Bolthole Index

Moore County, Tennessee

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

70Index Score / 100
#54 of 95 in Tennessee

Moore County/Lynchburg, Tennessee is an opt-out jurisdiction for state residential-code enforcement, so a state building permit is optional for a one- or two-family home rather than universally required.1 Local planning and zoning still apply, and a state septic permit is required before installing, modifying or repairing an onsite system.23

At a glance

Building permit
State residential permit is optional for one- and two-family homes; confirm local planning approval12
Zoning
Yes; Metro Moore County administers planning and zoning2
Septic permit
Required through Tennessee's Division of Water Resources43
Owner-builder
May build one personal residence every two years, subject to licensing limits for hired work5
RV living
Not confirmed; ask Metro Building Permits - Planning before relying on RV occupancy26
Tiny home
No specific occupancy or minimum-size rule confirmed; zoning review still applies26
State-highway driveway
TDOT permit required before work on state highway right-of-way7

Who to call

Building permits

Metro Moore County Building Permits - Planning

Local building-permit, planning and parcel-zoning questions in Metropolitan Lynchburg/Moore County

Septic permits

TDEC Columbia Environmental Field Office

Division of Water Resources and septic-service questions for Moore 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 3, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Moore 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 Moore County, Tennessee?

A state residential building permit is not mandatory for every home in Moore County/Lynchburg because the jurisdiction opted out of the state program for one- and two-family dwellings.8 An owner or contractor may still obtain a state permit and request State Fire Marshal inspections for new construction or an addition.19 If the inspected home meets statewide construction-safety standards, the State Fire Marshal releases a Certificate of Occupancy.10 A Tennessee owner-builder may construct one residence for personal use every two years, provided it is not for resale, lease or rent; hired work worth $25,000 or more remains subject to contractor-licensing requirements.5 The opt-out and owner-builder rules do not cancel local zoning or wastewater approvals, so ask Metro Moore County Building Permits - Planning what local approval applies before work begins.16

Who handles building permits and planning in Moore County?

Metro Moore County maintains an official Building Permits - Planning office page for local building and planning questions.6 The page does not publish a verifiable phone number, address, application, local fee schedule or inspection procedure, so use the official page to identify the current contact before submitting plans.6 For a one- or two-family home, the separate State Fire Marshal pathway remains available even though Moore County/Lynchburg opted out of mandatory state residential-code enforcement.1 Under that optional pathway, the permit holder must request inspections, work must begin within 180 days, and the permit generally ends after two years or when a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.11 The published state fee table runs from $100 to $1,750 by construction cost and adds $50 for each additional $50,000 or fraction above its highest range; those are optional state-program fees, not confirmed local planning fees.12

Does Moore County, Tennessee have zoning?

Yes. Metro Moore County has zoning administered through its Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals via the Building Permits - Planning function.2 Zoning remains a separate local approval even though Moore County/Lynchburg opted out of mandatory state residential building permits for one- and two-family homes.1 The published material reviewed for this guide does not confirm the parcel-level districts, setbacks, minimum lot sizes, building heights or minimum dwelling sizes, so ask the planning office to identify the zone and applicable standards before designing or buying.26 Tennessee's agricultural zoning limitation is conditional: a structure must be on land devoted to agricultural use and incidental to that enterprise, and stated exceptions include certain locations near highways, airports or parks and land in the one-hundred-year floodplain.13 Do not treat a farm label as a blanket exemption without local review.13

How do septic permits work in Moore County?

Tennessee's Division of Water Resources administers the septic process relevant to Moore County, and the Columbia Environmental Field Office serves Moore County.1415 A permit is required before construction, modification or repair of a septic system, and TDEC advises obtaining it before dirt work or construction of the building pad.3 Before an electrical inspector can process new service, written notice must show public-sewer service, a pending septic-permit application or use of an existing septic system.16 Only about 1.1% of mapped Moore County soils avoid a “very limited” rating for a conventional drain field, so septic feasibility should be an early purchase condition.17 After installation, the installer must arrange a final inspection before covering the system; approval results in a Certificate of Completion.18 Call the Columbia office at (931) 380-3371 for the appropriate septic contact.15

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

We could not confirm a Moore County rule that permits or prohibits full-time RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on an ordinary private parcel. Metro Moore County does have zoning, so an RV or tiny home should not be treated as automatically allowed simply because the state residential permit program is optional for conventional one- and two-family homes.21 Ask Metro Building Permits - Planning how the proposed unit is classified, whether residential occupancy is allowed in the parcel's district, and what setbacks, minimum size and utility approvals apply.6 A manufactured or modular home is also not answered by the state's opt-out status alone; the state residential-process material distinguishes the home installation from custom site work such as a deck, patio or stoop.19 Septic construction, modification or repair still requires state approval regardless of the chosen dwelling format.3

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

  1. Ask Metro Moore County Building Permits - Planning to confirm the parcel's zoning district, allowed dwelling type and local approvals.26
  1. Resolve wastewater service early; a qualifying utility may require sewer connection where a building's parcel abuts a public way with sanitary sewer.20
  1. If using septic, apply through TDEC before dirt work or construction of the building pad.3
  1. Decide whether to use the optional State Fire Marshal permit and inspection pathway and, if building as the owner, whether the owner-builder exemption fits the project.15
  1. If using the state pathway, request each inspection yourself and begin work within 180 days; the permit generally ends after two years or issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.11
  1. Give the electrical inspector written proof of public sewer, a septic application or an existing septic system before requesting new service.16
  1. Have the septic system inspected before it is covered and obtain the Certificate of Completion.18

What should you check before buying land in Moore County?

Start with a parcel-specific zoning review because Moore County has zoning but the reviewed material does not confirm its district standards, setbacks, minimum lot sizes or dwelling-size rules.26 Make an acceptable septic evaluation a purchase condition: only about 1.1% of mapped soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and TDEC may require soils information during review.173 Confirm whether public sewer is available and whether the serving utility can require connection.20 Verify road ownership before planning an entrance because a driveway on state highway right-of-way needs a TDOT permit.7 Private-well permitting and local floodplain-development requirements could not be confirmed, so ask the Columbia field office about water questions and Metro Building Permits - Planning about floodplain review.156 For budgeting context, the median property-tax bill is about $1,252 per year and the effective rate is about 0.5%.2122

Watch-outs

  • Moore County/Lynchburg's opt-out status covers mandatory state residential-code enforcement for one- and two-family homes; it does not establish the rules for commercial or other construction.8
  • Do not begin dirt work or a building pad before resolving septic approval; TDEC advises obtaining the septic permit first.3
  • Electrical service cannot be processed until the inspector receives written notice of public sewer, a septic application or an existing septic system.16
  • RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, private-well permits and parcel-level zoning dimensions could not be confirmed; ask Metro Building Permits - Planning and the TDEC Columbia office before buying for those uses.2615

Sources

  1. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  2. Metro Moore County - Building Permits / Planning (2026 county census)
  3. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  4. TDEC - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) (2026 county census)
  5. Residential Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  6. Metro Moore County Building Permits - Planning (metromoorecounty.org)
  7. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  9. Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions, quoted and re-checked
  10. Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions, quoted and re-checked
  11. Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions, quoted and re-checked
  12. Residential Building Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  13. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  15. TDEC Columbia Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  16. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  17. 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
  18. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. Residential Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 3, 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

Unlike all 6 of its neighbors, Moore County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleMoore CountyLincoln CountyFranklin CountyBedford CountyCoffee CountyMarshall CountyGrundy County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot required
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Moore County in Tennessee

70
County map
Moore County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Moore County scores

Seclusion43100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency62100% ev.
Admin Boringness59100% ev.
Durability61100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost8196% 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 →

$360kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$4,198Land / acre
59.7"Annual rain
6.3% of yrsSevere drought
7.9 / yr (+7.5)Mid-century 100°F days
13.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.88" (+9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.49×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,003Home insurance / yr
-0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.95%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
49,708People within 30 min
3,889,596People within 2 hr
74,364Radius comparison (15 mi)
52.2People / sq mi
1.7%Federal land
43%Land at 15% slope or less
1.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
839 acWorkable land screen
57.2%Wooded land
44.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59°FAvg temp

Scout Moore 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 Moore 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 Moore 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.

Lynchburg, Moore County metropolitan government

Answers from the rulebook for Moore County

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

Moore County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Metro Moore County has adopted Metro Zoning Ordinances administered by the Metro Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals via its Building Permits/Planning office.

    Metro Moore County - Building Permits / Planning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    State residential building permits for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Tennessee jurisdictions where the State Fire Marshal's Office administers the residential building permit program.

    • The state permit is required only in some areas because other jurisdictions may enforce local residential building codes.
    • A county legislative body may remove unincorporated areas from the state program or a city legislative body may remove the city by a two-thirds vote.
    • The state permit does not replace grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic or sewer permits, electrical permits, or zoning approval.
    • Local governments remain responsible for locally adopted codes and other requirements.
    “Why is the state residential building permit only required in some areas of the state?”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — State residential building permits for one- and two-family dwellings in Moore County/Lynchburg.
      “OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A Tennessee property owner constructing a single residence for the owner's individual use.

    • The owner may have one permit every two years.
    • The residence must not be for sale, lease, or rent.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, the contractor is a prime and must be licensed and obtain the building permit for inspections.
    • Contracts may not be split into phases to circumvent the licensing law.
    • Anyone paid more than $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and must be licensed.
    • The exemption is based on TCA 62-6-103 and Rule 0680-1-.22.

    owner permits: per 1 permit per two years · contractor payment threshold: > 25000 USD (Anyone paid in excess of this amount is considered a prime and must be licensed.)

    “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Owner-builder construction of a single residence in Tennessee, including Moore County subject to applicable permits and local requirements.
      “Yes. Pursuant to TCA § 62-6-103, an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use, as long as it is not for resale, lease or rent without being a licensed contractor. However, anyone hired by the homeowner whose portion is $25,000 or more would not be exempt from the contractors’ licensing requirements.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office residential building-code standards for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes statewide, except where a qualifying local government enforces its own current residential code or has opted out.

    • The State Fire Marshal's Office has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code with amendments.
    • For one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes, the adopted energy code is the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments.
    • The statewide program applies only in areas that have not received an exemption from the State Fire Marshal's Office because local building codes are enforced by the local government or opted out of state residential building codes and enforcement by a two-thirds vote of the city or county legislative body.
    • A qualifying local jurisdiction may continue operating its own program if its building code is current within seven years of the most recent edition; other versions may be approved in writing by the State Fire Marshal's Office.
    • A county legislative body may vote to remove unincorporated areas of the county from the state program, and a city legislative body may vote to remove the city from the state program.
    • A city or county may opt out by passage, by a two-thirds vote, of a resolution exempting the city or county; the opt-out resolution expires 180 days following the date of the election for the city or county's legislative body.
    • If the subsequent legislative body does not vote to opt out before the resolution expires, the State Fire Marshal's Office begins enforcing the residential building-code requirements until the city or county enforces residential building codes or passes another opt-out resolution.
    • The State Fire Marshal's Office enforces only the codes it adopts; local governments enforce other locally adopted codes or requirements.
    • The state residential building permit is a building permit only and is not grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, a septic or sewer permit, an electrical permit, or zoning approval.
    • The permit fee is based on the cost of construction and covers all required inspections and one free re-inspection; additional re-inspections cost $100 each.

    International Residential Code edition: 2018 (with amendments) · International Energy Conservation Code edition for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes: 2018 (with amendments) · local-code currency window: <= 7 years (other versions can be approved in writing by the State Fire Marshal's Office) · opt-out vote: two-thirds vote (resolution expires 180 days following the date of the election for the city or county's legislative body) · additional re-inspection fee: 100 USD (one re-inspection per permit is free)

    “The codes currently adopted by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office are: [...] International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 edition, published by the ICC, with amendments;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Tennessee residential building-code program as it relates to one- and two-family dwellings in Moore County/Lynchburg.
      “adopted the 2018 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC)”
  • InspectionsLimited

    State Fire Marshal residential inspections for one- and two-family dwellings in Moore County/Lynchburg.

    • Inspection is available by owner or contractor request in the opt-out jurisdiction.
    • The official page describes inspection during construction for new construction and additions.
    • No separate local inspection rule was located.
    “may now be inspected by an inspector with the State Fire Marshal’s Office”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificate of occupancy issued through the State Fire Marshal inspection process for one- and two-family dwellings in Moore County/Lynchburg.

    • The State Fire Marshal’s Office releases a Certificate of Occupancy if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The process is available when an owner requests state inspection in the opt-out jurisdiction.
    • No separate local certificate-of-occupancy rule was located.
    “If the one- or two-family dwelling is determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy, often referred to as a “CO.””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving residences, commercial, and industrial properties in Moore County.
      “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”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Statewide subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and assistance, with specified contract counties providing ground water protection services in their own areas.
      “NOTE: Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas. The online application form is not to be submitted for services requested in the following metropolitan or contact counties: Blount County, Davidson County/Nashville, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Madison County, Sevier County, Shelby County, Williamson County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, modification, or repair of residential, commercial, or industrial septic systems in Tennessee.

    • A permit is required before construction, modification, or repair.
    • A septic system permit should be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building, including the building pad.
    • Repair permits have no permit fee.
    • Alternative systems require an extra-high intensity soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant.
    • Contract counties may require an additional permit.

    new conventional SSDS permit fee: 400 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · new alternative SSDS permit fee: 500 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($150 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · experimental SSDS permit fee: 500 USD · repair permit fee: 0 USD (Repair construction inspection fee is $100)

    “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system. This permit ensures that the septic system design complies with state regulations and safeguards your health by properly managing wastewater.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New septic systems and repairs or modifications to existing systems in Moore County.
      “required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.

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

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

    “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Completed septic installations in Moore County.
      “schedule a final inspection before the system is covered”
  • 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."”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Electrical service for a new residence served by public sewer or septic in Moore County.
      “On July 1, 1994, T.C.A. 68-221-414 became effective. This bill requires that before the electrical inspector can process a request for electrical service, he/she must be provided with written notification that the proposed house or establishment is served by a public sewer system, or, that a septic system permit has been applied for, or, that an existing septic system will be used.”
    • 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)

    Residential building permits administered by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses where the state program applies.

    • The state program does not apply where a local government enforces local building codes under an exemption or where the city or county has opted out by a two-thirds vote.
    • For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table, an additional fee of $50.00 applies for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • The construction cost cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction.
    • An HVAC and Plumbing Inspection is required for all new construction.
    • A slab other than Monolith Pour Inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately.

    permit fee for construction cost $0 to $5,000: 100 USD · permit fee for construction cost $5,001 to $100,000: 350 USD · additional fee for plumbing and HVAC inspection: 100 USD (Applicable as stated in the fee table.) · additional fee for slab other than monolith pour: 100 USD (Applicable when slab and footing are cast separately.)

    “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — State residential building permit fees that may apply if a Moore County/Lynchburg owner requests the optional state inspection pathway.
      “an additional fee of $50.00 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential permit purchase and inspection process under Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program.

    • The state program applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses only in areas without the stated local-code exemption or opt-out.
    • A first-time CORE user must register for an account.
    • A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent.
    • Inspections cover the foundation before pouring, framing/rough-in construction, and final construction.
    • One free re-inspection is available; each additional re-inspection requires an additional fee.
    • A homeowner may build a home only if it will be the homeowner's residence, not sold or leased, and the homeowner has not received a homeowner building permit during the preceding 24 months.
    • Detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require a state residential building permit.
    • A permit is not required for installation of a manufactured or modular home, but custom site work such as a deck, patio, or stoop requires a permit.

    effective date for permit requirement for additions over 30 square feet: 2011-10-01 (Applies to additions to existing homes.) · free re-inspections per project: 1 inspection (Available if a required inspection is not passed the first time.)

    “A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent. The cost of the building permit is based on the estimated cost”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Optional state residential permit and inspection process for one- and two-family dwellings in Moore County/Lynchburg.
      “The owner of a one- or two-family dwelling or the contractor performing work on the dwelling may obtain a state building permit at various locations throughout the state or online at www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/residential-permits.html.”
  • 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.

  • Local zoning — Local zoning rules in Moore County and Lynchburg.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts or district map for Moore County/Lynchburg.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Moore County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Moore County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Moore County.
10 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • 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 Moore County, Tennessee

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

Moore County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Moore County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Resources. 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 Moore County, Tennessee?

Land in Moore County runs about $4,198 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Moore County?

Moore County gets about 59.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.3% of years.

How remote is Moore County?

A representative private-land location has about 49,708 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,889,596 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 Moore compares in Tennessee

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