Bolthole Index

Putnam County, Tennessee

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

73Index Score / 100
#42 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Putnam County, Tennessee requires building permits for new homes, additions, decks, modular homes, and garages or storage buildings over 200 square feet1. The county has no countywide zoning, but floodplain and subdivision rules still apply2. TDEC administers septic permits and inspections3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in the unincorporated county; issued by Putnam County Codes1
Zoning
None countywide; city, floodplain and subdivision rules can still apply245
Septic permit
Required for new or repaired systems; administered by TDEC63
Owner-builder exemption
Yes: one permit every 2 years for your own home, not for sale, lease or rent78
RV and tiny-home zoning
No county zoning restriction in unincorporated areas; other rules still apply91011
Minimum home size
No county zoning minimum; building-code requirements may still apply12

Who to call

Building permits

Putnam County Codes

Building, plumbing and mechanical permits, inspections and occupancy certificates for unincorporated Putnam County

931-526-2285

270 Carlen Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501

Planning & zoning

Putnam County Regional Planning Commission

Subdivision plat review, the county growth plan, and floodplain-zoning enforcement in FEMA-mapped flood plains for unincorporated Putnam County

931-372-0070

67 S. Elm Ave., Cookeville, TN 38501

Roads & driveways

Putnam County Highway Department

County road and bridge construction and maintenance under Tennessee's Uniform Road Law

931-526-4864

505 East Veterans Drive, Cookeville, TN 38501

Septic permits

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) — Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

Statewide Septic System Construction Permits, including for Putnam County (there is no county septic office)

1-888-891-8332

Building permits

Putnam County Codes — Building Permit Fee Schedule

Published permit-fee schedule (valuation-based sliding scale)

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

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

Yes. Putnam County Codes requires permits in the unincorporated county for all new residential and commercial buildings, additions, decks or porches, modular homes, garages or storage buildings over 200 square feet, and plumbing or mechanical additions1. Putnam County has adopted the 2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code for the construction it regulates13. The department schedules inspections and issues occupancy certificates, and a final inspection is required before a building is inhabited14. Putnam County also requires plumbers and HVAC contractors to hold a county license renewed annually for $5015. Tennessee's owner-builder rule allows a property owner one permit every two years for a single home intended for the owner's own use, not for sale, lease, or rent; a paid contractor treated as the prime must be licensed and obtain the permit8.

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

Putnam County Codes handles building, plumbing and mechanical permits, inspections, permit records, and occupancy certificates for construction in the unincorporated county15. The office is at 270 Carlen Ave, Cookeville, Tennessee, and its phone number is 931-526-228515. Its published hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.15. The county publishes a building, plumbing and mechanical permit-fee schedule, but the available record does not establish a complete current valuation table; ask Codes for the charge on a specific project16. For subdivision plats and mapped floodplains, contact the Putnam County Regional Planning Commission at 67 S. Elm Ave., Cookeville, or 931-372-007017. Ask the Highway Department about county-road access because the confirmed driveway-cut provision is limited to houses built immediately by a subdivision developer1819.

Does Putnam County have zoning?

Unincorporated Putnam County has no countywide zoning code or zoning districts2021. County zoning therefore sets no minimum dwelling size, lot coverage, or building-height limit122223. Subdivision rules are the important exception: covered lots with public water and sewer must contain at least 7,500 square feet, while covered lots with public water but no public sewer must contain at least 20,000 square feet; both require 75 feet of width at the building setback line24. Covered subdivision lots also have road-based building lines and a 10-foot minimum setback from other lot lines25. Putnam County separately enforces floodplain zoning in FEMA-identified 100-year flood plains26. Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey apply their own development codes inside city limits4.

How do septic permits work in Putnam County?

TDEC, not Putnam County, administers septic permits and inspections for property in Putnam County3. A state septic construction permit is required for a new, modified, repaired, conventional, or alternative system, and it should be obtained before dirt work or construction of a building pad begins276. Alternative systems require an extra-high-intensity soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant6. TDEC performs the final inspection before the installation is covered and issues a Certificate of Completion after approval28. Call TDEC at 1-888-891-8332 to identify the appropriate Environmental Field Office29. Only 22% of surveyed Putnam County soil is rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic suitability an early purchase contingency30. Putnam County's building-permit sequence places the state septic permit before the county building permit3132.

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

Unincorporated Putnam County imposes no county zoning restriction on RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy, or accessory dwellings933101134. That zoning answer is not blanket permission to occupy any structure: construction permits, building and installation standards, septic or sewer requirements, subdivision rules, floodplain rules, and applicable state requirements still apply1011. Putnam County specifically requires a building permit for a modular home and other listed construction1. Property inside Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, or Monterey follows the applicable city's development codes4. Before moving onto a parcel, show Putnam County Codes the exact structure and utility plan, confirm sanitation requirements with TDEC, and review the deed and plat for private restrictions.

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey; city development codes apply inside those municipalities4.
  2. For new construction, request a 911 address after the required stakes are present32.
  3. Obtain the TDEC septic permit before the county building permit3132.
  4. Purchase the building, plumbing, and mechanical permits from Putnam County Codes, then post the address and building permit32.
  5. Before inspections, provide the portable toilet, crushed-stone ramp, erosion controls, posted address, and posted permit required by the county35.
  6. Schedule the footer, foundation, slab-plumbing when needed, concrete-slab, combined rough-in, energy, and final inspections in order35.
  7. Do not inhabit the building before the final inspection; Putnam County Codes issues occupancy certificates14.
  8. Obtain a TDOT permit before constructing or changing a driveway on state highway right-of-way36.

What to check before you buy land in Putnam County

Check septic feasibility first: only 22% of surveyed Putnam County soil is rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field30. Ask the Regional Planning Commission whether the parcel lies in a FEMA-identified 100-year floodplain and whether a proposed division triggers subdivision review2637. For subdivision plats, proposed public sewer and water connections must be shown where available; when connections are impracticable, the proposed individual water or sewage system needs the specified TDEC and planning-engineer approvals38. Verify whether access is from a state highway or county road because TDOT requires a permit on state highway right-of-way, while the county source does not establish a driveway permit for every county-road parcel3619. Putnam County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $1,2993940. The reviewed sources do not confirm a private domestic well-permit rule; ask TDEC before treating a well as the water plan.

Watch-outs

  • No countywide zoning does not waive building, septic, floodplain, subdivision, municipal, or private restrictions on an RV, tiny home, manufactured home, or accessory dwelling91011.
  • Putnam County has adopted short-term-rental regulations, but the available county fact does not establish the registration, tax, permit, or operating details; ask the Putnam County Trustee's Office before renting41.
  • Land inside Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, or Monterey follows that city's development codes, not the unincorporated county's no-zoning framework4.

Sources

  1. Building Codes | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  2. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  4. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  5. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  6. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  7. Can I build my own home without a license? (2026 county census)
  8. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  10. Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  11. Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  12. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Codes | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Codes | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  15. Putnam County Codes (putnamcountytn.gov)
  16. Building Codes | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  17. Putnam County Regional Planning Commission (putnamcountytn.gov)
  18. Putnam County Highway Department (putnamcountytn.gov)
  19. Subdivision Regulations of the Putnam County Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  20. Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  21. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  22. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  23. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  24. Putnam County Subdivision Regulations with April 2025 Amendment, quoted and re-checked
  25. Putnam County Subdivision Regulations with April 2025 Amendment, quoted and re-checked
  26. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  27. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  28. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  29. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) — Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (tn.gov)
  30. 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
  31. Building Codes | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  32. Building Codes | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  33. Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  34. Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  35. Building Codes | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  36. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  37. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked
  38. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  39. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Regional Planning Commission | Putnam County TN, quoted and re-checked

Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Putnam County requires a building permit for a home.

RulePutnam CountyWhite CountyOverton CountyJackson CountyDeKalb CountyClay CountyPickett County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredLimitedRequiredLimitedNot required
County zoningNoNot publishedNoNoNoNoNot published
Septic permitsTN TDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Putnam County in Tennessee

73
County map
Putnam County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Putnam County scores

Seclusion40100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency66100% ev.
Admin Boringness64100% ev.
Durability75100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$319kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,779Land / acre
58.3"Annual rain
3.5% of yrsSevere drought
4.7 / yr (+4.5)Mid-century 100°F days
13 daysMid-century dry spell
2.3" (+7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.61×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,616Home insurance / yr
1.2% / yrInsurance growth
1%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
93,884People within 30 min
3,802,496People within 2 hr
100,350Radius comparison (15 mi)
209People / sq mi
0.8%Federal land
50.1%Land at 15% slope or less
22%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
56,047 acWorkable land screen
67.6%Wooded land
60.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Putnam 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.

Algood · Town of Baxter · Cookeville · Town of Monterey

Answers from the rulebook for Putnam County

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

Putnam County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New buildings and listed construction in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • Permits are required for all new residential and commercial buildings, additions, decks or porches, modular homes, garages or storage buildings over 200 square feet, and plumbing or mechanical additions.
    • The county page separately states that signs do not require Putnam County permits.
    • Municipal requirements may apply inside incorporated cities.

    garage or storage building threshold: > 200 sq ft

    “Permits are required for the following: All new buildings, residential and commercial. Any additions to existing buildings. Decks or porches added to existing buildings. Modular homes. Garages or storage buildings that are over 200 Sq. Ft. Plumbing and mechanical additions.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Commercial and residential construction regulated by Putnam County Codes in the unincorporated county.

    • Municipal building codes may apply inside incorporated cities.
    • The county page identifies the adopted editions as the 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC.

    IBC edition: 2018 · IRC edition: 2018

    “Putnam County has adopted the 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC”
  • InspectionsRequired

    All structures subject to Putnam County Codes inspection.

    • Required inspections include footer before concrete is ordered; foundations, anchor bolts, silt plate and basement drains; slab plumbing if required; concrete slabs; rough-in framing, plumbing and mechanical; energy; and final inspection before occupying.
    • Before inspections, a portable toilet, crushed-stone ramp, erosion controls, posted address, and posted building permit must be in place.
    “The following inspections are required for all structures: 1. Footer (before concrete is ordered) 2. Foundations, anchor bolts, silt plate and drains around basements 3. Plumbing in slabs (if required) 4. Concrete slabs 5. Rough-in framing, plumbing and mechanical all in one inspection 6. Energy (insulation values or trade offs) 7. Final before habitating a building”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy certificates for construction subject to Putnam County Codes and Planning Department inspection processes in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • The department issues occupancy certificates as part of its inspection and permitting functions.
    • The page separately states that a final inspection is required before inhabiting a building.
    “This department accepts applications for all construction permits, collects fees, issues permits, schedules inspections, maintains permit record files, and issues occupancy certificates.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Countywide zoning regulations in Putnam County.

    • Floodplain regulations still apply in identified 100-year flood plains.
    • Subdivision regulations apply when land is subdivided.
    • Municipal development codes apply inside Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey.
    “Currently Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of unincorporated Putnam County and incorporated cities; the county has no countywide zoning, while Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey administer their own development codes within their corporate limits.

    • Municipal zoning and development codes apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • The county's no-zoning statement does not eliminate floodplain or subdivision regulations.
    “Property located with the corporate limits of Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, or Monterey will have to comply with that city’s development codes (zoning, building codes, subdivision regulations, etc).”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    County zoning districts in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations or formal zoning code.
    • Floodplain zoning and subdivision regulations remain applicable where stated.
    • Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey have separate city development codes.
    “Putnam County has no formal zoning code at this time.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not published — County zoning districts in unincorporated Putnam County.
      “Putnam County has adopted subdivision regulations but not zoning.”
    • Not published — County zoning districts in unincorporated Putnam County.
      “Putnam County has adopted subdivision regulations but not zoning.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning dimensional controls on minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • No county-wide zoning regulations are adopted.
    • Building-code minimums or other non-zoning requirements may still apply.
    “Currently Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential lots within the Putnam County Planning Region subject to the county subdivision regulations.

    • Lots served by public water and sanitary sewer require a minimum area of 7,500 square feet and minimum width of 75 feet at the building setback line.
    • Lots served by public water but not public sanitary sewer require a minimum area of 20,000 square feet and minimum width of 75 feet at the building setback line.
    • The regulations apply to subdivisions, and the county regulations exclude areas under the jurisdiction of Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey.

    minimum area: 7500 square feet (Residential lots served by public water and sanitary sewer) · minimum area: 20000 square feet (Residential lots served by public water but not public sanitary sewer) · minimum width at building setback line: 75 feet (Residential lots in both listed utility-service categories)

    “(1) Lots served by a public water and sanitary sewer system. Minimum area--------------------------------------- 7,500 sq. ft. Minimum width at building setback line------------- 75 ft. (2) Lots served by public water but not by public sanitary sewer system. Minimum area------------------------------------- 20,000 sq. ft. Minimum width at building setback line----------- 75 ft.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning dimensional controls on minimum lot size in unincorporated Putnam County.
      “Currently Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations. Putnam County does have regulations regarding development in flood plains (i.e. floodplain zoning, which is only enforced in the 100-year flood plains as identified by FEMA). If/when land is to be subdivided, then the subdivision must comply with the Putnam County Subdivision regulations.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building setback lines for lots governed by the Putnam County subdivision regulations.

    • Arterial streets: greater of 90 feet from road centerline or 50 feet from edge of right-of-way.
    • Collector streets: greater of 75 feet from road centerline or 45 feet from edge of right-of-way.
    • Local streets: greater of 55 feet from road centerline or 30 feet from edge of right-of-way.
    • Minimum setback from all other non-street lot lines is 10 feet.
    • Electric transmission-line setbacks are 37.5 feet for 46 KV, 50 feet for 69 KV, and 75 feet for 161 KV and over.
    • The cited provision is marked amended 7-11-23.

    arterial-street setback: greater of 90 ft from road centerline or 50 ft from right-of-way edge · collector-street setback: greater of 75 ft from road centerline or 45 ft from right-of-way edge · local-street setback: greater of 55 ft from road centerline or 30 ft from right-of-way edge · non-street lot-line setback: 10 feet

    “Arterial Streets: The greater of 90 ft as measured from the road centerline or 50 ft from the edge of the right-of-way. Collector Streets: The greater of 75 ft as measured from the road centerline or 45 ft from the edge of the right-of-way. Local Streets: The greater of 55 ft as measured from the road centerline or 30 ft from the edge of the right-of-way. Minimum setback lines from all other (non-street) lot lines shall be 10 ft.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage controls in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • No county-wide zoning regulations are adopted.
    • Building-code, subdivision, floodplain, or private restrictions may still impose requirements.
    “Currently Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height controls in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • No county-wide zoning regulations are adopted.
    • Building-code, subdivision, floodplain, or private restrictions may still impose requirements.
    “Currently Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations.”
  • Living in an RVUnrestricted

    County land-use restrictions on RV occupancy in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • This conclusion addresses county land-use zoning only.
    • Building codes, septic requirements, subdivision regulations, floodplain regulations, and applicable state requirements still apply.
    • Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey enforce their own development codes within their corporate limits.
    “Currently Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations.”
  • Camping on your landUnrestricted

    County land-use restrictions on temporary camping in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • This conclusion addresses county land-use zoning only.
    • Floodplain, building-code, septic, subdivision, health, and other applicable rules may still restrict a particular site or activity.
    • Municipal development codes apply inside Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey.
    “Putnam County has adopted subdivision regulations but not zoning.”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted

    County land-use restrictions on tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • This conclusion addresses county land-use zoning only.
    • Construction permits, building-code compliance, septic or sewer requirements, subdivision rules, and floodplain requirements still apply.
    • Municipal development codes apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “Currently Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Manufactured homesUnrestricted

    County land-use restrictions on manufactured-home occupancy in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • This conclusion addresses county land-use zoning only.
    • Building codes, installation requirements, septic or sewer requirements, subdivision regulations, floodplain regulations, and applicable HUD or state rules still apply.
    • Municipal development codes apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    “Putnam County has adopted subdivision regulations but not zoning.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Unrestricted — County land-use zoning restrictions on manufactured-home occupancy in unincorporated Putnam County.
      “Currently Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations.”
  • Accessory dwellingsUnrestricted

    County land-use restrictions on accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • This conclusion addresses county land-use zoning only.
    • Building-code, septic or sewer, subdivision, floodplain, and health requirements still apply.
    • Municipal development codes apply inside Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey.
    “Currently Putnam County has no county-wide zoning regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in unincorporated Putnam County.

    • If land is subdivided, the subdivision must comply with Putnam County Subdivision Regulations.
    • The regional planning page states plats must be submitted as PDFs and five full-size copies brought to the planning commission meeting.
    • The page states a 4:00 PM deadline on the 22nd day of the previous month, next business day if that date falls on a weekend or holiday.

    plat copies: 5 full-size copies · submittal deadline: 4:00 PM on the 22nd day of the previous month (next business day if the date falls on a weekend or holiday)

    “The submittal deadline for plats and other items to be considered by the planning commission shall be 4:00 PM on the 22nd day of the previous month, next business day if that fall on a weekend or holiday. The developer (owner, surveyor, or representative) shall bring five (5) full size copies of the plat to the planning commission meeting. Plats must be submitted as a pdf to the plannning department. [...] If/when land is to be subdivided, then the subdivision must comply with the Putnam County Subdivision regulations.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway cuts for houses to be built immediately by a developer as part of subdivision final approval.

    • This requirement is in the subdivision-improvement list and is not established here as a countywide driveway permit for every parcel.
    • Other access requirements may apply under road, floodplain, building, or municipal rules.
    “f. Driveway cuts (for houses to be built immediately by the developer)”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Putnam County flood plains.

    • Floodplain zoning is enforced only in the 100-year flood plains identified by FEMA.
    • The page separately states that municipal development codes apply inside Algood, Baxter, Cookeville, and Monterey.

    floodplain applicability: 100-year flood plains identified by FEMA

    “Putnam County does have regulations regarding development in flood plains (i.e. floodplain zoning, which is only enforced in the 100-year flood plains as identified by FEMA).”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rental properties in Putnam County.

    • The county states that short-term rental regulations are handled by the Putnam County Trustee's Office.
    • The opened page did not provide the full regulatory text, fees, or operating conditions.
    “Putnam County has adopted regulations for both Adult Oriented Establishments and Short Term Property Rentals. Those regulations are enforced by other county departments. The Adult Oriented Establishment regulations are handled by the Putnam County Clerk's Office. The Short Term Rental properties are handled by the Putnam County Trustee's Office.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Publication of Putnam County building, plumbing, mechanical, and related permit fees.

    • The official building-code page links a Permit Fee Schedule, but the PDF's fee table could not be extracted as text during this research; no complete current valuation-threshold table is asserted here.
    “Downloadables Building Permit Mechanical Permit Plumbing Permit Permit Fee Schedule”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Putnam County building-permit process.

    • New construction requires a new 911 address.
    • Applicants purchase septic, building, plumbing, and mechanical permits as applicable, post house numbers and the building permit, and call for inspections in proper order.
    • Inspection prerequisites include portable toilet access, a crushed-stone ramp, erosion controls, and the posted address and permit.
    “Steps in Obtaining a Building Permit 1. Obtain a new 911 address by calling 931-528-1555. (new construction only) 2. Purchase Septic Permit from Environmental Office at State of TN 3. Purchase Building Permit 4. Purchase Plumbing Permit 5. Purchase Mechanical Permit (HVAC) 6. Post house numbers per 911 regulations (available with permit) 7. Call for Inspections in proper order (see below)”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • 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).”
  • 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 Putnam County, a non-contract Tennessee county.
      “Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office. A detailed review of the application is conducted, and the applicant is notified when the review is complete.”
    • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New construction requiring a septic permit in Putnam County.
      “Purchase Septic Permit from Environmental Office at State of TN”
    • Required — New, modified, repaired, conventional, or alternative septic systems in Putnam County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
    • Required — Installation or repair of subsurface sewage disposal systems serving property in Putnam 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.”
  • 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 — Septic system installations in Putnam County.
      “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.”
  • 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 requests for residences or establishments using public sewer or septic systems in Putnam County.
      “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.””
  • 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.

  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Putnam County.
  • Well permit — Private or domestic well permits in Putnam County.

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

Living off-grid in Putnam County, Tennessee

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

Putnam County scores 73/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 93,884 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Putnam County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee TDEC - Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Putnam County is allowed: County land-use restrictions on RV occupancy in unincorporated Putnam County. This conclusion addresses county land-use zoning only. Building codes, septic requirements, subdivision regulations, floodplain regulations, and applicable state requirements still apply. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Putnam County, Tennessee?

Land in Putnam County runs about $5,779 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Putnam County?

Putnam County gets about 58.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.5% of years.

How remote is Putnam County?

A representative private-land location has about 93,884 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,802,496 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 Putnam compares in Tennessee

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