Knox County, TN: Owner-Builder Allowed

Unincorporated Knox County, Tennessee requires a written building permit before erecting, structurally altering or moving a building or structure, with limited exceptions for interior finishes and accessory farm buildings¹. County zoning applies outside Knoxville and Farragut, and septic permits come from the Knox County Health Department's Groundwater Protection division rather than the building office²³. A residential or commercial facility without public sewer must use a subsurface sewage disposal system for all wastewater⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Required for covered work in unincorporated Knox County¹
Zoning: County zoning applies outside Knoxville and Farragut²
Septic permits: Handled by Knox County Health Department Groundwater Protection⁵
Owner-builder: One personal residence every two years under county affidavit conditions⁶
Accessory farm buildings: Exempt from the county building-permit requirement⁷
RV or tiny-home living: A stored RV on a residential lot may not be occupied; the county building code includes the tiny-house appendix (IRC Appendix Q), but zoning still applies⁸⁹
State-highway driveway: TDOT permit required before construction or a change in use¹⁰

Who to call

Codes & inspections

Knox County Codes Administration & Inspection

Building-permit applications and related plan, address and septic-layout intake

865-215-2325

code.admin@knoxcounty.org

400 Main Street, Suite 547, Knoxville, TN 37902

Septic permits

Knox County Health Department Groundwater Protection Division

Septic permits, certifications, inspections and available records for subsurface sewage disposal systems

865-215-5200

health@knoxcounty.org

140 Dameron Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Knox 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 Knox County, Tennessee?

Unincorporated Knox County requires a written building permit before erecting, structurally altering or moving a building or structure, or changing a building or land use¹. Maintenance and interior finishes in houses, attached houses and duplexes are exempt, as are agricultural uses and accessory farm buildings⁷. That exemption is only from the written building-permit requirement, not every county, state, health or environmental rule⁷. A main-building permit covers accessory buildings built at the same time; a separately built accessory structure needs its own permit¹. Knox County publishes a fee schedule, but the available material does not provide usable current amounts; starting covered construction before obtaining the permit doubles the fee¹¹¹².

Inside Farragut, the town handles building permits for new construction and most remodeling¹³. Septic permits remain with Knox County Health Department Groundwater Protection throughout the county⁵.

Who is the Knox County building department, and how do you reach it?

Knox County Codes Administration & Inspection accepts applications at 400 Main Street, Suite 547, Knoxville, TN 37902; call 865-215-2325 or email code.admin@knoxcounty.org¹⁴. Applications are accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and an online submission can avoid an office visit¹⁵. Bring structure drawings and a site plan; commercial plans must bear the stamp of a Tennessee-licensed architect or engineer¹⁶. The county also requires a certified address sheet, while a septic dwelling needs a Health Department drainfield layout and an addition or accessory building needs septic certification¹⁶. County materials include amendments to the 2018 International Residential Code, but do not establish every currently adopted construction code¹⁷.

Does Knox County have zoning?

Knox County zoning applies to unincorporated land outside Knoxville and Farragut²¹⁸. Knoxville and Farragut administer their own zoning; septic systems in either municipality remain under Knox County Health Department Groundwater Protection¹⁹²⁰⁵.

In unincorporated Knox County's RAE and RA districts, main and accessory buildings together may cover no more than 30% of lot area; PR allows buildings to cover up to 50% of gross site acreage²¹²². In RA, dwellings generally need a 35-foot front yard, side yards of 8 feet for a single-story house on an interior lot or 12 feet for taller houses, and a 25-foot rear yard for the main building²³. Minimum RA lot size is 10,000 square feet for a sewer-served house and 20,000 square feet for a house on septic, or more if the health department recommends it²⁴.

Certain agricultural uses permissible under Tennessee law and compliant with state regulations are exempt from planning commission review²⁵. A change of building or land use to the same or a more restricted classification requires a use-and-occupancy permit²⁶.

How do septic permits work in Knox County?

Knox County Health Department Groundwater Protection administers local subsurface sewage disposal services under Tennessee regulations³. The division issues septic permits when needed for new builds, remodels and repairs, and a soil map or site plan may be needed for the system or drain-field layout²⁷. A septic permit is required to construct, modify or repair a system and should be obtained before dirt work or construction of the building pad begins²⁸. A residential or commercial facility not connected to public sewer must use an SSDS for all wastewater it generates⁴. Contact Groundwater Protection at 865-215-5200²⁹. Only 25.5% of Knox County land is rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so settle soil suitability early³⁰.

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

An RV stored on a residential-zone lot occupied by a dwelling may not be occupied on the site⁸. That storage rule permits one camping or travel trailer, recreational vehicle, hauling trailer or boat trailer per household, no longer than 40 feet or wider than 10 feet, behind the front building line⁸. We could not confirm a complete rule for temporary camping elsewhere on private land, so ask Knox County Codes Administration & Inspection what the parcel's mapped district permits¹⁴³¹. Mobile homes are listed as permitted uses in the RA and RB residential districts of unincorporated Knox County, and mobile-home parks need planning commission approval³². That permission does not extend to every district³³. Knox County's adopted residential building code includes Appendix Q, Tiny Houses, which gives a building-code pathway for a tiny house, but it does not by itself make a tiny home allowed in every zoning district; zoning, permits, sewage disposal and inspections still apply⁹. A tiny home is also not permit-exempt because of size, since the county permit rule applies to erecting, structurally altering or moving buildings and structures¹.

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

Confirm that the parcel is outside Knoxville or Farragut, then identify its county zoning district²³¹.

Determine whether public sewer is available; a facility without sewer must have an SSDS⁴.

Obtain the septic permit before dirt work or building-pad construction, then secure the drainfield layout or certification required for the project²⁸¹⁶.

Obtain a certified address, prepare the site plan and drawings, and apply through Codes Administration¹⁶.

Resolve access: county driveway policy applies with a building-permit application, while a state-highway connection needs TDOT approval³⁴¹⁰.

A homeowner-builder may construct one residence every two years for personal use, not resale, lease or rent, and must use the county affidavit and comply with its licensing and insurance conditions⁶.

What should you check before buying land in Knox County?

Before buying land in Knox County, verify jurisdiction and the mapped zoning district²³¹. Conventional septic suitability deserves early attention because only 25.5% of county land is rated without severe drain-field limitations³⁰. Terrain and clearing affect costs: 55.4% of land has a slope of 15% or less, and 65.9% is wooded³⁵³⁶. The USDA farmland value is $12,302 per acre, while the median annual property-tax bill is $1,332 and the effective rate is 0.5%³⁷³⁸³⁹. We could not confirm Knox County’s floodplain-development or private-well permit requirements; ask Codes Administration about floodplain review and Groundwater Protection about private wells¹⁴²⁹.

Watch-outs

A Knox County building permit becomes invalid if work does not start within 6 months unless the Board of Zoning Appeals extends it¹.
Starting covered construction without the required county permit doubles the permit fee¹².
An RV stored on a residential-zone home lot may not be occupied there, and the county's tiny-house building-code appendix does not by itself settle zoning; ask Codes Administration about temporary camping, minimum home size and the parcel's district⁸⁹¹⁴³¹.
Knox County requires its driveway-design policy to be followed when applying for a building permit³⁴.

Sources

Written October 11, 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.

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Knox County requires a building permit for a home.

Rule	Knox County	Anderson County	Blount County	Union County	Jefferson County	Loudon County	Campbell County
Building permit	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
County zoning	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Septic permits	County Health Dept.	TDEC	County Dept. of Env. Health	TDEC	TDEC	TDEC	TDEC

How Knox County scores

Seclusion23100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.

Admin Boringness46100% ev.

Durability75100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost60100% 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 →

$384kTypical home

0.5%Property tax

$12,302Land / acre

53.7"Annual rain

2.4% of yrsSevere drought

5.2 / yr (+5)Mid-century 100°F days

13.9 daysMid-century dry spell

2.16" (+9.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.66×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,390Home insurance / yr

-0.1% / yrInsurance growth

0.79%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

560,558People within 30 min

3,287,652People within 2 hr

421,972Radius comparison (15 mi)

984.9People / sq mi

2%Federal land

55.4%Land at 15% slope or less

25.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

69,790 acWorkable land screen

65.9%Wooded land

52.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac

58.7°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Knox County

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

Knox County rules

Building permitRequired
Erection, structural alteration, moving of buildings or structures, and changes in building or land use in zoned unincorporated Knox County.
- No permit is required for maintenance or installation of interior finishes in houses, attached houses, or duplexes; agricultural uses and accessory farm buildings; or home gardening or similar uses in any zone.
- A permit for a main building covers accessory buildings constructed at the same time; otherwise each accessory building or structure requires a separate permit.
- A permit becomes invalid six months after issuance if work has not started, unless extended by the board of zoning appeals, and is nontransferable.
permit validity before work starts: 6 months (Unless otherwise extended by the board of zoning appeals.)
“a written building permit shall be obtained from the department of code administration and inspections before starting or proceeding with the erection, structural alteration, or moving of any building or structure”
Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
An owner constructing a single residence under the Knox County homeowner-permit affidavit.
- The owner may construct only one single residence every two years.
- The residence must be for the owner's own use and not for resale, lease, or rent.
- The owner must perform the permitted work except as noted; hired persons must show proof of license.
- A construction manager must be properly licensed.
- If the owner stops acting as homeowner-builder and hires a contractor, the permit must be voided and the contractor must apply for a new permit.
- The owner is responsible for required workers compensation and general liability insurance.
frequency: per 2 years (single residence) · use: own use (not for resale, lease, or rent)
“may construct a single residence once every two (2) years, for their own use, and not for resale, lease, or rent.”
Homeowner's Affidavit for Building Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
County building-code adoption materials located on the Knox County Codes site, including 2018 IRC amendments and specifically adopted residential-code appendices.
- The opened materials establish amendments to the 2018 IRC but do not provide a complete current ordinance text for every construction code.
“Amendments to the 2018 IRC codes Section R102.5 Appendices. The following Appendices are specifically included in the adoption. All others are excluded.”
2018 IRC Amendments ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Changes of a building or land to a use of the same or more restricted classification in zoned unincorporated Knox County.
- The cited requirement is for a use-and-occupancy permit upon the specified change of use; the source does not establish a universal certificate-of-occupancy requirement for all new buildings.
“Whenever the use of a building or land is changed to a use of the same or more restricted classification a "use and occupancy" permit shall be obtained”
Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Knox County zoning ordinance, with the official county history identifying Appendix A as the Knox County Zoning Ordinance.
- The cited county material does not establish that the ordinance applies inside every incorporated municipality.
“A resolution establishing zone districts within the unincorporated territory of Knox County, regulating the uses of property therein”
Knox County Code Adoption History ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Present (with conditions) — Land within unincorporated Knox County, outside Knoxville and Farragut municipal corporations.
  “the county, outside the limits of the municipal corporations of Knoxville and Farragut, is hereby divided into the following zones:”
  Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Zoning districts and map for unincorporated Knox County.
- After February 1, 1999, rezoning map changes are recorded on maps maintained on the Knoxville-Knox County Geographic Information System or its successor.
“The boundaries of the aforesaid zones are hereby established upon the map which is designated as the Zoning Map of Knox County, Tennessee”
Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Residential lots and dwelling-related buildings in the RA Low Density Residential zoning district in Knox County.
- No more than one dwelling unit is permitted on a lot except as provided in subsection 5.11.03, and no more than two dwelling units may be permitted under that subsection.
- Sewer-served houses require at least 10,000 square feet; two dwelling units on a sewer-served lot require at least 12,000 square feet; a garage apartment with a sewer-served house requires at least 12,000 square feet.
- Non-sewered houses and accessory buildings require at least 20,000 square feet, subject to a greater area if recommended by the health department.
- A garage apartment with a non-sewered house requires at least 20,000 square feet, subject to a greater area if recommended by the health department.
- Two dwelling units on a non-sewered lot require at least 20,000 square feet, subject to a greater area if recommended by the health department.
- Dwellings and accessory buildings without public water must meet the Knoxville-Knox County Minimum Subdivision Regulations.
- Church lots must be at least 30,000 square feet and otherwise provide required yards and off-street parking.
sewer-served house and accessory buildings: >= 10000 square feet · two dwelling units on sewer-served lot: >= 12000 square feet (Subject to subsection 5.11.03.) · garage apartment with sewer-served house: >= 12000 square feet · non-sewered house and accessory buildings: >= 20000 square feet (Greater area may be required based on health department recommendations.) · garage apartment with non-sewered house: >= 20000 square feet (Greater area may be required based on health department recommendations.) · two dwelling units on non-sewered lot: >= 20000 square feet (Greater area may be required based on health department recommendations.) · church lot: >= 30000 square feet (Lot must also provide required yards and off-street parking.)
“B. For each house and building accessory thereto served by a sanitary sewer system, there shall be a lot area of not less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet. C. Where two (2) dwelling units and buildings accessory thereto are located on the same lot served by a sanitary sewer system, there shall be a lot area of not less than twelve thousand (12,000) square feet.”
Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee, as amended through March 28, 2022 ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Buildings and structures in the RB General Residential zoning district in Knox County.
- The minimum front yard for houses, duplexes, and multi-dwelling structures is 35 feet; the planning commission may approve a reduction through the use-on-review procedure and applicable administrative standards.
- Single-story dwellings on interior lots require side yards of at least 8 feet; two- and three-story dwellings require side yards of at least 12 feet each.
- For buildings over three stories, one additional foot of side yard on each side of the main building is required for each additional two feet above 36 feet in height.
- Unattached accessory buildings require an 8-foot side yard, but an unattached one-story accessory building located more than 90 feet behind the front property line may be as close as 5 feet to an interior side lot line.
- Main buildings of three stories or less other than garage apartments require a 25-foot rear yard; taller main buildings require 30 feet.
- Garage apartments must be at least 10 feet from the rear lot line; unattached accessory buildings must be at least 5 feet from the rear lot line.
- Churches and other non-dwelling main or accessory buildings require a 35-foot front setback and 25-foot side setbacks.
front yard setback for houses, duplexes, and multi-dwelling structures: >= 35 feet (Planning commission may approve a reduction through the use-on-review procedure and administrative standards.) · side yard for single-story dwelling on interior lot: >= 8 feet · side yard for two- or three-story dwelling: >= 12 feet (Each side yard.) · additional side yard for main building over 36 feet: per 1 foot per 2 feet (Applies to buildings more than three stories in height.) · side yard for unattached accessory building: >= 8 feet (An unattached one-story accessory building more than 90 feet behind the front property line may be no more than 5 feet from an interior side lot line.) · side setback for non-dwelling main or accessory building: >= 25 feet (Churches and other main and accessory buildings other than dwellings and buildings accessory to dwellings.) · rear yard for main building of three stories or less other than garage apartment: >= 25 feet · rear yard for main building over three stories: >= 30 feet · rear setback for garage apartment: >= 10 feet (Garage apartment in the rear yard of another dwelling.) · rear setback for unattached accessory building: >= 5 feet
“A. For main buildings of three (3) stories in height and less, other than garage apartments, there shall be a rear yard of not less than twenty-five (25) feet. B. For all main buildings more than three (3) stories in height, there shall be a rear yard of not less than thirty (30) feet.”
Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee, as amended through March 28, 2022 ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- District specific (with conditions) — Buildings and structures in the RA Low Density Residential zoning district in Knox County.
  “A. For main buildings, other than garage apartments, there shall be a rear yard of not less than twenty-five (25) feet. B. A garage apartment may be located in the rear yard of houses, but shall not be closer than ten (10) feet to the rear lot line. Unattached buildings of accessory use shall not be located closer to any rear lot line than five (5) feet.”
  Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee, as amended through March 28, 2022 ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Building coverage in the RAE, RA, and PR zoning districts in unincorporated Knox County.
- RAE and RA main and accessory buildings may cover not more than 30 percent of lot area.
- PR buildings may cover not more than 50 percent of gross site acreage.
RAE/RA maximum building coverage: <= 30 percent of lot area · PR maximum building coverage: <= 50 percent of gross site acreage
“Main and accessory buildings shall cover not more than thirty (30) percent of the lot area. [...] The maximum area which may be covered by buildings shall be fifty (50) percent of the gross acreage of the site.”
The Zoning Ordinance of Knox County, Tennessee ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Specified — Residential zoning districts in unincorporated Knox County.
  “Main and accessory buildings shall cover not more than thirty (30) percent of the lot area.”
  Knox County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Building heightSpecified
Residential zoning districts in unincorporated Knox County.
- The cited district limits main buildings to three stories or thirty-five feet; accessory-building height is separately limited, with a roof-pitch exception but an absolute bottom-chord or ceiling-joist limit.
maximum main-building height: <= 35 feet (No more than three stories.) · maximum accessory-building height: <= 18 feet (May exceed 18 feet to conform roof pitch, but bottom chord of roof truss or bottom of ceiling joist may not exceed 18 feet.)
“No main building shall exceed three (3) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height. Accessory buildings shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet in height; provided, however, the eighteen (18) feet height limitation may be exceeded to conform the pitch of the accessory building roof to the pitch of the roof of the principal use.”
Knox County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
Recreational vehicles and trailers on lots occupied by a dwelling in residential zones.
- One camping or travel trailer, recreational vehicle, hauling trailer, and/or boat trailer per household is allowed if no more than forty feet long or ten feet wide.
- The vehicle must be stored behind the front building line.
- The vehicle may not be occupied on the site.
maximum length: <= 40 feet · maximum width: <= 10 feet · allowed per household: 1 vehicle
“One (1) camping or travel trailer, recreational vehicle, hauling trailer, and/or boat trailer not exceeding forty (40) feet in length or ten (10) feet in width shall be permitted per household living on the premises. These vehicles shall be stored behind the front building line and shall not be occupied on the site.”
knoxplanning.org ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
Tiny houses governed by the Knox County residential building code in unincorporated Knox County.
- Knox County's adopted residential building code includes Appendix Q, Tiny Houses.
- This confirms a building-code pathway but does not by itself establish permission in every zoning district or for every form of tiny-home occupancy.
- Applicable zoning, permits, utilities, sewage-disposal requirements, inspections, and other code requirements still apply.
“The following Appendices are specifically included in the adoption. All others are excluded. [...] Appendix Q. Tiny Houses”
Knox County Code, Chapter 10, Article III, Section 10-57, Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Mobile or manufactured homes in the RA Low Density Residential Zone.
- The cited ordinance section lists mobile homes as a permitted use in the RA zone; this claim does not establish permission in every Knox County zoning district.
“E. Gardening and horticulture. F. Mobile homes. G. Public golf courses, public parks and playgrounds; swimming pools, and other associated recreational facilities, none of which shall be used for commercial purposes.”
Knox County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Mobile/manufactured-home occupancy in the RA Low Density Residential and RB General Residential zones in unincorporated Knox County.
  “5.11.02. Uses permitted. [...] F. Mobile homes. [...] 5.12.02. Uses permitted. [...] F. Mobile homes.”
  The Zoning Ordinance of Knox County, Tennessee ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
Knox County Health Department Groundwater Protection Division administration of onsite wastewater and SSDS requirements.
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation regulations and statutes govern the Knox County Health Department Groundwater Division.
“installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems (SSDS)”
Groundwater Protection - Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- County (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems installed in Knox County.
  “This division regulates the installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems (SSDS).”
  Groundwater Protection - Health Department - Knox County Tennessee Government ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic permitLimited
Septic permits for new builds, remodels, and repairs to existing SSDS when needed in Knox County.
- The county page says permits are issued when needed; it does not define every triggering circumstance.
- An SSDS or drain-field layout may require a soil map and/or site plan.
- Facilities not connected to public sanitary sewer must have an SSDS.
“septic permits for new builds, remodels, and repairs”
Groundwater Protection - Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Residential and commercial facilities not connected to public sanitary sewer.
- An SSDS must receive and treat all wastewater generated within the facility.
- The county Groundwater Protection Division regulates SSDS installation.
- TDEC regulations and statutes govern the county division.
“not connected to public sanitary sewer must have a SSDS”
Groundwater Protection - Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Sanitation for facilities not connected to public sanitary sewer.
  “All residential and commercial facilities not connected to public sanitary sewer must have a SSDS to receive and treat all wastewater generated within the facility.”
  knoxcounty.org ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential and commercial facilities not connected to public sanitary sewer.
- Facilities not connected to public sanitary sewer must have an SSDS to receive and treat all wastewater generated within the facility.
“All residential and commercial facilities not connected to public sanitary sewer must have a SSDS to receive and treat all wastewater generated within the facility.”
knoxcounty.org ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Certain agricultural uses in Knox County zoning review.
- The ordinance states that certain agricultural uses may be permissible under Tennessee state law, including the Right to Farm Act and other regulations; the exemption applies only if the uses are permissible and compliant with state regulations.
“Certain agricultural uses are permissible by Tennessee state law under the Right to Farm Act and other regulations. These uses, if permissible and deemed in compliance with state regulations, are exempt from planning commission review.”
Knox County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Agricultural uses and accessory farm buildings in zoned unincorporated Knox County.
  “no permit shall be required for maintenance or installation of interior finishes in houses, attached houses or duplexes, agricultural uses and accessory farm buildings”
  Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Applications for building permits in zoned unincorporated Knox County.
- The Knox County Access Control and Driveway Design Policy must be followed when applying for a building permit.
- The policy is incorporated by reference but was not included in the opened code.
“Whenever application for a building permit is made, the provisions of the Knox County Access Control and Driveway Design Policy shall be followed.”
Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Building permits issued under the county zoning ordinance.
- The board of commissioners sets the fee.
- Fees are doubled if construction begins before the necessary building permit is obtained.
“A fee shall be set by the board of commissioners and shall be charged for issuance of each permit”
Zoning Ordinance for Knox County, Tennessee ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Knox County Codes permit fees.
  “Schedule of Fees Schedule of Fees(Effective July 1, 2023)”
  Permit Information - Codes Administration and Enforcement ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Applications submitted to Knox County Codes Administration and Enforcement.
- Applications are accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Beginning August 1, 2024, in-person plans larger than 11 by 14 inches must be submitted in PDF format.
- Commercial plans must be stamped by a State of Tennessee licensed architect or engineer.
- For a septic-system dwelling, a drainfield layout from the health department is required; additions or accessory buildings require septic certification.
- An online permit submission does not require an office visit.
“Applications are taken between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Beginning August 1, 2024, we will no longer be able to scan plans larger than 11X14, if applying in person.”
Permit Information - Codes Administration and Enforcement - Knox County Tennessee Government ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Partial — Construction-permit application process administered by Knox County Codes Administration.
  “Applications are taken between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Beginning August 1, 2024, we will no longer be able to scan plans larger than 11X14, if applying in person. Larger plans must be submitted in pdf format.”
  Permit Information - Codes Administration and Enforcement ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026

Tennessee rules that apply here

Camping on your landLimited
Overnight camping on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled Wildlife Management Areas and related lands where overnight camping is allowed.
- Overnight camping may be permitted only in designated areas and by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor.
- Camping is subject to limitations prescribed in the permit if required.
- Camping may not exceed three weeks from the beginning to the end of the camping stay.
- Owner contact information or a TWRA ID number and date of arrival must be displayed on a camper, tent, vehicle, or similar item at all times.
- Where overnight camping is allowed, firearms and archery equipment must remain in camp except during legal hunting hours.
maximum camping stay: <= 3 weeks
“May be permitted in designated areas by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor. Such camping is subject to the limitations prescribed in the permit if required.”
Wildlife Management Areas in Tennessee ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Camping and use of trailers or other camper units in Tennessee state forests administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry.
  “Camping and the use of trailers or other camper units are allowed only at designated locations. The district forester will issue written permits to persons to camp in backcountry or other isolated sections of a forest area.”
  Forestry Rules and Regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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.”
Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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.”
Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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.”
Tennessee Attorney General Opinion No. 10-108 ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Inspections — Building inspections for private construction.
Local zoning — Zoning administered by incorporated municipalities within Knox County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area under Knox County zoning in unincorporated areas.
Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Knox County.
Well permit — Private-water wells in Knox County.

2 more unanswered

Subdividing land
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 Knox County, Tennessee

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

Knox County scores 56/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 560,558 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Knox County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Knox County Health Department - Environmental Health / Groundwater Protection. 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 Knox County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Knox County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles and trailers on lots occupied by a dwelling in residential zones. One camping or travel trailer, recreational vehicle, hauling trailer, and/or boat trailer per household is allowed if no more than forty feet long or ten feet wide. The vehicle must be stored behind the front building line. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Knox County, Tennessee?

Land in Knox County runs about $12,302 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Knox County?

Knox County gets about 53.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.4% of years.

How remote is Knox County?

A representative private-land location has about 560,558 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,287,652 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.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who is the Knox County building department, and how do you reach it?

Does Knox County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Knox County?

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

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

What should you check before buying land in Knox County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Knox County in Tennessee

How Knox County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Knox County

Answers from the rulebook for Knox County

Knox County rules

Tennessee rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Knox County, Tennessee

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Knox County, Tennessee?

What is the water situation in Knox County?

How remote is Knox County?

How Knox compares in Tennessee