Bolthole Index

Decatur County, Tennessee

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

81Index Score / 100
#17 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Decatur County, Tennessee is opted out of the State Residential Building Program for one- and two-family homes; Decaturville, Parsons and Scotts Hill participate in that program12. We could not confirm zoning for unincorporated Decatur County; Parsons requires zoning permits3. TDEC handles septic permits and inspections throughout Decatur County, including inside town limits4.

At a glance

Building permit
County is opted out; state residential permits apply in Decaturville, Parsons and Scotts Hill52
Zoning
Countywide status is unconfirmed; Parsons has municipal zoning3
Septic permits
TDEC handles permits in Decatur County, including new systems, changes and repairs46
Owner-builder
One residence for personal use every two years; not for sale, lease or rent7
RV / tiny home living
Private-land occupancy rules could not be confirmed; campground examples do not answer residential use8
Subdivision rules
County status needs confirmation; a 2020 table and Scotts Hill municipal code differ910
State-highway driveway
TDOT permit required before construction, modification or change of use11
Septic soil difficulty
Only 4.8% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field12

Who to call

Building permits

Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office

Requested inspections and certificates of occupancy for qualifying homes in opt-out jurisdictions

615-741-7170

500 James Robertson Pkwy Nashville, TN 37243-0565

Online permits →

Septic permits

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Program

Septic construction permits and related services for Decatur 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 10, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Decatur County is opted out of Tennessee's State Residential Building Program for one- and two-family homes; that designation does not establish the county's commercial, assembly or electrical requirements1. State residential building permits apply to covered homes and townhouses in Decaturville, Parsons and Scotts Hill131415. A state residential building permit does not replace septic, electrical, zoning, grading or floodplain approvals5. In the county's opt-out area, an owner or contractor may obtain a state permit and request State Fire Marshal inspections; a qualifying dwelling can receive a certificate of occupancy16. Tennessee's owner-builder rule allows one residence for personal use every two years without a contractor's license, provided the home is not for sale, lease or rent; hired work at or above $25,000 remains subject to contractor licensing7.

Who issues building permits in Decatur County, Tennessee?

Start by locating the parcel relative to Decaturville, Parsons and Scotts Hill, because those municipalities participate in the state residential permit program while Decatur County is opted out2. Where the state program applies, buy the permit online or from a local Issue Agent; the published fee schedule starts at $100 for construction costing up to $5,000 and $350 for construction costing $5,001 through $100,000, with listed inspection add-ons1718. Parsons separately requires building and zoning permits and inspections193. For a home in the opt-out area, contact the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office if financing or another transaction calls for inspected work and a certificate of occupancy2016. Decatur County also requires a new-address application with a location and driveway map; processing usually takes at least 5 days21.

Does Decatur County have zoning?

We could not confirm whether unincorporated Decatur County has zoning, setbacks or a minimum dwelling size; ask the county mayor's office about the parcel before buying. Parsons requires zoning permits alongside building permits and publishes a zoning map and ordinance3. In Parsons, single-family lots need 10,000 square feet in R-1 and 7,500 square feet in R-222. Scotts Hill, which reaches into Decatur County from Henderson County, has municipal land-use provisions covering flood-damage prevention and subdivision standards; a conventional zoning-district schedule could not be confirmed10. Septic permits remain with TDEC inside town limits4.

A state report's 2020 table lists no county subdivision regulations, regulations in Parsons, and none in Decaturville or Scotts Hill; confirm current requirements with the county mayor's office or town because Scotts Hill's municipal code contains subdivision standards910. Tennessee's agricultural zoning exemption applies only outside municipalities to structures on agricultural land that are incidental to the farm enterprise, with highway, airport, park and floodplain exceptions23. Processing plants and similar facilities have no blanket exemption; a commercial sawmill using off-site timber does not qualify as incidental to farming on the underlying land24.

How do septic permits work in Decatur County?

TDEC's Division of Water Resources processes septic applications and inspections for Decatur County; submit applications and fees through the state service-request form4. Obtain a septic permit for construction, modification or repair, and obtain the permit before dirt work or construction of the building pad625. New conventional permits cost $400 for flows up to 1,000 gallons per day; alternative permits cost $500 at that flow, and repair permits have no permit fee6. Inspection is separate: conventional and repair inspections cost $100, while alternative-system inspections cost $20026. The installer must arrange a final inspection before covering the system; approval leads to a Certificate of Completion26. Only 4.8% of Decatur County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make soil evaluation an early purchase contingency12. TDEC also requires subdivision review for septic-served development unless every resulting tract is at least 5 acres27.

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

Long-term RV residence and tiny-home occupancy on private land in Decatur County could not be confirmed, either for the unincorporated county or its municipalities. The county describes long- and short-term RV campsite rentals at Perryville Marina, but that parcel-specific commercial use does not establish what is allowed on a private homesite8. The county also describes tent and RV camping at Beech Bend Campground; one particular site is limited to daily or weekly rental for a maximum of 3 weeks, which likewise is not a countywide private-land rule2829. Before buying for an RV or tiny-home plan, ask the county mayor's office about the parcel and ask the applicable municipality if it lies inside town limits. Separately, any septic system serving the use needs the state permit and inspection process626.

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

  1. Confirm whether the site is in unincorporated Decatur County or inside Decaturville, Parsons or Scotts Hill; the municipalities participate in the state residential program while the county is opted out2.
  1. Ask the county mayor's office or municipality about zoning, floodplain review, setbacks and the intended dwelling type; Parsons has confirmed municipal zoning3.
  1. Arrange the soil work and obtain the TDEC septic construction permit before grading the building pad2730.
  1. Where the state residential program applies, purchase the building permit online or from an Issue Agent and budget from the state fee schedule1718.
  1. Apply for the new county address with the required location and driveway map; requests usually need at least 5 days21.
  1. If access meets a state highway, obtain the TDOT permit before work; residential and field applicants contact the local TDOT District Office31.
  1. Keep the septic system uncovered until the required final inspection is complete26. In an opt-out area, arrange voluntary State Fire Marshal inspections if you need a certificate of occupancy1620.

What should you check before buying land in Decatur County?

Treat septic feasibility as a deal-stage question: only 4.8% of Decatur County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field12. Confirm the boundary and municipal status because state residential permits apply in Decaturville, Parsons and Scotts Hill but the county is opted out2. If a tract will be divided for septic-served development, ask TDEC about subdivision evaluation; the cited state process excludes a division only when every resulting tract is at least 5 acres27. For a state-highway entrance, TDOT permission is required before driveway construction, modification or change of use11. Water and sewer connection requirements could not be confirmed countywide, so ask the utility serving the parcel before assuming a well or septic system is available. The county is 72% wooded and 68.6% of its land has slopes of 15% or less, useful screening clues that do not replace a parcel survey or site visit3233.

Watch-outs

  • Decatur County's state-program opt-out does not cover Decaturville, Parsons or Scotts Hill; those municipalities participate in the State Residential Building Program2.
  • Countywide zoning, private-land RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, minimum dwelling size and setbacks could not be confirmed; Parsons does have municipal zoning3.
  • The 2020 subdivision table does not establish current county rules, and its Scotts Hill entry differs from the town code's subdivision standards; ask the county mayor's office or town before dividing land910.

Sources

  1. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  2. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  3. City of Parsons, TN - Zoning Info and Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  5. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  7. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Decatur County – Attractions and Outdoor Recreation, quoted and re-checked
  9. Dedications along Existing Public Rights-of-Way, Balancing Property Rights with Local Authority over Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  10. Town of Scotts Hill: Scotts Hill Municipal Code (Decatur County), quoted and re-checked
  11. Highway Entrance Permits, quoted and re-checked
  12. 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
  13. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  14. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  15. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  16. Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions, quoted and re-checked
  17. Residential Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Residential Building Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning Info and Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  20. Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office (tn.gov)
  21. Application for New Address, quoted and re-checked
  22. Zoning Ordinance - City of Parsons, quoted and re-checked
  23. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  24. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07, quoted and re-checked
  25. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  26. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  27. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  28. Decatur County – Attractions and Outdoor Recreation, quoted and re-checked
  29. Decatur County – Attractions and Outdoor Recreation, quoted and re-checked
  30. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Program (tn.gov)
  31. Highway Entrance Permits, quoted and re-checked
  32. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

RuleDecatur CountyPerry CountyHenderson CountyBenton CountyCarroll CountyChester CountyHardin County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredRequiredLimited
County zoningNoNot publishedNot publishedYesNot publishedYesNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Decatur County in Tennessee

81
County map
Decatur County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Decatur County scores

Seclusion55100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness87100% ev.
Durability55100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost92100% 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 →

$188kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,946Land / acre
55.4"Annual rain
4.5% of yrsSevere drought
13.3 / yr (+12)Mid-century 100°F days
14.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.38" (+9.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.54×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,662Home insurance / yr
1% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
22,577People within 30 min
3,269,836People within 2 hr
24,393Radius comparison (15 mi)
34.9People / sq mi
1.1%Federal land
68.6%Land at 15% slope or less
4.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
9,919 acWorkable land screen
72%Wooded land
50.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Decatur 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 Decaturville · Parsons

Answers from the rulebook for Decatur County

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

Decatur County rules

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    State residential building-code adoption and participation for one- and two-family dwellings within Decatur County and its incorporated municipalities.

    • Decatur County is listed as OPT OUT; the Tennessee Fire Marshal page defines OPT OUT as a jurisdiction that has passed a resolution opting out of the State Residential Building Program.
    • Decaturville, Parsons, and Scotts Hill are separately listed as SRBP jurisdictions, so the countywide result varies by jurisdiction.
    • The page states that its information was accurate as of 8/21/2026.
    • In an opt-out jurisdiction, an owner may request a State Fire Marshal's Office inspection; if the dwelling meets statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal's Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy.
    “Decatur County | OPT OUT | Terry Hulen | savinspector@yahoo.com (kiloredman@aol.com) | 731-607-6395 Decaturville | SRBP |   |   | Parsons | SRBP |   |   | Scotts Hill | SRBP |   |   |”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — State residential building-code status for one- and two-family dwellings in Decatur County and its municipalities.
      “Decatur County | OPT OUT | Terry Hulen | savinspector@yahoo.com (kiloredman@aol.com) | 731-607-6395 Decaturville | SRBP | Parsons | SRBP | Scotts Hill | SRBP |”
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — Application of Tennessee statewide residential building standards to one-family and two-family dwellings in Decatur County's county jurisdiction, excluding separately listed municipalities.
      “Decatur County | OPT OUT | Terry Hulen | savinspector@yahoo.com (kiloredman@aol.com) | 731-607-6395 [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
  • Living in an RVAllowed

    RV campsite occupancy at Perryville Marina in Decatur County, Tennessee.

    • The official county page describes long- and short-term RV campsite rentals at Perryville Marina; this claim does not establish permission for RV occupancy elsewhere in the county.
    “We are a Full-Service Marina offering Boat Rentals and Service, Boat Slips, RV Camp sites with long and short-term rentals, fuel, (Non-Ethanol Fuel), Pump Out Services for boats, Pontoon Boat Rentals, Fishing Bait, Tackle, and much more.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — RV camping-site rental at Beech Bend Campground, including Lot #29 at Beech Bend Park, five miles east of Parsons in Decatur County.
      “Please note: Lot #29 (Site on the point) can only be rented at the daily or weekly rate and a max of three weeks at a time.”
  • Camping on your landAllowed (with conditions)

    Temporary tent and RV camping at Beech Bend Campground in Beech Bend Park, five miles east of Parsons in Decatur County.

    • Camping is offered through tent and RV sites at the campground.
    • Tent-only areas exist within the park.
    • The page provides a reservation link, and rates may be subject to change.
    • Lot #29 is limited to daily or weekly rental and a maximum of three weeks at a time.

    maximum rental duration for Lot #29: 3 weeks (Lot #29 only; no general campground-wide duration is stated.)

    “We offer both tent and RV sites for your camping trips, along with our picnic facilities.”
  • Subdividing landNot regulated

    County-level subdivision regulations in Decatur County, including unincorporated areas, as reported in the official TACIR status table.

    • The source reproduces the 2020 status of planning in Tennessee's counties and cities; it does not establish whether the county adopted regulations after that status date.
    • Parsons is separately listed as having subdivision regulations, while Decaturville and Scotts Hill are separately listed as not having subdivision regulations.
    • Other state or local requirements may still apply.
    “County Has Subdivision Regulations? Cities in the County WITH Subdivision Regulations Cities in the County WITHOUT Subdivision Regulations [...] Decatur No Parsons Decaturville, Scotts Hill”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Decatur County Emergency Communications District applications for new addresses associated with proposed structures and driveways.

    • An accurate map showing the proposed location, roadways, driveways, and neighboring structures must be submitted.
    • Requests without the required map cannot be processed.
    • Requests are handled first come, first serve and usually take a minimum of 5 days to process.
    • The form states that applicants should not call to check status or expedite the request.

    minimum processing time: >= 5 days (The form says requests usually take a minimum of 5 days.)

    “You must also submit an accurate map or your proposed location, roadways, driveways, and neighboring structures with this application.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The county's official departments page lists no planning, zoning, or codes department, indicating no countywide zoning.

    Decatur County Departments ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    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.

    • The state permit is required only in some areas because other jurisdictions may enforce local residential building codes.
    • A county legislative body may remove unincorporated areas from the state program or a city legislative body may remove the city by a two-thirds vote.
    • The state permit does not replace grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic or sewer permits, electrical permits, or zoning approval.
    • Local governments remain responsible for locally adopted codes and other requirements.
    “Why is the state residential building permit only required in some areas of the state?”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — State residential building permits for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Decatur County, including its incorporated municipalities.
      “A state residential building permit is required if construction is located within the city limits of: [...] Decaturville [...] Parsons [...] Scotts Hill”
  • 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
    • Conditional — An owner of property constructing a single residence in Tennessee for the owner's own use.
      “Yes. Pursuant to TCA § 62-6-103, an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use, as long as it is not for resale, lease or rent without being a licensed contractor. However, anyone hired by the homeowner whose portion is $25,000 or more would not be exempt from the contractors’ licensing requirements.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings in the opt-out portion of Decatur County.

    • The owner or contractor must obtain a state building permit and request State Fire Marshal inspection.
    • The State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes this as an available pathway in opt-out jurisdictions, not a universal countywide occupancy requirement.
    “If the one- or two-family dwelling is determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy, often referred to as a “CO.””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and related septic services in Decatur County, including construction, repair, modification, and alternative septic-system permits.

    • Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation administers septic services for non-contract counties through the Division of Water Resources.
    • Decatur County is not included in the official list of nine contract counties that administer their own septic-service submissions: Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson.
    • A septic-system permit is required before installation, repair, or modification work proceeds.
    • For a conventional septic system, the permit should be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building, including the building pad.
    • Alternative septic systems require an extra-high intensity soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soil consultant before evaluation.
    • Subdivision evaluation is required before dividing a tract or parcel into two or more lots, sites, or other divisions for immediate or future construction where a septic system is or will be used, except that a division into two or more tracts or parcels where all are five acres or larger is not a subdivision under the cited page.
    • Applications and fee payments for non-contract counties may be submitted through the TDEC service request form.

    subdivision exemption lot size: >= 5 acres (A division into two or more tracts or parcels when all are 5 acres or larger is excluded from the cited definition of subdivision.) · third-party permit-package review: 10 business days (The department or contract county reviews the submission within this period and may approve, reject for deficiencies, or request additional information.)

    “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county. Contract Counties: Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby & Williamson [...] For all non-contract counties, applications and fee payments for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Construction Permits can be submitted through the service request form.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving property in Decatur County, Tennessee.
      “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county. Contract Counties: Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby & Williamson [...] For all non-contract counties, applications and fee payments for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Construction Permits can be submitted through the service request form.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Tennessee subsurface sewage disposal system construction permitting and related SSDS administration statewide.
      “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.”
    • 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 a septic system serving residential, commercial, or industrial property in Decatur County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
    • Required — Construction, modification, repair, or installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system in Decatur 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 — Installation of a septic system in Decatur County after construction under a Tennessee SSDS permit.
      “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered.”
    • Required — Completed septic-system installations in Decatur 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

    Cotton gins, grain elevators, slaughterhouses, processing plants, milk bottling plants, and similar agricultural structures in Decatur County.

    • There is no blanket exemption for these specialized facilities.
    • The structure must be located on lands devoted to agricultural purposes.
    • The structure must be incidental to the underlying agricultural enterprise.
    • The exemption does not apply if the structure is located on agricultural lands in proximity to state federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks.
    • The exemption does not apply if the structure is located within the one-hundred-year floodplain.
    • A facility that is merely a manufacturing or processing facility, including a commercial sawmill obtaining timber from off-site, is not incidental to an agricultural enterprise taking place on the underlying land and is not exempt from county zoning regulation.
    • The provision applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.

    floodplain limit: one-hundred-year flood plain (The exemption does not apply within this area.)

    “(1) it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.””
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — County zoning regulation of buildings and structures on agricultural land, including farm residences, in unincorporated Decatur County.
      “To be exempt from county zoning regulation under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114, a building or structure must meet two requirements: (1) it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114(a). The exemption does not apply, however, if the building or structure is located on agricultural lands in proximity to state federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks. Id. Nor does the exemption apply if the building or structure is located on land located within the one-hundred-year flood plain. Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114(c)(2).”
    • Conditional — Buildings or structures on land used for agricultural purposes in counties, including unincorporated Decatur County, Tennessee.
      “To be exempt from county zoning regulation under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114, a building or structure must meet two requirements: (1) it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114(a). The exemption does not apply, however, if the building or structure is located on agricultural lands in proximity to state federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks. Id. Nor does the exemption apply if the building or structure is located on land located within the one-hundred-year flood plain. Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114(c)(2).”
    • Conditional — Buildings or structures on land used for agricultural purposes and subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee.
      “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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Driveway construction, modification, revision, or change in use within Tennessee state highway right-of-way, including applicable roads in Decatur County.
      “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 of any existing driveway facilities. Property owners must obtain a permit from TDOT.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

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

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

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

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

    Tennessee state residential building permits where the State Fire Marshal residential building-code program applies; applicability to unincorporated Decatur County was not established by the state application page.

    • The fee is based on construction cost.
    • For construction costs above the listed maximum, an additional $50.00 fee applies for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • The cost of construction cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction.
    • An HVAC and Plumbing Inspection is required for all new construction.
    • A slab other than Monolith Pour Inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately.

    residential building permit fee for construction cost $0 to $5,000: 100 USD · residential building permit fee for construction cost $5,001 to $100,000: 350 USD · additional fee for plumbing and HVAC inspection: 100 USD (Listed as an additional fee in the schedule.) · additional fee for slab other than monolith pour: 100 USD (Listed as an additional fee in the schedule.) · additional fee above listed maximum: per 50 USD (Each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.)

    “NOTE: For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table below there is an additional fee of $50.00 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof. Cost of Construction* | Fee | Additional Fee for Plumbing and HVAC Inspection** | Additional Fee if Slab Other than Monolith Pour*** $0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100 [...] * The cost of construction cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction ** An HVAC and Plumbing Inspection is required for all new construction *** Slab other than Monolith Pour Inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building permits administered by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses where the state program applies.
      “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
  • 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.”

Inside cities and towns in Decatur County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code enforcement for the City of Parsons, Tennessee.

    • The City of Parsons states that the state performs building-code enforcement and that the International Building Code Edition applies.
    • The city separately requires inspections, zoning permits, and building permits.
    • The state jurisdiction list identifies Parsons as SRBP.
    “A state residential building permit is required if construction is located within the city limits of: [...] Parsons”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State Residential Building Program participation within the town limits of Decaturville.
      “Decaturville | SRBP |   |   | Parsons | SRBP |   |   | Scotts Hill | SRBP |   |   |”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State Residential Building Program participation within the city limits of Parsons.
      “Decaturville | SRBP |   |   | Parsons | SRBP |   |   | Scotts Hill | SRBP |   |   |”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State Residential Building Program participation within the city limits of Scotts Hill.
      “Decaturville | SRBP |   |   | Parsons | SRBP |   |   | Scotts Hill | SRBP |   |   |”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land, buildings, and uses within the City of Parsons, Tennessee.

    • The ordinance applies within the City of Parsons and uses the zoning map maintained on file at Parsons City Hall.
    • The City of Parsons requires zoning permits and inspections along with building permits.
    • The ordinance contains districts, permitted and appeal uses, site-plan review, and enforcement provisions.
    “Section A. Title Articles II through XII shall be known as the "Zoning Ordinance of the City of Parsons, Tennessee." The map herein referred to, which is identified by the title "Zoning Map of Parsons, Tennessee," which is on file in the Parsons City Hall is hereby adopted and made a part of this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Property within the City of Parsons, Tennessee, in Decatur County.
      “The City of Parsons requires inspections, zoning permits along with building permits.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential and other zoning districts within the City of Parsons, Tennessee.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district and use.
    • For R-1, single-family lots require 10,000 square feet and two-family lots require 17,500 square feet; other uses may be set by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
    • For R-2, single-family lots require 7,500 square feet, two-family lots 12,500 square feet, multifamily lots 5,500 square feet for the first dwelling plus 2,500 square feet for each additional dwelling, townhouses 3,500 square feet per unit, and mobile-home parks at least two acres.
    • The ordinance identifies original adoption in October 1983, updated amendments from 1984-2014, and reprinting on June 9, 2014.

    R-1 single-family minimum lot area: 10000 sq ft · R-1 two-family minimum lot area: 17500 sq ft · R-2 single-family minimum lot area: 7500 sq ft · R-2 two-family minimum lot area: 12500 sq ft · R-2 multifamily first dwelling minimum lot area: 5500 sq ft · R-2 multifamily additional dwelling minimum lot area: 2500 sq ft · R-2 townhouse minimum lot area: 3500 sq ft per unit · R-2 mobile-home park minimum lot area: >= 2 acres

    “Original Adoption – October, 1983 Updated Amendments (1984-2014) Reprinted June 9, 2014 [...] (a) Minimum required lot area (1) Single Family 10,000 sq. ft. (2) Two family 17,500 sq. ft. [...] (a) Minimum required lot area (1) Single Family 7,500 sq. ft. (2) Two Family 12,500 sq. ft. (3) Multi-Family 5,500 sq. ft. for the first dwelling unit plus 2,500 sq. ft. for each additional dwelling unit. (4) Townhouses 3,500 sq. ft. per unit [...] (7) Mobile Home Park Minimum of two acres.”
  • Subdividing landNot regulated

    Subdivision regulations within the incorporated municipalities of Decaturville and Scotts Hill, Decatur County, Tennessee, as reported in the official TACIR status table.

    • The source reproduces the 2020 status of planning in Tennessee's counties and cities; later changes were not established.
    “County Has Subdivision Regulations? Cities in the County WITH Subdivision Regulations Cities in the County WITHOUT Subdivision Regulations [...] Decatur No Parsons Decaturville, Scotts Hill”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts applicable in Decatur County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Residential dwellings in unincorporated Decatur County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in unincorporated Decatur County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage for development in unincorporated Decatur County.
  • Building height — Building height in unincorporated Decatur County.
6 more unanswered
  • 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 Decatur County, Tennessee

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

Decatur County scores 81/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

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

Decatur County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide 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 Decatur County, Tennessee?

Land in Decatur County runs about $2,946 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Decatur County?

Decatur County gets about 55.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.5% of years.

How remote is Decatur County?

A representative private-land location has about 22,577 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,269,836 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 Decatur compares in Tennessee

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