Bolthole Index

Fentress County, Tennessee

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Fentress County, Tennessee

91Index Score / 100
#1 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Fentress County, Tennessee has no county zoning and no special county building permit requirement, and the county has opted out of the State Residential Building Program.12 Inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws apply and building permits are required.3 Septic permits for every address in the county, city or not, come from the state Division of Water Resources through its Cookeville field office.4

At a glance

Building permit
No special county requirement in unincorporated Fentress County; permits are required inside Jamestown56
Zoning
No county zoning districts in unincorporated Fentress County; City of Jamestown has its own zoning783
State residential program
Fentress County opted out; owners may request State Fire Marshal inspection and a certificate of occupancy2910
Septic permits
Required statewide from TDEC's Division of Water Resources; $400 new conventional system up to 1,000 gpd1112
Owner-builder
You may build one residence every two years for your own use without a contractor license1314
Ready-removable / tiny home on skids
Prohibited statewide as residential housing if it has no foundation, footings or other support that allow easy relocation15
Minimum dwelling size
No county-zoning minimum in unincorporated Fentress County; deeds and state rules may still apply16
Lot and building dimensions
No county-zoning minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or height limit in unincorporated areas17181920

Who to call

Also useful

Fentress County Executive's Office

General county government contact; the county's own zoning and permitting page directs building-permit and zoning questions to this office

931-879-7713

101 N Main Street, PO Box 1128, Jamestown, TN 38556

Septic permits

TDEC Cookeville Environmental Field Office, Division of Water Resources

Septic System Construction Permits, alternative-system permits, and construction/final inspections for Fentress County, one of the counties this field office serves

(931) 520-6688

1844 Foreman Dr, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38501

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Fentress 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 Fentress County, Tennessee?

Not a county building permit in unincorporated Fentress County, Tennessee: the county states it has no special building permit requirements, though all state laws for permits and inspections must be followed.1 Fentress County is listed as opted out of Tennessee's State Residential Building Program.2 In this opt-out jurisdiction, an owner or contractor may request a State Fire Marshal inspection during new-home construction or an addition.9 If the inspected home meets statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal can release a certificate of occupancy.10 That inspection is available by request, not established as a generally mandatory county inspection.9

Inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws apply and building permits are required.3 The state lists Jamestown and Allardt separately from the county's opt-out status, so confirm the town's rule before assuming the county answer applies there.21 Septic permits are not a city matter anywhere in the county; they come from the state, as covered below.4

Who issues building permits and zoning approval in Fentress County?

Unincorporated Fentress County does not run a building permit process, and the county directs building permit and zoning questions to the Fentress County Executive's Office.122 The optional inspection route for a new home or addition is through the State Fire Marshal because Fentress County is an opt-out jurisdiction.29

Inside Jamestown, the city has adopted a residential code and a building permit process, and its municipal code publishes valuation-based and project-specific fees.2324 Septic stays separate for city and country addresses alike: the Tennessee Division of Water Resources administers septic permits and inspections through the appropriate Environmental Field Office, which for Fentress County is TDEC's Cookeville office.425

Does Fentress County have zoning?

Unincorporated Fentress County has no county zoning regulations or county zoning districts, although deed restrictions and state permit or inspection laws can still govern a project268. As a result, county zoning sets no minimum dwelling size or minimum lot size there1617. County zoning also sets no setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit in the unincorporated area181920. Because there is no countywide zoning ordinance, unincorporated Fentress County places no county zoning restriction on accessory dwellings, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping27. Deed restrictions, sanitation requirements and other state rules can still apply. None of that holds inside the City of Jamestown, where city zoning and building permits apply.3

Who issues septic permits in Fentress County, and how do they work?

The Tennessee Division of Water Resources, not Fentress County or the City of Jamestown, administers septic permits and inspections here4. Construction, modification or repair of a septic system requires a state permit12. A new conventional system permit costs $400 for up to 1,000 gallons per day, while a new alternative-system permit costs $500 at that design flow; repair permits carry no permit fee, although inspection fees can apply12. Only 21.3% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so secure the site evaluation before fixing a house location28. The installer must arrange the final inspection before covering the system29. Electrical-service processing also requires notice of public sewer service, a septic application or use of an existing system30.

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

We could not confirm whether long-term residential RV occupancy is allowed in unincorporated Fentress County; ask the County Executive's Office before planning to live in one22. Unincorporated Fentress County has no county-zoning minimum dwelling size, but deed restrictions and applicable state rules can still control a tiny-home project16. Tennessee specifically prohibits modifying a ready-removable structure for residential, recreational or emergency housing; the state definition covers a structure without a foundation, footings or another support mechanism that prevents easy relocation15. Inside Jamestown, a house trailer or portable building may not be parked, located or occupied unless it meets the rules for stationary structures, conforms to city zoning and first receives a building-official permit31. The city provision does not separately define an RV, so ask Jamestown whether it covers a particular vehicle31. A qualifying septic system still needs TDEC approval12.

What are the steps to build a home in Fentress County?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside Jamestown, where city zoning and building permits apply3.
  2. Read the deed for private restrictions even though unincorporated Fentress County has no zoning26.
  3. Apply through TDEC's Cookeville Environmental Field Office for the septic permit before installation425.
  4. If using the owner-builder exemption, keep the residence for your own use and follow its frequency and licensing limits14.
  5. Decide whether to request State Fire Marshal inspection and a possible certificate of occupancy for the home910.
  6. Obtain a TDOT permit before constructing or changing a driveway on state-highway right-of-way32.
  7. Have TDEC inspect the septic system before it is covered29.

What should you check before buying land in Fentress County?

Only 21.3% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so get a site evaluation before fixing the house location28. The county is 78.1% wooded, and 57.2% of its land has a slope of 15% or less, so inspect clearing and grading needs on the actual parcel3334. Confirm whether the land is inside Jamestown because that changes the zoning and building permit process3. For mapped flood-hazard land, local review may be required before construction, fill, grading, excavation, a manufactured home or an accessory structure; ask the local floodplain administrator because requirements vary by community35. A driveway connecting to state-highway right-of-way needs a TDOT permit32.

Watch-outs

  • Inside the City of Jamestown, city zoning and building permits apply, but septic permits still come from TDEC rather than the city.34
  • Fentress County has no county zoning districts today, and Tennessee's agricultural zoning exemption would be conditional rather than blanket if county zoning applied836.
  • We could not confirm a specific long-term RV or camping right on private land in unincorporated Fentress County, while Jamestown requires house trailers and portable buildings to meet city zoning, building and permit conditions731.
  • A tiny home built without a foundation, footings, or similar support (a "ready-removable") is prohibited as residential housing statewide in Tennessee, no matter what county rules do or don't say15.

Sources

  1. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  2. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  3. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  4. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning - Fentress County (2026 county census)
  6. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  7. Zoning - Fentress County (2026 county census)
  8. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  9. Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office Residential Permits Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  10. Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office Residential Permits Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  11. TDEC - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) (2026 county census)
  12. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  13. Tennessee State Fire Marshal Residential Permits (2026 county census)
  14. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  15. Public Guidance: Ready-Removables and Non-Traditional Homes, quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  20. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  21. Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office Residential Permits: Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  22. Fentress County Executive's Office (fentresscountytn.gov)
  23. City of Jamestown Municipal Code, quoted and re-checked
  24. City of Jamestown Municipal Code, quoted and re-checked
  25. TDEC Cookeville Environmental Field Office, Division of Water Resources (tn.gov)
  26. Zoning - Fentress County, quoted and re-checked
  27. Tennessee law on county zoning and building authority
  28. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  30. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  31. Municipal Code of the City of Jamestown, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  32. Highway Entrance Permits, quoted and re-checked
  33. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory, quoted and re-checked
  36. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, 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

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

RuleFentress CountyPickett CountyOverton CountyMorgan CountyScott CountyCumberland CountyPutnam County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredNot requiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoNot publishedNoYesNot publishedNot publishedNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTN TDEC

County locator

Fentress County in Tennessee

91
County map
Fentress County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Fentress County scores

Seclusion70100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency74100% ev.
Admin Boringness77100% ev.
Durability74100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$253kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$4,211Land / acre
57.3"Annual rain
2.9% of yrsSevere drought
2.5 / yr (+2.4)Mid-century 100°F days
12 daysMid-century dry spell
2.15" (+9.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.67×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,398Home insurance / yr
0.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.23%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
13,183People within 30 min
1,614,014People within 2 hr
26,227Radius comparison (15 mi)
39.5People / sq mi
7.7%Federal land
57.2%Land at 15% slope or less
21.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
57,380 acWorkable land screen
78.1%Wooded land
65.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Fentress 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.

Allardt · Jamestown

Answers from the rulebook for Fentress County

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

Fentress County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Building permits for property in Fentress County, with the county statement applying generally and a stated exception for property inside the City of Jamestown.

    • Fentress County states that it has no zoning regulations or special building permit requirements.
    • All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed.
    • Inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws apply and permits are required.
    • Property deed restrictions may impose additional requirements.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements. . Please be sure to check the property deed for any specific restrictions that may be required for the property. All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed. For more information you may contact the County Executive’s Office 931-879-7713. For property inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws do apply and permits are required.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    State residential building-code adoption and enforcement within Fentress County.

    • Fentress County is listed as OPT OUT of the State Residential Building Program.
    • The opt-out applies to the county jurisdiction outside municipalities and concerns one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses under the state residential program.
    • The state defines OPT OUT as a jurisdiction that has passed a resolution opting out of the program.
    • Municipalities may have different status; Jamestown is listed separately as EXEMPT.
    • The state has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for applicable jurisdictions.

    building code edition: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) (Applies subject to local exemption or county/city opt-out rules)

    “Fentress County | OPT OUT [...] Allardt | SRBP [...] Jamestown | EXEMPT”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning regulations in unincorporated Fentress County.

    • Property deed restrictions may still apply.
    • All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed.
    • The City of Jamestown is excluded because its zoning laws apply.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local-zoning status across Fentress County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities; this county aggregate does not mean the county administers municipal zoning.

    • Unincorporated Fentress County has no county zoning regulations.
    • Zoning laws apply inside the City of Jamestown.
    • Permits are required inside the City of Jamestown according to the county page.
    • Property deed restrictions and state permit and inspection laws may apply countywide.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements. [...] For property inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws do apply and permits are required.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    Zoning districts and zoning regulations in unincorporated Fentress County.

    • The county statement does not apply inside the City of Jamestown, where zoning laws apply and permits are required.
    • Property deed restrictions may still apply.
    • State permit and inspection laws still apply.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    Residential dwellings in unincorporated Fentress County, to the extent a minimum dwelling size would arise only from county zoning regulations.

    • Fentress County states that it has no zoning regulations.
    • The City of Jamestown is excluded; its zoning laws apply inside the city.
    • Property deed restrictions and applicable state laws may still apply.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements. . Please be sure to check the property deed for any specific restrictions that may be required for the property. All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed. For more information you may contact the County Executive’s Office 931-879-7713. For property inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws do apply and permits are required.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    Minimum lot-size requirements arising only from county zoning regulations in unincorporated Fentress County.

    • Fentress County states that it has no zoning regulations.
    • The City of Jamestown is excluded; its zoning laws apply inside the city.
    • This does not establish the absence of subdivision, septic, deed, or other non-zoning requirements.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements. . Please be sure to check the property deed for any specific restrictions that may be required for the property. All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed. For more information you may contact the County Executive’s Office 931-879-7713. For property inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws do apply and permits are required.”
  • SetbacksNone

    Zoning setbacks in unincorporated Fentress County.

    • Fentress County states that it has no zoning regulations.
    • The City of Jamestown is excluded; its zoning laws apply inside the city.
    • Other non-zoning setbacks or restrictions, including deed restrictions, are not resolved by this claim.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements. . Please be sure to check the property deed for any specific restrictions that may be required for the property. All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed. For more information you may contact the County Executive’s Office 931-879-7713. For property inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws do apply and permits are required.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    Zoning lot-coverage limits in unincorporated Fentress County.

    • Fentress County states that it has no zoning regulations.
    • The City of Jamestown is excluded; its zoning laws apply inside the city.
    • The claim does not address stormwater, septic, floodplain, deed, or other non-zoning limits.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements. . Please be sure to check the property deed for any specific restrictions that may be required for the property. All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed. For more information you may contact the County Executive’s Office 931-879-7713. For property inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws do apply and permits are required.”
  • Building heightNone

    Zoning building-height limits in unincorporated Fentress County.

    • Fentress County states that it has no zoning regulations.
    • The City of Jamestown is excluded; its zoning laws apply inside the city.
    • Building-code, safety, floodplain, airport, and other non-zoning height restrictions are not resolved by this claim.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements. . Please be sure to check the property deed for any specific restrictions that may be required for the property. All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed. For more information you may contact the County Executive’s Office 931-879-7713. For property inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws do apply and permits are required.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Fentress County: no county rule sets this, because Fentress County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Property deed restrictions may still apply.
    • All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Fentress County: no county rule sets this, because Fentress County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Property deed restrictions may still apply.
    • All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Fentress County: no county rule sets this, because Fentress County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Property deed restrictions may still apply.
    • All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Construction and permit process in Fentress County, with separate treatment for unincorporated areas and the City of Jamestown.

    • Fentress County states that it has no special county building permit requirements.
    • Property deed restrictions may still apply.
    • All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed.
    • Inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws apply and permits are required.
    “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Building-permit and inspection process for unincorporated Fentress County.
      “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements. . Please be sure to check the property deed for any specific restrictions that may be required for the property. All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Permit-process information for Fentress County, including unincorporated county land and the City of Jamestown.
      “Fentress County does not have zoning regulations or special building permit requirements. . Please be sure to check the property deed for any specific restrictions that may be required for the property. All state laws for permits and inspections must be followed. For more information you may contact the County Executive’s Office 931-879-7713. For property inside the City of Jamestown, zoning laws do apply and permits are required.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

    “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner of property constructing a single residence for the owner’s own use in Fentress County.
      “Yes. Pursuant to TCA § 62-6-103, an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use, as long as it is not for resale, lease or rent without being a licensed contractor. However, anyone hired by the homeowner whose portion is $25,000 or more would not be exempt from the contractors’ licensing requirements.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    One- and two-family dwellings in the Fentress County jurisdiction identified by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office as OPT OUT of the State Residential Building Program.

    • The inspection is available by request rather than established here as a generally mandatory county inspection.
    • The owner or contractor may request a State Fire Marshal’s Office inspection during construction for new construction or additions to existing homes.
    • The dwelling must be evaluated against statewide building construction safety standards.
    • Municipalities are separately classified in the state jurisdiction table; Jamestown is listed as EXEMPT and Allardt is listed as SRBP.
    • The Fentress County jurisdiction table states that its information is accurate as of 8/21/2026.

    applicable dwelling type: one- and two-family dwellings · jurisdiction classification: OPT OUT

    “In 2017, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a law that allows an owner of a building, structure or premises located within an “opt-out” or “non-code” jurisdiction to request the State Fire Marshal’s Office to inspect the building, structure or premises to determine if it meets the statewide building construction safety standards. Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-120-101(b)(1)(D).”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    A Certificate of Occupancy for a one- or two-family dwelling in the Fentress County jurisdiction identified as OPT OUT, when the State Fire Marshal’s Office performs the requested inspection and determines that the dwelling meets statewide building construction safety standards.

    • The property must be in an opt-out or non-code jurisdiction; Fentress County is listed as OPT OUT by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
    • The owner or contractor must request the State Fire Marshal’s Office inspection.
    • The certificate is released only if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The state page describes this process for new construction and additions to existing homes.
    • Municipalities are separately classified in the state jurisdiction table; Jamestown is listed as EXEMPT and Allardt is listed as SRBP.

    applicable dwelling type: one- or two-family dwelling · certificate abbreviation: CO

    “Their home may now be inspected by an inspector with the State Fire Marshal’s Office during the construction process, both for new construction and additions to existing homes. 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
  • Tiny homesProhibited

    A Tennessee ready-removable structure modified for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing, including any such structure located in Fentress County.

    • The prohibition applies to a structure meeting the state's ready-removable definition: a structure without any foundation, footings, or other support mechanisms that allow it to be easily relocated, although it may include electrical wiring.
    • The guidance separately states that a structure is not considered a ready-removable and will be considered a one- or two-family dwelling if it satisfies the listed construction, systems, visibility, code-compliance, and foundation or anchoring criteria.
    • This claim does not establish that every structure marketed as a tiny home is a ready-removable.
    “No ready-removable shall be modified for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in this state.”
  • 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 — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Fentress County, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
      “Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.”
    • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, modification, repair, or installation of a septic system in Fentress 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

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

    • The property must abut a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer.
    • A building must exist on the lot or parcel for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
    • The utility system may require connection and cessation of other sewage-disposal methods.
    • For electrical service, written notification must show public sewer service, a septic permit application, or an existing septic system.
    “Utility systems within the State of Tennessee that have issued bonds payable for sewer services are granted authority in TCA § 7-35-201 (1) to "require the owner tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land that abuts upon a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and upon which lot or parcel a building exists for residential, commercial or industrial use, to connect the building with the sanitary sewer and to cease to use any other means for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste or other polluting matter."”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Processing a request for electrical service to a proposed house or establishment in Fentress County.
      “must be provided with written notification that the proposed house or establishment is served by a public sewer system, or, that a septic system permit”
    • 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.””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction, modification, revision, or change in use of a driveway on Tennessee state-highway right-of-way, including such work in Fentress County.

    • The property owner must obtain a permit from TDOT.
    • The requirement includes modification, revision, or change in use of existing driveway facilities.
    • The rule applies to state-highway right-of-way; it does not establish a county permit requirement for driveways connecting only to county or private roads.
    • Reasonable access does not guarantee the most direct or convenient access from a specific roadway.
    “a permit is required before construction of a driveway on state highway right-of-way”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, modification, revision, or change in use of a driveway on state highway right-of-way in Fentress County.
      “Under state law, a permit is required before construction of a driveway on state highway right-of-way”
    • Limited — Construction, modification, revision, or change in use of a driveway on Tennessee state highway right-of-way.
      “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in mapped flood hazard areas in Tennessee, including potentially applicable areas of Fentress County.
      “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. [...] 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)

    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.

    • The state program does not apply where a local government enforces local building codes under an exemption or where the city or county has opted out by a two-thirds vote.
    • For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table, an additional fee of $50.00 applies for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • The construction cost 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.

    permit fee for construction cost $0 to $5,000: 100 USD · permit fee for construction cost $5,001 to $100,000: 350 USD · additional fee for plumbing and HVAC inspection: 100 USD (Applicable as stated in the fee table.) · additional fee for slab other than monolith pour: 100 USD (Applicable when slab and footing are cast separately.)

    “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Tennessee state residential building permit fees, including applicable construction in Fentress County where the state residential permit 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 Fentress County

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

  • Living in an RVLimited

    Parking, locating, or occupying a house trailer or portable building within the City of Jamestown.

    • The use must comply with all plumbing, electrical, sanitary, and building provisions applicable to stationary structures.
    • The proposed location must conform to City of Jamestown zoning provisions.
    • A permit must first be issued by the building official under the building code.
    • The ordinance uses the terms house trailer and portable building and does not separately define RV in the cited section.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person to park, locate, or occupy any house trailer or portable building unless it complies with all plumbing, electrical, sanitary, and building provisions applicable to stationary structures and the proposed location conforms to the zoning provisions of the city and unless a permit therefor shall have been first duly issued by the building official, as provided for in the building code.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit fees for work inside the City of Jamestown.

    • For total valuation of $1,000 or less, no fee applies unless inspection is required; then the fee is $15 for each inspection.
    • The schedule also lists valuation-based fees, moving fees, demolition fees, and doubled fees for work started before obtaining a required permit.

    permit fee for total valuation $1,000 or less without required inspection: 0 USD ($15 for each inspection if inspection is required) · permit fee for moving any building or structure: 100 USD · permit fee for demolition of any building or structure: 50 USD

    “Moving Fee--------------------For the moving of any building or structures, the fee shall be $100. For the demolition of any building or structure, the fee shall be $50.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-code adoption and permit process inside the City of Jamestown.

    • The municipal code adopts the International Residential Code, 2006 edition, for specified detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height.
    • The adopted code provides for issuance of permits and collection of fees.
    “A certain document, one (1) copy of which is on file in the office of the Recorder of the City of Jamestown, being marked and designated as the International Residential Code, 2006 edition, including all appendix chapters, as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Residential Code of the City of Jamestown”

Still unanswered

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

  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems, including non-water-carriage sanitation, in Fentress County.
  • Well permit — Private water-well drilling in Fentress County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Fentress County.

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 Fentress County, Tennessee

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

Fentress County scores 91/100 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 Fentress County, Tennessee?

Fentress County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide 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 Fentress County, Tennessee?

Land in Fentress County runs about $4,211 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Fentress County?

Fentress County gets about 57.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.9% of years.

How remote is Fentress County?

A representative private-land location has about 13,183 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,614,014 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 Fentress compares in Tennessee

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