Bolthole Index

Henry County, Tennessee

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

78Index Score / 100
#26 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Henry County, Tennessee does not require a county building permit and has no local zoning ordinance12. Municipalities may set their own building-permit and zoning rules, but TDEC still handles septic permits throughout Henry County34. State contractor-licensing rules and electrical inspection also apply56.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Henry County; commercial businesses must still follow State Fire Codes1
Zoning
No county zoning or county zoning districts in unincorporated areas; municipalities may have separate rules78
Septic permits
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) issues the permit and does the perc test9
RV / tiny home living
Unrestricted by county zoning in unincorporated Henry County; septic and other state requirements still apply1011
Owner-builder
An owner may build one residence for personal use every two years, but hired work of $25,000 or more requires a licensed contractor5
Minimum home size
No county zoning-based minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Henry County; other construction, septic and safety requirements may still apply12
Septic permit fee
$400 for a new conventional system up to 1,000 gallons/day, $500 for an alternative system, no fee for a repair permit13
Septic soil difficulty
Only 7.8% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field14

Who to call

Codes & inspections

Henry County Mayor's Office (Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement)

Confirms building permits are not required and no zoning applies in unincorporated Henry County, and administers county subdivision review under the Henry County Subdivision Bylaws and Regulations

Septic permits

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Resources - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

Septic System Construction Permits, soil perc testing, and final inspections for Henry County

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Henry 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 Henry County, Tennessee?

No. A county building permit is not required in unincorporated Henry County, but commercial businesses must follow State of Tennessee Fire Codes1. Under Tennessee's owner-builder licensing exemption, an owner may construct one residence every two years for personal use, not for resale, lease or rent; anyone hired for a portion costing $25,000 or more must be licensed5. Any electrical connection to the local electric company needs inspection by the State Electrical Inspector6. Henry County is an opt-out jurisdiction for residential code administration15. An owner or contractor may nevertheless obtain an optional state building permit and request a State Fire Marshal inspection16. If the inspected dwelling meets statewide building-construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal's Office can issue a Certificate of Occupancy17.

Who issues building and septic permits in Henry County?

Henry County does not issue building permits for construction in unincorporated areas6. The Henry County Mayor's Office handles property subdivision and codes enforcement, including county subdivision review for a tract split1819. Inside a municipality, ask that municipality whether it requires a building permit or zoning approval; the county's no-building-permit and no-zoning rules apply only to unincorporated land13. Septic authority does not shift to the municipality: TDEC's Division of Water Resources handles septic permits, soil evaluation and final septic inspection throughout Henry County204. Commercial businesses must follow State Fire Codes, and electrical connections need State Electrical Inspector approval before connection to the local electric company6.

Does Henry County have zoning?

Unincorporated Henry County has no county zoning ordinance or county-administered zoning districts78. Henry County therefore sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size there, although construction, septic, health, subdivision and safety requirements can still apply12. County zoning also sets no minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building-height limit and does not restrict accessory dwellings, RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes or temporary camping10. Tennessee's agricultural zoning exemption is not a blanket waiver: where county zoning applies, the land must be devoted to agriculture and the structure incidental to that enterprise, with exclusions including floodplain land and sites near specified public facilities21. These answers do not govern municipalities3.

How do septic permits work in Henry County?

Every new septic installation, modification or repair in Henry County needs a TDEC permit before work begins, including an off-grid home11. Obtain septic approval before dirt work or construction of the building pad11. A conventional system costs $400 up to 1,000 gallons per day design flow, plus $100 for each additional 1,000 gpd; an alternative system costs $500 up to 1,000 gpd, plus $150 for each additional 1,000 gpd; and a repair permit has no permit fee13. Only 7.8% of Henry County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field14. An alternative system requires an extra-high-intensity soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant before TDEC evaluates it11. After installation, the installer schedules TDEC's final inspection before covering the system2022.

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

Yes, county zoning does not restrict RV, tiny-home, manufactured-home or temporary-camping occupancy on unincorporated Henry County land10. Henry County also sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size there, but that does not remove building, septic, health, subdivision or safety requirements12. Inside a municipality, ask the municipality about building permits and zoning approval; TDEC remains responsible for septic permits throughout Henry County34. Any septic or alternative subsurface system for an off-grid residence needs TDEC permitting and soil evaluation before dirt work or building-pad construction11. When an eligible utility has sewer in the abutting public way, it may require an occupied building to connect and stop using another sewage-disposal method23. Confirm sanitation approval with TDEC and sewer availability with the serving utility before occupancy.

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

  1. Confirm the parcel is outside an incorporated municipality; Henry County's no-building-permit and no-zoning answers apply only to unincorporated land17.
  2. Check the flood map and ask the county floodplain administrator whether local review is required before development24.
  3. If the project divides a tract, take the proposal to the County Mayor's Office for subdivision review19.
  4. Request the TDEC septic site evaluation and septic permit before dirt work or building-pad construction11.
  5. If building for yourself, confirm the state owner-builder exemption: it covers one residence every two years for your own use, not resale, lease or rent, and hired work of $25,000 or more requires a licensed contractor5.
  6. Obtain a TDOT driveway permit before constructing access on state-highway right-of-way25. Ask the relevant road authority about access from another road.
  7. Decide whether to request the optional State Fire Marshal building inspection, then arrange State Electrical Inspector approval for the utility connection166.

What should you check before buying land in Henry County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 7.8% of Henry County soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before fixing the house location or price14. Check whether any building area lies in a mapped floodplain because local review may be required and requirements vary by community24. Confirm whether the parcel is inside a municipality, since the county's no-permit and no-zoning rules apply only to unincorporated land12. On unincorporated land, county zoning sets no minimum lot size or setback, but a recently divided tract may still need county subdivision review1019. A driveway within state-highway right-of-way needs a TDOT permit25. We could not confirm a countywide public-water or sewer connection rule or a separate owner permit for a private domestic well; ask the serving utility and TDEC before relying on private systems.

Watch-outs

  • Henry County is listed as an "opt-out" jurisdiction for Tennessee's state residential building-permit program, so a state building permit and inspection are available on request but not required; don't assume a State Fire Marshal permit is mandatory here16.
  • Development in or near a regulated mapped floodplain may require local review before work begins; requirements vary by community, so contact the county floodplain administrator for land outside city limits24.
  • We could not confirm Henry County rules for short-term rentals, a separate owner permit for a domestic well, or a countywide water or sewer connection mandate; ask the County Mayor's Office, TDEC and the serving utility before relying on any of those assumptions1820.

Sources

  1. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement – Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  2. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement – Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  3. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement – Henry County (2026 county census)
  4. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  5. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement – Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  7. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement – Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  8. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement – Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  9. TDEC - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) (2026 county census)
  10. Tennessee law on county zoning and building authority
  11. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement – Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  12. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  13. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  14. 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
  15. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  16. Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office Residential Permits Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  17. Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office Residential Permits Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  18. Henry County Mayor's Office (Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement) (henrycountytn.org)
  19. Property Subdivision and Codes Enforcement – Henry County, quoted and re-checked
  20. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Resources - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (tn.gov)
  21. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  22. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  23. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory, quoted and re-checked
  25. Rules of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Chapter 1680-10-01: Constructing Driveway Entrances on State Highway Rights-of-Way, quoted and re-checked

Written October 7, 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 3 of the 4 neighbors with published rules, Henry County has no countywide zoning.

RuleHenry CountyBenton CountyWeakley CountyCarroll CountyStewart CountyHouston CountyHumphreys County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoYesNoNot publishedNoNoNot published
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTN Dept. of Env. & Conservation

County locator

Henry County in Tennessee

78
County map
Henry County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Henry County scores

Seclusion53100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency73100% ev.
Admin Boringness90100% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% 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 →

$224kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$4,384Land / acre
53.4"Annual rain
7.7% of yrsSevere drought
12.2 / yr (+10.8)Mid-century 100°F days
15.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.49" (+8.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.64×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,776Home insurance / yr
-0.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.24%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
40,260People within 30 min
1,481,731People within 2 hr
41,280Radius comparison (15 mi)
57.9People / sq mi
1.9%Federal land
80.7%Land at 15% slope or less
7.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
26,262 acWorkable land screen
51.7%Wooded land
55 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Henry 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 Cottage Grove · Town of Henry · Paris · Puryear

Answers from the rulebook for Henry County

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

Henry County rules

  • Building permitNot required (with conditions)

    County building permits for construction in unincorporated Henry County, Tennessee

    • Commercial businesses must follow State of Tennessee Fire Codes.
    • Electrical connections to the local electric company must be inspected by the State Electrical Inspector.
    • The source does not establish the rule for incorporated municipalities.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county. Building Permits are not required in unincorporated areas of the county, however, Commercial Businesses must follow State of Tennessee Fire Codes. Any Electrical Connections to local electric company will have to be inspected by the State Electrical Inspector.”
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.

    • Commercial businesses must follow State of Tennessee Fire Codes.
    • Electrical connections to the local electric company must be inspected by the State Electrical Inspector.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county. Building Permits are not required in unincorporated areas of the county, however, Commercial Businesses must follow State of Tennessee Fire Codes. Any Electrical Connections to local electric company will have to be inspected by the State Electrical Inspector.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    State residential building-code adoption and related building-code requirements in unincorporated Henry County, Tennessee; incorporated municipalities are separately administered.

    • Henry County is listed by the Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office as OPT OUT of the State Residential Building Program for one- and two-family dwellings.
    • The county’s official page states that commercial businesses must follow State of Tennessee Fire Codes.
    • The county’s official page states that building permits are not required in unincorporated areas; this claim addresses building-code adoption, not every permit or inspection requirement.
    • Electrical connections to the local electric company must be inspected by the State Electrical Inspector.
    • Septic systems remain subject to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation permitting and soil-percolation testing.

    one- and two-family dwelling statewide residential standards: opted out (The state’s opt-out jurisdiction rules apply within the county’s jurisdictional boundaries.) · commercial businesses: State of Tennessee Fire Codes

    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county. Building Permits are not required in unincorporated areas of the county, however, Commercial Businesses must follow State of Tennessee Fire Codes. Any Electrical Connections to local electric company will have to be inspected by the State Electrical Inspector.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Local county zoning regulations in the unincorporated areas of Henry County, Tennessee.

    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Local zoningAbsent

    County-administered local zoning regulations in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The absence applies only to unincorporated areas.
    • The county page separately identifies county subdivision and codes-enforcement functions; this claim concerns zoning regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    County-administered zoning districts in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The express absence of local zoning regulations is limited to unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities may administer separate rules.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning-based minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The county page does not establish that construction, septic, health, subdivision, or safety requirements are absent.
    • Incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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.
    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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.
    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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.
    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Building height · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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.
    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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.
    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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.
    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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.
    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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.
    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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.
    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities within Henry County may have separate local regulations.
    “Henry County does not have local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision design and review in Henry County's unincorporated areas.

    • County subdivisions and codes enforcement are carried out by the County Mayor’s Office.
    • The county page links to Henry County Subdivision Bylaws and Regulations.
    • Applicable residential lot-size and setback conditions are stated in the county subdivision regulations.
    “County subdivisions and codes enforcement”
  • Permit processPublished

    Building-permit process in unincorporated Henry County.

    • Commercial businesses must follow State of Tennessee Fire Codes.
    • Any electrical connection to the local electric company must be inspected by the State Electrical Inspector.
    • A property installing a septic tank system must be permitted and soil perk tested by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
    “Building Permits are not required in unincorporated areas of the county, however, Commercial Businesses must follow State of Tennessee Fire Codes.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • InspectionsLimited

    State Fire Marshal inspection requested for one- or two-family dwellings and additions in Henry County’s unincorporated area, an opt-out jurisdiction

    • Henry County is listed by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance as OPT OUT as of 8/21/2026.
    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • The source describes a request-based inspection in opt-out jurisdictions, not a universal county inspection mandate.
    “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.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificate of occupancy issued by the State Fire Marshal’s Office for a one- or two-family dwelling in Henry County’s opt-out area after requested inspection

    • Henry County is listed as an OPT OUT jurisdiction.
    • The owner or contractor must obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • The dwelling must be determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes availability of a certificate of occupancy after a qualifying inspection; it does not establish a universal certificate requirement for all Henry County construction.
    “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 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 (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Henry County, Tennessee.
      “However, contract counties (Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby & Williamson) may require an additional permit.”
    • 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 — Installation or repair of a subsurface sewage disposal system on property in Henry County, Tennessee.
      “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
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation using septic or alternative subsurface sewage disposal systems for residences and other buildings in Henry County, including unincorporated areas.

    • A septic system must be permitted before installation, repair, or modification.
    • Henry County states that any property installing a septic tank system must be permitted and have soil perk tested by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
    • An alternative septic system requires an Alternative Septic System Permit.
    • Alternative septic systems listed by TDEC include LPP, mound, oxidation lagoon, and ATS/SDD systems.
    • Before TDEC evaluates an alternative septic system, an extra-high intensity soils map must be submitted and must be prepared by a soils consultant licensed in Tennessee.
    • A septic system permit should be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building, including the building pad.
    • The state source does not establish that off-grid sanitation is categorically prohibited; it establishes conditional permitting and soil-evaluation requirements.
    “Any property installing a septic tank system will have to be permitted and have soil perk tested by TN Dept of Environment and Conservation.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

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

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

    Buildings or structures on land used for agricultural purposes and subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee.

    • The building or structure must be located on lands devoted to agricultural uses.
    • The building or structure must be incidental to the agricultural enterprise.
    • The exemption does not apply to agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state or federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks.
    • The exemption does not apply to land located within the one-hundred-year flood plain.
    • The Attorney General opinion states that the provision applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    • There is no blanket exemption for cotton gins, grain elevators, slaughterhouses, processing plants, or milk bottling plants; those structures qualify only when the statutory conditions are met.
    “it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway entrances within a state-highway right-of-way, including those in Henry County.

    • Applies only to highways designated as part of the state highway system.
    • A TDOT permit may issue only when TDOT finds the application complies with the rules.
    • TDOT may impose terms, conditions, and limitations.
    • The state requirements are in addition to applicable county or municipal land-use regulations.
    “No driveway entrance shall be constructed on any state highway right-of-way without a permit issued by the Department of Transportation.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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 or near a regulated mapped floodplain in Tennessee, including potentially applicable unincorporated Henry County property.
      “Local review may be required before development begins in a regulated floodplain. Requirements vary by 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”
  • 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.

  • Well permit — Private domestic water wells in Henry County, Tennessee.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use of private property in unincorporated Henry 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 Henry County, Tennessee

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

Henry County scores 78/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Henry 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). 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Henry County is allowed: Unincorporated Henry County: no county rule sets this, because Henry 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. The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to unincorporated areas. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Henry County, Tennessee?

Land in Henry County runs about $4,384 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Henry County?

Henry County gets about 53.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.7% of years.

How remote is Henry County?

A representative private-land location has about 40,260 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,481,731 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 Henry compares in Tennessee

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