Bolthole Index

Scott County, Tennessee

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

80Index Score / 100
#20 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Scott County, Tennessee requires no county building permit, and the county has opted out of the state residential building program, though Huntsville, Oneida and Winfield may apply their own rules123. Zoning approval could not be confirmed for the county, so ask the Mayor’s Office about the parcel45. Septic permits for every address in the county come from TDEC, and a driveway on state-highway right-of-way needs a TDOT permit67.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required by Scott County; municipalities may differ81
Zoning
Unconfirmed; ask the Mayor's Office about the parcel45
Septic
TDEC site evaluation and construction permit required9610
Owner-builder
You may build your own home where no county permit is required; trade licensing may still apply11
Tiny home without a foundation
Prohibited as housing statewide12
Voluntary state building permit
Available for State Fire Marshal inspection and a qualifying Certificate of Occupancy13
State-highway driveway
TDOT permit required before construction or a change in use7

Who to call

Septic permits

TDEC Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) Program

Site evaluations, Septic System Construction Permits, and final inspections for on-site sewage systems statewide, including Scott County, through a local Environmental Scientist

Online permits →

Also useful

Scott County Mayor's Office

General Scott County government contact point; the chief executive's office overseeing county departments including the Road Department

(423) 663-2000

2845 Baker Highway, Huntsville, TN 37756

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

Off-grid gear

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

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

Scott County does not require a county building permit for construction, but the county source does not establish the rules inside incorporated municipalities1. Scott County has also opted unincorporated territory out of Tennessee's residential building program for one- and two-family dwellings2. An owner or contractor may nevertheless obtain a voluntary state building permit and request State Fire Marshal inspections; a qualifying home can then receive a Certificate of Occupancy13. On unincorporated land, the lack of a county building permit means an owner may build a personal home without seeking an owner-builder exemption from that permit, although state licensing may still apply to electrical, plumbing and HVAC work11. Septic, floodplain, driveway and municipal approvals remain separate questions14.

Who handles permits in Scott County, and how do you reach them?

Scott County publishes no county building-permit application process because county building permits are not required14. For general county questions, including which local office handles a parcel-specific issue, start with the Scott County Mayor's Office5. An owner or contractor who wants voluntary state inspection of a home in this opt-out jurisdiction can use the State Fire Marshal process; a Certificate of Occupancy is issued only when the dwelling meets statewide construction-safety standards13. TDEC, rather than a county building office, handles septic site evaluations and final inspections through a local Environmental Scientist615. For a proposed entrance on state-highway right-of-way, contact TDOT before construction, modification or a change in driveway use7.

Does Scott County have zoning?

Scott County's zoning status could not be confirmed from an accessible ordinance or readable map, so do not assume that unincorporated land is unrestricted4. Tennessee allows counties to zone territory outside municipalities, but that authority alone does not show that Scott County adopted zoning16. A state planning report identifies Huntsville, Oneida and Winfield as having subdivision regulations while listing none for unincorporated Scott County; municipal rules can therefore differ from county rules3. If county zoning applies, a building on land devoted to agriculture is exempt only when it is incidental to the agricultural enterprise; the exemption does not cover agricultural land near specified highways, public airports or public parks, or land in the one-hundred-year floodplain, and it does not govern municipalities17. Ask the Mayor's Office about zoning, setbacks, minimum home size and lot coverage for the specific parcel5.

How do septic permits work in Scott County?

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, not Scott County, permits every septic system in the county9615. A TDEC Environmental Scientist conducts a site evaluation to determine the system type, and a Septic System Construction Permit is required before installation or repair610. A new conventional system permit costs $400 up to 1,000 gallons per day of design flow, plus $100 for each additional 1,000 gallons; a new alternative system costs $500 up to 1,000 gallons per day, plus $150 per additional 1,000 gallons10. Only about 0.4% of Scott County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation before committing to a homesite18. After installation, the installer contacts the local Environmental Scientist for a final inspection before covering the system; approval results in a Certificate of Completion19.

Dividing a tract into 2 or more lots where a septic system is or will be used requires a TDEC Subdivision Evaluation, with a soils map from a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant, unless every resulting parcel is 5 acres or larger20.

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

Tennessee prohibits modifying a 'ready-removable' structure—one without a foundation, footings or other support mechanisms that prevent easy relocation—for residential, recreational or emergency housing12. That rule reaches a foundation-less tiny home, but it does not answer whether an RV may be occupied on private land in unincorporated Scott County12. We could not confirm a local rule for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping on private land or minimum dwelling size. A foundation-based tiny home is a different category, but its parcel-specific zoning, septic and floodplain requirements still need review1221. Ask the Mayor's Office about land use and TDEC about wastewater before relying on an RV or tiny home as a residence515.

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Scott County; Huntsville, Oneida and Winfield may apply their own rules3.
  2. Ask the Mayor's Office to confirm zoning and whether local floodplain review applies to the site4215.
  3. Confirm water service with Huntsville Utility District or Oneida Water & Wastewater Department; the county identifies both as public-water providers but does not promise service to every parcel22.
  4. Apply to TDEC for the required septic site evaluation and construction permit before installation or repair610.
  5. Obtain a TDOT permit before building or changing a driveway on state-highway right-of-way; requirements for other roads could not be confirmed7.
  6. Proceed without a county building permit, or elect the voluntary state inspection route if you want a state Certificate of Occupancy1413.
  7. Have TDEC inspect the septic system before it is covered19.

What to check before you buy land in Scott County

Scott County has about 41.7 people per square mile, is 93.2% wooded, and its center is roughly 42 miles from the nearest city of 100,000 or more232425. Only about 22% of the land has a slope of 15% or less, so evaluate the homesite and driveway before buying26. Just 0.4% of soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, making an early TDEC site evaluation especially valuable186. Confirm that a public-water provider can reach the parcel; Scott County names Huntsville Utility District and Oneida Water & Wastewater Department, but countywide availability is not established22. Check mapped flood zones: floodplain requirements are managed locally, and outside city limits the state directs owners to the county floodplain administrator before work begins in or near a mapped floodplain27. Local review may be required before floodplain development, and verify whether access touches state-highway right-of-way because that triggers a TDOT permit217.

Watch-outs

  • A tiny home without a permanent foundation is legally barred from use as housing anywhere in Tennessee, including Scott County12.
  • Scott County's zoning status is unresolved, not confirmed 'no zoning'; ask the Mayor's Office before assuming a use is allowed45.
  • Huntsville, Oneida and Winfield may have their own rules; confirm jurisdiction before relying on the county's no-permit policy31.
  • A driveway on state-highway right-of-way needs a TDOT permit before construction, modification or a change in use; requirements for county-road entrances could not be confirmed7.

Sources

  1. Moving to Scott County, quoted and re-checked
  2. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  3. Dedications along Existing Public Rights-of-Way, Balancing Property Rights with Local Authority over Land Use Regulation, quoted and re-checked
  4. (2026 county census)
  5. Scott County Mayor's Office (scottcounty.com)
  6. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  7. Highway Entrance Permits, quoted and re-checked
  8. Moving to Scott County (2026 county census)
  9. TDEC - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) (2026 county census)
  10. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Tennessee law on county zoning and building authority
  12. Tennessee Public Guidance: Ready-Removables and Non-Traditional Homes, quoted and re-checked
  13. Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions, quoted and re-checked
  14. Moving to Scott County, quoted and re-checked
  15. TDEC Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) Program (tn.gov)
  16. Tennessee Attorney General Opinion No. 10-108 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  18. 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
  19. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  20. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  21. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory, quoted and re-checked
  22. About Scott County, quoted and re-checked
  23. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory, quoted and re-checked

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Scott County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleScott CountyMorgan CountyCampbell CountyFentress CountyAnderson CountyPickett CountyRoane County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredRequired
County zoningNot publishedYesNoNoYesNot publishedYes
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Scott County in Tennessee

80
County map
Scott County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Scott County scores

Seclusion55100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency54100% ev.
Admin Boringness7877% ev.
Durability79100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost89100% 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 →

$190kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$3,689Land / acre
57.3"Annual rain
2.4% of yrsSevere drought
2.3 / yr (+2.2)Mid-century 100°F days
12.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.05" (+8.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.72×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,507Home insurance / yr
-0.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.29%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
31,389People within 30 min
2,166,013People within 2 hr
33,895Radius comparison (15 mi)
41.7People / sq mi
16%Federal land
22%Land at 15% slope or less
0.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
1,063 acWorkable land screen
93.2%Wooded land
68.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Scott 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 Huntsville · Town of Oneida · Town of Winfield

Answers from the rulebook for Scott County

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

Scott County rules

  • Building permitNot required

    Building permits issued by Scott County for construction in Scott County, Tennessee.

    • The source does not establish whether incorporated municipalities impose separate permitting requirements.
    “Building permits — Building permits are not required by Scott County.”
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

    Unincorporated Scott County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.

    • The source does not establish whether incorporated municipalities impose separate permitting requirements.
    “Building permits — Building permits are not required by Scott County.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted (with conditions)

    State residential building-code enforcement for one- and two-family dwellings in Scott County, Tennessee.

    • The Tennessee source defines OPT OUT as a jurisdiction that has passed a resolution opting out of the state residential building program.
    • The source states the list was accurate as of 2026-08-21.
    • The county's own page states that building permits are not required by Scott County.
    • This claim concerns the residential building-code program; other permits or inspections, including optional state inspection processes, may still apply.
    “Scott County | OPT OUT | Stuart Brown | Stubrown1976@gmail.com | 351-201-0296”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — State residential building-code enforcement for one- and two-family dwellings in Scott County, Tennessee.
      “Scott County | OPT OUT | Stuart Brown | Stubrown1976@gmail.com | 351-201-0296 [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Inspection by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office for one- and two-family dwellings in Scott County, an officially listed opt-out jurisdiction.

    • The inspection is optional: an owner or contractor may request it; the source does not state that inspection is mandatory in Scott County.
    • The inspection applies to one- and two-family dwellings and may occur during construction for new construction and additions to existing homes.
    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • If the dwelling meets statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy.
    • The source separately lists Huntsville, Oneida, and Winfield as opt-out municipalities.
    “Scott County | OPT OUT | Stuart Brown | Stubrown1976@gmail.com | 351-201-0296”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater

    Public water service described for Scott County, including service by Huntsville Utility District and the Oneida Water & Wastewater Department.

    • The source identifies public-water service providers but does not establish universal connection requirements or service availability for every parcel.
    • The source does not establish public sewer service countywide.
    “the Huntsville Utility District and Oneida Water & Wastewater Department serves customers public water.”
  • Subdividing landNot regulated

    Land subdivision in unincorporated Scott County, excluding municipal jurisdictions.

    • The Tennessee TACIR appendix identifies Huntsville, Oneida, and Winfield as cities in Scott County with subdivision regulations; municipal rules may therefore apply within those city boundaries.
    • This source is a status report identified as based on 2020 local-planning information.
    “Scott No Huntsville, Oneida, Winfield None”
  • Permit processPartial

    County building permits for construction in Scott County, Tennessee.

    • The source addresses Scott County building permits only; it does not resolve state, municipal, septic, floodplain, driveway, or other permits that may apply.
    “Building permits — Building permits are not required by Scott County.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    One- and two-family dwellings in Scott County, an identified Tennessee OPT OUT jurisdiction, when the owner or contractor elects the State Fire Marshal’s Office inspection process.

    • The State Fire Marshal’s Office releases a Certificate of Occupancy only if the one- or two-family dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • The source does not state that a Certificate of Occupancy is required for every residence in Scott County.
    “the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy”
    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.”
  • Tiny homesProhibited

    Modification of Tennessee-defined ready-removable structures for residential, recreational, or emergency housing, including any such structure used as a tiny home in Scott County.

    • The prohibition applies to a ready-removable structure, defined as a structure without any foundation, footings, or other support mechanisms that allow it to be easily relocated, though it may include electrical wiring.
    • The state guidance separately states that structures meeting specified construction, foundation, inspection, permit, and code criteria may be treated as one- or two-family dwellings; this claim does not determine occupancy of those non-ready-removable structures.
    “Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-126-303(9), “‘Ready-removable’ means a structure without any foundation, footings, or other support mechanisms that allow a structure to be easily relocated but which may include electrical wiring.” Further, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-126-311, “No ready-removable shall be modified for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in this state.””
  • 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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving properties in Scott County, Tennessee.
      “A TDEC Environmental Scientist will conduct a site evaluation to determine the type of septic system required for your property.”
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and final approval in Scott County.
      “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county. Contract Counties: Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby & Williamson”
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal system permitting, inspection, and related regulation in Scott County, including unincorporated areas.
      “To speak with someone in the Knoxville Environmental Field Office regarding septic related inquiries or need assistance with forms, please call (865) 594-6035.”
    • 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, modification, repair, or installation of a septic system serving property in Scott County.

    • A permit is required before the system is constructed, modified, or repaired.
    • Applications require site and property information; soils maps or engineered designs may be required.
    • Processing generally takes 10 days and must be completed within 45 days.
    • New conventional permit fee is $400 up to 1,000 gallons per day, plus $100 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day; conventional construction inspection fee is $100.
    • New alternative permit fee is $500 up to 1,000 gallons per day, plus $150 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day; alternative inspection fee is $200.
    • Experimental SSDS permit fee is $500; repair permit has no permit fee and repair inspection is $100.

    processing deadline: <= 45 days (from submission of the application) · new conventional SSDS permit fee: 400 USD (up to 1000 gallons per day design flow) · additional conventional flow fee: per 100 USD (each additional 1000 gallons per day flow) · new alternative SSDS permit fee: 500 USD (up to 1000 gallons per day design flow)

    “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, modification, or repair of subsurface sewage disposal systems serving residential, commercial, industrial, retail, or accessory-building uses in Scott County under Tennessee's statewide SSDS program.
      “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.”
    • Required — Construction, modification, repair, or installation of septic systems serving residential, commercial, or industrial property in Scott County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
    • 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

    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
    • Required — New septic-system installations in Scott County.
      “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered.”
    • Required — Installation of septic systems in Scott County.
      “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered.”
  • 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.””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction of a driveway on state-highway right-of-way, including applicable state highways in Scott County.

    • Applies before construction of a driveway on state-highway right-of-way.
    • Applies to modification, revision, or change in use of existing driveway facilities.
    • Property owners must obtain the permit from TDOT.
    • This state rule does not establish requirements for driveways connecting only to county, municipal, federal, or private roads.
    “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 of any existing driveway facilities. Property owners must obtain a permit from TDOT.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, modification, revision, or change in use of a driveway on Tennessee state highway right-of-way.
      “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Development in regulated floodplains in Tennessee, including potentially applicable areas of Scott County.
      “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.”
    • Limited — Development in or near mapped floodplains, including mapped flood-hazard areas in Scott County; the state page directs property owners outside city limits to the county floodplain administrator.
      “Contact the local floodplain administrator before beginning work in or near a mapped floodplain.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

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

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

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

    “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
  • 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 administered by Scott County, Tennessee.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning within Scott County, including unincorporated territory and incorporated municipalities.
  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts administered by Scott County or applicable in its unincorporated area.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in unincorporated Scott County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in unincorporated Scott County.
9 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • 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 Scott County, Tennessee

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

Scott County scores 80/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals.

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

Scott 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 Scott County, Tennessee?

Land in Scott County runs about $3,689 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Scott County?

Scott County gets about 57.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.4% of years.

How remote is Scott County?

A representative private-land location has about 31,389 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,166,013 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 Scott compares in Tennessee

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