Bolthole Index

Smith County, Tennessee

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

71Index Score / 100
#47 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Smith County, Tennessee requires a building permit before residential, commercial or industrial construction begins, and county zoning applies outside the three city limits12. The Smith County Planning Office handles building permits, electrical permits and zoning there; inside a city, confirm building-permit and zoning requirements with that municipality3. TDEC administers septic permits throughout Smith County4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before residential, commercial or industrial construction in unincorporated Smith County1
Permit fee
Published application lists $1,505 residential, $1,605 commercial and $2,005 industrial5
Zoning
Yes; county zoning applies outside the municipal corporations2
Septic permit
Required through TDEC before site work, with inspection after installation67
RV living
Private-lot occupancy is not confirmed; regulated campgrounds and RV parks follow county standards89
Rural lot size
A-1 requires 1 acre; R-1 and R-C require 30,000 square feet with adequate fire protection10
Conventional septic soils
About 3.6% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field11
Owner-builder
A qualifying owner may build one personal residence every two years12

Who to call

Building permits

Smith County Planning Office

Building and electrical permits outside the three city limits, zoning, subdivisions, site review, GIS mapping, mobile-home park rules and FEMA floodplain regulations

615.735.3418

planning@smithcountytn.gov

303 High Street N, Carthage, Tennessee 37030

Septic permits

TDEC Cookeville Environmental Field Office

Septic-related inquiries for Smith County through the TDEC field office that serves the county

931-206-6329

1844 Foreman Dr, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38501

Roads & driveways

Smith County TDOT Garage

Approval for a driveway off the highway

615-735-5760

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Smith 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 Smith County, Tennessee?

Yes. Residential, commercial and industrial construction in unincorporated Smith County requires a building permit before work begins, and the permit must conform to the zoning resolution unless the Board of Zoning Appeals provides the required written order1. Smith County's development guide specifically requires a state building permit for new construction and decking on mobile homes13. Tennessee has adopted the International Building Codes for permit applicants14. A qualifying owner may obtain one permit every two years to build a home for personal use, not for sale, lease or rent; hired contractors remain subject to the stated licensing rules12. The Land Use Regulations Administrator conducts zoning-compliance inspections, but a complete construction-inspection schedule is not published15. Agricultural buildings and other nonresidential structures on agricultural land have a conditional exemption, with stated exceptions for certain feedlots, dairy farms and egg-production houses16.

Who issues building permits in Smith County, and how do you reach the office?

The Smith County Planning Office is the building-permit and zoning contact for property outside the three city limits39. Inside a city, confirm building-permit and zoning requirements with that municipality; TDEC still administers septic permits for Smith County property34. The Planning Office is at 303 High Street N, Carthage, Tennessee 37030; call 615.735.3418 or email planning@smithcountytn.gov9. The current application lists building-permit fees of $1,505 for residential, $1,605 for commercial and $2,005 for industrial work17. The application asks for property, occupant, contractor, site and project information; ask the Planning Office which zoning-compliance inspections to schedule18159.

Does Smith County have zoning?

Yes. Smith County zoning regulates land and buildings outside the three city limits; incorporated municipalities may administer their own zoning rules2. The county publishes requirements for the A-1, R-1, R-C, C-1, C-2 and I-1 districts, which vary by district and fire protection19. With adequate fire protection, A-1 lots require at least 1 acre, while R-1 and R-C lots require 30,000 square feet10. Published front setbacks range from 30 to 50 feet and rear setbacks from 15 to 30 feet, depending on district and fire protection; the front measurement starts at the right-of-way edge20. Manufactured homes are allowed on individual lots in the R-1 district, subject to its building-permit, septic, area, setback and other zoning requirements21. A subdivision plat is required when land is divided into tracts or lots smaller than 5 acres22.

How do septic permits work in Smith County?

TDEC, not Smith County or its cities, administers septic permits for Smith County property4. Obtain the septic permit before dirt work, construction or preparation of the building pad begins6. The TDEC Cookeville Environmental Field Office serves Smith County and lists 931-206-6329 for septic inquiries23. A septic permit or Certificate of Verification for an existing system is also part of the county building-permit application24. TDEC inspects each septic installation, and the final inspection must occur before the system is covered25. Only about 3.6% of Smith County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so settle septic feasibility and the home site before closing or beginning earthwork11.

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

We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing or prohibiting RV occupancy on an individual parcel in unincorporated Smith County. Smith County regulates campgrounds, incidental camping areas and RV parks, but those standards do not establish permission to live in an RV on a private lot8. Tiny-home occupancy and a countywide minimum dwelling floor area also remain unconfirmed. Ask the Smith County Planning Office for a written answer tied to the parcel, zoning district, unit and intended occupancy9. Manufactured homes are expressly allowed on individual lots in the R-1 Rural Residential District, subject to its building-permit, septic, area, setback and other zoning requirements21.

What are the steps to build a home in Smith County?

  1. Ask the Smith County Planning Office to identify the zoning district and confirm the use, lot area, setbacks and floodplain status1910209.
  2. Confirm that the building lot has the required public-road frontage: generally 50 feet, or 30 feet for qualifying residential or agricultural property on a cul-de-sac26.
  3. Obtain the TDEC septic permit before dirt work, building-pad preparation or construction, then include the permit or existing-system verification with the building-permit application624.
  4. Apply for the building permit through the Planning Office with the requested property, occupant, contractor, site and project details; new construction and mobile-home decking require a state building permit18139.
  5. Schedule the required zoning-compliance inspections, and arrange TDEC's final septic inspection before the system is covered1525.
  6. For a county-road culvert or tile, have the Road Superintendent evaluate the location and required tile size; for state highway right-of-way, obtain a TDOT driveway permit2728.

What should you check before buying land in Smith County?

Inspect the zoning map with the Land Use Regulations Administrator and confirm the parcel's district, allowed use, minimum lot area, setbacks and FEMA floodplain status before relying on a listing's description of buildability1910209. If the seller proposes a split, ask whether a subdivision plat and Planning Commission review are required; divisions into tracts or lots smaller than 5 acres require a plat22. Test septic feasibility early because only about 3.6% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field11. Confirm public-road frontage and have the Road Superintendent size any county-road driveway tile before installation2627. We could not confirm one countywide private-well or utility-connection rule, so ask Planning and TDEC about the parcel923.

Watch-outs

  • The current application lists fixed building-permit fees by use, but it does not identify a separate fee schedule or effective date; confirm the amount with Planning before budgeting179.
  • Obtain the septic permit before dirt work or building-pad construction, then arrange the final TDEC inspection before covering the system625.
  • County campground and RV-park standards do not answer whether an owner may occupy an RV on a private lot; ask the Smith County Planning Office about the specific parcel and proposal89.
  • We could not confirm countywide rules for tiny-home occupancy, minimum dwelling size or private-well permits; ask the Smith County Planning Office and TDEC about the specific parcel and proposal923.

Sources

  1. Official Zoning Ordinance, Smith County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning Office – Smith County Government, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning Office – Smith County Government, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning Office – Smith County Government, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  7. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  8. Official Zoning Ordinance, Smith County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  9. Smith County Planning Office (smithcotn.com)
  10. Development Guide, quoted and re-checked
  11. 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
  12. Can I build my own home without a license?, quoted and re-checked
  13. smithcotn.com, quoted and re-checked
  14. Residential Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  15. Official Zoning Ordinance, Smith County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  16. Official Zoning Ordinance, Smith County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  18. Planning Office – Smith County Government, quoted and re-checked
  19. Development Guide, quoted and re-checked
  20. smithcotn.com, quoted and re-checked
  21. Official Zoning Ordinance, Smith County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  22. smithcotn.com, quoted and re-checked
  23. TDEC Cookeville Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  24. Planning Office – Smith County Government, quoted and re-checked
  25. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  26. Development Guide, quoted and re-checked
  27. Tile Installation, quoted and re-checked
  28. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), 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

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Smith County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleSmith CountyTrousdale CountyJackson CountyDeKalb CountyMacon CountyWilson CountyPutnam County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoNoYesYesNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTN TDEC

County locator

Smith County in Tennessee

71
County map
Smith County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Smith County scores

Seclusion52100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency60100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability69100% 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 →

$313kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,358Land / acre
54"Annual rain
2.4% of yrsSevere drought
8.8 / yr (+8.1)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
2.34" (+5.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.6×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,862Home insurance / yr
0.4% / yrInsurance growth
9.69%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
18,652People within 30 min
3,017,502People within 2 hr
46,123Radius comparison (15 mi)
65.3People / sq mi
3.5%Federal land
35.1%Land at 15% slope or less
3.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
6,855 acWorkable land screen
59.1%Wooded land
49.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Smith 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 Carthage · Town of Gordonsville · Town of South Carthage

Answers from the rulebook for Smith County

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

Smith County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction and decking on mobile homes in unincorporated Smith County.

    • A septic permit or Certificate of Verification is required as part of the application when applicable.
    • A 911 address is assigned before the permit is issued.
    • Requirements differ inside the three city limits.
    “For New Construction and for Decking on Mobile Homes, a state building permit is required.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential, commercial, or industrial construction in unincorporated Smith County
      “It shall be unlawful to commence the construction of any building or structure for the purpose or residential, commercial or industrial use without a zoning compliance (building permit). [Amended July 2005] No Building Permit shall be issued by the Land Use Regulations Administrator, except in conformity with the provisions of this resolution, unless there is received a written order from the Board of Zoning Appeals in the form of an administrative review, special exception, or variance as provided by this resolution.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Zoning-compliance inspections for county-regulated construction in unincorporated Smith County

    • The Land Use Regulations Administrator conducts inspections required by the zoning resolution and other inspections necessary to ensure compliance.
    “Conduct inspections as required in this resolution and such other inspections as are necessary to insure compliance with the various other general provisions of this resolution.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Smith County zoning in areas outside the three city limits.

    • The county Planning Office states that it enforces the Smith County zoning ordinance outside the three city limits.
    “The office enforces the Smith County zoning ordinance, sub-division regulations, mobile home park regulations, FEMA floodplain regulations and Title VI Compliance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning in the portions of Smith County outside the three municipal limits
      “A resolution, in pursuance of the authority granted by Sections 13-7-115 and 13-7-401, Tennessee Code, to regulate, in the portions of Smith County, Tennessee, which lie outside of the municipal corporations of the county, the location, height, bulk, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of the lot which may be occupied, the sizes of yards, courts and other open spaces the density and distribution of population, and the uses of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence, recreation, agricultural, forestry, soil and water conservation, public activities and other purpose including areas subject to flooding;”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulation and zoning-compliance permitting in Smith County areas outside the three city limits.

    • The Smith County Planning Office states that its zoning enforcement and permit functions apply outside the three city limits.
    • Municipal zoning rules were not separately established by the cited source.
    “The Smith County Planning Office serves as a central point of contact for development related matters such as: land subdividing, site reviews, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, building permits and electrical permits in the county that lie outside of the three city limits. The office enforces the Smith County zoning ordinance, sub-division regulations, mobile home park regulations, FEMA floodplain regulations and Title VI Compliance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Published county zoning district requirements for A-1, R-1, R-C, C-1, C-2, and I-1 districts.

    • Requirements vary by district and by whether adequate fire protection exists.
    • The guide is for developing property in unincorporated Smith County.

    listed districts: A-1, R-1, R-C, C-1, C-2, I-1

    “The following table shows the setback and lot width requirements for each zoning district. Requirements for lots with Adequate Fire Protection as defined above: A-1 R-1 R-C C-1 C-2 I-1”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts outside municipal corporations
      “Certified prints of the adopted zoning map and zoning map amendments shall be maintained in the office of the Smith County Land Use Regulations Administrator and shall be available for inspection by the public at all reasonable times, as long as this resolution remains in effect.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the listed county zoning districts in unincorporated Smith County.

    • With adequate fire protection: A-1 requires 1 acre; R-1 and R-C require 30,000 square feet; C-1, C-2, and I-1 show no minimum lot area.
    • Without adequate fire protection: A-1, R-1, and R-C require 1 acre; C-1, C-2, and I-1 show N/A.
    • The guide defines adequate fire protection as a standard hydrant within 500 feet on a six-inch waterline providing at least 500 gallons per minute and 20 psi residual pressure.

    minimum lot area: 1 acre (A-1 with adequate fire protection) · minimum lot area: 30000 square feet (R-1 and R-C with adequate fire protection)

    “Minimum Lot Area 1 acre 30000 ft2 30000 ft2 None None None”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building setbacks in the listed county zoning districts in unincorporated Smith County.

    • With adequate fire protection, front setbacks are 40 feet in A-1, R-1, and R-C; 30 feet in C-1 and C-2; and 50 feet in I-1.
    • With adequate fire protection, rear setbacks are 15 feet in A-1, R-1, R-C, C-1, and C-2, and 30 feet in I-1.
    • Without adequate fire protection, A-1 front setback is 40 feet, rear 15 feet, side 25 feet; R-1 and R-C front 40 feet, rear 15 feet, side 15 feet; C-1, C-2, and I-1 show N/A.
    • The front setback begins at the edge of the right-of-way, not the edge of the roadbed.

    front setback: 30-50 feet (Depends on zoning district and adequate fire protection) · rear setback: 15-30 feet (Depends on zoning district and adequate fire protection) · side setback: 15-25 feet (Depends on zoning district and adequate fire protection)

    “Front Setback 40 Feet 40 Feet 40 Feet 30 Feet 30 Feet 50 Feet”
  • Building heightSpecified

    I-1 General Industrial District in unincorporated Smith County

    • The cited 45-foot limit is for the I-1 district; other districts or structures may have different requirements.

    maximum building height: <= 45 feet

    “HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS: No building shall exceed forty-five (45) feet in height.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Campgrounds, incidental camping areas, and RV parks in unincorporated Smith County

    • The county zoning resolution regulates campgrounds and RV parks through site-plan approval, building permits, minimum area, setbacks, utilities, drainage, and sanitation requirements.

    minimum RV park area: >= 2 acres

    “The purpose and objective of this Section is to recognize the value of and establish reasonable standards for the development of recreational vehicle parks and the development of incidental camping areas and campgrounds, for the benefit of the general public utilizing such parks and facilities.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes on individual lots in county-regulated areas.

    • A building permit must be obtained before the home is moved on site.
    • Homes must be used as residences, anchored and stabilized under Tennessee regulations, and meet skirting, foundation, yard, and other applicable requirements.
    • Municipal jurisdictions may have separate rules.
    “A building permit shall be obtained for all classes of manufactured homes before they are moved on site.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Manufactured homes on individual lots in the Smith County R-1 Rural Residential District
      “Mobile homes and Manufactured Homes on individual lots. (Amended May 2013)”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings and other non-residential agricultural structures on land devoted to agricultural uses under the Smith County zoning resolution

    • The provision does not apply to feedlots, dairy farms, and egg production houses with an established date of operation after the resolution's effective date, as provided in Tennessee Code Annotated §§44-18-101 through 44-18-104.
    • Other state or federal requirements may still apply.
    “This resolution shall not be construed as authorizing the requirement of building permits nor providing for any regulation of the erection, construction, or reconstruction of any agricultural building or other non-residential structure on lands now devoted to agricultural uses or which may hereafter by used for agricultural purposes. Nor shall this resolution be construed as limiting or affecting in any way or controlling the agricultural uses of land, except in regard to feedlots, dairy farms, and egg production houses with an established date of operation subsequent to the effective date this resolution noted herein, as provided in Section 44-18-101 through 44-18-104 of the Tennessee Code.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and parcel division in unincorporated Smith County.

    • A subdivision plat is required for divisions into tracts or lots of less than five acres.
    • Divisions into no more than two lots may be approved in-house; divisions into more than two tracts require full Planning Commission approval.
    • The county subdivision regulations govern floodable land and public-service considerations.

    acreage threshold: < 5 acres (A plat is required for divisions into tracts or lots of less than five acres)

    “A subdivision plat is required for divisions into tracts or lots of less than 5 acres in size.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land division within the Smith County Planning Region
      “shall govern all subdivisions of land within Smith County”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access for buildings on lots in unincorporated Smith County.

    • A lot must abut a publicly maintained road for at least 50 feet.
    • For residential properties in a residential or agricultural district abutting a cul-de-sac, the minimum is 30 feet.
    • The development guide also links a county-road driveway tile installation form.

    public-road frontage: >= 50 feet (30 feet for residential or agricultural district property abutting a cul-de-sac)

    “No building shall be erected on a lot which does not abut at least one (1) publicly maintained road for at least fifty (50) feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Driveway culvert or tile installations on Smith County roads.
      “Whether you want to install your own tile, or want us to install your tile for you, the Road Superintendent must evaluate your location and advise you as to the size tile that is required.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Fees shown on the current Smith County building permit application.

    • The application lists different fees by use category; no separate fee schedule or effective date was located.

    residential permit fee: 1505 USD · commercial permit fee: 1605 USD · industrial permit fee: 2005 USD

    “THE PERMIT IS FOR: (Circle one) RESIDENTIAL($1505) COMMERCIAL($1605) INDUSTRIAL($2005)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Fees shown on the Smith County residential/commercial/industrial building permit application
      “RESIDENTIAL($1505) COMMERCIAL($1605) INDUSTRIAL($2005)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Published Smith County development and building-permit process for areas outside the three city limits.

    • A septic permit or Certificate of Verification for an existing septic system is required as part of the application.
    • The 911 address is assigned before the permit is issued and noted on the permit.
    • If existing principal structures are present, the property must be subdivided as allowed by state law and Smith County Subdivision Regulations, if applicable.
    • For new construction and decking on mobile homes, a state building permit is required, based on the structure's value and square footage.
    • For divisions into tracts or lots smaller than 5 acres, a subdivision plat is required; divisions of no more than 2 lots may be approved in-house, while divisions of more than 2 tracts require full Planning Commission approval.
    • Erosion and sedimentation controls are required for residential, commercial, and industrial development.

    deed-transfer threshold: > 5 acres (road-frontage requirements also apply)

    “Check List for Development: Check the Use against the zoning district 1. _____ Is the proposed use listed as a permitted use or use permitted on appeal in the zoning district? • If the used is a permitted use, proceed to building permit steps.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner constructing the owner's home in Smith County, Tennessee, including unincorporated areas where Smith County issues building permits outside the three city limits.

    • The owner may obtain one permit every two years to build the owner's home.
    • The home must be for individual use and not for sale, lease, or rent.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, that contractor is considered a prime contractor, must be licensed, and must obtain the building permit for inspections.
    • The homeowner should not obtain the permit on behalf of a contractor because doing so could relieve the contractor from most liability and insurance requirements.
    • Contracts may not be split into phases to circumvent the law.
    • Anyone paid in excess of $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime contractor and must be licensed.
    • The Smith County Planning Office handles building permits and electrical permits in county areas outside the three city limits.
    • Smith County's current permit application states that a licensed contractor is required by T.C.A. § 62-6-103 and places responsibility on the property owner to ensure the contractor is properly licensed; the application does not state the owner-builder exemption.

    owner permits: per 1 permit every two years · payment to a person by owner triggering prime-contractor licensing requirement: > 25000 USD

    “Yes. A person who owns property is allowed one permit every two years to build their home [...] not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner of property constructing a single residence in Tennessee for the owner's own use.
      “Yes. Pursuant to TCA § 62-6-103, an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use, as long as it is not for resale, lease or rent without being a licensed contractor. However, anyone hired by the homeowner whose portion is $25,000 or more would not be exempt from the contractors’ licensing requirements.”
    • Conditional — A Tennessee property owner constructing a single residence for the owner's individual use.
      “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office residential building-code standards for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes statewide, except where a qualifying local government enforces its own current residential code or has opted out.

    • The State Fire Marshal's Office has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code with amendments.
    • For one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes, the adopted energy code is the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments.
    • The statewide program applies only in areas that have not received an exemption from the State Fire Marshal's Office because local building codes are enforced by the local government or opted out of state residential building codes and enforcement by a two-thirds vote of the city or county legislative body.
    • A qualifying local jurisdiction may continue operating its own program if its building code is current within seven years of the most recent edition; other versions may be approved in writing by the State Fire Marshal's Office.
    • A county legislative body may vote to remove unincorporated areas of the county from the state program, and a city legislative body may vote to remove the city from the state program.
    • A city or county may opt out by passage, by a two-thirds vote, of a resolution exempting the city or county; the opt-out resolution expires 180 days following the date of the election for the city or county's legislative body.
    • If the subsequent legislative body does not vote to opt out before the resolution expires, the State Fire Marshal's Office begins enforcing the residential building-code requirements until the city or county enforces residential building codes or passes another opt-out resolution.
    • The State Fire Marshal's Office enforces only the codes it adopts; local governments enforce other locally adopted codes or requirements.
    • The state residential building permit is a building permit only and is not grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, a septic or sewer permit, an electrical permit, or zoning approval.
    • The permit fee is based on the cost of construction and covers all required inspections and one free re-inspection; additional re-inspections cost $100 each.

    International Residential Code edition: 2018 (with amendments) · International Energy Conservation Code edition for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes: 2018 (with amendments) · local-code currency window: <= 7 years (other versions can be approved in writing by the State Fire Marshal's Office) · opt-out vote: two-thirds vote (resolution expires 180 days following the date of the election for the city or county's legislative body) · additional re-inspection fee: 100 USD (one re-inspection per permit is free)

    “The codes currently adopted by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office are: [...] International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 edition, published by the ICC, with amendments;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State residential building-code framework applicable in Tennessee, including Smith County unless a local enforcement or opt-out arrangement changes administration.
      “The State of TN has adopted the International Building Codes.”
  • 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”
  • 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 — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving property in Smith County
      “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.”
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Smith County.
      “Who do I call about a septic permit? Contact Mark Webster with TDEC @ 615-202-5681.”
    • 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 — Installation, repair, modification, or alternative-system construction serving property in Smith County.
      “A septic system permit should always be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building including the building pad.”
  • 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 — SSDS installations in Smith County
      “schedule a final inspection before the system is covered”
    • Required — Septic installations in Smith County.
      “The Division inspects each SSDS installation to ensure that it was installed in accordance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Connection of buildings to sanitary sewer systems where a qualifying Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services and the property abuts a street or public way containing a sanitary sewer.

    • The property must abut a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer.
    • A building must exist on the lot or parcel for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
    • The utility system may require connection and cessation of other sewage-disposal methods.
    • For electrical service, written notification must show public sewer service, a septic permit application, or an existing septic system.
    “Utility systems within the State of Tennessee that have issued bonds payable for sewer services are granted authority in TCA § 7-35-201 (1) to "require the owner tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land that abuts upon a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and upon which lot or parcel a building exists for residential, commercial or industrial use, to connect the building with the sanitary sewer and to cease to use any other means for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste or other polluting matter."”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Residential, commercial, or industrial buildings on lots or parcels abutting a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer, where the applicable Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services.
      “Utility systems within the State of Tennessee that have issued bonds payable for sewer services are granted authority in TCA § 7-35-201 (1) to "require the owner tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land that abuts upon a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and upon which lot or parcel a building exists for residential, commercial or industrial use, to connect the building with the sanitary sewer and to cease to use any other means for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste or other polluting matter."”
  • 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.”
  • 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 in unincorporated Smith County
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Smith County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or single-RV occupancy on private land outside organized campgrounds and RV parks.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Smith County
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Smith County
3 more unanswered
  • 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 Smith County, Tennessee

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

Smith County scores 71/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

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

Land in Smith County runs about $5,358 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Smith County?

Smith County gets about 54" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.4% of years.

How remote is Smith County?

A representative private-land location has about 18,652 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,017,502 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 Smith compares in Tennessee

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