Bolthole Index

Maury County, Tennessee

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

67Index Score / 100
#62 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Maury County, Tennessee requires a county building permit for new construction, with inspections and a certificate of occupancy before use123. County zoning applies outside Columbia, Mount Pleasant and Spring Hill45. Residential applicants must document septic, water and driveway approvals as applicable6.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new construction in unincorporated Maury County1
Inspections
Required through final inspection for conventional construction2
Zoning
County zoning applies to unincorporated land; standards vary by district4789
Septic
TDEC permit required for residential applications using on-site septic1011
Owner-builder
Allowed conditionally; bring the deed and follow Tennessee licensing limits1213
Accessory dwelling
One per lot where allowed, subject to size and deed-restriction rules14
Manufactured home
Proof of age required; units over 15 years old are not permitted15
RV living
Countywide occupancy rules not confirmed; ask Building & Zoning for the parcel161718

Who to call

Building permits

Maury County Building & Zoning Office

Building permit applications, plan review, and inspections for unincorporated Maury County

931-375-3006

5 Public Square, Columbia, TN 38401 (Walter Harlan Building)

Planning & zoning

Maury County Building & Zoning Office

Zoning administration, subdivision and planning commission support, and National Flood Insurance Program (floodplain) administration for unincorporated Maury County

931-375-3002

5 Public Square (First Floor), Columbia, TN 38401

Septic permits

Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, Division of Water Resources - Columbia Environmental Field Office

State Septic System Construction Permits (SSDS) required before Maury County issues a building permit

931-380-3371

1421 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Maury County Highway Department

Driveway and access permits onto county-maintained roads in unincorporated Maury County

931-375-6202

1210 Industrial Park Road, Columbia, TN 38401

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 Maury County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

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

Yes. Maury County requires a building permit before covered construction, reconstruction, extension, conversion, structural alteration, moving, use changes or filling begins11920. County-reviewed structures are subject to adopted building codes, including county-listed 2018 building and commercial codes2122. Residential applications require plans, a plot plan, septic documentation, water-source proof, driveway approval and applicable licenses623. Conventional construction receives footing, foundation, framing, plumbing, mechanical, energy and final inspections; schedule inspections at least 24 hours ahead22425. A final inspection and blower-door test precede the certificate of occupancy326.

Who is the Maury County building department, and how do you reach them?

The Maury County Building & Zoning Office handles building permit applications and inspections for unincorporated Maury County, Tennessee2025. Reach the permit counter at 931-375-3006 or visit the Walter Harlan Building at 5 Public Square in Columbia18. The same department supports county planning and zoning and provides an interactive zoning map27. Residential applications go there with septic, water-source, driveway, plan, plot-plan and licensing materials628. Maury County publishes valuation-based building permit fees that include building, plumbing and mechanical permits; the New Development Tax is paid separately29. Flood-hazard, geotechnical or State Fire Marshal circumstances can require more documentation6.

Does Maury County have zoning?

Yes. Maury County administers zoning in the unincorporated county; Columbia, Mount Pleasant and Spring Hill administer their municipal areas4530. The ordinance and zoning map publish district-specific uses, lot sizes, setbacks and lot coverage, so the answer depends on the parcel's district7313233. For example, minimum lots range from 1 acre in RG to 15 acres in AP, while front setbacks range from 30 feet in CRC to 100 feet in AP8934. The permit packet's general residential setback summary is 40 feet in front, 30 feet in back and 20 feet on the sides, but district rules may differ35. Check the county zoning map with Building & Zoning before designing.

How do septic permits work in Maury County?

The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation handles septic permitting for Maury County1036. A TDEC septic permit is required documentation when a residential building-permit application uses on-site septic113738. The Columbia field office listed by the county is at 1421 Hampshire Pike39. After installation, the installer must notify TDEC, which inspects the system for compliance40. Only about 24% of Maury County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so do not assume a standard system will fit the parcel41. A qualifying utility can require sewer connection for a building on a parcel abutting a sewered public way42. We could not confirm whether a private well needs a permit; ask Building & Zoning what water-source proof it will accept.

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

We could not confirm a general Maury County rule allowing or prohibiting RV residence, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on an individual unincorporated parcel. The ordinance does limit occupancy in a county travel-trailer park to 30 consecutive days, but that park rule does not answer private-lot occupancy1617. Ask Building & Zoning how the parcel and proposed use are classified418. A small dwelling is not automatically an accessory dwelling: where an accessory dwelling is allowed, only one is permitted per lot, its size is capped, and a deed restriction must be recorded before zoning and building approval144344. A manufactured home is separate; proof of age is required, and a unit over 15 years old is not permitted15.

Building a home in Maury County, Tennessee: the steps, in order

  1. Identify the zoning district and confirm that the proposed use, minimum lot, setbacks and lot coverage fit its standards789.
  2. Confirm whether a lot split needs planning approval; subdivision review considers septic, drainage, flood hazards and access4546.
  3. Obtain the TDEC septic permit for an on-site system and proof of a water tap or other water source114748.
  4. Get Highway Department approval for a county-road driveway, or contact TDOT for a state-road connection4950.
  5. Submit plans, the plot plan, approvals and applicable licenses to Building & Zoning618. An owner acting as contractor must include a deed copy and follow Tennessee licensing limits1213.
  6. Pay the building permit fee and New Development Tax separately29.
  7. Complete inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy23.

What to check before you buy land in Maury County, Tennessee

Confirm the parcel's zoning district, permitted use, minimum lot, setbacks and lot coverage before making an offer78933. Check the lot history because some splits require planning approval before a home or mobile-home permit can issue45. Have TDEC evaluate septic suitability: only about 24% of Maury County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field1041. Confirm the water source and driveway path because both enter the residential application4749. Agricultural land is not automatically permit-free; county classification is required, and the exemption does not waive wastewater or floodplain limits51. Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a floodplain development application before work and completion-stage elevation documentation5253. Maury County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, with a median annual bill near $1,4765455.

Watch-outs

  • Maury County's zoning ordinance took effect January 1, 2026 and was last revised July 20, 2026, so use the current district standards for the parcel7.
  • We could not confirm countywide RV, temporary-camping, tiny-home or minimum-dwelling-size rules; ask Building & Zoning about the specific parcel and proposed use18.
  • A mobile home over 15 years old is not permitted in unincorporated Maury County, and proof of age is required15.
  • Claiming an agricultural exemption removes county permit and safety-inspection review, but only after county classification and without waiving wastewater or floodplain limits51.

Sources

  1. Building & Zoning Office | Maury County, TN, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building & Zoning Office | Maury County, TN, quoted and re-checked
  3. maurycounty-tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  4. Maury County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building & Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  6. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  7. Maury County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  8. Maury County Zoning Ordinance — Effective January 1, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  9. Maury County Zoning Ordinance — Effective January 1, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  10. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  11. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  12. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  13. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Maury County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  16. maurycounty-tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  17. maurycounty-tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  18. Maury County Building & Zoning Office (maurycounty-tn.gov)
  19. Maury County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  20. Building & Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  21. Maury County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  22. Building & Zoning Office — Building Permit links, quoted and re-checked
  23. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  24. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  25. Building & Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  26. Maury County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  27. Maury County Building & Zoning Office (maurycounty-tn.gov)
  28. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  29. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  30. Maury County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  31. Building & Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  32. Maury County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  33. Maury County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  34. Maury County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  35. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  36. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  37. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  38. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  39. Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, Division of Water Resources - Columbia Environmental Field Office (maurycounty-tn.gov)
  40. Septic System Related Permits, quoted and re-checked
  41. 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
  42. comptroller.tn.gov (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  43. Maury County Zoning Ordinance — Effective January 1, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  44. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  45. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  46. Maury County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  47. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  48. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  49. maurycounty-tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  50. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  51. Maury County Application for Certificate of Agricultural Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  52. Maury County Zoning Ordinance — Effective January 1, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  53. 2026 Building Permit Application & Fees, quoted and re-checked
  54. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  55. Median property tax bill: 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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Maury County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleMaury CountyMarshall CountyWilliamson CountyLewis CountyHickman CountyGiles CountyBedford County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesNoYesNoYes
Septic permitsTDECTDECWilliamson CountyTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Maury County in Tennessee

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

How Maury County scores

Seclusion38100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency73100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost74100% 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 →

$406kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,916Land / acre
55.4"Annual rain
5.2% of yrsSevere drought
10.1 / yr (+9.1)Mid-century 100°F days
14.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.42" (+6.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.54×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,745Home insurance / yr
1.6% / yrInsurance growth
1.11%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
73,139People within 30 min
3,616,176People within 2 hr
93,926Radius comparison (15 mi)
180.6People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
67.5%Land at 15% slope or less
23.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
90,301 acWorkable land screen
56%Wooded land
44.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.9°FAvg temp

Scout Maury County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Maury County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Maury 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.

Not yet researched: Columbia

Answers from the rulebook for Maury County

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

Maury County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction in unincorporated Maury County.

    • The county office states that it issues permits for all new construction.
    • Certain projects may require additional information before permit issuance.
    • The permit must be posted at the job site.
    “The mission of the Building and Zoning office is to provide safe and secure housing by issuing permits and inspecting all new construction in Maury County.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, reconstruction, extension, conversion, structural alteration, moving, use changes, and filling of land subject to the county resolution.
      “The mission of the Building and Zoning office is to provide safe and secure housing by issuing permits and inspecting all new construction in Maury County.”
    • Required — Residential and other construction subject to Maury County building permitting.
      “Where work for which a permit is required by this code is started or proceeded prior to obtaining said permit”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A permit applicant acting as owner/contractor.

    • A copy of the deed is required when acting as owner/contractor.
    • The source does not establish a complete exemption from permits or inspections.
    “Copy of Deed if acting as owner/contractor.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Maury County building-code enforcement for county-permitted construction.

    • The county website lists both a Resolution 2018 International Codes and a Resolution Adopting The 2018 International Codes.
    • The exact resolution text and effective date could not be extracted from the linked PDF.

    building code edition: 2018 Building and Commercial Codes

    “Resolution Adopting The 2018 International Codes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Structures subject to Maury County review in unincorporated areas.
      “Resolution Adopting The 2018 International Codes”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Conventional residential construction inspected by the Maury County Building and Zoning Office.

    • The 2026 packet lists footing, foundation, framing/dry-in, plumbing, mechanical, energy, and final inspections.
    • Inspection requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
    • A foundation inspection requires a porta-potty at the construction site.
    “The mission of the Building and Zoning office is to provide safe and secure housing by issuing permits and inspecting all new construction in Maury County.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Conventional construction inspected by Maury County Building and Zoning.
      “Inspection Schedule for Conventional Construction: 1) Footing: Inspection of trenches, checking depth and cleanliness. 2) Foundation: Inspection of mortar type and placement of bolts.”
    • Required — Conventional construction inspected by Maury County.
      “Inspection Schedule for Conventional Construction:”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures governed by the Maury County zoning resolution before occupancy or use.

    • A final inspection is required before issuance.
    • The certificate must state that the land, structure, or part thereof conforms to the resolution.
    “No land or building or other structures or part thereof hereafter erected, moved, or altered in its use shall be used until the Building Commissioner shall have issued a Certificate of Occupancy stating that such land, structure, or part thereof is found to be in conformity with the provisions of this Resolution.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Projects requiring a Maury County certificate of occupancy.
      “Before a Certificate of Occupancy (C/O) can be issued, the project must have satisfactorily met all code requirements and any special requirements of the State Fire Marshal.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Development of land in unincorporated Maury County.

    • The ordinance states that it applies unless exempted by the ordinance, state law, or federal law.
    • Incorporated municipalities are outside the county office's inspection jurisdiction.
    “The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to the development of all land in unincorporated Maury County, unless exempted by this Ordinance, or state law, or federal law.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation administered by Maury County in the unincorporated county.
      “The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to the development of all land in unincorporated Maury County”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Maury County; incorporated Columbia, Mount Pleasant, and Spring Hill are outside the county office inspection jurisdiction.

    • The county Building and Zoning Office administers the county zoning ordinance for the unincorporated area.
    • Municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to the development of all land in unincorporated Maury County, unless exempted by this Ordinance, or state law, or federal law.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    The county zoning districts and their dimensional and use regulations in unincorporated Maury County.

    • The county publishes an interactive zoning map and a zoning map with an effective date of January 1, 2026.
    • The zoning resolution defines and regulates districts including A-1, A-2A, R-1, R-2, and planned-unit-development districts.
    • District-specific use, lot-size, setback, coverage, height, sewer, and special-exception rules apply.
    “For the purpose of this Resolution, the following zoning districts are hereby established in Maury County, Tennessee:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — The Maury County zoning districts governing unincorporated land.
      “Section 3.2 Agricultural and Residential Districts”
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts and official zoning map for unincorporated Maury County.
      “This Ordinance establishes the zone districts identified in Table 3-1: Zone Districts Established.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Development in the AP, RR, RG, and CRC zoning districts in unincorporated Maury County.

    • AP district minimum lot area is 15 acres; maximum principal dwelling units per lot is 2.
    • RR district minimum lot area is 5 acres; maximum principal dwelling units per lot is 2.
    • RG district minimum lot area is 1 acre; one dwelling unit is permitted if the lot is less than five acres, and two dwelling units are permitted if the lot is five acres or greater.
    • CRC district minimum lot area is 20,000 square feet; maximum principal dwelling units per lot is 1.
    • All quoted standards are from the ordinance effective January 1, 2026.

    AP minimum lot area: 15 acres (AP district) · RR minimum lot area: 5 acres (RR district) · RG minimum lot area: 1 acre (RG district) · RG two-dwelling threshold: >= 5 acres (Two dwelling units permitted only when the lot is five acres or greater) · CRC minimum lot area: 20000 square feet (CRC district)

    “Development in the RG district shall comply with the standards in Table 3-6: RG District Intensity and Dimensional Standards, and Section 3.1.4, General Zone District Standards. Table 3-6: RG District Intensity and Dimensional Standards Standard Value Standard Value Lot area, min (acres) 1”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks vary by Maury County zoning district.

    • In the AP district, front setback is 100 feet, side setback is 30 feet, and rear setback is 50 feet.
    • A secondary street frontage in AP requires a 75-foot minimum setback.

    AP front setback: 100 feet · AP side setback: 30 feet (75 feet along a secondary street frontage) · AP rear setback: 50 feet

    “Minimum setback along a secondary street frontage is 75 feet.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Development in the AP, RR, RG, and CRC zoning districts in unincorporated Maury County.
      “The minimum side setback to another lot is 20 feet; the minimum side setback to a secondary street frontage is 30 feet for the principal building.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential and nonresidential construction in unincorporated Maury County.
      “Setbacks from property lines are as follows: Residential – 40’ Front, 30’ Rear, and 20’ Sides. Non-Residential – 40’ Front, 15’ Rear, 15’ Sides. Residential setbacks apply to both homes and mobile homes.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Development in county zoning districts.

    • Lot coverage varies by district.
    • Examples in the ordinance include AP 10 percent, RR 30 percent, RG 30 percent, CRC 40 percent, CC 70 percent, COR 80 percent, IL 50 percent, and IH 50 percent.
    “Table 3-2: AP District Intensity and Dimensional Standards [...] Lot coverage, max 10%”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Travel-trailer and recreational-vehicle occupancy in a county travel trailer park.

    • Occupancy is limited to travel trailer parks and travel trailer spaces.
    • Mobile homes are prohibited in the travel trailer park use.
    • The maximum occupancy period is 30 consecutive days.

    maximum occupancy: <= 30 days

    “The parking and temporary occupancy of travel trailers and similar transportable units such as recreational vehicles, for a maximum of 30 consecutive days.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary occupancy of travel trailers and similar transportable units in a travel trailer park.

    • The use is limited to a travel trailer park and travel trailer spaces.
    • Occupancy is limited to 30 consecutive days.

    maximum duration: <= 30 days

    “A travel trailer park shall be used only for the following:”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile or manufactured homes in unincorporated Maury County.

    • Proof of mobile-home age is required.
    • A mobile home over fifteen years old will not be permitted.
    • Residential setbacks apply to mobile homes.
    • Additional floodplain standards apply where applicable.

    maximum mobile home age: <= 15 years (Any mobile home over fifteen (15) years of age will not be permitted.)

    “In permitting mobile homes, proof of mobile home age must be provided. Any mobile home over fifteen (15) years of age will not be permitted.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Manufactured/mobile homes in county zoning districts where mobile homes are permitted.
      “In permitting mobile homes, proof of mobile home age must be provided. Any mobile home over fifteen (15) years of age will not be permitted.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units in Maury County zoning districts.

    • Only one accessory dwelling unit is permitted per lot.
    • The unit may not exceed 750 square feet or 30 percent of the principal dwelling's square footage, whichever is greater.
    • A deed restriction must be recorded before an approved zoning certificate and building permit.
    • Mobile-home accessory dwelling units are limited to districts where mobile homes are permitted as a principal use.

    maximum units per lot: 1 unit · size threshold: 750 square feet (or 30 percent of principal dwelling square footage, whichever is greater)

    “Only one accessory dwelling unit is permitted on a single lot.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Maury County zone districts where the ordinance applies.
      “An accessory dwelling unit shall comply with the following standards: (1) Only one accessory dwelling unit is permitted on a single lot. (2) An accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 750 square feet or 30 percent of the square footage of the principal dwelling, whichever is greater.”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in county zoning districts where the use is allowed.
      “Only one accessory dwelling unit is permitted on a single lot.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Residential building-permit applications using on-site septic in unincorporated Maury County.

    • A TDEC septic tank permit is required documentation for the residential building permit application.
    • The source also requires proof of a water tap or water source.
    “Bring or email the following information to the office when applying for a building permit for a residential home: 1) A septic tank permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) located at 1421 Hampshire Pike, Columbia (931-380-3371).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential building permit applications using septic systems.
      “A septic tank permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC)”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater (with conditions)

    Each dwelling in a residential building permit application.

    • Proof of a water tap or water source is required for each dwelling.
    • The packet identifies Maury County Water System and Columbia Power & Water Systems as sources.
    • No countywide sewer-connection requirement was established.
    “Certification or a receipt showing proof of a water tap or water source for each dwelling from:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Water (with conditions) — Residential building-permit applications in unincorporated Maury County.
      “Certification or a receipt showing proof of a water tap or water source from: Maury County Water System 931-381-8900 @ 765 New Lewisburg Hwy, Columbia. Columbia Power & Water Systems 931-375-7627 @ 201 Pickens Ln, Columbia.”
    • Conditional — Residential building permit applications in unincorporated Maury County.
      “Certification or a receipt showing proof of a water tap or water source for each dwelling”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Structures or uses on land used for agricultural purposes and incidental to the agricultural enterprise.

    • The county must classify the structure or use as exempt.
    • The use must remain agricultural; conversion triggers applicable zoning and building-code regulations.
    • The exemption does not exempt wastewater treatment regulations.
    • No structure may be located within the 100-year floodplain or required drainage easements.
    • The claimed exemption means the county cannot require a building permit or conduct inspections to confirm safety and building-code compliance.
    “To claim a structure or use is exempt from County Zoning Ordinance provisions, the structure or use must be located on land used for agricultural purposes and must be incidental to the agricultural enterprise.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and lot arrangements reviewed under Maury County Regional Planning Commission regulations.

    • Lot arrangements must account for topography, subsurface sewage disposal, stormwater management, flood hazards, zoning, state public-health regulations, and driveway access.
    • The Planning Commission may restrict, limit, or define roadway and driveway locations.
    • Building envelopes must be outside the 100-year floodplain or flood-prone areas, subject to the stated source maps and studies.
    “No more than two reductions shall be considered by the Maury County Regional Planning Commission.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and lot-split activity in unincorporated Maury County.
      “If a lot of less than five (5) acres is being divided (split off) from a larger tract of land, a “minor plat” must be prepared by a Tennessee licensed surveyor, submitted to the appropriated Planning commission for approval, and then recorded in the Register of Deeds Office prior to a home – or mobile home – permit being issued for the new lot.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Residential building permit applications and subdivisions using county roads.

    • On county roads, driveway connections must be approved by the Maury County Highway Department.
    • For state roads, TDOT must be contacted.
    • Subdivision regulations require access from an approved public way and authorize Planning Commission restrictions on roadway or driveway locations.
    “On county roads, driveway connections must be approved by the Maury County Highway Department (931-375-6203). Requests are to be made at the Highway Department located at 1210 Industrial Park Road. For states roads, contact TDOT 615-350-4300.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Driveway connections serving development on county roads.
      “On county roads, driveway connections must be approved by the Maury County Highway Department (931-375-6203). Requests are to be made at the Highway Department located at 1210 Industrial Park Road. For states roads, contact TDOT 615-350-4300.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development and construction in Areas of Special Flood Hazard and related flood-prone areas regulated by Maury County’s Floodplain District Standards.

    • A development permit application must be made to the Floodplain District Administrator before any development activities.
    • Application-stage information includes proposed lowest-floor elevation, applicable floodproofing elevation, FEMA Floodproofing Certificate for proposed non-residential floodproofed buildings, watercourse alteration or relocation details, and detailed cost information for substantial-improvement or substantial-damage determinations.
    • Within AE Zones with Base Flood Elevation data, lowest-floor certification must be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a Tennessee registered land surveyor; non-residential floodproofing certification must be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a Tennessee registered professional engineer or architect.
    • Within approximate A Zones without Base Flood Elevation data, lowest-floor elevation is measured relative to the highest adjacent grade; applicable certification is required.
    • For all new construction and substantial improvements, an as-built certification is required upon completion of the lowest floor or floodproofing.
    • A final Finished Construction Elevation Certificate is required after construction and before Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy issuance.
    • In all Areas of Special Flood Hazard, new construction and substantial improvements must satisfy anchoring, flood-damage-resistant materials, construction-method, utility, water-supply, sewage-system, and on-site-waste-disposal standards.
    • The ordinance is effective January 1, 2026.

    development permit timing: before any development activities · AE Zone lowest-floor certification: Tennessee registered land surveyor (Where Base Flood Elevation data is available) · as-built certification: required for all new construction and substantial improvements (Upon completion of lowest floor or floodproofing) · final elevation certificate: required (After construction and prior to Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy issuance)

    “A development permit shall be required in conformity with this Ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development and construction in designated flood hazard areas.
      “All new construction and substantial improvements that include fully enclosed areas formed by foundation and other exterior walls below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding, shall be designed to preclude finished living space and designed to allow for the entry and exit of flood waters to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Maury County building permits.

    • The 2026 packet lists valuation-based permit fees.
    • The permit fee includes building, plumbing, and mechanical permits.
    • The building permit fee and New Development Tax require separate checks.
    • Re-inspection fees begin with the ninth inspection: $25, $50, then $100 for each inspection after the tenth.

    reinspection ninth: 25 USD · reinspection tenth: 50 USD · reinspection after tenth: 100 USD (each inspection after the 10th)

    “Effective April 15, 2025, valuations for determining building permit fees are calculated as follows:”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building permit applications in unincorporated Maury County.

    • Applications are filed at the Building and Zoning Office.
    • Applicants must provide septic, water-source, driveway-access, plans, plot-plan, setback, deed, licensing, and any project-specific documents.
    • All plans must be drawn to scale.
    • Additional information may be required for flood hazard zones, soils, fire marshal review, and commercial or industrial projects.
    “Bring or email the following information to the office when applying for a building permit for a residential home:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building-permit applications in unincorporated Maury County.
      “Bring or email the following information to the office when applying for a building permit for a residential home:”
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building permit application and inspection process.
      “Bring or email the following information to the office when applying for a building permit for a residential home:”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • 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) — Residential septic permitting documentation required for Maury County building permits.
      “A TDEC Environmental Scientist will conduct a site evaluation to determine the type of septic system required for your property.”
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving residential development in Maury County.
      “A septic tank permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) located at 1421 Hampshire Pike, Columbia (931-380-3371).”
    • 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 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
    • Required — TDEC-regulated SSDS installations in Maury County.
      “must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Maury County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Maury County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in unincorporated Maury County.
  • Well permit — Private well permitting in unincorporated Maury County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Maury 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 Maury County, Tennessee

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

Maury County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 55.4″/yr rainfall plus 56% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 73,139 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Maury County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment & 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 Maury County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Maury County is limited to specific cases: Travel-trailer and recreational-vehicle occupancy in a county travel trailer park. Occupancy is limited to travel trailer parks and travel trailer spaces. Mobile homes are prohibited in the travel trailer park use. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Maury County, Tennessee?

Land in Maury County runs about $5,916 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Maury County?

Maury County gets about 55.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.2% of years.

How remote is Maury County?

A representative private-land location has about 73,139 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,616,176 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 Maury compares in Tennessee

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