Bolthole Index

Obion County, Tennessee

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

75Index Score / 100
#31 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Obion County, Tennessee requires a building permit, even though the county has no building code outside city limits.12 Get the county permit from the Obion County Assessor’s Office; septic construction, modification and repair require a separate state permit through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated Obion County1
Building code
No county code outside city limits; cities have their own codes2
Zoning
Local rules vary; confirm zoning for the parcel’s jurisdiction5
Septic
TDEC permit required for construction, modification or repair64
Owner-builder
Allowed for an owner’s individual-use residence, subject to state conditions7

Who to call

Building permits

Obion County Assessor of Property

Building and demolition permits for property in unincorporated Obion County

(731) 507-0999 Ext.#4

4 Bill Burnett Circle, PO Box 327, Union City, TN 38281

Septic permits

TDEC Jackson Environmental Field Office

Septic-related inquiries and Division of Water Resources services for Obion County

731-441-5593

1625 Hollywood Drive, Jackson, TN 38305

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Obion County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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

Yes. Buildings and related work in unincorporated Obion County require a building permit, and the county directs applicants to the Assessor’s Office in the courthouse.1 The Assessor says permits are used for new buildings and remodels, demolition permits remove buildings from the records, and applicants should obtain permits for room additions, repairs after storm or flood damage, and new-home construction.8

Obion County has opted out of Tennessee’s State Residential Building Program, and no county building code exists outside city limits.92 An owner or contractor may request a State Fire Marshal inspection during construction of a new home or addition; if the dwelling meets statewide building safety standards, the State Fire Marshal will issue a certificate of occupancy.9 A parcel inside a municipality needs a city-specific answer because each city has its own codes.2

Who handles building permits in Obion County?

The Obion County Assessor of Property is the building-permit contact for a house or building located in unincorporated Obion County.8 Call the office at (731) 507-0999 Ext.#4 or visit 4 Bill Burnett Circle in Union City; the office page also lists PO Box 327, Union City, TN 38281.8

Tell the office the parcel location and describe the proposed new building, remodel, room addition, repair or demolition, because those are the project types the Assessor identifies on its permit page.8 For land inside a city, contact that city’s building office instead; Obion County’s own guidance specifically routes Union City properties to the Union City Building Department.8

Does Obion County have zoning?

Obion County’s official guidance says each city has its own codes and no code exists outside city limits, so the rules depend first on whether the parcel is incorporated.5 We could not confirm that unincorporated Obion County has no zoning ordinance, so ask the Assessor to identify any parcel-specific land-use approvals before treating rural land as unrestricted. The county building-permit requirement and state septic rules still apply outside city limits.14

Union City has zoning, and its official zoning map controls the current zoning status of land inside the city.10 Property there must meet the rules for its mapped district.10 Other incorporated cities may have different ordinances and should be contacted directly.5 We could not confirm unincorporated-county rules for minimum home size, setbacks, subdivision approval, short-term rentals or floodplain development; ask the Assessor about those issues before buying or designing a project.

How do septic permits work in Obion County?

TDEC administers septic permits for Obion County through the Jackson Environmental Field Office.6 A permit is required to construct, modify or repair a septic system, and the installer must arrange a final inspection before covering the completed system.411

Applications may be filed online or on paper with the appropriate field office; review generally takes 10 days and must finish within 45 days after submission.12 The conventional-system permit is $400 for design flow up to 1,000 gallons per day, with a $100 construction inspection; alternative systems begin with a $500 permit and a $200 inspection.13 Only 12.2% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency.14 Call TDEC’s septic-inquiry line at 731-441-5593.15

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

We could not confirm an unincorporated Obion County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land, or a rule that sets a minimum size for a tiny home. The county says no code exists outside city limits, but a county building permit is still required and Tennessee still requires a permitted septic system for construction, modification or repair.514

Before buying, ask the Obion County Assessor whether the proposed structure needs a county permit and whether any parcel-specific land-use rule applies, then ask TDEC how the wastewater arrangement can be approved.815 Union City has zoning, and a manufactured dwelling there must meet district setbacks and other standards, connect to public utilities, and sit on a continuous permanent masonry wall; a previously occupied unit cannot be moved onto residentially zoned property in Union City.1016

Building a home in Obion County: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is inside a city, because cities have their own codes and Union City has zoning, while unincorporated Obion County has no county building code.210
  2. For unincorporated land, call the Obion County Assessor and obtain the required county building permit.18
  3. Apply to TDEC for the septic construction permit before installation or repair, allowing for the published review period.412
  4. If access will be built or changed on state highway right-of-way, obtain the required TDOT highway-entrance permit.17
  5. If building for your own use, confirm the Tennessee owner-builder conditions: one permit every two years, no sale, lease or rent, and licensing rules for hired prime contractors.7
  6. Have the septic installer arrange TDEC’s final inspection before covering the system.11

What should you check before buying land in Obion County?

Start with jurisdiction: each city has its own codes, while the county says no code exists outside city limits and still requires a building permit there.51 Ask the Assessor to confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction and any land-use approvals. Then make the purchase contingent on a workable wastewater plan, because only 12.2% of soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.14

Confirm legal road access and whether a proposed entrance touches state highway right-of-way, where a TDOT permit is required.17 Ask the relevant utility whether sewer service is available and whether connection is mandatory for the parcel.18 We could not confirm the county’s private-well, floodplain-development or county-road driveway requirements; ask TDEC about wells, the Assessor about parcel-specific approvals, and the road authority that maintains the frontage before closing.

Watch-outs

  • A county building permit is still required even though the county says no code exists outside city limits.15
  • Do not cover a permitted septic installation until the installer has arranged the required final inspection.11
  • Rules inside an Obion County city differ from the unincorporated-county rules because each city has its own codes.5
  • Union City has zoning and does not allow a previously occupied manufactured home to be moved onto residentially zoned property.1016

Sources

  1. obioncountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  2. obioncountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  3. obioncountytn.gov (2026 county census)
  4. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  5. obioncountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  7. Can I build my own home without a license?, quoted and re-checked
  8. Obion County Assessor of Property (obioncountytn.gov)
  9. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  10. Union City Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  12. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  13. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  14. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  15. TDEC Jackson Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  16. Manufactured Homes — City of Union City, quoted and re-checked
  17. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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

Unlike 3 of the 4 neighbors with published rules, Obion County has no countywide zoning.

RuleObion CountyLake CountyDyer CountyWeakley CountyGibson CountyCrockett CountyCarroll County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot required
County zoningNoYesYesNoNot publishedYesNot published
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Obion County in Tennessee

75
County map
Obion County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Obion County scores

Seclusion57100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness64100% ev.
Durability49100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$168kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$4,192Land / acre
52.9"Annual rain
7.4% of yrsSevere drought
12.5 / yr (+11.5)Mid-century 100°F days
16.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.48" (+7.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.63×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,881Home insurance / yr
0.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.99%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
31,288People within 30 min
1,102,038People within 2 hr
37,724Radius comparison (15 mi)
55.8People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
81.7%Land at 15% slope or less
12.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
41,062 acWorkable land screen
32.6%Wooded land
88.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Obion 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 Hornbeak · Town of Obion · Town of Rives · Town of Samburg · South Fulton · Town of Troy · Union City · Woodland Mills

Answers from the rulebook for Obion County

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

Obion County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Buildings and related work in unincorporated Obion County.

    • The FAQ states a permit is required even though no county building code exists outside city limits.
    • Permits can be obtained from the Obion County Assessor’s Office in the courthouse.
    “Outside of city limits, no code exists. However, you do need to pull a building permit.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    County building code in unincorporated Obion County.

    • Municipal building codes may apply inside city limits.
    “Each city in the county has its own codes. Outside of city limits, no code exists.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of local zoning and code authority across Obion County's incorporated cities and areas outside city limits; the county does not administer each municipal ordinance.

    • Each city in the county has its own codes.
    • Outside city limits, the official FAQ states that no code exists.
    • Cities may have different ordinances; municipal rules must be checked for the specific incorporated location.
    “Each city in the county has its own codes. Outside of city limits, no code exists. However, you do need to pull a building permit.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Per the county FAQ, each city has its own codes but outside city limits no zoning code exists, so unincorporated Obion County is not zoned.

    Obion County, TN - FAQs ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A person who owns property and constructs their own home in Tennessee, including Obion County.

    • The owner is allowed one permit every two years.
    • The home must not be for sale, lease, or rent and must be for individual use.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, that contractor is considered a prime and must be licensed and obtain the building permit for inspections.
    • The homeowner should not obtain the permit on behalf of the contractor because doing so could relieve the contractor from most liability and insurance requirements.
    • Contracts may not be split into phases to circumvent the law.
    • Anyone paid in excess of $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and must be licensed.

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

    “Yes. A person who owns property is allowed one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use). If they hire a contractor, the contractor is considered a "prime" and required to be licensed, as well as obtain the building permit for inspections. (TCA 62-6-103 and Rule 0680-1-.22)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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).”
  • InspectionsLimited

    One- and two-family dwellings in Obion County areas identified by Tennessee as opt-out or non-code jurisdictions.

    • Obion County is listed as OPT OUT of the State Residential Building Program.
    • An owner or contractor may request a State Fire Marshal’s Office inspection during construction for new construction or additions to existing homes.
    • If the dwelling meets statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy.
    • The inspection is request-based and therefore is not established as universally mandatory.
    “Their home may now be inspected by an inspector with the State Fire Marshal’s Office during the construction process, both for new construction and additions to existing homes. 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.””
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving property in Obion County.
      “Benton, Carroll, Decatur, Dyer, Hardin, Haywood, Lake Lauderdale, Obion, Weakley, Chester, Crockett, Gibson, Hardeman (Division of Water Resources served by Memphis EFO, except for septic related services), Henderson, Henry, Madison, McNairy”
    • 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 — Construction, modification, or repair of septic systems in Obion County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.

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

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

    “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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 SSDS permits and inspections applicable in Obion County.

    • Fees vary by system type and design flow.
    • Repair permits have no permit fee but repair construction inspection has a $100 fee.

    new conventional or large diameter graveless pipe SSDS permit: 400 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · new conventional SSDS construction inspection: 100 USD · new alternative SSDS permit: 500 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($150 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · alternative SSDS construction inspection: 200 USD · experimental SSDS permit: 500 USD · repair permit: No permit fee · repair construction inspection: 100 USD

    “New Conventional or Large Diameter Graveless Pipe SSDS Permit | $400 up to 1000 gallons per day design flow”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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”
  • 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) — Tennessee SSDS permit process applicable in Obion County.
      “A detailed review of the application is conducted, and the applicant is notified when the review is complete. The review process generally takes 10 days and must be completed within 45 days of the date the application was submitted.”
  • 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 Obion County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land within the City of Union City, Tennessee, which is an incorporated municipality in Obion County.

    • The City of Union City Department of Planning and Codes administers planning, zoning, plan review, and subdivision regulations.
    • The City publishes a Zoning Ordinance.
    • The Planning Commission reviews site plans and subdivision plans for compliance with city codes; its stated submittal deadline is 14 days before the scheduled meeting.
    • Board of Zoning Appeals applications for Home Occupations, Administrative Reviews, Special Exceptions, and Variances are heard case by case; the stated deadline is 14 days before the meeting and the regular-meeting application fee is $50.00.

    Planning Commission submittal deadline: 14 days before scheduled meeting · Board of Zoning Appeals application fee: 50 USD (regular meeting) · Board of Zoning Appeals submittal deadline: 14 days before scheduled meeting

    “The Department of Planning and Codes serves as the administrative body & information center for planning, zoning, plan review & subdivision regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land use within the City of Union City, an incorporated municipality in Obion County.
      “The City of Union City is hereby divided into thirteen zones, or districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this Ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Published zoning-district information for Union City, a municipality within Obion County.

    • This claim is municipality-specific and does not establish zoning-district publication for unincorporated Obion County or other municipalities.
    “The City of Union City is hereby divided into thirteen zones, or districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map [...]”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement of manufactured residential dwellings within Union City, Obion County.

    • The home must be installed on a continuous, permanent masonry wall.
    • The unit must meet setback and other requirements for the district in which it is located.
    • The unit must connect to public utility systems in compliance with applicable building codes.
    • Previously lived-in units may not be relocated to residentially zoned properties in Union City.
    • Flood-hazard-area requirements in Chapter 18 apply.

    masonry wall deadline: 90 days (after placement of the dwelling) · roof pitch: >= 3:12 ratio

    “Previously lived in units may not be relocated to residentially zoned properties in Union City.”

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 requirements in Obion County, especially unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Obion County, especially unincorporated areas.
  • Setbacks — Setback requirements in Obion County, especially unincorporated areas.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Obion County.
  • Building height — Building-height requirements in unincorporated Obion County.
7 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Tiny 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 Obion County, Tennessee

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

Obion County scores 75/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 52.9″/yr rainfall plus 32.6% wooded land.

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

Obion County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Resources - SSDS. 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 Obion County, Tennessee?

Land in Obion County runs about $4,192 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Obion County?

Obion County gets about 52.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.4% of years.

How remote is Obion County?

A representative private-land location has about 31,288 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,102,038 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 Obion compares in Tennessee

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