Bolthole Index

Coffee County, Tennessee

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

68Index Score / 100
#59 of 95 in Tennessee

In unincorporated Coffee County, Tennessee, building permits come from Coffee County Codes, which regulates construction countywide12. County zoning applies outside incorporated municipalities, with A-1 land requiring 5 acres per lot34. Septic permits come from the state: TDEC, not the county, issues them and requires one before installation, modification or repair56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction through Coffee County Codes1
Zoning
Yes, for unincorporated Coffee County7
Septic
TDEC permit required before installation or repair6
Lot size and setbacks
District-specific; confirm the parcel's zoning district48
RV living
Not confirmed; ask county Planning and Zoning9
Tiny homes
Occupancy rule not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning9
Owner-builder
Conditional exemption for a home built for the owner's use10
Minimum home size
Not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning9

Who to call

Building permits

Coffee County Department of Codes and Safety (Codes Compliance)

Building permits, construction regulation, inspections and code compliance countywide

931-723-4841

codes@coffeecountytn.org

1329 McArthur Street, Suite 2, Manchester, TN 37355

Zoning

Coffee County Planning and Zoning Department

Zoning and land-use questions for unincorporated Coffee County

931-723-4841

codes@coffeecountytn.org

1329 McArthur Street, Suite 2, Manchester, TN 37355

Roads & driveways

Coffee County Highway Department

County-road questions, including access onto a county-maintained road

931-728-3321

97 Walker Street, Manchester, TN 37355

Septic permits

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

State septic construction permits and septic-system services for Coffee County

(888) 891-TDEC (8332)

Davy Crockett Tower 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243

Online permits →

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

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

Yes. Coffee County requires a local building permit for covered construction, and Coffee County Codes regulates construction and code compliance countywide12. Tennessee's residential rules cover new homes and additions over 30 square feet, while detached non-living structures and manufactured-home installation have stated exceptions under the state program11. Coffee County publishes its own building-fee schedule, including separate finished-space and unfinished-space charges, so get the local calculation before work begins12. The applicable statewide residential standards include the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, both with amendments13.

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

Coffee County Codes Compliance is the local building office. It is at 1329 McArthur Street, Suite 2, Manchester, TN 37355; call 931-723-4841 or email codes@coffeecountytn.org2. The office regulates construction, materials, use and occupancy, and the location and maintenance of buildings and related equipment2. Published hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a closure from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.2. Ask which application, plans and trade permits your project needs because the available county materials do not establish the complete building-permit checklist14. Residential work generally receives foundation, rough-in or framing, and final inspections; certain slab foundations may add another inspection15.

Does Coffee County have zoning, setbacks and land-use rules?

Yes. Coffee County administers zoning outside incorporated municipalities, while cities may apply their own rules1617. For districts other than A-1, the published table uses minimum development areas of 0.80 acre with public water and minimum fire flow, 1 acre with public water, or 2 acres; A-1 has a 5-acre minimum lot size4. The listed non-A-1 categories have 50-foot front and 25-foot rear and side setbacks, while A-1 buildings have 50-foot setbacks from every property line8. The same non-A-1 table shows maximum building coverage as N/A, but that does not answer every district or A-118. Agricultural buildings have a setback exemption in the county schedule, not a blanket exemption from other rules19. Subdividing is a separate approval: the Coffee County Planning Commission reviews minor and major subdivisions, with a published $150 fee for a preliminary or final plat20.

How do septic permits work in Coffee County?

TDEC's Division of Water Resources, rather than Coffee County, administers septic permitting because Coffee County is not among Tennessee's listed contract counties5. Obtain the permit before installing, modifying or repairing a system and before grading a building pad216. TDEC may require site plans or soils maps, and an alternative-system application requires an extra-high-intensity soils map from a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant21. Processing may take up to 45 days after a complete application, and the process includes a TDEC site evaluation22. Septic permits stay with TDEC for every address in Coffee County, even where the county Codes office issues the building permit5. The installer contacts the local TDEC Environmental Scientist to schedule the final inspection, which must occur before the system is covered and ends in a Certificate of Completion23. Only about 27.7% of Coffee County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so verify the site before fixing a house location24.

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

We could not confirm a Coffee County rule that specifically authorizes or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land. Coffee County has zoning in unincorporated areas, and the Codes Department regulates use and occupancy of property, so the answer may depend on the parcel's district and proposed setup72. Before buying land or moving a unit onto it, give Planning and Zoning the parcel number, zoning district, intended length of stay, utility plan and whether the unit will be the principal residence. Coffee County's published planning fees include a $200 temporary use permit, but the page does not say whether it covers RV stays, so ask whether it applies25. Ask separately about setbacks, septic approval and any temporary-use or special-exception process. For accessory dwellings and minimum dwelling size, Coffee County Planning and Zoning should also confirm the rule for the specific parcel9.

How do you build a home in Coffee County, step by step?

  1. Ask Coffee County Planning and Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, minimum lot size, setbacks and proposed use48.
  2. If the parcel will use septic, obtain TDEC approval before grading a building pad or beginning construction21.
  3. Submit the required project information and obtain the building permit from Coffee County Codes141.
  4. An owner-builder must keep the home for personal use and may use the exemption only once every two years; paid work of $25,000 or more still requires a licensed contractor26.
  5. Obtain a TDOT entrance permit for work on state highway right-of-way27.
  6. Arrange the required building inspections and have the TDEC Environmental Scientist inspect the septic system before it is covered1523.

What should you check before buying land in Coffee County?

Confirm the zoning district, minimum lot size and setbacks with Coffee County Planning and Zoning before choosing a building site48. Verify septic feasibility early because only about 27.7% of county soils lack severe conventional-drain-field limitations24. Ask the Highway Department about county-road access, while work on state highway right-of-way requires a TDOT entrance permit2827. A qualifying sewer utility may require connection when a building's lot abuts a public way containing its sanitary sewer29. For electrical service, written notice must show public sewer service, a septic application or an existing septic system30. Local floodplain review may be required before grading, fill or construction, but Coffee County's administering office remains unconfirmed31.

Watch-outs

  • Do not apply the Tennessee state residential-permit fee table to a Coffee County project without checking locally; Coffee County administers its own building permits132.
  • Coffee County's lot-size and setback tables differ for A-1 and non-A-1 districts, so identify the zoning district before judging whether a parcel is buildable48.
  • A farm-related setback exemption does not by itself waive every building, zoning, septic or floodplain requirement19.
  • Coffee County's RV, temporary-camping, tiny-home, minimum-dwelling-size and floodplain-development rules remain unconfirmed; ask Planning and Zoning about the parcel9.

Sources

  1. Coffee County Codes Compliance (2026 county census)
  2. Coffee County Department of Codes and Safety (Codes Compliance) (coffeecountytn.gov)
  3. Codes Compliance | Coffee County, TN, quoted and re-checked
  4. Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  5. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  7. Codes Compliance | Coffee County, TN (2026 county census)
  8. Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. Coffee County Planning and Zoning Department (coffeecountytn.gov)
  10. Can I build my own home without a license? (2026 county census)
  11. Residential Permits, quoted and re-checked
  12. Coffee County Department of Codes and Safety Permit Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  13. Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office Currently Adopted Codes (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Codes Compliance | Coffee County, TN, quoted and re-checked
  15. Residential Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  16. Codes Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Tennessee Attorney General Opinion No. 10-108 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  19. Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Coffee County Planning Commission Application, quoted and re-checked
  21. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  22. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  23. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  24. 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
  25. Coffee County Planning Commission Application, quoted and re-checked
  26. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  27. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Coffee County Highway Department (coffeecountytn.gov)
  29. comptroller.tn.gov (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  31. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Residential Permit FAQs (Tennessee statewide rule), 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 4 of its 6 neighbors, Coffee County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleCoffee CountyCannon CountyWarren CountyGrundy CountyFranklin CountyBedford CountyMoore County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesNoNoYesYesYes
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Coffee County in Tennessee

68
County map
Coffee County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Coffee County scores

Seclusion37100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency75100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability71100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost80100% 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 →

$315kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$5,382Land / acre
58.6"Annual rain
4.7% of yrsSevere drought
6.2 / yr (+5.9)Mid-century 100°F days
13.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.67" (+9.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.51×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,693Home insurance / yr
-0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.78%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
60,096People within 30 min
4,083,668People within 2 hr
61,709Radius comparison (15 mi)
141.3People / sq mi
9.1%Federal land
84.8%Land at 15% slope or less
27.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
74,952 acWorkable land screen
49.4%Wooded land
82 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Coffee 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.

Manchester · Tullahoma

Answers from the rulebook for Coffee County

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

Coffee County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning regulations and land-use administration in Coffee County.

    • The cited county page establishes county zoning administration but does not provide the complete current zoning resolution.
    “The Coffee County Codes Department is dedicated to public safety in the built environment countywide”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County aggregate of local zoning regulation; Coffee County has county zoning, while incorporated municipalities may administer separate local rules.

    • This claim aggregates county and municipal land-use regulation and does not assert that the county administers every municipal ordinance.
    “It is the mission of the Coffee County Codes Department to assist our diverse citizenry in understanding the necessity, and application of Zoning Regulations to land use issues.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Coffee County zoning districts and dimensional regulations.

    • The county publishes a bulk-regulation table for all districts except A-1.
    • The complete current zoning map and complete district schedule were not obtained.
    “APPENDIX 3 – Bulk Regulations for All Districts Except A-1”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the Coffee County A-1 zoning district.

    • The source states that A-1 building setbacks are 50 feet from all property lines.
    • The source does not state an effective or adoption date for the 5-acre requirement.

    minimum lot size: >= 5 acres · building setback: 50 feet from all property lines

    “5) A-1 building setbacks are 50 ft from all property lines, minimum lot size for A-1 is 5 acres”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Coffee County zoning districts covered by the county bulk-regulation table.
      “APPENDIX 3 – Bulk Regulations for All Districts Except A-1”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Lots in Coffee County zoning districts covered by Appendix 3 bulk regulations.

    • Appendix 3 applies to all districts except A-1.
    • Front setback is 50 feet, rear setback 25 feet, and side setback 25 feet for the listed development-area categories.
    • Setbacks are not applicable to agricultural buildings and structures.
    • Corner lots have additional front-yard treatment.
    • Accessory structures must be in the rear yard and at least 10 feet from property lines and other structures.
    • A-1 building setbacks are 50 feet from all property lines.

    front setback: 50 feet · rear setback: 25 feet · side setback: 25 feet · accessory structure setback: >= 10 feet (From property line and other structures)

    “1. Front 50 50 50 2. Rear 25 25 25 3. Side 25 25 25”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Coffee County zoning districts covered by the bulk-regulation table.
      “1) Setbacks are not applicable to agricultural buildings and structures.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lots governed by Appendix 3 bulk regulations.

    • Appendix 3 applies to all districts except A-1.
    • The table lists maximum lot coverage by all buildings as N/A for the displayed categories; this does not establish absence of coverage rules in every district or A-1.
    “2) Maximum Lot Coverage by all Buildings (As a percent of lot area) N/A N/A N/A”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Setback requirements for agricultural buildings and structures under the Coffee County bulk regulations.

    • The exemption is limited to setbacks; it does not establish exemption from all zoning, building, septic, floodplain, or other requirements.
    • The cited Appendix 3 applies to all districts except A-1.
    “Setbacks are not applicable to agricultural buildings and structures.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision applications and plats reviewed through the Coffee County Planning Commission.

    • The county application distinguishes minor and major subdivisions.
    • Published fees include $150 for a preliminary/final plat, $15 per lot for a major preliminary plat, and $10 per lot plus $400 construction plans for a major final plat.

    preliminary/final plat fee: 150 USD · major preliminary plat fee: 15 USD per lot · major final plat fee: 10 USD per lot (Plus $400 construction plans)

    “PLEASE CHECK: SUBDIVISIONS °CMINORJ � Preliminary/Final Plat $150.00 MAJOR: ___ Preliminary Plat $15/lot _ Final $10/lot + $400 Construction Plans”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Coffee County building permit fee schedule.

    • The schedule includes finished-space and unfinished-space charges.
    • For values from $200,001 to $500,000, the schedule states $760 for the first $200,000 plus $3 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000.
    • For $500,000 and up, the schedule states $1,660 for the first $500,000 plus $2 per additional $1,000 thereof.

    finished space fee: 75 USD · unfinished space fee: 37.5 USD · permit value 200001-500000 base fee: 760 USD (plus $3 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000) · permit value 500000 and up base fee: 1660 USD (plus $2 per additional $1,000 thereof)

    “Coffee County Department of Codes and Safety Permit Fee Schedule”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Coffee County planning, zoning, subdivision, and related permit applications shown on the county application form.
      “__ Temporary Use Permit $200.00 __ House Moving Permit $200.00 __ Site Plan Review $250.00 __ Request for Re-zoning $300.00 __ Request for change in Zoning Resolution $300.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    County planning and building-related application processes identified in Coffee County official documents.

    • The county publishes links to permit applications, inspections, fee schedules, planning commission applications, and bulk regulations.
    • The complete current building-permit workflow was not established from the opened materials.
    “COFFEE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION APPL/CA TJON”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential construction governed by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program.

    • A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent.
    • Additions over 30 square feet to existing homes require a permit.
    • A state residential building permit is not required for detached garages, sheds, barns, or other detached structures not used for living purposes.
    • A permit is not required for installation of a manufactured or modular home, but custom site work such as a deck, patio, or stoop requires a permit.
    • The state program has local-enforcement and opt-out exceptions.
    “A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — State residential building permits for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Tennessee jurisdictions where the State Fire Marshal's Office administers the residential building permit program.
      “Why is the state residential building permit only required in some areas of the state?”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

    “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner constructing a single residence in Tennessee for the owner's own use.
      “a single residence once every two years for his/her own use”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

    “The codes currently adopted by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office are: [...] International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 edition, published by the ICC, with amendments;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Tennessee one- and two-family residential construction and townhouses subject to the State Fire Marshal residential code program.
      “The SFMO has adopted the 2018 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) with a few amendments.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction subject to Tennessee's State Fire Marshal residential code program.

    • Three inspections are generally required: foundation, rough-in/framing, and final construction.
    • A fourth inspection may be required for certain concrete slab foundations.
    • Plumbing and mechanical inspections are also required under the stated rule history.
    • An inspection may be waived by an approved architect or engineer inspection letter.

    standard inspections: 3 inspections (A fourth may be required for certain slab foundations)

    “Three inspections will be required: the foundation prior to pour, the rough-in/framing, and at final construction. If your foundation is to be a concrete slab under a living space with separately poured footing, you will need a fourth inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential construction governed by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program.
      “Inspections are performed of the foundation prior to pouring, the framing/rough-in construction and the final construction.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

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

    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • The Certificate of Occupancy is released only if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes this process for opt-out or non-code jurisdictions and for new construction or additions to existing homes.
    “determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy”
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Coffee County, a non-contract county based on the state page's listed contract counties.
      “Contract Counties: Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby & Williamson”
    • State — TDEC Division of Water Resources administration of SSDS permits and inspections in Tennessee, including non-contract counties such as Coffee County unless a county-specific exception applies.
      “Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas.”
    • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation, modification, or repair of septic systems serving property in Coffee 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 Coffee 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 serving residential, commercial, or industrial property in Tennessee, including Coffee 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
  • 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 new house or establishment using public sewer or septic in Tennessee.
      “before the electrical inspector can process a request for electrical service”
    • 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."”
  • Driveway accessLimited

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

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

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

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

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

    “Floodplain development requirements are managed locally. Each community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program has a local floodplain administrator who helps manage development in mapped flood hazard areas. [...] If the property is inside city limits, contact the city floodplain administrator. If the property is outside city limits, contact the county floodplain administrator. [...] Local review may be required before development begins in a regulated floodplain. Requirements vary by community and are based on the local floodplain management ordinance and flood zones mapped in that community.”
  • 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 Coffee County zoning districts.
  • Building height — Zoning building-height limits in Coffee County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in Coffee County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Coffee County.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy on private property.
4 more unanswered
  • 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 Coffee County, Tennessee

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

Coffee County scores 68/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 58.6″/yr rainfall plus 49.4% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 60,096 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

Land in Coffee County runs about $5,382 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Coffee County?

Coffee County gets about 58.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.7% of years.

How remote is Coffee County?

A representative private-land location has about 60,096 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,083,668 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 Coffee compares in Tennessee

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