Bolthole Index

Stewart County, Tennessee

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

88Index Score / 100
#3 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Stewart County, Tennessee does not require a county residential building permit or county zoning approval12. Septic construction still requires a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation permit and final inspection34. Rules differ inside Dover, Cumberland City and Tennessee Ridge5.

At a glance

Building permit
No county permit for a home in the unincorporated area; an optional state inspection route is available16
Zoning
No county zoning outside Dover and Cumberland City; municipal rules vary27
Septic permits
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Resources89
Optional state inspection
An owner can request a State Fire Marshal's Office inspection and Certificate of Occupancy even though no permit is required1011
Owner-builder
One owner-builder permit every two years, for a residence you won't sell, lease or rent12
Subdivision
The county itself has no subdivision regulations; Dover, Cumberland City and Tennessee Ridge do13
Septic soil difficulty
Only 5.2% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field14
Tiny homes
No county zoning restriction in the unincorporated area; septic, floodplain and private restrictions can still apply1516172

Who to call

Also useful

Stewart County Government

General Stewart County government contact; the county's own list of elected officials and department managers includes no building, planning or zoning office

(931) 232-3100

226 Lakeview Drive, Dover, Tennessee 37058

Building permits

Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office

The optional statewide inspection and Certificate of Occupancy program for one- and two-family dwellings in opt-out counties like Stewart, since the county itself runs no building-permit program

615-741-2981

500 James Robertson Pkwy, 10th Floor, Davy Crockett Tower, Nashville, TN 37243

Online permits →

Septic permits

TDEC Nashville Environmental Field Office (Division of Water Resources)

Septic System Construction Permits, site evaluations and final inspections for Stewart County

(615) 687-7000

711 R.S. Gass Blvd, Nashville, TN 37216

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 Stewart 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 Stewart County, Tennessee?

Stewart County has opted out of Tennessee's residential building-code program, so the unincorporated county does not require a county residential building permit for a one- or two-family dwelling118. That answer does not extend automatically into the municipalities: Cumberland City and Dover are listed as exempt jurisdictions, while Tennessee Ridge participates in the State Residential Building Program5. The opt-out does not settle commercial, industrial, electrical, plumbing or mechanical requirements19. An owner or contractor may voluntarily obtain a state permit and request State Fire Marshal inspections610. A compliant dwelling can receive a State Fire Marshal Certificate of Occupancy11.

Who do you contact, since Stewart County has no building department?

Stewart County does not run county zoning or permitting for property outside Dover and Cumberland City218. For a parcel in the unincorporated county, Stewart County Government can be reached at (931) 232-3100 or 226 Lakeview Drive, Dover, Tennessee 3705820. The Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office handles the voluntary state-permit and inspection route available for a one- or two-family dwelling in an opt-out jurisdiction2110. The owner or contractor can begin that optional process by obtaining a state building permit online or through an issue location21. Contact the applicable municipality before work inside Dover, Cumberland City or Tennessee Ridge because each has a residential-program status distinct from Stewart County's opt-out status5. For a driveway entering a state highway right-of-way, the permitting office is TDOT22.

Does Stewart County have zoning?

Unincorporated Stewart County has no county zoning ordinance, zoning districts, minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot-coverage rule or building-height limit223242515. Deed restrictions, homeowners-association rules, septic requirements and floodplain review can still constrain a project2317. Tennessee's agricultural zoning exemption is conditional: a structure must stand on land devoted to agricultural purposes and be incidental to the agricultural enterprise2627. Dover has its own zoning ordinance, while property inside Dover or Cumberland City goes to the municipality for local rules728. Stewart County has no subdivision regulations, while Dover, Cumberland City and Tennessee Ridge do13.

How do septic permits work in Stewart County?

Tennessee's Division of Water Resources, rather than a Stewart County agency, receives septic applications and fees for Stewart County8. Construction, modification or repair requires a Septic System Construction Permit, and a TDEC Environmental Scientist evaluates the site329. The published fee for a new conventional system is $400 through 1,000 gallons per day, plus a $100 construction inspection; a new alternative system is $500 through the same flow, plus a $200 inspection30. TDEC's Nashville Environmental Field Office serves Stewart County and can be reached at (615) 687-7000, 711 R.S. Gass Blvd, Nashville, TN 372169. After installation, the installer must arrange a final inspection before covering the system; approval produces a Certificate of Completion4. Only 5.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making an early site evaluation especially valuable14.

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

Unincorporated Stewart County has no zoning restriction on a tiny home, but septic, floodplain and private restrictions still apply15317. We could not confirm a countywide rule for full-time RV occupancy, private-land camping or manufactured-home placement; ask Stewart County Government before relying on any of those uses20. Dover's municipal rules are narrower: travel-trailer parks and overnight campgrounds in the C-2 Highway Service District require special-exception review and approval3132. A Dover mobile-home park needs water and sewer permits before its building-permit application, and construction cannot begin until the Building Inspector issues the park permit33. A Dover mobile-home park must have at least 5 acres and 10 mobile-home spaces34. In Dover's mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, an RV must stay fewer than 180 consecutive days, remain licensed and highway-ready, or satisfy new-construction requirements35.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated Stewart County or inside Dover, Cumberland City or Tennessee Ridge, because the residential-program status differs by jurisdiction5.
  1. Check deed restrictions and floodplain status even though the unincorporated county has no zoning or permitting; local review may be required before development in a regulated floodplain217.
  1. Apply to TDEC for the septic construction permit and site evaluation, allowing up to 45 days after a complete application3.
  1. Obtain a TDOT permit before constructing or changing a driveway within state highway right-of-way22.
  1. Decide whether to use the optional State Fire Marshal inspection route for the unincorporated county; a compliant dwelling can receive a state Certificate of Occupancy1011.
  1. If building as the owner for individual use, follow Tennessee's owner-builder conditions, including the limit of one homeowner permit every two years and the restriction against sale, lease or rent36.

What should you check before buying land in Stewart County?

Start with septic suitability: only 5.2% of Stewart County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain the TDEC site evaluation before treating a homesite as buildable1437. Check the survey and terrain because 46.8% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, and 81.1% is wooded3839. Determine whether the parcel lies in a regulated floodplain, where local review may be required before construction, grading, fill, excavation or placement of a manufactured home17. A driveway on state highway right-of-way requires a TDOT permit, while the county's published access standards concern acceptance of a new road into the county-maintained system rather than every private driveway2240. Ask the serving utility about water and sewer; Tennessee law permits certain sewer utilities to require a connection for an existing building on an abutting parcel, but we could not confirm a countywide connection rule41. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $9514243.

Watch-outs

  • Stewart County's opt-out status applies to ordinary one- and two-family residential permitting in the unincorporated county; it does not settle commercial, trade, septic, driveway or floodplain approvals1932217.
  • Unincorporated Stewart County has no zoning restriction on tiny homes, but we could not confirm separate rules for full-time RV occupancy, temporary camping or manufactured-home occupancy; ask Stewart County Government before buying for any of those uses1520.

Sources

  1. Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office Residential Permits Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  2. Frequently Asked Questions – Stewart County, quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  4. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  5. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  6. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  7. Frequently Asked Questions – Stewart County, quoted and re-checked
  8. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  9. TDEC Nashville Environmental Field Office (Division of Water Resources) (tn.gov)
  10. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  11. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  12. Can I build my own home without a license? (2026 county census)
  13. Dedications along Existing Public Rights-of-Way, Balancing Property Rights with Local Authority over Land Use Regulation, quoted and re-checked
  14. 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
  15. Tennessee law on county zoning and building authority
  16. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  17. Floodplain Management Technical Resources, quoted and re-checked
  18. Frequently Asked Questions – Stewart County, quoted and re-checked
  19. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  20. Stewart County Government (stewartcogov.com)
  21. Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office (stewartcogov.com)
  22. Constructing Driveway Entrances on State Highway Rights-of-Way, quoted and re-checked
  23. Frequently Asked Questions – Stewart County, quoted and re-checked
  24. Frequently Asked Questions – Stewart County, quoted and re-checked
  25. Frequently Asked Questions – Stewart County, quoted and re-checked
  26. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  27. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Codes, planning & zoning, quoted and re-checked
  29. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  30. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  31. Dover, Tennessee Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. Dover, Tennessee Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  33. Dover, Tennessee Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  34. Town of Dover Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  35. Town of Dover Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  36. Residential Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  37. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  38. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Road Acceptance Standards for Stewart County, quoted and re-checked
  41. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  42. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  43. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 3 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, Stewart County has no countywide zoning.

RuleStewart CountyHouston CountyMontgomery CountyHenry CountyHumphreys CountyBenton CountyDickson County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedRequired
County zoningNoNoYesNoNot publishedYesYes
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTN Dept. of Env. & ConservationTDECTDEC

County locator

Stewart County in Tennessee

88
County map
Stewart County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Stewart County scores

Seclusion73100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness81100% ev.
Durability67100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% 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 →

$251kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$4,031Land / acre
53.1"Annual rain
5.5% of yrsSevere drought
10.3 / yr (+9.2)Mid-century 100°F days
14.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.5" (+5.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.66×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,722Home insurance / yr
2.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.36%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
5,873People within 30 min
1,894,387People within 2 hr
25,088Radius comparison (15 mi)
30.9People / sq mi
14.6%Federal land
46.8%Land at 15% slope or less
5.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
14,216 acWorkable land screen
81.1%Wooded land
62.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Stewart 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 Cumberland City · Dover

Answers from the rulebook for Stewart County

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

Stewart County rules

  • Building code adoptedNot adopted (with conditions)

    Statewide residential building-construction standards for one- and two-family dwellings within Stewart County.

    • The Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office page describes opt-out jurisdictions as counties or municipalities that have elected to exempt their jurisdiction from statewide standards for one- and two-family dwellings.
    • An owner or contractor in an opt-out jurisdiction may obtain a state building permit and request State Fire Marshal's Office inspection; if the dwelling meets statewide standards, the office may release a Certificate of Occupancy.
    • This claim addresses the county's statewide residential-code opt-out status and does not determine whether a separate local building code applies.

    covered dwelling type: one- and two-family dwellings

    “Stewart County | OPT OUT | Ronnie Galloway | gallowayinspection@gmail.com | 931-201-3844 [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County properties outside the city limits of Dover and Cumberland City in Stewart County.

    • The county FAQ directs property owners within Dover or Cumberland City limits to contact those municipalities directly.
    • Applicable deed restrictions and homeowners-association guidelines may still apply.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties. However, if the property lies within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City, you would need to contact those municipalities directly.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Countywide aggregate of unincorporated county properties and incorporated local jurisdictions; this does not represent a county-administered municipal ordinance.

    • The county states that it has no zoning for county properties and directs properties in Dover or Cumberland City to the respective municipality.
    • Dover's zoning ordinance applies within the corporate limits of the Town of Dover and regulates land use and dimensional features by district.
    • The county FAQ identifies Cumberland City as a municipality to contact, but this research did not independently verify its current zoning ordinance.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties. However, if the property lies within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City, you would need to contact those municipalities directly.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Stewart County: no county rule sets this, because Stewart County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county FAQ directs property owners within Dover or Cumberland City limits to contact those municipalities directly.
    • Applicable deed restrictions and homeowners-association guidelines may still apply.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties. However, if the property lies within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City, you would need to contact those municipalities directly.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    Residential dwellings on County properties in unincorporated Stewart County.

    • The source states that properties within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City are subject to municipal rules and require contacting those municipalities directly.
    • Deed restrictions and Home Owners Association guidelines may apply.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    Lot creation and residential development on County properties in unincorporated Stewart County.

    • The source states that properties within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City are subject to municipal rules and require contacting those municipalities directly.
    • Deed restrictions and Home Owners Association guidelines may apply.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties.”
  • SetbacksNone

    Residential development on County properties in unincorporated Stewart County.

    • The source states that properties within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City are subject to municipal rules and require contacting those municipalities directly.
    • Deed restrictions and Home Owners Association guidelines may apply.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Stewart County: no county rule sets this, because Stewart County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county FAQ directs property owners within Dover or Cumberland City limits to contact those municipalities directly.
    • Applicable deed restrictions and homeowners-association guidelines may still apply.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties. However, if the property lies within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City, you would need to contact those municipalities directly.”
  • Building height · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Stewart County: no county rule sets this, because Stewart County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county FAQ directs property owners within Dover or Cumberland City limits to contact those municipalities directly.
    • Applicable deed restrictions and homeowners-association guidelines may still apply.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties. However, if the property lies within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City, you would need to contact those municipalities directly.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Stewart County: no county rule sets this, because Stewart County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county FAQ directs property owners within Dover or Cumberland City limits to contact those municipalities directly.
    • Applicable deed restrictions and homeowners-association guidelines may still apply.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties. However, if the property lies within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City, you would need to contact those municipalities directly.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Stewart County: no county rule sets this, because Stewart County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county FAQ directs property owners within Dover or Cumberland City limits to contact those municipalities directly.
    • Applicable deed restrictions and homeowners-association guidelines may still apply.
    “Stewart County has no codes and regulations, no zoning or permitting, and does not issue letters of occupancy for County properties. However, if the property lies within the city limits of Dover or Cumberland City, you would need to contact those municipalities directly.”
  • Subdividing landNot regulated

    County subdivision regulations in Stewart County, including unincorporated county areas.

    • The source separately lists Cumberland, Dover, and Tennessee Ridge as cities with subdivision regulations.
    • This claim does not determine whether other state, regional, utility, septic, floodplain, or municipal approvals may apply.
    “Stewart No Cumberland, Dover, Tennessee Ridge None”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    A new private road or access road in Stewart County for which the developer seeks acceptance into the county-maintained road system.

    • A minimum 50-foot right of way must be recorded on adjoining property deeds and cleared to the right-of-way limits.
    • The road bed must be 22 feet with at least 6 inches of crushed limestone.
    • The road must be ditched and drained, with metal or concrete culverts where needed.
    • Banks must be sloped to prevent caving and filling ditch lines.
    • Gates, fences, cattle gaps, and other obstructions hindering traffic or maintenance are not allowed; fences are not allowed within right-of-way limits.
    • The road must be paved with tar and chips, hot-mix asphalt, or concrete, subject to the listed paving specifications.
    • Developers must present requests to the Highway Superintendent for inspection; the Superintendent requests approval from the County Commissioners, who vote whether to accept the road into the county road system.
    • Grades steeper than 20% will not be accepted.
    • No road will be accepted without the recommendation of the County Highway Superintendent.
    • The standards were approved January 14, 2019.

    right of way: >= 50 feet (recorded on all adjoining property deeds and cleared to right-of-way limits) · roadway bed: 22 feet (at least 6 inches of crushed limestone) · paved surface: >= 18 feet (for listed paving specifications) · maximum grade: <= 20 percent (steeper grades will not be accepted)

    “Before any new road can be accepted as a county maintained road, it must meet the following road acceptance standards.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    State residential building permits for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Tennessee jurisdictions where the State Fire Marshal's Office administers the residential building permit program.

    • The state permit is required only in some areas because other jurisdictions may enforce local residential building codes.
    • A county legislative body may remove unincorporated areas from the state program or a city legislative body may remove the city by a two-thirds vote.
    • The state permit does not replace grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic or sewer permits, electrical permits, or zoning approval.
    • Local governments remain responsible for locally adopted codes and other requirements.
    “Why is the state residential building permit only required in some areas of the state?”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — State residential building permits for owners or contractors of one- or two-family dwellings in Tennessee opt-out or non-code jurisdictions, including Stewart County, which the State Fire Marshal lists as OPT OUT.
      “Stewart County | OPT OUT | Ronnie Galloway | gallowayinspection@gmail.com | 931-201-3844”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A Tennessee property owner constructing a single residence for the owner's individual use.

    • The owner may have one permit every two years.
    • The residence must not be for sale, lease, or rent.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, the contractor is a prime and must be licensed and obtain the building permit for inspections.
    • Contracts may not be split into phases to circumvent the licensing law.
    • Anyone paid more than $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and must be licensed.
    • The exemption is based on TCA 62-6-103 and Rule 0680-1-.22.

    owner permits: per 1 permit per two years · contractor payment threshold: > 25000 USD (Anyone paid in excess of this amount is considered a prime and must be licensed.)

    “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — A homeowner performing work on the homeowner's residential property in Tennessee, including Stewart County.
      “an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use”
  • InspectionsLimited

    State Fire Marshal inspections of one- or two-family dwellings in Tennessee opt-out or non-code jurisdictions, including Stewart County.

    • The building, structure, or premises must be located in an opt-out or non-code jurisdiction.
    • The owner must request State Fire Marshal inspection.
    • The inspection may occur during construction for new construction or additions to existing homes.
    “Their home may now be inspected by an inspector with the State Fire Marshal’s Office”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    A State Fire Marshal certificate of occupancy for a one- or two-family dwelling in a Tennessee opt-out or non-code jurisdiction, including Stewart County.

    • The owner must request State Fire Marshal inspection in an opt-out or non-code jurisdiction.
    • The dwelling must be determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes a State Fire Marshal CO process and does not establish a county-issued or municipality-issued CO requirement.
    “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.”
  • 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 — Septic-system permitting and final inspection for property in Stewart County, Tennessee.
      “A TDEC Environmental Scientist will conduct a site evaluation to determine the type of septic system required for your property.”
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee, including Stewart County, which is not listed as a contract county.
      “For all non-contract counties, applications and fee payments for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Construction Permits can be submitted through the service request form.”
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems in Stewart County, Tennessee.
      “Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Statewide subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and assistance, with specified contract counties providing ground water protection services in their own areas.
      “NOTE: Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas. The online application form is not to be submitted for services requested in the following metropolitan or contact counties: Blount County, Davidson County/Nashville, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Madison County, Sevier County, Shelby County, Williamson County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

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

    • A permit is required for installation and repair of an existing faulty system.
    • Applicants submit property, site, occupancy, bedroom, water-use, well, spring, driveway, utility, and other requested information.
    • The review generally takes 10 days and must be completed within 45 days of submission.
    • Fees listed on the page include $400 up to 1,000 gallons per day for a new conventional or large-diameter graveless pipe SSDS permit, $100 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day, $500 up to 1,000 gallons per day for a new alternative SSDS permit, $150 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day, $500 for an experimental SSDS permit, and no permit fee for a repair permit.

    new conventional or large-diameter graveless pipe permit fee: 400 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · new 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: No permit fee · application review period: 10 days generally; no more than 45 days

    “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 of a new septic system, or repair or modification of an existing septic system, on residential, commercial, or industrial property in Stewart County, Tennessee.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
    • Required — Construction, modification, or repair of a subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Stewart 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 — Installed septic systems in Stewart County, Tennessee, before the system is covered.
      “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered. If the septic system installation is approved, the Environmental Scientist will issue a Certificate of Completion.”
    • Required — New or repaired subsurface sewage disposal-system installations, including installations in Stewart 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."”
  • 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
    • Conditional — Buildings or structures on agricultural land subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee, including Stewart County where county zoning authority would otherwise apply.
      “A structure housing these operations is exempt from county zoning regulations only if the structure is located on lands devoted to agricultural purposes”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in or near mapped floodplains throughout Tennessee, insofar as Tennessee's statewide floodplain-management guidance describes locally administered requirements.

    • Floodplain development requirements are managed locally by the community where the property is located.
    • Each NFIP-participating community has a local floodplain administrator who helps manage development in mapped flood hazard areas.
    • If the property is inside city limits, contact the city floodplain administrator; if outside city limits, contact the county floodplain administrator.
    • Local review may be required before development begins in a regulated floodplain.
    • Requirements vary by community and are based on the local floodplain management ordinance and flood zones mapped in that community.
    • Development activity that may require local review includes construction, repairs, substantial improvements, placement of fill, grading, excavation, manufactured homes, accessory structures, or other development activity.
    • Floodplain management ordinances are adopted, administered, and enforced by the local community, not by TEMA.

    local review before development in a regulated floodplain: may be required (Requirements vary by community and mapped flood zone.)

    “Floodplain development requirements are managed locally. Each community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program has a local floodplain administrator who helps manage development in mapped flood hazard areas. [...] If the property is inside city limits, contact the city floodplain administrator. If the property is outside city limits, contact the county floodplain administrator. [...] Local review may be required before development begins in a regulated floodplain. Requirements vary by community and are based on the local floodplain management ordinance and flood zones mapped in that community.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in or near a mapped or regulated floodplain, including applicable locations in Stewart County.
      “Local review may be required before development begins in a regulated floodplain.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Transient rental homes in Tennessee, including short-term rental homes and cabins in Stewart County.

    • A transient rental home is a single dwelling unit with complete independent living facilities occupied for 30 days or less; examples include rental cabins, Airbnb and similar services, yurts, and similar structures.
    • TRHs with three or fewer stories, less than 5,000 gross square feet, and 12 or fewer occupants are classified as one- and two-family dwellings subject to the cited state rules; they may be regulated by cities and counties that received an exemption.
    • TRHs with four or more stories, 5,000 gross square feet or more, or 13 or more occupants are classified as R-3 occupancies subject to the International Building Code and cited state rules; in exempt jurisdictions they are regulated by local building and fire officials, otherwise by the State Fire Marshal's Office.
    • A boarding house or congregate living facility must meet the applicable standards.
    • The source does not establish that short-term rentals are generally permitted or prohibited as a land use in unincorporated Stewart County.

    maximum occupancy for smaller TRH classification: <= 12 occupants (Also requires three or fewer stories and less than 5,000 gross square feet) · gross floor area threshold for larger TRH classification: >= 5000 sq ft (Also applies at four or more stories or 13 or more occupants) · occupancy threshold for larger TRH classification: >= 13 occupants (Or four or more stories or 5,000 gross square feet or more) · maximum occupancy duration: <= 30 days

    “Transient rental homes (“TRHs”) are homes or cabins that are occupied for thirty (30) days or less.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation subsurface sewage disposal system permits applicable to properties in Stewart County.

    • New conventional or large diameter graveless pipe SSDS permits cost $400 up to 1,000 gallons per day design flow plus $100 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day.
    • New conventional or large diameter graveless pipe SSDS construction inspection costs $100.
    • New alternative SSDS permits cost $500 up to 1,000 gallons per day design flow plus $150 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day.
    • Alternative SSDS construction inspection costs $200.
    • Experimental SSDS permits cost $500.
    • Repair permits have no permit fee.
    • Repair construction inspection costs $100.
    • Completed applications and fees are sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.
    • The review process generally takes 10 days and must be completed within 45 days of submission.

    new conventional or large diameter graveless pipe SSDS permit: 400 up to 1000 gallons per day design flow; 100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow USD · new conventional SSDS construction inspection: 100 USD · new alternative SSDS permit: 500 up to 1000 gallons per day design flow; 150 for each additional 1000 gpd flow USD · alternative SSDS construction inspection: 200 USD · experimental SSDS permit: 500 USD · repair permit: No permit fee · repair construction inspection: 100 USD

    “New Conventional or Large Diameter Graveless Pipe SSDS Permit | $400 up to 1000 gallons per day design flow”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Tennessee subsurface sewage disposal system permits and construction inspections applicable in Stewart County.
      “New Conventional or Large Diameter Graveless Pipe SSDS Permit | $400 up to 1000 gallons per day design flow $100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow”
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building permits administered by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses where the state program applies.
      “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential permit purchase and inspection process under Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program.

    • The state program applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses only in areas without the stated local-code exemption or opt-out.
    • A first-time CORE user must register for an account.
    • A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent.
    • Inspections cover the foundation before pouring, framing/rough-in construction, and final construction.
    • One free re-inspection is available; each additional re-inspection requires an additional fee.
    • A homeowner may build a home only if it will be the homeowner's residence, not sold or leased, and the homeowner has not received a homeowner building permit during the preceding 24 months.
    • Detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require a state residential building permit.
    • A permit is not required for installation of a manufactured or modular home, but custom site work such as a deck, patio, or stoop requires a permit.

    effective date for permit requirement for additions over 30 square feet: 2011-10-01 (Applies to additions to existing homes.) · free re-inspections per project: 1 inspection (Available if a required inspection is not passed the first time.)

    “A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent. The cost of the building permit is based on the estimated cost”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — One- and two-family residential building-code program applicability in Stewart County and its listed municipalities.
      “Stewart County | OPT OUT [...] Cumberland City | EXEMPT [...] Dover | EXEMPT [...] Tennessee Ridge | SRBP”
  • 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.”

Inside cities and towns in Stewart County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the corporate limits of Dover, Tennessee, a municipality in Stewart County.

    • The Dover official page states that its codes are for Dover only and not the county.
    • The ordinance was adopted March 14, 1988 and amended January 25, 2021.
    • The ordinance establishes districts including R-1 Low-Density Residential, R-2 Medium-Density Residential, R-3 High-Density Residential, R-4 High-Density Residential, C-1 Central Business, C-2 Highway Service, I-1 Light Industrial, and I-2 Heavy Industrial.
    • District-specific permitted uses, special exceptions, prohibitions, and dimensional requirements apply.
    “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN THAT THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF DOVER, TENNESSEE BE ENACTED INTO LAW.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles placed in an identified Special Flood Hazard Area within Dover, Tennessee.

    • The recreational vehicle must either be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet all requirements for new construction.
    • The ordinance defines ready for highway use as licensed, on wheels or a jacking system, attached only by quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, and without permanently attached structures or additions.

    maximum site duration option: < 180 consecutive days (The alternative options are fully licensed and ready for highway use, or compliance with all requirements for new construction.)

    “fewer than one hundred- eighty (180) consecutive days.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Recreational vehicles placed in an identified Special Flood Hazard Area within Dover, Tennessee.
      “All recreational vehicles placed in an identified Special Flood Hazard Area must either:”
    • Limited — Travel trailer parks and overnight campgrounds within Dover, Tennessee, specifically in the C-2 Highway Service District.
      “In the C-2, Highway Service District, the following use, and accessory uses may be permitted as special exceptions after review and approval in accordance with Article VII, Section 7.060. 1. Travel trailer parks and overnight campgrounds.”
    • Limited — Travel trailer parks and overnight campgrounds in Dover's C-2 Highway Service District.
      “In the C-2, Highway Service District, the following use, and accessory uses may be permitted as special exceptions after review and approval in accordance with Article VII, Section 7.060. 1. Travel trailer parks and overnight campgrounds.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Travel trailer parks and overnight campgrounds within Dover, Tennessee, in the C-2 Highway Service District.

    • The use may be permitted only as a special exception after review and approval under Article VII, Section 7.060.
    • The cited provision does not establish unrestricted temporary camping on individual residential parcels.
    “In the C-2, Highway Service District, the following use, and accessory uses may be permitted as special exceptions after review and approval in accordance with Article VII, Section 7.060. 1. Travel trailer parks and overnight campgrounds.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Overnight campgrounds in Dover's C-2 Highway Service District.
      “In the C-2, Highway Service District, the following use, and accessory uses may be permitted as special exceptions after review and approval in accordance with Article VII, Section 7.060. 1. Travel trailer parks and overnight campgrounds.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy in mobile-home parks within Dover, Tennessee.

    • A mobile-home park may be located only in districts where permitted.
    • Construction or extension may not commence until a mobile-home-park building permit has been issued by the Building Inspector.
    • The application requires prior water and sewer permits and a site-development plan approved by the planning commission and Board.
    • The park must contain at least five acres and at least ten mobile-home spaces.
    • Each mobile-home site must connect to a sanitary sewer line or a sewer system approved by the Dover Water and Sewer Department.

    minimum mobile-home park area: >= 5 acres · minimum mobile-home spaces: >= 10 spaces · minimum mobile-home lot area: >= 5000 square feet · minimum mobile-home lot width: >= 40 feet

    “The application for a "mobile home park permit" shall be filed with the Building Inspector after the applicant has secured all water and sewer permits required for the project. However, construction or extension of a mobile home park may not commence within the area of jurisdiction of this ordinance until a mobile home park building permit has been issued by the Building Inspector.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured-home occupancy in mobile-home parks within Dover, Tennessee.
      “No mobile home park shall be approved which contains less than five (5) acres”
    • Prohibited — Mobile-home occupancy and mobile-home parks in Dover's R-1 Low-Density Residential District.
      “D. Uses Prohibited. Mobile homes, mobile home parks, billboards, and similar advertising structures, uses not specifically permitted, or uses not permitted upon approval as a special exception.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Off-grid sanitation — Privies, composting toilets, or other off-grid sanitation systems serving property in Stewart County, Tennessee.
  • Well permit — Construction of private water wells in Stewart County, Tennessee.

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 Stewart County, Tennessee

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

Stewart County scores 88/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

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

Stewart County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. 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 Stewart County, Tennessee?

Land in Stewart County runs about $4,031 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Stewart County?

Stewart County gets about 53.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.5% of years.

How remote is Stewart County?

A representative private-land location has about 5,873 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,894,387 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 Stewart compares in Tennessee

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