Bolthole Index

Haywood County, Tennessee

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

67Index Score / 100
#64 of 95 in Tennessee

Haywood County, Tennessee requires building permits for regulated construction and development and uses locally adopted building codes.1 County zoning controls lot size, setbacks and other site dimensions, while TDEC handles septic permits.23 Start with County Code Enforcement before fixing a house plan or closing on land.4

At a glance

Building permit
Required; confirm the project requirements with County Code Enforcement14
Building code
The county adopted the 2018 International Building Codes effective June 1, 20215
Zoning
Yes; district rules set lot size, setbacks, coverage and allowed uses2678
Septic
TDEC permit and final inspection required3910
RV living
Private-lot camping is unconfirmed; the documented rule is for limited travel-trailer parks114
Tiny home
No general occupancy rule confirmed; zoning and building review still apply112
Owner-builder
State exemption is conditional and does not remove local permit review1314

Who to call

Building permits

Haywood County Code Enforcement & Building Inspector

County building-code enforcement, inspections, planning coordination and mobile-home placement questions

731-779-3472

11 South Lafayette, Brownsville, TN 38012

Septic permits

TDEC Jackson Environmental Field Office

Septic-related inquiries for Haywood County

731-441-5593

1625 Hollywood Drive, Jackson, TN 38305

Online permits →

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

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

Yes. Haywood County requires permits for regulated construction and development.1 The county adopted the 2018 International Building Codes on June 1, 2021.5 County staff work with builders and homeowners on new homes, remodeling, repairs and mobile-home placement.4

The county has not published a complete application checklist, submission method, review timeline or fee schedule we could confirm.15 Some projects require Planning Committee approval, and some uses permitted on appeal need an approved, professionally stamped site plan before a building permit or certificate of occupancy may issue.1516 Under the zoning resolution, no new or altered building may be used until the Zoning Compliance Officer issues a Certificate of Occupancy, and a final inspection is required within 5 days after the owner notifies the county that the building is ready.17 The one published county fee is an annual inspection fee for mobile home parks; the amount for a house permit is not stated, so ask Code Enforcement which forms, inspections and fees apply to the parcel and project.184

Who handles building permits and zoning in Haywood County?

Haywood County Code Enforcement & Building Inspector is the first stop for building and zoning questions at 11 South Lafayette, Brownsville, TN 38012; the office number is 731-779-3472.4 The office works with builders and homeowners on new homes, remodeling, repairs and mobile-home placement.4

Give the office the parcel identification, proposed use, building type and a basic site layout. Ask which district covers the property, whether Planning Committee or appeal review applies, which forms are current, and how inspections are scheduled.15 County zoning authorizes inspections needed to enforce the resolution, but the available rule does not establish a complete inspection sequence for every kind of construction.19 Confirm the required stages with Code Enforcement rather than assuming that permit issuance is the only county review.4

Does Haywood County, Tennessee have zoning?

Yes. Haywood County administers its own zoning resolution and districts; incorporated municipalities may apply separate municipal rules.12 The official zoning map is kept at the Courthouse, and the Board of Zoning Appeals decides exact boundary questions.20

Dimensions depend on district and use. In the FAR district, a single-family dwelling has a one-acre minimum lot, with front setbacks of 60 feet on an arterial road or 35 feet on another road, plus 30-foot rear and 25-foot side setbacks, subject to stated BZA qualifications.67 FAR single-family lot coverage is generally capped at 25%, and regulated buildings generally may not exceed 35 feet or three stories, whichever is less, subject to exceptions.821 In the FAR district, the zoning resolution does not authorize building permits or regulation of agricultural buildings beyond height and setback limits, but every permitted use must still meet the adopted building codes and public-health sewage rules, so a farm barn is treated differently from a house.2222

How do septic permits work in Haywood County?

TDEC administers septic permitting in Haywood County through the state process, with the Jackson Environmental Field Office handling local inquiries.323 A septic permit is required for construction, modification or repair and should be obtained before dirt work or construction of the building pad; a complete application may take up to 45 days.9

After installation, the installer must arrange a final inspection before the system is covered; approval leads to a Certificate of Completion.10 Only 14.6% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field.24 Call the septic inquiry line at 731-441-5593 before fixing the house location or accepting a seller's bedroom estimate as buildable capacity.23 New subdivisions without economical public sewer access also need approved septic area and written county health approval.25

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

Haywood County's documented travel-trailer rule covers temporary parks for a transient construction labor force in specified zoning circumstances; it does not establish unrestricted camping or RV occupancy on an individual parcel.11 The fuller park rule is limited to R-MH districts and requires site and utility approvals, so do not treat it as permission to live in a single RV while building.26

A general tiny-home occupancy rule and minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed. Tiny homes still face county building permits and zoning, including district lot and setback requirements.167 Ask Code Enforcement how the proposed unit will be classified and whether it may be occupied on the parcel.4 Manufactured dwellings are allowed where the zoning resolution permits them, including FAR and R-MH districts, subject to the applicable zoning, code and health rules.27

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

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district, lot dimensions, setbacks and whether site-plan or appeal review applies with County Code Enforcement.2067
  2. Ask County Code Enforcement for the current building application, plans, inspection sequence and fees; the published process is incomplete.15
  3. Apply for the TDEC septic permit before dirt work or construction of the building pad; a complete application may take up to 45 days.9
  4. If the driveway enters a state highway right-of-way, obtain the required TDOT permit.28
  5. Build to the county's adopted codes and schedule the county reviews required for the project.519
  6. Before moving in, notify the county that the house is ready and get the Certificate of Occupancy after the final inspection.17
  7. Have the septic system inspected before covering it and obtain the Certificate of Completion after approval.10

What should you check before buying land in Haywood County?

Get written confirmation of the zoning district, allowed dwelling type, minimum lot area, setbacks and any site-plan or appeal review.2067 Test the proposed septic area rather than assuming acreage solves wastewater: only 14.6% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.24 Confirm sewer availability because a qualifying Tennessee utility may require an existing building on an abutting parcel to connect.29

Check legal road access and whether a state-highway entrance permit applies.28 Floodplain development is locally managed, and flood-prone subdivision proposals face drainage and flood-damage standards; ask the county which review applies before grading, filling or building.3031 Water-well permits and accessory-dwelling rules could not be confirmed, so ask Code Enforcement before closing.4

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume a travel-trailer-park provision authorizes full-time RV living on an individual parcel; ask County Code Enforcement for a parcel-specific answer.114
  • Do not cover a new septic system before the required final inspection.10
  • A Tennessee owner-builder exemption is limited to an owner's individual residence, allows one permit every two years, and does not apply to a home intended for sale, lease or rent.13

Sources

  1. Public Announcement, quoted and re-checked
  2. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  3. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  4. Haywood County Code Enforcement & Building Inspector (haywoodtn.gov)
  5. Haywood County Code Enforcement & Building Inspector, quoted and re-checked
  6. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  7. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  8. haywoodtn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  9. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  10. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  11. Notice Of Public Hearing, quoted and re-checked
  12. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  13. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Public Announcement (2026 county census)
  15. Haywood County Code Enforcement & Building Inspector, quoted and re-checked
  16. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  17. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  18. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  19. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  20. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  21. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  22. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  23. TDEC Jackson Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  24. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Haywood County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  26. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  27. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  28. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Haywood County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 4 of the neighbors with published rules, Haywood County has countywide zoning.

RuleHaywood CountyCrockett CountyLauderdale CountyMadison CountyTipton CountyDyer CountyGibson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNot publishedYesYesYesNot published
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Haywood County in Tennessee

67
County map
Haywood County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Haywood County scores

Seclusion44100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability53100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost88100% 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 →

$176kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$3,625Land / acre
54.4"Annual rain
6.1% of yrsSevere drought
17.5 / yr (+15.6)Mid-century 100°F days
16.1 daysMid-century dry spell
2.45" (+8.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.52×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,833Home insurance / yr
-0.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.52%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
30,308People within 30 min
2,445,861People within 2 hr
40,243Radius comparison (15 mi)
32.5People / sq mi
4%Federal land
97.3%Land at 15% slope or less
14.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
49,732 acWorkable land screen
35.1%Wooded land
44 tonsBiomass / forest ac
60.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Haywood 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.

Brownsville · Town of Stanton

Answers from the rulebook for Haywood County

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

Haywood County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    County permits for regulated construction and development in Haywood County.

    • The county announcement refers to required permits and says permits and variances have restrictions and limitations.
    • The zoning resolution separately states that FAR agricultural-building zoning provisions do not authorize building permits; other state or building-code requirements may still apply.
    “In December 2023, I learned that some citizens did not have the required permits and were, in fact, violating our zoning laws and our building codes.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Haywood County building-code adoption.

    • The county page states the codes are good for seven years.

    code edition: 2018 International Building Codes · adoption date: 2021-06-01

    “The county adopted the 2018 International Building Codes on June 1, 2021 and these sets of codes are good for seven years.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • InspectionsLimited

    Inspections conducted by the county Zoning Compliance Officer as required by the zoning resolution and to ensure compliance with its general provisions.

    • The official county page describes inspection and enforcement activity but does not state that inspections are required for every category of construction work.
    • The Zoning Compliance Officer may enter premises for inspections necessary to carry out authorized duties.
    “She is responsible for working with all the builders and homeowners concerning new homes, remodeling, repair of existing homes, as well as mobile homes placement. She keeps the Haywood County Planning Committee informed on enforcement and inspection action in the County as well as obtains its approval on certain required projects.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Projects for which Haywood County zoning requires site-plan review, including uses permitted on appeal.

    • The site plan must be prepared and stamped by a licensed engineer or licensed surveyor.
    • The Regional Planning Commission reviews required site plans.
    • For uses permitted on appeal, the Board of Zoning Appeals must approve the site plan before issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy.
    • Site-plan approval lasts one year from approval.

    site-plan approval duration: 1 year (from the date of approval)

    “submission and approval of a site plan prior to the issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Land, buildings, and parts thereof erected or altered in use or structure under the zoning resolution.
      “No land or building or part thereof hereafter erected or altered in the use or structure shall be used until the Zoning Compliance Officer shall have issued a Certificate of Occupancy”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Countywide zoning resolution and districts administered by Haywood County.

    • The resolution states that the Official Zoning Map is on file at the Courthouse.
    • The resolution is in force immediately after passage and publication.
    “For the purpose of this Resolution, Haywood County, Tennessee, is hereby divided into seven (7) districts”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Haywood County zoning controls, including the county zoning resolution and its districts.

    • This claim concerns the county's own zoning resolution; incorporated municipalities may administer separate municipal rules.
    “The zoning regulations and districts as herein set forth have been made in accordance with a comprehensive plan”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Haywood County zoning-district classifications and official zoning map.

    • The Official Zoning Map is part of the resolution and is on file at the Courthouse.
    • The Board of Zoning Appeals determines questions concerning exact district-boundary locations.
    “FAR Forestry, Agriculture, Residential AE Agricultural Estate R Residential R-MH Residential - Mobile Home C Commercial I-1 Light Industrial I-2 Restricted Industrial”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts and district-specific land-use controls.
      “Any section or sections of Haywood County for which the regulations governing the use of land and use, density, bulk, height, and coverage of buildings and other structures are uniform.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Zoning-district lot-area requirements in Haywood County.

    • Requirements vary by district and use.
    • BZA may require larger dimensions in the listed circumstances.
    • Agricultural and AE districts have separate table provisions.

    single-family dwelling minimum lot area: 1 acre (FAR district; 43,560 square feet) · two-family dwelling minimum lot area: 1.5 acre (FAR district) · agricultural estate single-family minimum lot area: 5 acres (AE district)

    “Single Family Dwellings, Manufactured Homes, Mobil Homes 1 acre (43,560 sq. ft.)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — County zoning districts and regulated special uses.
      “Minimum Lot Size – Three (3) acres; Minimum Lot Width - Two hundred fifty (250) feet;”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Zoning setbacks in Haywood County.

    • Setbacks vary by district and use.
    • Some provisions allow the BZA to require different dimensions.
    • For FAR single-family dwellings, the table states 60 feet on arterial roads and 35 feet on other roads, with 30-foot rear and 25-foot side yards.

    FAR single-family arterial front setback: 60 feet (other roads: 35 feet or as required by BZA) · FAR single-family rear setback: 30 feet (or as required by BZA) · FAR single-family side setback: 25 feet (or as required by BZA)

    “Arterial – 60 feet Other – 35 feet or as required by BZA”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — County zoning districts and regulated uses.
      “Minimum Side Yard – Thirty-five (35) feet; Minimum Rear Yard – Thirty (30) feet;”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    District-specific maximum lot coverage requirements.

    • FAR single-family maximum lot coverage is 25%, subject to BZA.
    • R-MH single-family maximum lot coverage is 30%, subject to BZA.
    • Other uses and districts have separate table entries.

    FAR single-family maximum lot coverage: <= 25 percent (or as required by BZA) · R-MH single-family maximum lot coverage: <= 30 percent (or as required by BZA)

    “25% or as required by the BZA Two-Family Dwellings 1½ acre 150 feet or as required by BZA”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — County zoning districts where the applicable district table specifies maximum land coverage.
      “maximum allowed land coverage; and maximum allowed building height are defined in Appendix.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Maximum building height under Haywood County zoning.

    • The height limit is subject to exceptions for listed non-human-occupancy appurtenances.
    • Other district-specific provisions may apply.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet (or three stories, whichever is less)

    “THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED HEIGHT FOR ALL BUILDINGS IS THIRTY-FIVE (35) FEET OR THREE (3) STORIES, WHICHEVER IS LESS.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — County zoning districts and regulated uses.
      “THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED HEIGHT FOR ALL BUILDINGS IS THIRTY-FIVE (35) FEET OR THREE (3) STORIES, WHICHEVER IS LESS.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Temporary travel-trailer parks accommodating a transient labor force in the county zoning districts addressed by the resolution.

    • No travel-trailer park may be located within an Urban Growth Boundary or Planned Growth Area, except the specified Planned Growth Area owned by the State of Tennessee under control of the Megasite Authority.
    • Maximum density is 7.6 units per acre.
    • Minimum lot size is 3 acres.
    • Minimum lot width is 250 feet.

    maximum density: <= 7.6 units per acre · minimum lot size: >= 3 acres · minimum lot width: >= 250 feet

    “The intend of these regulations is to allow the temporary locating of travel trailers accommodating a transient labor force needed for construction locations in Haywood County.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary travel-trailer camping or travel-trailer parks in Haywood County.

    • The county's documented travel-trailer rules apply to R-MH districts and transient labor associated with construction locations; they do not establish unrestricted countywide camping.

    maximum density: <= 7.6 units per acre

    “The intend of these regulations is to allow the temporary locating of travel trailers accommodating a transient labor force needed for construction locations in Haywood County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary placement of travel trailers in Travel Trailer Parks within R-MH Residential-Mobile Home districts.
      “The intend of these regulations is to allow the temporary locating of travel trailers accommodating a transient labor force needed for construction locations in Haywood County. No Travel Trailer Park will be located within any area designated as an Urban Growth Boundary or a Planned Growth Area. An exception to this is the Planned Growth Area owned by the State of Tennessee under the control of the Megasite Authority.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured residential dwellings in Haywood County zoning districts where permitted.

    • FAR permits manufactured residential dwellings subject to Chapter III, Section 3.13.
    • R-MH permits mobile homes and manufactured residential dwellings subject to Chapter III, Section 3.13.
    • Applicable zoning district, building-code, public-health, and other state requirements remain applicable.
    “mobile homes and manufactured residential dwellings as defined in Chapter II and subject to the provisions of Chapter III, Section 3.13 of this Resolution”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Mobile homes and manufactured residential dwellings in R-MH Residential-Mobile Home districts.
      “mobile homes and manufactured residential dwellings as defined in Chapter II and subject to the provisions of Chapter III, Section 3.13 of this Resolution;”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Travel-trailer park sites in the county R-MH district.

    • The site plan must be accompanied by approved water, sewer, and electric permits.
    “Site plan must be accompanied by approved water, sewer, and electric permits;”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural buildings and agricultural uses under Haywood County zoning.

    • The zoning provision does not authorize building-permit requirements or agricultural-building regulations except maximum height and right-of-way setback requirements, unless otherwise provided in the resolution.
    • All uses permitted or permitted on appeal must comply with the most recent adopted International Building Codes, public-health sewage regulations, and other state-required codes and regulations.
    “ZONING REGULATIONS FOR THE FAR DISTRICT DO NOT AUTHORIZE THE REQUIREMENT OF BUILDING PERMITS OR ANY REGULATIONS OF AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS OTHER THAN MAXIMUM ALLOWED HEIGHT AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision approval and infrastructure in Haywood County.

    • Each subdivision must provide wastewater disposal.
    • Lots without economical public sewer access require approved septic area and written county health officer approval.
    • Accessible public sewer generally requires installation and connection, subject to listed approvals.
    “Before any culvert is installed, the county engineer must first inspect the intersection to determine the size of culvert”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Subdivision and development proposals in Haywood County flood-prone areas.

    • Flood-prone subdivision proposals must be consistent with minimizing flood damage.
    • Public utilities and facilities must be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
    • Adequate drainage is required.
    • Base-flood-elevation data is required for proposals greater than 50 lots and/or five acres.

    base-flood-elevation threshold: greater than 50 lots and/or 5 acres

    “All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    County mobile-home-park permits and related inspection services.

    • The resolution establishes fees for mobile-home parks and states that additional permitting fees apply to each travel-trailer permit.
    • The reviewed excerpt does not state the fee amount.
    “An annual mobile home inspection fee shall be required for all mobile home parks within Haywood County.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building and zoning permit administration in Haywood County.

    • The county page identifies the Code Enforcement & Building Inspector as working with builders and homeowners on new homes, remodeling, repairs, and mobile-home placement.
    • Some projects require Planning Committee approval.
    • The reviewed official pages did not provide a complete application checklist, submission method, review timeline, or fee schedule.
    “She keeps the Haywood County Planning Committee informed on enforcement and inspection action in the County as well as obtains its approval on certain required projects.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Zoning application completeness and site-plan review under the county zoning resolution.
      “The following procedures and standards are established for those sections and Chapters of this Resolution which require the submission and approval of a site plan prior to the issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy.”

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).”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Tennessee subsurface sewage disposal system construction permitting and related SSDS administration statewide.

    • The Tennessee Division of Water Resources administers SSDS permitting in non-contract counties.
    • Permit packages and Certificate of Completion packages for sites in contract counties are submitted directly to the contract county.
    • The listed contract counties are Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson.
    • Installer permits are valid statewide, but contract counties may require an additional permit.
    “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving property in Haywood County, a non-contract Tennessee county identified by the state process.
      “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:”
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Haywood County.
      “A TDEC Environmental Scientist will conduct a site evaluation to determine the type of septic system required for your property.”
    • 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 in Haywood County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
    • Required — Construction, modification, or repair of septic systems in Haywood 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
  • Driveway accessLimited

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

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

    County legislative bodies adopting zoning regulations for portions of Tennessee counties outside municipal corporations.

    • The authority is exercised under the conditions and procedures in Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 13-7-101 through 13-7-119.
    • The grant applies to portions of counties outside municipal corporations.
    • County zoning authority does not authorize county building permits or regulation of buildings or structures on agricultural land when the building or structure is incidental to the agricultural enterprise, except on agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state federal-aid highways, public airports or public parks.
    • The agricultural-land limitation applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    “Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-101, et seq., the General Assembly has expressly delegated the authority to county legislative bodies to enact zoning regulations and create a board of zoning appeals.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems.
  • Well permit — Private well permitting in Haywood County.
1 more unanswered
  • 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 Haywood County, Tennessee

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

Haywood County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Haywood County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Haywood County, Tennessee?

Land in Haywood County runs about $3,625 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Haywood County?

Haywood County gets about 54.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.1% of years.

How remote is Haywood County?

A representative private-land location has about 30,308 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,445,861 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 Haywood compares in Tennessee

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