Bolthole Index

Perry County, Tennessee

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

81Index Score / 100
#16 of 95 in Tennessee

Perry County, Tennessee has opted out of the State Residential Building Program, so one- and two-family homes are outside the mandatory state residential permit and inspection program1. Linden and Lobelville are also listed as opted out of that state program2. An owner or contractor may still request state review, while TDEC handles septic permits and final inspections13.

At a glance

Building permit
Outside the mandatory state residential program for one- and two-family homes; voluntary state review is available1
Voluntary inspection
Available by requesting a state permit and inspection4
Zoning
Linden and Lobelville administer municipal zoning; zoning in unincorporated areas is unconfirmed56
Septic permits
TDEC Division of Water Resources, through the Columbia Environmental Field Office3
RV or tiny home
Unconfirmed; the residential-program opt-out does not settle occupancy or land-use rules6
Owner-builder
An owner may build one personal-use residence every two years, subject to state conditions7
Agricultural buildings
A conditional county-zoning exemption applies to structures incidental to an agricultural enterprise8

Who to call

Codes & inspections

Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office - Residential Permits Program

Voluntary state residential permits and inspections in opt-out jurisdictions

615-741-7170

sfmo.permits-licensing@tn.gov

500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243-0565

Online permits →

Septic permits

TDEC Columbia Environmental Field Office - Division of Water Resources

Local TDEC water-resources and septic-permitting assistance for Perry 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 4, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

Perry County is marked OPT OUT of Tennessee's State Residential Building Program, meaning the county passed a resolution leaving that program for one- and two-family dwellings1. The same state table lists Linden and Lobelville as OPT OUT, so all three Perry County jurisdictions are outside the mandatory state residential program2. The opt-out does not eliminate separate septic, electrical, floodplain, driveway or applicable land-use approvals2.

An owner or contractor may obtain a state permit and request State Fire Marshal inspections for a new one- or two-family home or an addition1. If the inspected dwelling meets statewide building-construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal's Office can release a Certificate of Occupancy1. Tennessee also allows a property owner to construct one residence for personal use every two years, provided it is not for sale, lease or rent7.

Who handles Perry County building permits and inspections?

Perry County does not participate in the mandatory state residential building-code program for one- and two-family homes1. For a voluntary state permit and inspection, contact the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office Residential Permits Program at the phone or email listed above; its CORE system accepts inspection requests9.

For Perry County's optional state pathway, the published base fee is $100 for construction costing up to $5,000 and $350 for construction costing from $5,001 through $100,000, with additional inspection charges listed by the state10. The schedule is for a state-issued permit, not a county-issued building permit10. County grading and county-road driveway requirements could not be confirmed. A driveway built or changed on state-highway right-of-way requires a TDOT permit11.

Does Perry County have zoning?

Zoning depends on where the parcel lies: the Town of Linden and City of Lobelville administer their own municipal zoning, while zoning in unincorporated Perry County could not be confirmed56. Ask the relevant municipality about uses and dimensional standards inside its limits; for land outside both cities, ask county government whether setbacks, minimum lot size, building height, lot coverage, subdivision review or another land-use rule applies. Tennessee law allows counties to zone territory outside municipalities, but that authority does not prove Perry County has adopted county zoning12.

County zoning generally may not regulate a structure on agricultural land when the structure is incidental to the agricultural enterprise8. That protection does not govern municipal zoning, and it excludes certain land near state or federal-aid highways, public airports or public parks and land within the one-hundred-year floodplain8.

How do septic permits work in Perry County?

TDEC's Division of Water Resources administers Perry County septic permits and final inspections, and the Columbia Environmental Field Office serves the county3. A Septic System Construction Permit is required before installing a system or repairing a faulty one; applications and fees go to the appropriate TDEC field office13. The Columbia office can direct applicants to the appropriate water-resources staff and the state online application14.

A new conventional permit costs $400 for design flow up to 1,000 gallons per day, while a new alternative permit costs $500 at that flow; added flow and construction inspections carry additional charges13. Only 2% of Perry County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site and soils evaluation an early purchase contingency15. The installer must arrange final inspection before covering the system; approval brings a Certificate of Completion16. Proof of public sewer, a septic application or an existing septic system is also required before an electrical inspector can process new service17.

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

Perry County's rules for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping and tiny-home occupancy could not be confirmed. The county's absence from Tennessee's mandatory residential building program answers a construction-permit question; it does not by itself authorize a land use or residential occupancy16. Linden and Lobelville administer separate municipal zoning, so ask the relevant city about placement and occupancy inside its limits; for an unincorporated parcel, ask county government about any applicable setbacks, sanitation, floodplain or occupancy limits56.

A tiny home that uses septic still needs a TDEC construction permit before installation or repair18. A wastewater holding or pump-and-haul system is not a permit-free workaround: it requires a State Operating Permit from TDEC19. Placement in or near a mapped floodplain can also trigger local review for manufactured homes, accessory structures, grading, fill or other development20.

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

  1. Locate the parcel relative to Linden and Lobelville: ask the relevant city about municipal zoning inside its limits, or ask county government which land-use and subdivision rules apply outside both cities56.
  2. Check the flood map and contact the county floodplain administrator before grading, filling or building in a mapped flood zone20.
  3. Have the site evaluated for septic and obtain the TDEC construction permit before installation or repair13.
  4. Obtain a TDOT entrance permit if access will be built or changed on state-highway right-of-way11.
  5. Decide whether to request optional state residential review; Perry County, Linden and Lobelville are outside the mandatory state program2.
  6. Use the owner-builder exemption only for a residence for your own use and observe its licensing conditions for hired work7.
  7. Arrange the septic final inspection before the system is covered, then provide the electrical inspector with proof of sewer service, a septic application or an existing septic system when requesting service1617.

What should you check before buying land in Perry County?

Start with a parcel-level use check: Linden and Lobelville have separate municipal zoning, while zoning and dimensional standards for unincorporated Perry County could not be confirmed56. Ask the city with jurisdiction or county government before assuming a proposed use, setback, lot size, building height or subdivision is allowed. Check access separately because a connection to state-highway right-of-way requires TDOT approval11. Check flood mapping and the correct local floodplain administrator before planning fill, excavation, a manufactured home or another structure in a regulated floodplain20.

Septic feasibility deserves an early contingency because only 2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for conventional drain fields15. Perry County is 88.4% wooded, and only 36.1% of its land is at a slope of 15% or less, so clearing, driveway grade and usable homesite area can materially shape a rural build2122. The county's typical effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $6602324.

Watch-outs

  • Perry County's residential-program opt-out does not cancel separate septic, electrical, floodplain, state-highway access or any applicable local land-use approval1.
  • Linden and Lobelville administer municipal zoning, but zoning in unincorporated Perry County and countywide RV, tiny-home, minimum-lot-size and setback rules could not be confirmed56.
  • Only 2% of Perry County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so confirm septic feasibility before committing to a homesite15.

Sources

  1. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  2. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  3. Third-Party Permits & Final Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  4. Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions, quoted and re-checked
  5. Perry County, TN | Official Government Website, quoted and re-checked
  6. (2026 county census)
  7. Residential Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  8. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  9. Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office - Residential Permits Program (tn.gov)
  10. Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions, quoted and re-checked
  11. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Tennessee Attorney General Opinion No. 10-108 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  14. TDEC Columbia Environmental Field Office - Division of Water Resources (tn.gov)
  15. 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
  16. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  17. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  18. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  19. Water Quality State Operating Permits, quoted and re-checked
  20. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory, quoted and re-checked
  21. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 4, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Perry County requires no county building permit for a home.

RulePerry CountyDecatur CountyLewis CountyHickman CountyHenderson CountyBenton CountyHumphreys County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredLimitedNot required
County zoningNot publishedNoNoYesNot publishedYesNot published
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTN Dept. of Env. & Conservation

County locator

Perry County in Tennessee

81
County map
Perry County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Perry County scores

Seclusion75100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency57100% ev.
Admin Boringness7877% ev.
Durability55100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost91100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$176kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,130Land / acre
55.7"Annual rain
4.4% of yrsSevere drought
11.8 / yr (+10.9)Mid-century 100°F days
14.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.36" (+7.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.56×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,524Home insurance / yr
-0.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.67%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,582People within 30 min
2,253,234People within 2 hr
19,020Radius comparison (15 mi)
21.4People / sq mi
1.3%Federal land
36.1%Land at 15% slope or less
2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
4,434 acWorkable land screen
88.4%Wooded land
48.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Perry 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 Linden · Lobelville

Answers from the rulebook for Perry County

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

Perry County rules

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Statewide building-construction standards for one- and two-family dwellings within Perry County's jurisdictional boundaries.

    • Perry County is listed by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office as OPT OUT, meaning it passed a resolution opting out of the State Residential Building Program.
    • The cited state guidance concerns one- and two-family dwellings; this claim does not establish the code status for commercial, multifamily, or other structures.
    • An owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit and request State Fire Marshal inspection in an opt-out jurisdiction.
    • If the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal's Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy.
    “Perry County | OPT OUT | Ronnie Galloway | gallowayinspection@gmail.com | 931-201-3844 [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not adopted — Statewide residential building-code adoption for one- and two-family dwellings within Perry County, Tennessee.
      “Perry County | OPT OUT | Ronnie Galloway | gallowayinspection@gmail.com | 931-201-3844 [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning within Perry County; this aggregate conclusion reflects independently administered municipal zoning in the Town of Linden and City of Lobelville, while the countywide source does not establish a county-administered zoning ordinance for unincorporated areas.

    • The Town of Linden has a zoning ordinance governing land use within the town.
    • The City of Lobelville's municipal code includes Title 14, Zoning and Land Use Control.
    • Municipal zoning applies within the respective incorporated municipality and should not be treated as a county-administered rule for unincorporated land.
    • The official Perry County website identifies Linden and Lobelville as separate incorporated local governments.
    “Land use within the Town of Linden shall be governed by Ordinance Number , titled "Zoning Ordinance, Linden, Tennessee," and any amendments thereto.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    One- and two-family dwellings and additions in Perry County, which the State Fire Marshal's Office lists as an OPT OUT jurisdiction.

    • Perry County is listed as OPT OUT, meaning it has passed a resolution opting out of the state residential building program.
    • For an opt-out jurisdiction, the owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request State Fire Marshal inspection.
    • The state residential building permit is not zoning, septic, sewer, electrical, grading, or floodplain approval.
    • The state source states that additions over 30 square feet require a permit when the state program applies.
    • The jurisdiction list states that its information is accurate as of 8/21/2026.
    “Perry County | OPT OUT | Ronnie Galloway | gallowayinspection@gmail.com | 931-201-3844”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — 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.
      “Why is the state residential building permit only required in some areas of the state?”
  • 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) — An owner of property constructing a single residence for the owner's own use in Perry County, subject to Tennessee's owner-builder licensing exemption.
      “an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use”
  • InspectionsLimited

    State Fire Marshal inspections for one- and two-family dwellings and additions in Perry County's opt-out jurisdiction.

    • Inspection is available by request in an opt-out jurisdiction; the source says the home may be inspected during construction for both new construction and additions to existing homes.
    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • If an inspection letter approving the work is signed and submitted by a Tennessee-registered architect or engineer, any inspection may be waived.
    • The state residential program's ordinary inspection sequence is foundation, rough-in/framing, and final construction; a separately poured slab under living space requires an additional inspection, and plumbing and mechanical systems are inspected at rough-in and final.
    “Their home may now be inspected by an inspector with the State Fire Marshal’s Office”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    A state Certificate of Occupancy for a one- or two-family dwelling in Perry County's opt-out jurisdiction when the State Fire Marshal's Office inspects the dwelling and determines it meets statewide building construction safety standards.

    • The owner must request State Fire Marshal inspection through the opt-out process.
    • The State Fire Marshal's Office releases the Certificate of Occupancy only if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes the CO as potentially useful for lenders and loan programs that require one; it does not state that every Perry County dwelling must obtain a CO.
    • The source applies to one- and two-family dwellings, including 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.””
    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 septicState (with conditions)

    Installation, alteration, extension, repair, or other septic-related permitting for property in Perry County, Tennessee, administered through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Division of Water Resources and served locally by the Columbia Environmental Field Office.

    • The Columbia Environmental Field Office serves Perry County.
    • The Columbia Environmental Field Office is the local TDEC contact for permitting assistance for Perry County.
    • Columbia Environmental Field Office address: 1421 Hampshire Pike, Suite 100, Columbia, TN 38401.
    • Columbia Environmental Field Office main phone: (931) 380-3371.
    • The official SSDS page also identifies an online application for subsurface sewage disposal system related services.
    • The official field-office page states that the nearest TDEC Environmental Field Office should be the starting point for environmental questions and that technical staff assist with permitting needs.

    Columbia Environmental Field Office phone: (931) 380-3371 · Columbia Environmental Field Office address: 1421 Hampshire Pike, Suite 100, Columbia, TN 38401 · permitted activities: Installation of subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system on your property; Repair to an existing faulty system; Installing, altering, extending ir repairing a septic system

    “1421 Hampshire Pike, Suite 100, Columbia, TN 38401 | Phone: (931) 380-3371 | FAX: (931) 380-3397 [...] Counties Served Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Perry, Wayne [...] Division of Water Resources [...] Septic Related Services”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and administration applicable to properties in Perry County, Tennessee.
      “Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.”
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and final-inspection administration for Perry County, Tennessee.
      “Contract Counties: Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby & Williamson [...] For all non-contract counties, permit packages should be submitted to 3rdParty.Submittal@tn.gov.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Tennessee subsurface sewage disposal system construction permitting and related SSDS administration statewide.
      “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract 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

    Installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system or repair of an existing faulty septic system in Perry County.

    • A Septic System Construction Permit is required before the described installation or repair.
    • Completed applications and fees are sent to the appropriate TDEC Division of Water Resources Environmental Field Office.
    • Review generally takes 10 days and must be completed within 45 days of submission.
    • New conventional or large-diameter graveless-pipe permits cost $400 up to 1,000 gallons per day plus $100 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day; the associated construction inspection fee is $100.
    • New alternative SSDS permits cost $500 up to 1,000 gallons per day plus $150 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day; the associated construction inspection fee is $200.
    • Experimental SSDS permits cost $500.
    • Repair permits have no permit fee, but repair construction inspection costs $100.
    • The applicant or installer must notify the Division when installation is complete so it can be inspected and approved.

    review time: 10 days generally (must be completed within 45 days of submission) · new conventional or large diameter graveless pipe permit fee: 400 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · new conventional construction inspection fee: 100 USD · new alternative SSDS permit fee: 500 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($150 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · alternative SSDS construction inspection fee: 200 USD · experimental SSDS permit fee: 500 USD · repair permit fee: No permit fee (Repair construction inspection fee is $100)

    “Any individual or property owner who desires to have a subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system installed [...] must get a Septic System Construction Permit.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, modification, repair, or installation of a septic system serving a residence, commercial building, industrial property, or accessory building in Perry County, Tennessee.
      “Any individual or property owner who desires to have a subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system installed on their property or requiring repair to an existing faulty system must get a Septic System Construction Permit.”
    • Required — Installation of a new septic system or repair of an existing faulty septic system in Perry County.
      “Any individual or property owner who desires to have a subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system installed on their property or requiring repair to an existing faulty system must get a Septic System Construction Permit.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, modification, or repair of residential, commercial, or industrial septic systems in Tennessee.
      “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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection and approval of a subsurface sewage disposal system installed or repaired in Perry County.

    • The applicant or SSDS installer must notify TDEC when installation is complete so the system can be inspected and approved.
    • Beginning October 1, 2024, a person may use a registered third-party water resources engineer for the final inspection in lieu of TDEC or a contract county.
    • For a third-party inspection, the person or designee must submit the required materials to TDEC no more than five business days after inspection.
    • A third-party engineer must be registered with the Tennessee state board of examiners, registered with TDEC, and not employed by TDEC or a contract county.
    • A third-party engineer may not prepare the permit package or conduct the final inspection when a conflict of interest exists.
    • For non-contract counties, third-party Certificate of Completion packages are submitted to 3rdParty.Submittal@tn.gov.

    third-party submission deadline: <= 5 business days after inspection · third-party inspection alternative effective date: 2024-10-01

    “The Division inspects each SSDS installation to ensure that it was installed in accordance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a permitted septic system in Perry County, Tennessee.
      “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered. If the septic system installation is approved, the Environmental Scientist will issue a Certificate of Completion.”
    • Required — SSDS installations in Perry County after construction and before the system is covered.
      “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered. If the septic system installation is approved, the Environmental Scientist will issue a Certificate of Completion.”
    • Required — Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.
      “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Temporary collection or holding of wastewater and pump-and-haul systems in Perry County.

    • A State Operating Permit is required from the Tennessee Division of Water Resources.
    • Applicants must submit the application at least 180 days before starting a new activity or before permit expiration when renewing.
    • The page states that holding ponds, collection systems, and pump-and-haul applications are submitted through MyTDEC forms or as otherwise specified by TDEC.
    • Permits are normally valid for five years, except pump-and-haul permits, which are generally valid for one year.

    application lead time: >= 180 days (before starting a new activity or before permit expiration when renewing) · normal permit validity: 5 years (pump-and-haul systems generally valid for one year)

    “Persons engaged in the operation of a sewage treatment system that does not have a direct discharge to any surface or subsurface waters must obtain a State Operating Permit (SOP) from the Tennessee Division of Water Resources.”
  • 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 — Request for electrical service for a proposed house or establishment in Perry County, Tennessee.
      “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 and structures on agricultural land in unincorporated Perry County that would otherwise be subject to county zoning regulation.

    • 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 federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks.
    • The exemption does not apply to land located within the one-hundred-year flood plain.
    • 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; each structure must satisfy the agricultural-use and incidental-to-the-enterprise requirements.
    “(1) it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.””
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in or near mapped or regulated floodplains in Perry County, subject to the applicable local floodplain-management ordinance and mapped flood zones.
      “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)

    Optional Tennessee State Fire Marshal residential building permits and inspections for one- and two-family dwellings and additions in Perry County, which the official state jurisdiction list identifies as OPT OUT.

    • Perry County is listed as OPT OUT; the state permit pathway is optional for owners or contractors in an opt-out jurisdiction.
    • The schedule is for the state residential permit administered by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office, not a county-issued permit.
    • The permit fee is based on estimated construction cost.
    • For construction costs above $1,500,000, add $50 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • Construction cost cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot.
    • An HVAC and plumbing inspection is required for all new construction, with an additional $100 fee shown in the schedule.
    • A slab-other-than-monolith-pour inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately, with an additional $100 fee shown in the schedule.
    • One re-inspection per permit is free; a second or subsequent re-inspection costs $100 each.
    • The jurisdiction list states that its OPT OUT information was accurate as of 8/21/2026.

    construction cost $0 to $5,000: 100 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $5,001 to $100,000: 350 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $100,001 to $150,000: 400 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $151,001 to $200,000: 450 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $200,001 to $250,000: 500 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $250,001 to $300,000: 550 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $300,001 to $350,000: 600 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $350,001 to $400,000: 650 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $400,001 to $450,000: 700 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $450,001 to $500,000: 750 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $500,001 to $550,000: 800 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $550,001 to $600,000: 850 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $600,001 to $650,000: 900 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $650,001 to $700,000: 950 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $700,001 to $750,000: 1000 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $750,001 to $800,000: 1050 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $800,001 to $850,000: 1100 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $850,001 to $900,000: 1150 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $900,001 to $950,000: 1200 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $950,001 to $1,000,000: 1250 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,000,001 to $1,050,000: 1300 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,050,001 to $1,100,000: 1350 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,100,001 to $1,150,000: 1400 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,150,001 to $1,200,000: 1450 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,200,001 to $1,250,000: 1500 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,250,001 to $1,300,000: 1550 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,300,001 to $1,350,000: 1600 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,350,001 to $1,400,000: 1650 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,400,001 to $1,450,000: 1700 USD (base permit fee) · construction cost $1,450,001 to $1,500,000: 1750 USD (base permit fee) · plumbing and HVAC inspection: 100 USD (additional fee; required for all new construction) · slab other than monolith pour inspection: 100 USD (additional fee when slab and footing are cast separately) · additional construction-cost increment: per 50 USD (each additional $50,000 or fraction above the maximum listed) · minimum construction-cost valuation: >= 60.57 USD per heated square foot · first re-inspection per permit: 0 USD (one re-inspection per permit) · second or subsequent re-inspection: 100 USD (each re-inspection)

    “NOTE: For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table below there is an additional fee of $50.00 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof. [...] * The cost of construction cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction ** An HVAC and Plumbing Inspection is required for all new construction *** Slab other than Monolith Pour Inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building permits administered under Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program.
      “NOTE: For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table below there is an additional fee of $50.00 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof. Cost of Construction* | Fee | Additional Fee for Plumbing and HVAC Inspection** | Additional Fee if Slab Other than Monolith Pour*** $0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
    • 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
    • Partial — Perry County and its incorporated jurisdictions as listed in Tennessee's State Residential Building Program jurisdiction table.
      “Perry County | OPT OUT | Ronnie Galloway | gallowayinspection@gmail.com | 931-201-3844 Linden | OPT OUT Lobelville | OPT OUT [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
  • 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.

  • County-wide zoning — County zoning in Perry County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts for Perry County, Tennessee, including unincorporated areas and incorporated jurisdictions.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Perry County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in Perry County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Setbacks — Building setback requirements in Perry County, including unincorporated areas.
9 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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 Perry County, Tennessee

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

Perry County scores 81/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

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

Perry County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas. 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 Perry County, Tennessee?

Land in Perry County runs about $3,130 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Perry County?

Perry County gets about 55.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.4% of years.

How remote is Perry County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,582 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,253,234 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 Perry compares in Tennessee

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