Bolthole Index

Cocke County, Tennessee

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

70Index Score / 100
#52 of 95 in Tennessee

Cocke County, Tennessee does not currently require a county building permit or certificate of occupancy for construction, but development still requires county land-use approvals.12 Before development or use begins, obtain the required Development Permit, 911 address, TDEC septic permit when applicable and Zoning Permit.3 Incorporated municipalities may have separate requirements.4

At a glance

County building permit
Not currently required for construction activities; incorporated municipalities may differ1
County zoning permit
Required before development or use in the county zoning jurisdiction5
Septic permit
TDEC permit required for a new system or repair6
Flood-zone development
Development Permit required; flood-zone building also needs a pre-construction elevation certificate7
Owner-builder
County affidavit available for a self-builder or applicant without a contractor8
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask the Zoning Department about the parcel and proposed use9
Setbacks
Site plan must show front, side and rear setbacks measured from property lines10
Septic soil difficulty
Only 6.8% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field11

Who to call

Zoning

Cocke County Zoning Department (Building Commissioner)

County Zoning Permits, owner-builder affidavits, setback review, and Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals submissions

423-237-7600

141 Western Plaza, Newport, TN 37821

Floodplain permits

Cocke County Floodplain Administrator

Floodplain Development Permits, elevation certificates, and county floodplain records

(423) 623-8791

fpadmin@cockecountytn.gov

141 Western Ave, Newport, TN 37821

Septic permits

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Knoxville Environmental Field Office

Septic-related inquiries and forms for Cocke County

(865) 594-6035

3711 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37921

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 5, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Cocke 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 Cocke County, Tennessee?

Cocke County does not currently require a county building permit or county certificate of occupancy for construction activities.12 You still need the approvals governing the site and use: a county Zoning Permit, a 911 address, a Development Permit and a TDEC septic permit when applicable.3 A parcel inside an incorporated municipality may face separate municipal requirements.4

Cocke County has opted out of Tennessee's statewide standards for one- and two-family dwellings within the county's jurisdiction.12 An owner may request State Fire Marshal inspections during construction; a dwelling that meets the statewide standards can receive a State Fire Marshal certificate of occupancy.12 We could not confirm whether county building inspections apply to other project types, so ask the Zoning Department before construction.

Who issues permits in Cocke County, Tennessee?

Start with the Cocke County Zoning Department at 141 Western Plaza in Newport or 423-237-7600.13 The Building Commissioner enforces zoning and may issue permits for agricultural and single- or multi-family development; other permit requests require Planning Commission approval.5 Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals submissions are due at least 10 working days before the meeting.14

For a flood-zone parcel, contact the Cocke County Floodplain Administrator at 141 Western Ave in Newport, (423) 623-8791 or fpadmin@cockecountytn.gov.15 For septic questions and forms, contact TDEC's Knoxville Environmental Field Office at (865) 594-6035; its service list includes Cocke County.16 The zoning and floodplain pages display slightly different street descriptions, so call before visiting.1315

Does Cocke County have zoning?

Yes. Cocke County requires a Zoning Permit before development or use within the county zoning jurisdiction.3 The county publishes zoning regulations and a zoning map, but district-specific controls must be checked in those materials.171819 The map shows residential, agricultural-forestry, national-park, neighborhood-commercial, general-commercial and industrial districts; it also marks city, state, TVA and state-assessed OSAP areas as not subject to county zoning.9 Confirm the parcel's district with the Zoning Department because the map is not a legal boundary survey.9

A zoning application must show front, side and rear setbacks measured from property lines, but the county page does not provide each district's numeric distances.10 We could not confirm minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, building height or lot coverage; ask the Zoning Department.

How do septic permits work in Cocke County?

TDEC issues the septic permit required in the Cocke County zoning-permit package.6 A septic construction permit is required before construction, modification or repair of a system serving residential, commercial or industrial property.20 A TDEC Environmental Scientist evaluates the site and may request a detailed site plan or soils map; processing can take up to 45 days after TDEC receives a complete application.20

After installation, notify the local Environmental Scientist and leave the system uncovered for final inspection; TDEC issues a Certificate of Completion if the installation is approved.2122 Only 6.8% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early contract contingency.11 Contact TDEC's Knoxville field office for forms and guidance.16

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

We could not confirm a countywide right to occupy an RV or tiny home on private land in Cocke County, temporarily or long term. The county has district-based zoning, and the official map directs owners to confirm a parcel designation with the local zoning official.9 Ask the Zoning Department whether the proposed structure and residential use are allowed, what setbacks apply, and whether special approval is needed.13

Do not assume a small structure avoids regular site approvals. Cocke County requires a Zoning Permit before development or use in its zoning jurisdiction.23 We also could not confirm the county rules for temporary camping, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings or off-grid sanitation. If the parcel is inside a municipality or another area outside county zoning, ask that jurisdiction.9

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

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district and whether county zoning applies; the official map excludes identified city, state, TVA and state-assessed OSAP areas.9
  1. Obtain the Development Permit through the Floodplain Administrator; a flood-zone project also needs an elevation certificate before building starts.24
  1. Apply to TDEC for the septic construction permit when applicable and keep the approval for the zoning application.6
  1. Obtain the emergency-service address and prepare a site plan showing front, side and rear setbacks.2510
  1. Submit the Zoning Permit application with the requested owner, parcel, acreage, project, dwelling, site-plan and contractor information.25 A self-builder or applicant without a contractor must attach the county affidavit.8
  1. Arrange TDEC's final septic inspection before covering the system.22

What should you check before buying land in Cocke County?

Verify zoning with the Zoning Department, not just a listing: the map is for reference, excludes several jurisdiction types and directs users to confirm parcel designations locally.9 If a tract will be divided, ask the Zoning Department how the county's published Subdivision Regulations apply before relying on a proposed lot layout.26 Check FEMA flood status with the Floodplain Administrator because the county map's flood-hazard layer is not an official flood-area determination.924 A driveway connecting to a Tennessee state highway needs a TDOT entrance permit before construction, modification or a change in use.27

Test septic feasibility early because only 6.8% of county soils lack severe conventional-drain-field limits.11 Only 28.6% of the county has a slope of 15% or less, and 79.4% is wooded.2829 The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, with a median annual bill of $911.3031 Water-source and county-road driveway rules remain unconfirmed; ask the utility and road owner before closing.

Watch-outs

  • The county's no-building-permit statement does not establish rules inside an incorporated municipality; contact the municipality for a parcel inside city limits.4
  • The official zoning map is a reference map rather than a legal boundary survey, and its flood-hazard layer is not the official flood-area determination.9
  • RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, minimum lot size and minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask the Zoning Department for a parcel-specific answer.13

Sources

  1. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  3. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  4. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  6. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  7. Floodplain Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  8. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  9. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  10. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  11. 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
  12. Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office Residential Permits Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  13. Cocke County Zoning Department (Building Commissioner) (cockecountytn.gov)
  14. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  15. Cocke County Floodplain Administrator (cockecountytn.gov)
  16. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Knoxville Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  17. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  20. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  21. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  22. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  23. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  24. Floodplain Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  25. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  26. Zoning Department — Cocke County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  27. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 5, 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

Unlike all 6 of its neighbors, Cocke County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleCocke CountyGreene CountyHamblen CountyJefferson CountySevier CountyGrainger CountyHawkins County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECCounty Health Dept.TDECTDEC

County locator

Cocke County in Tennessee

70
County map
Cocke County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Cocke County scores

Seclusion37100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness59100% ev.
Durability74100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% 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 →

$246kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$6,181Land / acre
50.7"Annual rain
2.6% of yrsSevere drought
2.6 / yr (+2.5)Mid-century 100°F days
11.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.78" (+13%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.65×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,485Home insurance / yr
-1.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.61%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
78,023People within 30 min
2,809,992People within 2 hr
65,426Radius comparison (15 mi)
85.8People / sq mi
8.6%Federal land
28.6%Land at 15% slope or less
6.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
17,743 acWorkable land screen
79.4%Wooded land
69.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Cocke 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.

Newport · Town of Parrottsville

Answers from the rulebook for Cocke County

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

Cocke County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction activities and development or use of property within Cocke County.

    • The county states that a building permit is not required at this time.
    • A development permit, 911 address assignment, septic permit, and zoning permit are required before development or use may proceed.
    • This claim does not determine whether incorporated municipalities impose separate requirements.
    “At this time, Cocke County does not require a building permit or a certificate of occupancy for construction activities.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — Construction activities in Cocke County under the county's current permitting statement.
      “At this time, Cocke County does not require a building permit or a certificate of occupancy for construction activities.”
    • Not required — Construction activities in Cocke County.
      “At this time, Cocke County does not require a building permit or a certificate of occupancy for construction activities.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A person building a structure in Cocke County without a contractor, including a person building the structure themselves.

    • If the applicant does not have a contractor, an affidavit of exemption must be obtained from the Building Commissioner.
    • If the applicant is exempt from requiring workers' compensation insurance or is building the structure themselves, the affidavit of exemption must be completed and attached to the zoning application.
    • The county zoning application also requires contractor information and proof of workers' compensation insurance when applicable.
    “If you are exempt from requiring workman’s compensation insurance, or building the structure yourself, please fill out an affidavit of exemption and attach it to the zoning application below.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Applicants building a structure themselves or exempt from workers' compensation insurance when applying for a county Zoning Permit.
      “If you are exempt from requiring workman’s compensation insurance, or building the structure yourself, please fill out an affidavit of exemption and attach it to the zoning application below.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    Tennessee State Residential Building Program coverage for Cocke County; incorporated municipalities may have separately listed statuses.

    • The Tennessee source states that OPT OUT means the jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the State Residential Building Program.
    • Cocke County's official page separately states that the county does not require a building permit or certificate of occupancy for construction activities.
    • Other county approvals remain required before development or use, including a development permit, 911 address, TDEC septic permit, and zoning permit.
    • The source lists Newport as EXEMPT and Parrottsville as OPT OUT separately; this claim should not be treated as the status of either municipality.
    “Cocke County | OPT OUT | Shawn Jackson | aplusinspktr@gmail.com | 423-672-8967 [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    Construction activities in Cocke County.

    • Other development, zoning, septic, floodplain, and addressing approvals may still be required.
    “At this time, Cocke County does not require a building permit or a certificate of occupancy for construction activities.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — Construction activities in Cocke County under the county's current permitting statement.
      “At this time, Cocke County does not require a building permit or a certificate of occupancy for construction activities.”
    • Not required — Construction activities in Cocke County.
      “At this time, Cocke County does not require a building permit or a certificate of occupancy for construction activities.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Development or use of property within Cocke County.

    • A Zoning Permit is required before development or use may proceed.
    • The Zoning Permit requires a Development Permit, 911 address assignment, and TDEC septic permit when applicable.
    • The Building Commissioner enforces the Zoning Regulations; agricultural and single- and multi-family permits may be issued by the Building Commissioner, while other permits must be approved by the Planning Commission.
    “However, the following approvals and permits are required prior to development or use of property within Cocke County: [...] · A Zoning Permit (which requires the above documentation)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Development and use of property within Cocke County.
      “However, the following approvals and permits are required prior to development or use of property within Cocke County: [...] · A Zoning Permit (which requires the above documentation)”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Development or use of property within Cocke County subject to the county Zoning Regulations and Zoning Permit process.

    • The Building Commissioner enforces the Zoning Regulations.
    • A Zoning Permit is required before development or use of property may proceed.
    • A Development Permit, assignment of a 911 address, and a TDEC-issued Septic Permit are listed as required documentation for the Zoning Permit.
    • The Building Commissioner may issue permits for agricultural and single and multi-family developments; other permits must be approved by the planning commission.
    • Submissions to the Regional Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals must be made at least 10 working days before the meeting at which they will be reviewed.
    “However, the following approvals and permits are required prior to development or use of property within Cocke County: [...] · A Zoning Permit (which requires the above documentation)”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Cocke County zoning districts shown on the official county zoning map, subject to parcel-specific confirmation and exclusions from county zoning.

    • The map identifies C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District, R-1 Residential, A-1 Agricultural-Forestry, P-1 National Parks, C-2 General Commercial, and I-1 Industrial.
    • The map legend also identifies F-1 Flood Hazard Zone, but states that it is not an official flood area and directs users to the FEMA Flood Map for official flood-area information.
    • City, state, TVA, and state-assessed OSAP areas are identified as not subject to county zoning.
    • The map is provided for reference only, does not establish legal descriptions or boundary lines, and advises confirming specific parcel designations with the local zoning official.
    • The official map was adopted October 21, 2024 and revised April 22, 2025.

    published zoning districts: C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District; R-1 Residential; A-1 Agricultural-Forestry; P-1 National Parks; C-2 General Commercial; I-1 Industrial (F-1 is labeled a Flood Hazard Zone and is not an official flood area.)

    “Map Adopted: October 21, 2024 Map Revised: April 22, 2025 [...] Legend C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District R-1 Residential A-1 Agricultural-Forestry P-1 National Parks Corporate Limits County Boundary Not Subject to County Zoning City, State, TVA, and State-Assessed OSAP: C-2 General Commercial I-1 Industrial”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings requiring a Cocke County zoning application.

    • The zoning application requires front, side, and rear setbacks.
    • The county page states that setbacks are measured from the property line to the location of the building.
    • No numeric setback distances were stated on the opened webpage.
    “Front, side, and rear setbacks. The setbacks are measured from the property line to the location of the building.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision activity subject to Cocke County subdivision regulations.

    • The county publishes a Subdivision Regulations document through the Zoning Department.
    • The specific numeric subdivision standards were not extracted from the linked official PDF.
    “Regulations: Subdivision Regulations Zoning Regulations Development Permit Application”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in a flood zone in Cocke County.

    • A Development Permit is issued by the Floodplain Administrator before development or use.
    • If the property is in a flood zone, an elevation certificate is required before the start of building.
    • The Floodplain Administrator follows county, TEMA, and FEMA regulations.
    “To obtain a development permit: [...] If your property is in a flood zone you will be required to obtain an elevation certificate. The elevation certificate must be obtained before the start of building in a flood zone.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Development in a Cocke County flood zone.
      “If your property is in a flood zone you will be required to obtain an elevation certificate. The elevation certificate must be obtained before the start of building in a flood zone.”
    • Required — Development and building in Cocke County, with additional flood-zone requirements where applicable.
      “If your property is in a flood zone you will be required to obtain an elevation certificate. The elevation certificate must be obtained before the start of building in a flood zone.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Development permits used for E-911 address issuance in Cocke County.

    • The source states that the permit is issued through the Cocke County Mayor's Office.
    • This fee statement applies to the development permit described on the E-911 page, not necessarily to zoning, septic, or other permits.

    development permit fee: 0 USD

    “It is a Tennessee State Law that you must obtain a development permit before an E-911 address can be issued. Permits are issued at the Cocke County Mayors Office at no cost.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Placement of an item on the Cocke County Regional Planning Commission agenda.
      “The Planning Commission will not send any email asking you for money. There is currently not a fee to be placed on the Planning Commission agenda and any emails saying so are a scam.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County zoning and development approval process.

    • Zoning applications require applicant and owner information, property address, subdivision and lot information when applicable, acreage, building description, existing dwelling count, site plan, front/side/rear setbacks, contractor information, workers' compensation proof, and contractor license proof.
    • If there is no contractor or the applicant is building the structure themselves, an affidavit of exemption is required.
    • A Development Permit, 911 address assignment, septic permit when applicable, and Zoning Permit must be obtained before development or use proceeds.
    • Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals submissions are due at least 10 working days before the meeting to be reviewed.

    Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals submission lead time: >= 10 working days (before the meeting at which the submission is to be reviewed)

    “Submissions for the Cocke County Regional Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals must be submitted to the Zoning Department at least 10 working days prior to the meeting at which is to be reviewed.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Cocke County zoning-permit process for development or use of property.
      “To obtain a Zoning permit: [...] Submissions for the Cocke County Regional Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals must be submitted to the Zoning Department at least 10 working days prior to the meeting at which is to be reviewed.”
    • Partial — County zoning and development-permit process in Cocke County.
      “To obtain a Zoning permit: [...] Submissions for the Cocke County Regional Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals must be submitted to the Zoning Department at least 10 working days prior to the meeting at which is to be reviewed.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • 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 — Septic permitting applicable to development or property use in Cocke County, Tennessee.
      “However, the following approvals and permits are required prior to development or use of property within Cocke County: · A Development Permit (Issued by the Floodplain Administrator) · Assignment of a 911 Address · A Septic Permit issued by the TDEC · A Zoning Permit (which requires the above documentation)”
    • 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 — Installation of a new septic system or repair of an existing faulty septic system serving property in Cocke 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, including septic systems associated with development or property use in Cocke 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Septic-system installations serving property in Cocke 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 — Septic system installations in Cocke 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 — Septic-system installations in Cocke County.
      “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered. If the septic system installation is approved, the Environmental Scientist will issue a Certificate of Completion.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

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

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

  • Inspections — Building inspections for construction in Cocke County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum residential dwelling floor area in Cocke County zoning districts.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Cocke County zoning regulations.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits under Cocke County zoning regulations.
  • Building height — Building-height limits under Cocke County zoning regulations.
7 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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 Cocke County, Tennessee

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

Cocke County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 78,023 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Cocke County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), 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 Cocke County, Tennessee?

Land in Cocke County runs about $6,181 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cocke County?

Cocke County gets about 50.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.6% of years.

How remote is Cocke County?

A representative private-land location has about 78,023 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,809,992 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 Cocke compares in Tennessee

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