit.7

Does Cheatham County have zoning?

Yes. Cheatham County enforces zoning approval and subdivision regulations in unincorporated Cheatham County; property inside a municipality is subject to that city’s rules instead.2 A building permit may not be issued for a lot of record smaller than one acre under the zoning resolution’s lot-of-record provisions, and district minimums vary with zoning and public water or sewer availability.910

Dimensional rules are district-specific. Residential front, side and rear setbacks vary by district, residential lot coverage ranges from 20% to 40%, and residential height is limited to three stories.192021 In the Agricultural District, a single-family dwelling or individual mobile home has 50-foot front, 20-foot side and 35-foot rear setbacks; all structures together may cover no more than 20% of the lot, and the general building-height limit is 35 feet or three stories.222324 Confirm the parcel’s district and flood status with Building & Codes before designing or dividing land.2526

How do septic permits work in Cheatham County?

TDEC, rather than Cheatham County Building & Codes, issues septic permits and evaluates the site to determine the required system type.3 A septic construction permit is required to construct, modify or repair a system, and the state permit is separate from the county building permit.5 Obtain the septic permit before dirt work or construction and present it before the county building permit is issued.27

Only 16.2% of mapped county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so acreage alone does not establish septic suitability.28 After installation, the installer must arrange TDEC’s final inspection before covering the system; approval results in a Certificate of Completion.6 The TDEC Nashville Environmental Field Office serves Cheatham County and can be reached at (615) 687-7000.29 We could not confirm whether alternative off-grid sanitation is allowed on an ordinary private parcel, so ask TDEC before relying on anything other than an approved septic or sewer connection.

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

Cheatham County’s commercial campground and recreational-vehicle-park rules do not answer whether someone may live long-term in an RV on an ordinary private parcel. The commercial rules require zoning approval, limit a facility to fewer than 150 sites and limit a guest to 45 days in a calendar year.30 Ask Building & Codes for a parcel-specific answer before moving an RV onsite; we could not confirm a general private-land temporary-camping rule.

A tiny home used as a dwelling must meet the adopted residential code and county foundation and plan requirements.8 Manufactured and modular homes are allowed in residential zoning districts, while mobile homes are limited to the Agriculture Zoning district; each requires a building permit.31 One accessory dwelling may be allowed per deeded lot when the owner occupies the principal dwelling, both homes share utility meters other than telephone and cable, and the accessory unit meets parking, size, setback, lot-coverage and height conditions.11

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

For unincorporated Cheatham County, use this order:

  1. Ask Building & Codes to verify zoning, flood-zone status, lot size and public-road status.49
  2. Obtain TDEC’s septic permit and site evaluation before dirt work.27
  3. Contact the Cheatham County Highway Department about county-road access even if a driveway exists; state-highway frontage requires a TDOT permit.3233
  4. Submit the plans and contractor or owner-builder documents, then pay the applicable county fees and taxes.4
  5. Schedule the required construction inspections, arrange the septic inspection before the system is covered, and complete final septic and driveway approvals before the county final.14615
  6. Do not occupy the home until the building official issues the Certificate of Occupancy.34

What should you check before buying land in Cheatham County?

Confirm the zoning district, lot size, legal road frontage, driveway approval, flood status and septic suitability before treating a Cheatham County parcel as buildable.410 The terrain deserves an early site walk: only 44.6% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, and 75.8% is wooded.3536 Those conditions can constrain the practical placement of a driveway, house and drain field.3536

Ask the serving utility whether water or sewer reaches the parcel and whether connection is required; we could not confirm a general county connection rule or a private-well permit rule. A qualifying Tennessee utility may require an existing building on an abutting parcel to connect to available sewer, but that authority does not prove service is available at a particular property.37 If the parcel will be divided, Cheatham County enforces subdivision regulations in unincorporated areas, so discuss the proposed division with Building & Codes before closing.38

Watch-outs

  • The old shorthand that Cheatham County has no general minimum lot size is unsafe: the zoning resolution establishes a one-acre floor for a building permit under its lot-of-record provisions, and district-specific minimums may be larger.910
  • Commercial campground limits do not establish permission for long-term RV living on an ordinary private parcel; ask Building & Codes for the parcel-specific zoning answer.30
  • Final septic and driveway approvals must be complete before the county’s final building inspection.15

Sources

  1. Required Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building & Codes, quoted and re-checked
  3. Required Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  4. Steps to Obtaining a Permit, quoted and re-checked
  5. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  7. Frequently Asked Questions — Building & Codes, quoted and re-checked
  8. Required Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  9. Article VII — Exceptions and Nonconforming Uses, quoted and re-checked
  10. Zoning Resolution of Cheatham County, quoted and re-checked
  11. Zoning Resolution of Cheatham County, quoted and re-checked
  12. Required Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building & Codes, quoted and re-checked
  14. Required Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  15. Required Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  16. Cheatham County Building & Codes (cheathamcountytn.gov)
  17. Building & Codes, quoted and re-checked
  18. Cheatham County Building Commission Fees, quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning Resolution of Cheatham County, quoted and re-checked
  20. Zoning Resolution of Cheatham County, quoted and re-checked
  21. Zoning Resolution of Cheatham County, quoted and re-checked
  22. Article V — District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. Article V — District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  24. Article V — District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Zoning Resolution of Cheatham County, quoted and re-checked
  26. Building & Codes, quoted and re-checked
  27. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  28. 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
  29. TDEC Nashville Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  30. Article V — District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  31. Frequently Asked Questions - Building & Codes, quoted and re-checked
  32. Steps to Obtaining a Permit, quoted and re-checked
  33. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Required Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  35. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Building & Codes, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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, Cheatham County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleCheatham CountyDavidson CountyDickson CountyRobertson CountyWilliamson CountyMontgomery CountySumner County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsTDECMetro Public Health Dept.TDECTDECWilliamson CountyTDECTDEC

County locator

Cheatham County in Tennessee

59
County map
Cheatham County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Cheatham County scores

Seclusion25100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability72100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost73100% 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 →

$400kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$6,673Land / acre
51.4"Annual rain
2.6% of yrsSevere drought
12.7 / yr (+11.5)Mid-century 100°F days
15.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.46" (+9.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.58×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,780Home insurance / yr
1.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.03%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
158,989People within 30 min
3,558,772People within 2 hr
194,245Radius comparison (15 mi)
139.7People / sq mi
1.9%Federal land
44.6%Land at 15% slope or less
16.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
29,935 acWorkable land screen
75.8%Wooded land
60.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Cheatham 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 Ashland City · Town of Kingston Springs · Town of Pegram · Pleasant View

Answers from the rulebook for Cheatham County

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

Cheatham County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential and commercial construction and covered alterations in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • Residential permits cover single-family houses, duplexes, and buildings with three or more townhouse units.
    • Commercial permits are required for all occupancies outside the residential-permit scope.
    • The first accessory structure on a parcel is exempt if it does not exceed 200 square feet.

    residential permit fee: 0.6 USD per square foot (plus 0.10 USD per square foot for heated and cooled space, including unfinished basements) · commercial permit base fee: 50 USD (plus applicable 1997 SBCCI Appendix B fee schedule)

    “Residential Building Permits are required for single-family houses, two-family houses (duplexes) and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, regulated systems, accessory structures, and grading or filling in unincorporated Cheatham County.
      “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, including accessory structures and the grading and filling of land, shall first make application to obtain the required permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner building the owner's own home.

    • One permit every two years.
    • The home must not be for sale, lease, or rent.
    • A hired contractor is a licensed prime contractor and obtains the building permit for inspections.
    • Contracts may not be split to circumvent licensing requirements.
    • Anyone paid more than $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and must be licensed.

    owner permits: per 1 per two years (individual use only)

    “Yes. A person who owns property is allowed one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease or rent (individual use). If they hire a contractor, the contractor is considered a "prime" and required to be licensed, as well as, obtain the building permit for inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A property owner building the owner's own home for individual use.
      “A person who owns property is allowed one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease or rent”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    2018 International Building Code, Residential Code, and related amended codes in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • The county document identifies amendments, including a roof-covering permit exception and nonmandatory automatic sprinklers.

    code edition: 2018 International Residential Code and International Building Code (as amended)

    “2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODES AS AMENDED International Residential Code (IRC) 2018 edition, published by the International Code Council (ICC) 500 New Jersey Avenue Northwest, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, and Appendix A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, N, O, P, Q, amended as follows:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Locally adopted building codes enforced in unincorporated Cheatham County.
      “The Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety, and Land Use is at work to promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity and general welfare of the citizens of Cheatham County by enforcing the locally adopted Building Codes, Property Maintenance Standards, Zoning Regulations and Subdivision Regulations in the unincorporated areas of Cheatham County.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted building construction in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • Required stages include footing, foundation, framing/rough-ins, insulation, and final inspection.
    • Final inspection occurs after completion and before occupancy.
    “REQUIRED INSPECTIONS Footing Inspection: after trenches or basement areas are excavated and any required forms erected and any required reinforcing steel is in place and supported prior to the placing of concrete.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Land, buildings, and parts thereof erected or altered in use or structure under the county zoning resolution.

    • A final inspection is due within three days after notification that the building or premises is ready for occupancy or use.
    • If refused, the Director must state the cause in writing.

    final inspection deadline: 3 days (after notification that the building or premises is ready)

    “No such land or building or part thereof hereafter erected or altered in its use or structure shall be used or occupied until the building official shall have issued a certificate of occupancy stating that such land, building, or part thereof, and the proposed use thereof are found to be in conformity with the provisions of this resolution.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Use or occupancy of buildings and structures in unincorporated Cheatham County.
      “No building or structure shall be used or occupied until the building official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy.”
    • Required — Buildings or land hereafter erected or altered in use or structure under the county zoning resolution.
      “shall be used or occupied until the building official shall have issued a certificate of occupancy”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • The county page expressly scopes enforcement to unincorporated areas.
    “The Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety, and Land Use is at work to promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity and general welfare of the citizens of Cheatham County by enforcing the locally adopted Building Codes, Property Maintenance Standards, Zoning Regulations and Subdivision Regulations in the unincorporated areas of Cheatham County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulations in the unincorporated areas of Cheatham County.
      “The Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety, and Land Use is at work to promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity and general welfare of the citizens of Cheatham County by enforcing the locally adopted Building Codes, Property Maintenance Standards, Zoning Regulations and Subdivision Regulations in the unincorporated areas of Cheatham County.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • The county page states that county zoning regulations are enforced in unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities may administer separate local rules.
    “enforcing the locally adopted Building Codes, Property Maintenance Standards, Zoning Regulations and Subdivision Regulations in the unincorporated areas of Cheatham County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts established by the Cheatham County zoning resolution for rural areas, planned growth areas, and urban growth boundaries in the unincorporated county.

    • Rural Areas (RA) list Agricultural, E-1 Estates Residential, R-1 Low Density Residential, and C-3 Rural Convenience Commercial districts.
    • Planned Growth Areas (PGA) and Urban Growth Boundaries (UGB) list Agricultural, E-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, RPUD, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-5, CMUPUD, I-1, I-2, and I-3 districts.
    • The zoning map and amendments are maintained in the Cheatham County Building Department and must be available for public inspection at all reasonable times while the resolution remains in effect.
    • The county building-codes page states that county zoning regulations are enforced in the unincorporated areas of Cheatham County.
    “shall be available for inspection by the public at all reasonable times”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Existing lots of record subject to Cheatham County's zoning resolution, including lots that are otherwise insufficient in size to conform to current zoning requirements.

    • Lots of record existing at the time of adoption may be exempt from zoning size requirements.
    • The exemption does not apply where two or more adjacent nonconforming lots of record were under the same ownership at adoption and less than all of the land was conveyed after November 18, 1991.
    • In no event may a building permit be issued for a lot of record less than one acre.
    • The Article VII document states an effective date of February 23, 2015.

    Minimum lot size for building permit on a lot of record: >= 1 acre (No building permit may be issued for a lot of record less than one acre.)

    “in those cases wherein real property consisting of one or more lots of official record as of the time of the adoption of this resolution is insufficient in size in order for it to conform to this resolution, these lots of record shall be exempt from the requirements of this resolution respecting size. notwithstanding the foregoing language, the exemption granted hereby shall not apply where two (2) or more nonconforming adjacent lots of record were under the same ownership as of the date of the adoption of this resolution and less than all of the said land is conveyed after november 18, 1991, and, provided, further, in no event shall a building permit be issued with respect to a lot of record less than one (1) acre in size.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — Construction of a home in unincorporated Cheatham County.
      “There is no minimum lot size requirement to construct a home. The zoning must allow residential development.”
    • Specified — Existing lots of record and residential building permits under the county zoning resolution.
      “in no event shall a building permit be issued with respect to a lot of record less than one (1) acre in size.”
    • Specified — Residential and agricultural zoning districts in unincorporated Cheatham County.
      “Minimum Lot Size With Public Water 5 Acres 3 Acres 1 Acre 30,000 sf 15,000 sf With Public Water and Sewer 20,000 sf Without Public Water 5 Acres 5 Acres 5 Acres 5 Acres 5 Acres”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    District-specific setbacks in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • Residential district yards vary by district; commercial and industrial districts have separate tables.
    • Accessory structures must meet district setbacks.

    residential front setback: 30 to 50 feet · residential side setback: 10 to 20 feet · residential rear setback: 20 to 35 feet · accessory structure setback: 5 feet (from side lot line, rear lot line, or another building)

    “Minimum Yard Requirements (in feet) Front 50 50 50 35 30 Side 20 20 20 15 10 Rear 35 35 20 20 20 Accessory Structures*** 5 5 5 5 5”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Accessory structures in unincorporated Cheatham County.
      “Accessory structures must be out of the required front setback and at least five feet from any side or rear setback.”
    • Specified — Agricultural District lots containing single-family dwellings or individual mobile homes.
      “Front Yard Setback 50 ft. Side 20 ft. Rear 35 ft.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    District-specific lot coverage in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • Residential district coverage ranges from 20% to 40%; commercial and industrial tables contain separate values.

    residential maximum lot coverage: 20 to 40 percent · commercial maximum lot coverage: 40 percent (district table value) · industrial maximum lot coverage: 50 percent (district table value)

    “Maximum Lot Coverage Principal and Accessory Bldgs 20% 20% 20% 20% 40%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Agricultural District lots.
      “the area occupied by all structures, including accessory structures, shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the total area.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    District-specific building height in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • Residential district tables limit height to three stories.
    • Industrial district tables specify 50 feet.

    residential maximum height: 3 stories · industrial maximum height: 50 feet

    “Maximum Height (in stories) 3 3 3 3 3 [...] Maximum Height (in feet) 50 50 50”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings in the Agricultural District.
      “No building shall exceed three (3) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height, except as provided in Section 7.030.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Commercial campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks governed by the county zoning resolution.

    • The facility must have fewer than 150 camp or recreational-vehicle parking sites.
    • No person may be a guest for more than 45 days in any calendar year.
    • The facility may contain one permanent residential structure for the operator or staff member and family.
    • Campground or RV-park plans must be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals before establishment, construction, or alteration.

    maximum camp or RV parking sites: < 150 sites · maximum guest occupancy: <= 45 days per calendar year

    “No person shall be permitted to be a guest of the facility for more than forty-five (45) days in any calendar year.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary recreational camping in qualifying commercial campgrounds or RV parks.

    • Commercial campground/RV-park approval is required.
    • The facility must have fewer than 150 sites.
    • Guests are limited to 45 days in a calendar year.
    • A permanent residential structure is limited to one for the operator or staff member and family.

    maximum guest occupancy: <= 45 days per calendar year

    “Includes facilities for temporary recreational camping or recreational vehicle parking and related outdoor activities, which are owned or operated by a for-profit entity.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes and off-site residential construction.

    • Exterior walls must be supported and attached on continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings.
    • The structure must meet the current adopted International Residential Code.
    • Plans and specifications must be attested by a Tennessee-licensed engineer, architect, or third-party inspection firm before a building permit is issued.
    “All exterior walls shall be supported and attached on continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings and meet the minimum requirements of the current adopted International Residential Code. Building Permits will not be issued unless Building plans and specifications meeting the minimum standards of the current adopted International Residential Code are attested by a State of Tennessee Licensed Engineer, Architect or a Third Party Inspection Firm.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile, manufactured, and modular homes.

    • Mobile homes are only allowed in the Agriculture Zoning district.
    • Manufactured and modular homes are allowed in residential zoning districts.
    • A building permit is required for all mobile, manufactured, and modular homes.
    • The county inspects footings, piers, decks, and landings.
    “Mobile homes are only allowed in the Agriculture Zoning district. Manufactured and modular homes are allowed in any residential zoning district.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured and mobile homes in unincorporated Cheatham County.
      “Mobile homes are only allowed in the Agriculture Zoning district. Manufactured and modular homes are allowed in any residential zoning district.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Cheatham County zoning districts.

    • One accessory dwelling unit per deeded lot.
    • Owner must reside in the principal dwelling.
    • No separate driveway; minimum one off-street parking space.
    • One utility meter per utility for both dwellings, except telephone and cable.
    • The unit may not exceed 50% of the principal dwelling's first-floor heated and cooled area.
    • It must meet district setbacks, lot coverage, and height requirements.
    • Mobile homes and manufactured housing units may not be used as accessory dwelling units.
    • Building-code compliance and applicable development taxes, adequate-facilities taxes, and permit fees apply.

    maximum accessory-dwelling area: <= 50 percent of principal dwelling first-floor heated/cooled area · accessory dwelling units: 1 per deeded lot

    “No more than one accessory dwelling unit in conjunction with the principal dwelling unit shall be permitted on a single deeded lot. Accessory dwelling units may only be occupied when the owner of the lot resides within the principal dwelling which is situated upon the lot.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • Facilities with 25 or fewer spaces may use a private sewage disposal system only with Health Department approval.
    • Discharge of sewage or liquid wastes onto the ground is prohibited.

    private-system threshold: <= 25 spaces (Health Department approval required)

    “Notwithstanding the above standard, the owner of a campground or recreational vehicle park containing twenty-five (25) or less camping or recreational vehicle spaces may provide for the disposal of all wastewater generated within the campground or recreational vehicle park by causing all sewage and wastewater to be discharged into a private sewage disposal system subject to approval by the Health Department.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks regulated by the county zoning resolution.

    • Campgrounds and RV parks must generally provide public water and public sewer.
    • Facilities with 25 or fewer spaces may use private water and private sewage disposal systems subject to Health Department approval.

    private-system threshold: <= 25 spaces (Health Department approval required)

    “The owner of a campground or recreational vehicle park shall provide potable water distribution system connected to the public water system.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural buildings supporting a commercial farm.

    • Agricultural buildings may be exempt from certain building-permit requirements.
    • The county recommends applying for a building permit.
    • There is no permit fee.
    • Setback and final inspections remain required.
    “Agricultural buildings supporting a commercial farm may be exempt from certain requirements for Building Permits. The Cheatham County Building & Codes Dept., recommends making application for a Building Permit for Agricultural buildings but there is no Permit Fee. There will be an inspection to verify setbacks and a final inspection to verify the construction has been completed.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land division in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • The county states that it enforces Subdivision Regulations in unincorporated areas.
    • A state subdivision evaluation is required for divisions into two or more lots where septic will serve immediate or future development.
    • The state source excludes divisions where all resulting parcels are five acres or larger from its definition of subdivision.
    “The Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety, and Land Use is at work to promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity and general welfare of the citizens of Cheatham County by enforcing the locally adopted Building Codes, Property Maintenance Standards, Zoning Regulations and Subdivision Regulations in the unincorporated areas of Cheatham County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision regulation in unincorporated Cheatham County.
      “The Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety, and Land Use is at work to promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity and general welfare of the citizens of Cheatham County by enforcing the locally adopted Building Codes, Property Maintenance Standards, Zoning Regulations and Subdivision Regulations in the unincorporated areas of Cheatham County.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway access serving a building-permit application.

    • The Highway Department must be notified even if the driveway already exists.
    • A state-route frontage also requires TDOT notification and permit.
    • The Highway Department sizes and inspects the pipe.
    • No pipe below 15 feet in diameter will be approved.
    • If the grade exceeds 10 percent, the driveway must be paved or concreted 50 feet from the county-road surface.
    • For a single-wide trailer, a required pipe must be installed before the building permit is issued.
    “NOTIFY CHEATHAM COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT FOR A DRIVEWAY PERMIT. THEY MUST BE NOTIFIED EVEN IF DRIVEWAY IS EXISTING. YOU CANNOT RECEIVE A BUILDING PERMIT WITHOUT A DRIVEWAY PERMIT.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development activity in areas regulated by the Cheatham County flood-damage-prevention resolution within unincorporated Cheatham County, including mapped areas of special flood hazard and applicable unmapped-stream areas.

    • A development permit is required before commencement of any development activity.
    • No land, structure, or use may be located, extended, converted, or structurally altered without full compliance with the resolution and other applicable regulations.
    • Where the resolution conflicts or overlaps with another regulatory instrument, the more stringent restrictions prevail.
    • The resolution adopts FEMA flood-hazard information, including the Flood Insurance Study dated February 26, 2021, and specified Flood Insurance Rate Map panels dated December 22, 2016 and February 26, 2021.
    • In all areas of special flood hazard, new construction and substantial improvements must satisfy the resolution’s anchoring, elevation, floodproofing, utilities, waste-disposal, permit, and related standards.
    • The resolution has an effective date only if separately stated in the source; the cited flood-damage-prevention document does not state one in the quoted provisions.

    maximum permitted cumulative increase in base-flood water-surface elevation for qualifying Zone AE development: <= 1 foot (Unless the applicant obtains the required conditional letter of map revision and floodway revision and receives FEMA approval.) · minimum freeboard in Zone AO where no depth number is specified: >= 3 feet above highest adjacent grade

    “A development permit shall be required in conformity with this Resolution prior to the commencement of any development activities.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit and related review fees.

    • Fees include a $5 archive fee, permit fees by structure type, impact fees, and engineering-review fees.
    • Commercial fees use the applicable SBCCI Appendix B schedule.

    archive fee: 5 USD (all building permit applications) · single-wide mobile home permit: 250 USD · new home/additions/manufactured/modular: 0.6 USD per square foot

    “THERE WILL BE $5.00 ARCHIVE FEE ON PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS….$5.00 PERMIT FEES MOBILE HOME (single wide) PERMIT FEE.……. $250 NEW HOME, ADDITIONS, MANUFACTURED, MODULAR ...60 CENTS / SQ FT”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit process in unincorporated Cheatham County.

    • Check zoning, flood zone, and public-road status.
    • Obtain septic and driveway permits before applying for the building permit.
    • Submit plans and required contractor or owner documentation.
    • Pay development and adequate-facility taxes and applicable fees.
    • Five construction inspections are listed, followed by final septic and driveway inspections before the county final inspection.
    “AFTER RECEIVING A SEPTIC AND DRIVEWAY PERMIT THEN COME TO THIS OFFICE FOR BUILDING PERMIT. WE REQUIRE A SET OF PLANS TO BE ON FILE WITHIN OUR OFFICE UNTIL COMPLETION AND USE AND OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit and inspection process in unincorporated Cheatham County.
      “The Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety / Land Use and Zoning is located at 338 Frey Street, Ashland City, TN 37015, and is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Building Permit Applications being accepted and processed until 3:30 p.m.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal permitting and environmental evaluation applicable in Cheatham County.
      “A TDEC Environmental Scientist will conduct a site evaluation to determine the type of septic system required for your property.”
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal permitting serving Cheatham County.
      “Subsurface Sewage Disposal Permits are issued separately, from the Cheatham Co. Building Permit, by the State of Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation.”
    • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, modification, or repair of septic systems serving property in Cheatham County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
    • Required — Construction, modification, or repair of septic systems in Cheatham 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Septic system installation in Cheatham 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.”
    • Required — Permitted septic-system installation in Cheatham County.
      “the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered.”
  • 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 requirements.
  • Well permit — Private water wells serving property in Cheatham County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use.

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 Cheatham County, Tennessee

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

Cheatham County scores 59/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 158,989 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Cheatham County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). 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 Cheatham County, Tennessee?

Land in Cheatham County runs about $6,673 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cheatham County?

Cheatham County gets about 51.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.6% of years.

How remote is Cheatham County?

A representative private-land location has about 158,989 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,558,772 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 Cheatham compares in Tennessee

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