Bolthole Index

Marshall County, Tennessee

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

63Index Score / 100
#77 of 95 in Tennessee

Marshall County, Tennessee requires building permits for construction, most exterior renovation and remodeling, and all additions, while routine maintenance and repairs are exempt1. Zoning applies countywide, but the authority and rules vary by jurisdiction; Lewisburg has its own municipal zoning ordinance234. TDEC handles septic permits and final inspections in Marshall County56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction, most exterior renovation and remodeling, and all additions71
Zoning
Zoning applies countywide; county and municipal rules vary by jurisdiction83
Septic permit
TDEC permit required before septic installation or repair9510
Owner-builder
Conditional licensing exemption for one personal residence every two years; permits still apply1112
A-1 single-wide
Limited by model age, owner occupancy, porches and installation requirements13
RV or tiny-home living
Rules not confirmed; ask county zoning about the parcel and proposed occupancy1415
Minimum lot size
At least 7,500 square feet and 75 feet wide for a residence outside municipalities; district rules may require more1617
Septic soil suitability
Only about 6% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field18

Who to call

Building permits

Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning

Building permits, inspections, zoning and planning submissions, and flood-development submissions for Marshall County

(931) 359-0567

206 Legion Avenue, Suite A, Lewisburg, TN 37091

Septic permits

TDEC Division of Water Resources — Columbia Environmental Field Office

Division of Water Resources assistance, including septic-related services, for Marshall County

(931) 380-3371

columbia.efo_adm@tn.gov

1421 Hampshire Pike, Suite 100, Columbia, TN 38401

Online permits →

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

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

Yes. Marshall County requires a residential or commercial building permit for construction, most exterior renovation and remodeling, and every addition1. Routine maintenance and repairs do not require a permit1. Permitted construction is inspected for compliance with minimum construction standards, zoning and setback requirements19. Marshall County has adopted the 2018 residential, building, mechanical, plumbing and fuel-gas codes, the 2009 energy-conservation code and 2018 NFPA 10120. Do not begin regulated work early: starting before the permit is received may result in double the normal permit fee1.

Who issues Marshall County building permits, and how do you reach the office?

Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning handles the county's building-permit, inspection, zoning, planning and flood-development submissions15. The office is at 206 Legion Avenue, Suite A, Lewisburg, TN 37091, and the phone number is (931) 359-056715. Applications and inspection requests are submitted through the respective county portals2115. The published process does not supply a complete review timeline or every required application item, so use the portal or call with the parcel number and project description before filing2115. Marshall County's local fee schedule could not be confirmed; Tennessee publishes fees for state-administered residential permits, but that schedule does not establish the charge for a county-issued permit22.

Does Marshall County have zoning?

Yes. Marshall County Government administers zoning outside municipal corporations, while land inside Lewisburg is governed by the city's own zoning ordinance23244. Use the county's interactive parcel map, then verify the district before relying on a permitted use25. For a residence outside municipalities, no approval may reduce the lot below 7,500 square feet or 75 feet wide at the building line, and district rules may require more16. For example, A-1 requires 2 acres without public water or three-quarters of an acre with it, while A-2 requires at least 30,000 square feet and public water17. Front, side and rear setbacks also vary by district26. We could not confirm minimum dwelling size, lot coverage or building-height limits; ask Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning to read the current district rules15. Tennessee's county agricultural zoning exemption is conditional: the land must be devoted to agriculture and the structure incidental to that enterprise, with exceptions including certain nearby public facilities and floodplain land27.

How do septic permits work in Marshall County?

TDEC's Division of Water Resources administers septic permits and inspections in Marshall County28. Obtain the septic permit before beginning dirt work or construction of the building pad; separate triggers apply to repairs and modifications29. When installation is complete, notify TDEC so the system can be inspected and approved30. The Columbia Environmental Field Office serves Marshall County; call (931) 380-3371 or email columbia.efo_adm@tn.gov for help31. Only about 6% of Marshall County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so confirm a usable septic area before choosing a house site18. A qualifying utility may require sewer connection for an existing building on a parcel abutting a public way with sanitary sewer, but that does not mean sewer reaches every parcel32.

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

We could not confirm a rule that answers long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Marshall County. Take the parcel number and proposed use to the governing zoning authority before buying or moving a unit onsite because county and municipal rules vary by jurisdiction3. A tiny home does not automatically avoid permitting because Marshall County requires permits for construction, most exterior renovation and remodeling, and all additions1. Single-wide mobile homes in the A-1 district have a separate, confirmed rule: the unit must be a model within five years of the current date, be owner occupied, have front and back porches of at least 80 square feet each, have its tongue removed and receive specified perimeter treatment; additional septic, water, power and lot-size requirements apply13.

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

  1. Identify whether Marshall County Government or a municipality controls the parcel's zoning, then confirm the use, minimum lot size and setbacks31726.
  2. Confirm septic feasibility and obtain the TDEC permit before dirt work or construction of the building pad2931.
  3. Submit the county building and zoning materials through the appropriate portal2115.
  4. Receive the building permit before starting because early work may trigger double the normal permit fee1.
  5. Request county inspections through the portal as construction proceeds1915.
  6. Notify TDEC after septic installation so the system can be inspected and approved30.
  7. If the driveway enters a Tennessee state highway right-of-way, obtain the TDOT entrance permit before construction or a change in use33. An owner may build one personal residence every two years without a contractor license if it is not for resale, lease or rent; hired work of $25,000 or more still requires a licensed contractor, and all permits and zoning approvals remain required34.

What should you check before buying land in Marshall County?

Start with the parcel's governing zoning authority, district, setbacks, legal access, flood status, water source and septic feasibility. Marshall County's interactive map provides parcel zoning information, but jurisdiction determines the governing rules253. District and utility service can materially change the minimum lot size; C-1 residential lots, for example, require 30,000 square feet with public water only, 15,000 square feet with public water and sewerage, or 1 acre without public water35. If the tract will be divided, confirm the subdivision process before relying on a proposed lot layout36. Only about 6% of county soils rate without severe limits for a conventional drain field, even though about 74.5% of the land has a slope of 15% or less, so evaluate the actual homesite rather than county averages alone1837. We could not confirm a private-well permit rule or countywide water-connection requirement; ask Building Codes and Zoning and TDEC which authority applies1531.

Watch-outs

  • Starting regulated work before Marshall County issues the building permit triggers a charge of double the normal permit fee1.
  • Zoning applies across Marshall County, but the authority and rules vary by jurisdiction; Lewisburg has its own municipal ordinance34.
  • We could not confirm RV living, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or private-well permitting; ask Building Codes and Zoning and TDEC about the parcel before committing to land1531.

Sources

  1. Frequently Asked Questions About Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning & Zoning Official, quoted and re-checked
  4. Title 14 — Zoning and Land Use Control, quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  6. Third-Party Permits & Final Inspections for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. Frequently Asked Questions About Building Permits (2026 county census)
  8. Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning (2026 county census)
  9. TDEC - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) (2026 county census)
  10. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  11. Residential Permit FAQs (2026 county census)
  12. Residential Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  13. Single Wide Mobile Homes, quoted and re-checked
  14. Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  15. Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning (marshallcountytn.gov)
  16. Zoning Resolution of Marshall County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning Resolution of Marshall County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  18. 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
  19. Frequently Asked Questions About Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  20. Adopted Codes, quoted and re-checked
  21. Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  22. Residential Building Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  23. Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  24. Planning & Zoning Official, quoted and re-checked
  25. Marshall County Building Codes and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  26. Frequently Asked Questions About Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  27. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  29. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  30. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Related Permits, quoted and re-checked
  31. TDEC Division of Water Resources — Columbia Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  32. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Residential Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  35. Zoning Resolution of Marshall County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  36. Planning and Zoning Official, quoted and re-checked
  37. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data

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 5 of its 6 neighbors, Marshall County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleMarshall CountyMaury CountyBedford CountyLincoln CountyGiles CountyMoore CountyWilliamson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesNoYesYes
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECWilliamson County

County locator

Marshall County in Tennessee

63
County map
Marshall County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Marshall County scores

Seclusion32100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability60100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% 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 →

$334kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,660Land / acre
56.2"Annual rain
5.6% of yrsSevere drought
9.6 / yr (+8.8)Mid-century 100°F days
15 daysMid-century dry spell
2.62" (+8.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.51×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,600Home insurance / yr
-0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.98%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
54,964People within 30 min
3,959,079People within 2 hr
68,256Radius comparison (15 mi)
98.4People / sq mi
0%Federal land
74.5%Land at 15% slope or less
6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
12,914 acWorkable land screen
50.3%Wooded land
50 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Marshall 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 Chapel Hill · Town of Cornersville · Lewisburg · Town of Petersburg

Answers from the rulebook for Marshall County

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

Marshall County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, outside construction, remodeling, and additions regulated by the Marshall County Codes Office.

    • Routine maintenance and repairs do not require a permit.
    • Most outside renovation work, remodeling, and all additions require either a residential or commercial building permit.
    • Starting work before receiving a permit may result in a penalty of double the normal permit fee.
    “Most outside renovation work, remodeling and all additions do require either a residential or a commercial building permit.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code enforcement by Marshall County.

    • The county lists the 2018 International Residential, Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fuel Gas Codes, the 2009 International Conservation Code, and 2018 NFPA 101.
    “Marshall County has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code, the 2018 International Building Code, the 2018 International Mechanical Code, the 2018 International Plumbing Code, the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, the 2009 International Conservation Code and 2018 NFPA 101.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Marshall County building construction subject to the listed adopted codes.
      “Marshall County has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code, the 2018 International Building Code, the 2018 International Mechanical Code, the 2018 International Plumbing Code, the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, the 2009 International Conservation Code and 2018 NFPA 101.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction subject to Marshall County building permits.

    • The county FAQ states construction must be checked for compliance; the accessible page does not provide the complete inspection schedule or all inspection stages.
    “Because it is the law and construction must be checked to insure compliance with minimum construction standards, zoning and setback requirements.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning and parcel zoning information in Marshall County.

    • The county page provides an interactive zoning map and identifies a Planning and Zoning Official; parcel-specific zoning and applicable district rules must be checked.
    “Fully interactive zoning map for all of Marshall County Tennessee. Search for properties and view parcel and zoning information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning and parcel zoning information in Marshall County.
      “Fully interactive zoning map for all of Marshall County Tennessee. Search for properties and view parcel and zoning information.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning across Marshall County, including county-administered zoning regulations and zoning within incorporated municipalities.

    • Marshall County Government administers county zoning regulations and ordinances.
    • The City of Lewisburg has a separate municipal zoning ordinance governing land use within the city; therefore the applicable zoning authority and rules vary by jurisdiction.
    • The countywide value is an aggregate conclusion and does not mean Marshall County administers every municipal zoning ordinance.
    “This is very responsible supervisory, administrative and fieldwork with responsibility for ensuring compliance with Zoning regulations, ordinances and flood plain management for Marshall County Government.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning in Marshall County; this does not aggregate incorporated-municipality ordinances.
      “Extensive knowledge of Marshall County land use regulations and ordinances including the Zoning Resolutions, Subdivision Regulations, etc.”
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning information and regulations for property in Marshall County.
      “Chad McReynolds - Planning and Zoning Official”
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulations and ordinances administered by Marshall County Government.
      “This is very responsible supervisory, administrative and fieldwork with responsibility for ensuring compliance with Zoning regulations, ordinances and flood plain management for Marshall County Government.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Marshall County zoning districts and parcel zoning information.

    • The county publishes an interactive zoning map and permitted-use/zoning-resolution materials; exact district regulations require parcel and district-level review.
    “Fully interactive zoning map for all of Marshall County Tennessee. Search for properties and view parcel and zoning information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Public availability of parcel and zoning information for Marshall County.
      “Fully interactive zoning map for all of Marshall County Tennessee. Search for properties and view parcel and zoning information.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential lots and building sites in Marshall County zoning districts outside municipal corporations.

    • The zoning resolution applies to portions of Marshall County outside municipal corporations.
    • A-1 Agriculture-Forestry District: minimum lot size is 2 acres without public water and three-quarters of an acre with public water.
    • A-2 Rural Residential District: no lot or parcel may be reduced to create a building site smaller than 30,000 square feet, and the site must have public water.
    • R-1 Suburban Residential District: minimum lot area is 30,000 square feet, or 15,000 square feet where public wastewater is available; an existing lot of record under 15,000 square feet may be used for one single-family dwelling if it had existed at adoption, has public water, is at least 7,500 square feet, and meets all Marshall County Environmentalist requirements.
    • R-1 multiple-family dwelling requirements vary by number of units and public water, sanitary sewer, and wastewater availability.
    • The absolute minimum is 75 feet of width at the building line and 7,500 square feet of total lot area for a residence.
    • Health-department or environmental requirements may require larger lots based on percolation tests, soil tests, or other applicable requirements.

    A-1 minimum lot size without public water: 2 acres · A-1 minimum lot size with public water: 0.75 acres · A-2 minimum building site: >= 30000 square feet (Public water supply required.) · R-1 minimum lot area without public wastewater: >= 30000 square feet · R-1 minimum lot area with public wastewater: >= 15000 square feet · absolute minimum residential lot area: >= 7500 square feet (Building-line width must also be at least 75 feet.)

    “Minimum Lot Size: Without a public water supply 2 acres”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Mobile-home parks and mobile-home spaces in the R-2 Mobile Home Parks District in unincorporated Marshall County.
      “The minimum lot area per mobile home space shall be three thousand-six hundred (3,600) square feet. For double-wide mobile homes, the minimum lot size shall be six thousand (6,000) square feet.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential lots in the C-1 Rural Center District in unincorporated Marshall County.
      “thirty thousand (30,000) square feet [...] fifteen (15,000) square feet [...] one (1) acre”
    • Specified — Any residence proposed under the Marshall County zoning resolution outside municipal corporations.
      “In no case shall the Building Inspector or the Board of Zoning Appeals permit a residence to be erected on a lot whose width at the building line is less than seventy-five (75) feet and/or whose total lot area is less than seven thousand-five hundred (7,500) square feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential and commercial building setbacks in Marshall County zones.

    • Front, side, and rear distances vary by zone.
    • The county instructs applicants to contact the Zoning Office for the applicable setback distances.
    “"Setbacks" are the minimum distances required by the law that a building, residential or commercial, must be from property lines. Front, side, and rear setback distances vary in different zones.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement of single-wide mobile homes in Marshall County, specifically the A-1 zoning district.

    • The unit must be a model within five years of the current date, with no exceptions.
    • Front and back porches must each be at least 80 square feet.
    • The unit must be owner occupied.
    • The tongue must be removed.
    • Block, brick, or some stone veneer must be placed around the perimeter.
    • Additional septic, water, power, and lot-size requirements apply.

    model age: <= 5 years (no exceptions) · front porch area: >= 80 square feet · back porch area: >= 80 square feet

    “They are a model within 5 years of the current date (no exceptions). [...] Have front and back porches a minimum of 80 square feet each. [...] Be owner occupied.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision regulation by Marshall County planning and zoning authorities.

    • Additional state septic subdivision-evaluation rules may apply where septic systems are used.
    “Job activities require a high school diploma, extensive knowledge of Flood Plain Management and Subdivision and Zoning regulations as adopted by Marshall County government, a minimum of five years’ experience as an architect, inspector, contractor or superintendent of construction, thorough supervisory experience, strong organizational, interpersonal and decision-making skills and sufficient physical strength and stamina to perform required fieldwork.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications and inspection requests in Marshall County.

    • Applications and inspection requests are submitted through county portals.
    • The county provides a permit guide and additional policy documents, but linked documents were inaccessible for detailed steps and timelines.
    “All applications, inspection requests, call-back requests, complaints, and other submissions can be made through their respective portals.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County building, flood-development, zoning, and planning application processes.
      “Please click below to access the Building Permit, Flood Development, Citizen Request/Question, and Zoning & Planning Portals. All applications, inspection requests, call-back requests, complaints, and other submissions can be made through their respective portals.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner constructing a single residence in Tennessee, including Marshall County, when the state residential-permit and licensing rules apply

    • The residence must be for the owner's own use.
    • The residence may not be constructed for resale, lease, or rent.
    • The owner may construct only one single residence every two years.
    • A homeowner-hired person whose portion is $25,000 or more is not exempt from contractor licensing requirements.
    • The state residential building permit is only a building permit and does not replace septic or sewer, electrical, zoning, floodplain, or other state or local approvals.
    • If the property owner hires a contractor or changes contractor during construction, a new permit must be obtained.

    owner-built residence frequency: per 1 single residence per 2 years · hired person's portion threshold: >= 25000 USD (The hired person is not exempt from contractor licensing requirements.)

    “may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use, [...] not for resale, lease or rent without being a licensed contractor.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner constructing a single residence in Tennessee, including Marshall County, for the owner's own use.
      “an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use”
    • Conditional — A Tennessee property owner constructing a single residence for the owner's individual use.
      “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings in Tennessee opt-out or non-code jurisdictions when the State Fire Marshal's Office inspects the dwelling during construction.

    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • The Certificate of Occupancy is released only if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes this process for opt-out or non-code jurisdictions and for new construction or additions to existing homes.
    “determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy”
  • 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.”
    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.”
  • 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 (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Marshall County, a non-contract Tennessee county.
      “Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.”
    • State (with conditions) — Tennessee subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and inspection, including Marshall County.
      “Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Perry, Wayne [...] Division of Water Resources [...] Septic Related Services”
    • 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 — Installation or repair of a subsurface sewage disposal system in Marshall County.
      “Any individual or property owner who desires to have a subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system installed on their property or requiring repair to an existing faulty system must get a Septic System Construction Permit.”
    • Required — Installation, repair, or modification of septic systems serving residences, commercial buildings, or accessory buildings in Tennessee, including Marshall County.
      “A Conventional Septic System Permit is required for the installation of a conventional septic system (or approved substitute product) to serve a residence, retail or commercial building.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.

    • The installer must notify the Division when installation is complete.
    • A final inspection is scheduled before the system is covered.
    • TDEC inspects each SSDS installation for compliance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
    • Inspection fees vary by system type: $100 for new conventional or large-diameter graveless pipe systems, $200 for alternative systems, and $100 for repair construction inspections.

    new conventional construction inspection fee: 100 USD · alternative construction inspection fee: 200 USD · repair construction inspection fee: 100 USD

    “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Final inspection and Certificate of Completion for a subsurface sewage disposal system in Marshall County.
      “A person may engage a third-party water resources engineer to conduct the final inspection of a subsurface sewage disposal system pursuant to subdivision (a)(4) in lieu of the department or the contract county.”
    • Required — Inspection and approval of installed subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee, including Marshall County.
      “must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved”
  • 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.””
  • 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”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

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

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

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

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

    Tennessee State Fire Marshal residential building permits, including Marshall County projects when the state residential permit program administers the permit

    • The permit fee is based on cost of construction.
    • For construction costs above the maximum listed in the schedule, an additional $50.00 fee applies for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • The listed cost of construction cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction.
    • An HVAC and plumbing inspection is required for all new construction and carries the listed additional fee.
    • A slab-other-than-monolith-pour inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately and carries the listed additional fee.
    • One re-inspection per permit is free; a second or subsequent re-inspection costs $100 each.
    • Local governments may administer their own building-code requirements and fees where applicable.

    construction cost minimum: >= 60.57 USD per heated square foot · additional fee above schedule maximum: per 50 USD per additional $50,000 or fraction · plumbing and HVAC inspection fee: 100 USD (Listed as an additional fee for new construction.) · non-monolithic slab inspection fee: 100 USD (Applies when slab and footing are cast separately.) · second or subsequent re-inspection fee: 100 USD (One re-inspection per permit is without additional fee.)

    “For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table below there is an additional fee of $50.00 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Tennessee State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program residential permits, where the state program applies, including applicable one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
      “For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table below there is an additional fee of $50.00 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building permits administered by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses where the state program applies.
      “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

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

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

Inside cities and towns in Marshall County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land use within the incorporated City of Lewisburg, Marshall County, Tennessee.

    • The ordinance applies within the City of Lewisburg.
    • The ordinance was adopted February 2015 and applies together with any amendments thereto.
    “Land use within the City of Lewisburg shall be governed by the official zoning ordinance #15-03 adopted February 2015, titled "Zoning Ordinance, Lewisburg, Tennessee," and any amendments thereto.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area or dwelling size for residential dwellings in unincorporated Marshall County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage rules in Marshall County.
  • Building height — Building-height rules in Marshall County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or permanent occupancy of a recreational vehicle on private land in unincorporated Marshall County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Marshall County.
4 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Marshall County, Tennessee

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

Marshall County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 56.2″/yr rainfall plus 50.3% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 54,964 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

How much does land cost in Marshall County, Tennessee?

Land in Marshall County runs about $5,660 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Marshall County?

Marshall County gets about 56.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.6% of years.

How remote is Marshall County?

A representative private-land location has about 54,964 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,959,079 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 Marshall compares in Tennessee

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