Bolthole Index

Roane County, Tennessee

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

67Index Score / 100
#63 of 95 in Tennessee

Roane County, Tennessee requires building permits in the unincorporated area and enforces the 2024 International Residential and Building Codes12. County zoning applies only outside city limits, where permanent RV residence is prohibited; Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood set their own zoning inside their limits345. Septic permits for every address in the county, city or not, come through Tennessee's state program67.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; county enforces the 2024 International Building and Residential Codes12
Zoning
County zoning applies outside municipal boundaries35
Septic permit
Required from the state (TDEC), not the county678
Owner-builder exemption
Yes, one permit every two years for a home that is not for sale, lease or rent910
Permanent RV living
Prohibited as an accessory use in unincorporated areas4
Lot size and setbacks
Vary by zoning district111213
Short-term rental permit
Required annually before advertising or renting14

Who to call

Building permits

Roane County Building Codes Department

Building permits, inspections, and the Short-Term Rental Operating Permit program for Roane County; enforces the 2024 International Building and Residential Codes.

865-717-4230

RCBC@roanecountytn.gov

308 N. 3rd Street, Kingston, TN 37763

Zoning

Roane County Planning and Zoning Department

Administers zoning, subdivision review, and development proposals in unincorporated Roane County; Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood set their own zoning inside city limits.

865-717-4232

200 E. Race Street, Kingston, TN 37763

Roads & driveways

Roane County Highway Department

County road driveway permits, road maintenance and specifications, and Roane County's Adopt-A-Highway program.

865-882-9782

3070 Roane State Highway, Harriman, TN 37748

Septic permits

TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office

TDEC's regional office for Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (septic) construction permits and other environmental questions for Roane County.

(865) 594-6035

3711 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37921

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

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

Roane County requires a building permit for new construction and locally enforces the 2024 International Residential Code and 2024 International Building Code12. A Tennessee property owner may act as an unlicensed builder for one personal residence, limited to one owner-builder permit every two years; the home cannot be for sale, lease or rent, and anyone paid more than $25,000 is a prime contractor who must be licensed910. Agricultural land receives conditional protection from county zoning when a structure is incidental to the farm operation, subject to exceptions for locations near specified highways, airports and parks or within the hundred-year floodplain15. Roane County may still require a building permit before construction of an agricultural building, so confirm the permit path with Building Codes before starting work16.

The county's zoning resolution says an application for a building permit is made to the Zoning Office, so bring the parcel and plans to Planning and Zoning and Building Codes together if you are unsure which counter takes the application171819.

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

The Roane County Building Codes Department is at 308 N. 3rd Street, Kingston, TN 37763, phone 865-717-4230, email RCBC@roanecountytn.gov19. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and building permit applications and inspection requests must be submitted by 3:30 p.m.; a submission made between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. may wait until the next business day19. The county provides an online building-permit application portal, although the available material does not establish a complete general permit process or building-fee schedule20. The same office accepts Short-Term Rental Operating Permit applications online or in person; that annual permit must be issued before advertising or renting2014.

Does Roane County have zoning?

Roane County administers zoning in unincorporated areas, while Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood govern zoning inside their city limits35. The county publishes district regulations, and lot size, lot coverage, setbacks and building height depend on the parcel's district or approved development plan21112223. In the A-2 and R-1 districts, primary structures have 30-foot front and 10-foot side and rear setbacks; residential height is limited to 35 feet unless sprinkled1213. Ask Planning and Zoning at 200 E. Race Street, Kingston, TN 37763, phone 865-717-4232, to identify the parcel's district and confirm every applicable dimensional rule18. Agricultural zoning protection is conditional, and Roane County may still require a building permit for an agricultural building16.

How do septic permits work in Roane County?

Roane County septic construction permits are administered through Tennessee's Division of Water Resources, not a contract-county program624. TDEC requires the construction permit before installing, modifying or repairing a system, and the installer must notify the Division when installation is complete so the system can be inspected before it is covered78. Roane County is served by TDEC's Knoxville Environmental Field Office, 3711 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37921, phone (865) 594-603525. A new conventional-system permit runs $400 for up to 1,000 gallons per day of design flow, while repair permits carry no permit fee7. Only about 15.3% of Roane County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site and soil evaluation an early feasibility check26.

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

Unincorporated Roane County prohibits using a camping trailer, camper, recreational vehicle or motor home as a permanent residence; noncommercial storage behind the front building line is allowed as an accessory use4. We could not confirm a general rule for temporary camping on private land, so ask Planning and Zoning at 865-717-4232 about the intended duration and parcel before setting up18. Roane County treats manufactured homes by district: the A-2 district allows single-family residences including singlewide mobile homes, while the R-1 district excludes singlewide mobile homes; a manufactured home must meet foundation, permanent utility-connection, appearance and building-code conditions2728. We could not confirm a distinct tiny-home occupancy rule or minimum dwelling size, so take the proposed design to Planning and Zoning and Building Codes before buying1819.

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

  1. Ask Roane County Planning and Zoning at 865-717-4232 to identify the parcel's district, allowed use, lot size, lot coverage, setbacks and height limits182122.
  2. Ask whether subdivision review applies; Roane County regulates subdivision proposals, and lots in a proposed subdivision must connect to an adjoining public sanitary sewer under the stated conditions2930.
  3. If public sewer is unavailable, apply through TDEC before septic construction or repair, then leave the completed system uncovered for the required inspection2578.
  4. For a county-road entrance, contact the Highway Department; its specifications call for at least a 15-inch culvert tile and require the driveway to meet road elevation for 20 feet31.
  5. Obtain a TDOT permit before work on a state highway right-of-way32.
  6. Apply to Building Codes, using the county's online building-permit portal or the office at 308 N. 3rd Street2019.
  7. If acting as owner-builder, stay within Tennessee's personal-use limits10.

What to check before you buy land in Roane County

Only about 15.3% of Roane County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make septic feasibility an early contract contingency26. About 34.9% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, while 71.3% is wooded; grading, access and clearing can materially change the usable building area3334. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,1723536. Before closing, confirm the zoning district, lot size, setbacks, height and lot-coverage controls, septic approval, legal access and public-versus-private road status11372322. Floodplain development is locally managed and may require review before work begins; we could not confirm Roane County's operative parcel-level requirements, so ask Building Codes who handles the review3819. We also could not confirm a general private-well permit rule.

Watch-outs

  • Roane County requires an annual operating permit before a short-term rental may be advertised or rented; grandfathered eligibility ends after a sale, 30 consecutive months without STR use, or three unappealed violations14.
  • A driveway onto a county road in Roane County needs a Highway Department permit before you cut it, with a minimum 15-inch culvert tile and an elevation match to the county road for 20 feet31.
  • Roane County's site does not list a separate floodplain administrator; if your parcel is near a mapped floodplain, start with the Building Codes Department at 865-717-4230 and confirm separately19.

Sources

  1. 1st Draft-Zoning Regulations (2026 county census)
  2. Building Codes – Roane County Government, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning and Zoning – Roane County Government, quoted and re-checked
  4. 1st Draft-Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  5. Planning and Zoning – Roane County Government, quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic System Related Permits, quoted and re-checked
  7. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Can I build my own home without a license? (2026 county census)
  10. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Roane County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  12. 1st Draft-Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  13. 1st Draft-Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Short term rentals – Roane County Government, quoted and re-checked
  15. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning Regulations – Revised April 2013, quoted and re-checked
  17. 1st Draft-Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  18. Roane County Planning and Zoning Department (roanecountytn.gov)
  19. Roane County Building Codes Department (roanecountytn.gov)
  20. Self Service Portal – Roane County Government, quoted and re-checked
  21. 1st Draft-Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Roane County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. Roane County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  24. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  26. 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
  27. 1st Draft-Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Roane County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  29. Planning and Zoning – Roane County Government, quoted and re-checked
  30. Roane County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  31. Roane County Highway Department (roanecountytn.gov)
  32. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Roane County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  38. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Roane County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleRoane CountyLoudon CountyMorgan CountyCumberland CountyAnderson CountyRhea CountyMeigs County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesNot publishedYesYesYes
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Roane County in Tennessee

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

How Roane County scores

Seclusion40100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability68100% 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 →

$304kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$6,039Land / acre
57"Annual rain
4.8% of yrsSevere drought
5.4 / yr (+5.1)Mid-century 100°F days
13.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.42" (+8.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.62×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,622Home insurance / yr
0.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.14%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
45,132People within 30 min
2,765,476People within 2 hr
92,787Radius comparison (15 mi)
155.5People / sq mi
4.9%Federal land
34.9%Land at 15% slope or less
15.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
31,931 acWorkable land screen
71.3%Wooded land
62.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Roane 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.

Harriman · Kingston · Rockwood

Answers from the rulebook for Roane County

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

Roane County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, erection, enlargement, alteration, repair, change, or conversion of any building or structure under the county zoning regulations.

    • Applications are made to the Zoning Office.
    • The cited regulation contains a separate dock rule: docks over 250 square feet or docks with utilities, a roof, or upper-deck structures require permits and inspections.
    “Before any building or structure may be constructed, erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, changed or converted, application for a building permit shall be made to the Zoning Office.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Roane County Building Codes Department enforcement.

    • The cited page identifies the 2024 IRC and 2024 IBC as the enforced codes.

    residential code edition: 2024 International Residential Code · building code edition: 2024 International Building Code

    “Roane County enforces the provisions of the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2024 International Building Code (IBC).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Roane County enforcement of residential and building codes.
      “the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2024 International Building Code (IBC).”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Roane County building-code enforcement.
      “The Building Codes Department enforces the 2024 International Building Codes together with Roane County’s zoning ordinances.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Docks regulated by the county zoning regulations.

    • Inspections are required for docks over 250 square feet or any dock with utilities, a roof, or upper-deck structures.
    • No inspection is necessary for docks less than 250 square feet under the cited exception.

    dock threshold: > 250 square feet (Docks less than 250 square feet have no inspection requirement under the cited provision.)

    “A building permit and inspections are required for all docks that are more than 250 square feet in size, or for any dock with utilities, a roof, or upper deck structures with the permit fee being based on the value of the structure, for all docks less than 250 square feet in size, a building permit of $20 will be required, however, no inspection is necessary.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulations administered by Roane County in unincorporated areas.

    • Incorporated cities have municipal zoning; the county page identifies Kingston, Harriman, and Rockwood as municipal zoning jurisdictions.
    “administering and enforcing zoning regulations in the unincorporated areas of the county”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — Zoning regulations administered by Roane County in unincorporated areas.
      “administering and enforcing zoning regulations in the unincorporated areas of the county”
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation in Roane County unincorporated areas.
      “The Roane County Planning Department is responsible for administering and enforcing zoning regulations in the unincorporated areas of the county to ensure orderly development and consistency with adopted land use plans.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of unincorporated county zoning and incorporated municipal zoning.

    • Roane County administers zoning in unincorporated areas.
    • Kingston, Harriman, and Rockwood govern zoning within their incorporated boundaries through municipal ordinances.
    “Within the incorporated cities of Kingston, Harriman, and Rockwood, zoning is governed by each municipality; however, the county works closely with these cities to support coordinated planning efforts, regional growth management, and consistent development standards where appropriate.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies — Aggregate of county zoning in unincorporated areas and municipal zoning in Kingston, Harriman, and Rockwood.
      “Within the incorporated cities of Kingston, Harriman, and Rockwood, zoning is governed by each municipality; however, the county works closely with these cities to support coordinated planning efforts, regional growth management, and consistent development standards where appropriate.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning controls across Roane County.
      “Within the incorporated cities of Kingston, Harriman, and Rockwood, zoning is governed by each municipality”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and official zoning map for unincorporated Roane County.

    • The zoning regulations identify an official zoning map and district regulations.
    • The opened document is titled 1st Draft-Zoning Regulations and does not state an adoption date.
    “ARTICLE III - Zoning Districts ANY USE NOT PERMITTED IS PROHIBITED”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts and district-specific regulations in unincorporated Roane County.
      “Within the incorporated cities of Kingston, Harriman, and Rockwood, zoning is governed by each municipality; however, the county works closely with these cities to support coordinated planning efforts, regional growth management, and consistent development standards where appropriate.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Minimum lot area in Roane County zoning districts.

    • A-2 minimum lot area is one-half acre.
    • R-1 minimum lot area is 20,000 square feet.
    • Other districts may have different regulations.

    A-2 minimum lot area: 0.5 acre · R-1 minimum lot area: 20000 square feet

    “Minimum Lot Area: One-half (1/2) acre [...] Minimum Lot Area: 20,000 Square Feet”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Minimum lot-area requirements vary by zoning district in unincorporated Roane County.
      “303.3 - Area Regulations (a) Minimum Lot Area: 20,000 Square Feet”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and development controls in applicable Roane County zoning districts and subdivision contexts.
      “The development controls for the subject property shall be shown (lot coverage, setbacks, building heights, lot sizes etc.).”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks in Roane County zoning districts.

    • A-2 primary structures: front 30 feet, side 10 feet, rear 10 feet.
    • A-2 accessory structures: front 30 feet, side 5 feet, rear 5 feet.
    • R-1 primary structures: front 30 feet, side 10 feet, rear 10 feet.
    • R-1 accessory structures: front 30 feet, side 5 feet, rear 5 feet.

    A-2 primary front setback: 30 feet · A-2 primary side setback: 10 feet · A-2 primary rear setback: 10 feet · A-2 accessory front setback: 30 feet · A-2 accessory side setback: 5 feet · A-2 accessory rear setback: 5 feet

    “Setbacks for Primary Structures: Front 30 ft. (from road right-of way line, front property line.) Side10 ft. Rear 10 ft. Setbacks for Accessory Structures: Front 30 ft. Side 5 ft. Rear 5 ft.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family homes in the zoning district section containing the cited area regulations.
      “Setbacks: Front (from road right-of way line, front property line) 40 ft. (Arterial or Collector Streets) 30 ft. (all other streets) Side 10 ft. Rear 20 ft.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Applicable Roane County zoning districts, planned developments, and subdivisions.
      “The following setbacks shall apply in the PUD District:”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Applicable Roane County zoning districts and planned developments.

    • The exact control depends on the applicable district or development plan.
    “The development controls for the subject property shall be shown (lot coverage”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building heights in Roane County zoning districts.

    • A-2 and R-1 residential buildings may be 35 feet unless sprinkled.
    • Other structures may be 48 feet, excluding listed agricultural, utility, communication, and religious structures.

    residential maximum height: 35 feet (Unless sprinkled) · other structures maximum height: 48 feet (Excluding silos, barns, windmills, communication towers, utility facilities and church steeples)

    “Maximum Building Height for Residential: 35 ft (Unless sprinkled)”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Applicable Roane County zoning districts and planned developments.
      “Maximum building height for residential: 35 ft (Unless sprinkled)”
    • Specified — Residential buildings in unincorporated county zoning districts.
      “Maximum building height for residential: 35 ft (Unless sprinkled)”
    • Specified — Buildings in the zoning district section containing the cited area regulations.
      “Maximum building height: 35 ft. unless sprinkled.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of a camping trailer, camper, recreational vehicle, or motor home as a permanent residence in county zoning areas.

    • The zoning regulation applies to accessory uses and separately permits noncommercial storage of recreational equipment behind the front building line.
    • District bulk and use limitations still apply.
    “Use of a camping trailer, camper, recreational vehicle or motor home as a permanent residence is prohibited.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Permanent residence in a camping trailer, camper, recreational vehicle, or motor home as an accessory use.
      “Use of a camping trailer, camper, recreational vehicle or motor home as a permanent residence is prohibited.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home and mobile-home occupancy governed by Roane County zoning regulations.

    • The zoning regulation distinguishes manufactured homes from mobile homes.
    • Manufactured homes must have a permanent concrete or masonry foundation, permanent sewer and water connection, the same appearance required for site-built homes, and compliance with existing building codes.
    • Mobile-home-park rules apply to developments consisting of more than two mobile homes under the stated ownership or parcel conditions.
    “Such structures shall have the same appearance as required for site-built homes and shall comply with all requirements of the existing building codes. Such structures are distinguished from mobile homes as described elsewhere in this ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured-home occupancy under Roane County zoning districts.
      “Single family residences, excluding singlewide mobile homes”
    • Limited — Residential occupancy in county-regulated mobile-home park districts.
      “The intent of this district shall be to provide standards for certain lands in the County intended to be used for the development of Mobile Home Communities wherein either a Mobile Home space or a space and a Mobile Home may be used for residential occupancy.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Properties or lots in a proposed subdivision governed by Roane County subdivision regulations.

    • Each property or lot must connect to public sanitary sewer when the system adjoins the subdivision or is run by a public authority or district utility system.
    • The developer must provide the Planning Commission a written statement from the applicable public authority about sewer availability or extension.
    “Each property or lot shall be connected to a public sanitary sewer system”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural structures and lands subject to Roane County zoning.

    • Agricultural regulation is limited by Tennessee Code Annotated section 13-7-114.
    • Roane County may require building permits before construction of all buildings, including agricultural buildings, under the stated private-act authority.
    “The requirements of this resolution shall be limited by the provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 13-7-114, with respect to regulations on agricultural structures and lands.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision reviews and development proposals in Roane County.

    • The county planning department administers subdivision reviews and development proposals for compliance with county ordinances and adopted plans.
    “The Planning Department administers zoning regulations, subdivision reviews, and development proposals to ensure compliance with county ordinances and adopted plans.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision reviews and development proposals in Roane County.
      “The Planning Department administers zoning regulations, subdivision reviews, and development proposals to ensure compliance with county ordinances and adopted plans.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Floodway and flood-hazard development in unincorporated Roane County.

    • Floodway districts include channels and adjacent 100-year floodplains.
    • Encroachments, fill, new construction including manufactured dwellings, substantial improvements, and other development must conform to the Floodplain Resolution adopted by the Roane County Board of Commissioners.
    • Appeal-authorized or development-plan-approved encroachments must comply with current Roane County Floodplain Development and Construction Standards.

    base flood water-surface increase limit: <= 1 foot (Floodway reservation standard.)

    “Encroachments, including fill, new construction, including the placement of manufactured dwellings, substantial improvements, to existing development and structures, and other development shall conform with the Floodplain Resolution adopted by the Roane County Board of Commissioners on __________________.”
  • Short-term rentalsAllowed (with conditions)

    Short-term rentals operating within Roane County.

    • Annual Short-Term Rental Operating Permit required before advertising or renting.
    • Existing STRs operating before August 13, 2025 may continue subject to verification.
    • Grandfathered eligibility ends if the property is sold, STR use is discontinued for 30 consecutive months, or the property receives three unappealed violations.
    • Application requires a valid business license, life-safety affidavit, owner and local contact information, site and floor plans, confirmation that private agreements do not prohibit STR use, and a $200 non-refundable application fee.
    • Permit is one year; renewal requires updated materials, successful inspection, and a $150 renewal fee.
    • Permits are non-transferable and terminate upon change of ownership.

    initial application fee: 200 USD (non-refundable) · renewal fee: 150 USD · permit duration: 1 year

    “STRs may not be advertised or rented until a permit has been issued.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Short-term rentals operating in Roane County.
      “Roane County requires all Short-Term Rental Units (STRs) operating within the county to obtain an annual Short-Term Rental Operating Permit.”
    • Limited — Short-term rental units operating in Roane County.
      “Roane County requires all Short-Term Rental Units (STRs) operating within the county to obtain an annual Short-Term Rental Operating Permit. STRs may not be advertised or rented until a permit has been issued.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Roane County short-term-rental operating permits.

    • The application fee is non-refundable.
    • Annual renewal requires a successful inspection and updated materials.
    • Permits terminate upon change of ownership and three unappealed violations may result in loss of eligibility.

    initial STR application fee: 200 USD (non-refundable) · annual STR renewal fee: 150 USD

    “$200 non-refundable application fee [...] Successful inspection [...] $150 renewal fee”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Roane County short-term-rental operating permits.
      “Annual renewal requires updated documentation, an inspection, and payment of the $150 renewal fee.”
    • Variable (with conditions) — Fees under the county zoning regulations.
      “Upon receipt of the recommendations of the Zoning Office, County Commission shall establish a schedule of fees, charges and expenses, and a collection procedure for all matters pertaining to the administration of this Resolution. The schedule of fees shall be filed in the Zoning Office.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Short-term rental operating permit process in Roane County.

    • Applicants submit a complete application to Building & Codes, online or in person.
    • Required materials include a business license, life-safety affidavit, owner and local contact information, site plan, floor plan, confirmation that private agreements do not prohibit STR use, and the $200 fee.
    • Required building and fire/life-safety inspections must be passed.
    • The permit is one year, non-transferable, and renewal requires updated materials, inspection, and the $150 fee.
    “To obtain a Short-Term Rental Operating Permit, owners must submit a complete application to the Roane County Building & Codes Office. Applications can be completed online here or in person at the Building & Codes Office.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — County building and STR permit application processes.
      “To obtain a Short-Term Rental Operating Permit, owners must submit a complete application to the Roane County Building & Codes Office. Applications can be completed online here or in person at the Building & Codes Office.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning permit process.
      “If the application, filed together with the plans and specifications, conforms in all respects with the requirements of this Resolution, the Zoning Office shall, within reasonable time, issue the permit applied for. If an application is disapproved, the applicant shall be notified in writing, with reason for the disapproval.”
    • Partial — Roane County building-permit applications and inspection requests.
      “Building permit applications and inspection requests must be submitted by 3:30pm.”

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).”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings in Tennessee opt-out or non-code jurisdictions when the State Fire Marshal's Office inspects the dwelling during construction.

    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • The Certificate of Occupancy is released only if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes this process for opt-out or non-code jurisdictions and for new construction or additions to existing homes.
    “determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Overnight camping on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled Wildlife Management Areas and related lands where overnight camping is allowed.

    • Overnight camping may be permitted only in designated areas and by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor.
    • Camping is subject to limitations prescribed in the permit if required.
    • Camping may not exceed three weeks from the beginning to the end of the camping stay.
    • Owner contact information or a TWRA ID number and date of arrival must be displayed on a camper, tent, vehicle, or similar item at all times.
    • Where overnight camping is allowed, firearms and archery equipment must remain in camp except during legal hunting hours.

    maximum camping stay: <= 3 weeks

    “May be permitted in designated areas by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor. Such camping is subject to the limitations prescribed in the permit if required.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Camping and use of trailers or other camper units in Tennessee state forests administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry.
      “Camping and the use of trailers or other camper units are allowed only at designated locations. The district forester will issue written permits to persons to camp in backcountry or other isolated sections of a forest area.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Tennessee subsurface sewage disposal system construction permitting and related SSDS administration statewide.

    • The Tennessee Division of Water Resources administers SSDS permitting in non-contract counties.
    • Permit packages and Certificate of Completion packages for sites in contract counties are submitted directly to the contract county.
    • The listed contract counties are Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson.
    • Installer permits are valid statewide, but contract counties may require an additional permit.
    “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Tennessee SSDS installer, pumper, and related septic permits applicable in Roane County.
      “You will need a permit from the Division of Water Resources.”
    • State — Residential, commercial, and industrial septic-system permitting applicable in Roane County.
      “A TDEC Environmental Scientist will conduct a site evaluation”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Statewide subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and assistance, with specified contract counties providing ground water protection services in their own areas.
      “NOTE: Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas. The online application form is not to be submitted for services requested in the following metropolitan or contact counties: Blount County, Davidson County/Nashville, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Madison County, Sevier County, Shelby County, Williamson County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

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

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

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

    “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system. This permit ensures that the septic system design complies with state regulations and safeguards your health by properly managing wastewater.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installing, altering, extending, or repairing conventional or alternative SSDS systems in Roane County under Tennessee's statewide program.
      “installing, altering, extending or repairing a conventional septic system”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.

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

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

    “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
    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”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Roane County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Roane County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwellings in Roane County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Roane County.
  • Well permit — Private and domestic water wells in Roane 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 Roane County, Tennessee

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

Roane County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 45,132 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Roane County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems. 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 Roane County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Roane County is prohibited: Use of a camping trailer, camper, recreational vehicle, or motor home as a permanent residence in county zoning areas. The zoning regulation applies to accessory uses and separately permits noncommercial storage of recreational equipment behind the front building line. District bulk and use limitations still apply. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Roane County, Tennessee?

Land in Roane County runs about $6,039 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Roane County?

Roane County gets about 57" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.8% of years.

How remote is Roane County?

A representative private-land location has about 45,132 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,765,476 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 Roane compares in Tennessee

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