Bolthole Index

Washington County, Tennessee

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

63Index Score / 100
#76 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Washington County, Tennessee requires county building permits for covered construction and alterations, with an exception for qualifying agricultural structures1. The county's zoning office sets zoning in rural, unincorporated territory only, not inside incorporated cities2. Septic permits for any Washington County address come from the state (TDEC's Johnson City field office), not the county, though the county may ask for septic or sewer documentation with a building application34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered work in unincorporated areas; agricultural-use exception applies56
Zoning
County zoning covers rural, unincorporated areas; Johnson City has its own zoning27
Septic permits
Required and issued by TDEC through the Johnson City field office89
Owner-builder exemption
County homeowner permit: one project per year; state license exemption: one residence per two years1011
Inspections and occupancy
County inspections and a certificate of occupancy are required1213
Tiny home
Allowed where single-family dwellings are allowed if site-built on a permanent foundation14
Driveway access
County building applications require a driveway permit; road authority depends on road ownership1516

Who to call

Building permits

Washington County Zoning, Planning & Building Codes (Zoning Office)

Building permits, the 2018 IRC building code, zoning for rural unincorporated areas, floodplain management, GIS and stormwater management

423-753-1753

zoning@washingtoncountytn.org

100 E Main Street, Suite 103, Jonesborough, TN 37659

Septic permits

TDEC Johnson City Environmental Field Office

Septic (subsurface sewage disposal) permits for Washington County and seven other northeast Tennessee counties

423-854-5400

tdec.johnsoncity.efo@tn.gov

2305 Silverdale Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601-2162

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Washington 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 Washington County, Tennessee?

Unincorporated Washington County requires permits for buildings, pools, decks, additions, renovations, manufactured housing and grading, while qualifying agricultural structures are excepted1. Washington County has adopted and enforces the 2018 International Residential Code for its residential building-code program1718. County inspections cover the footer, applicable slab, framing, rough-in plumbing and mechanical work, insulation and final work12. A certificate of occupancy must be obtained after all applicable inspections and before a permitted structure is occupied19. A homeowner doing work on the homeowner's own residence may receive a county homeowner permit for one project per year10. That permit rule is distinct from Tennessee's contractor-license exemption, which allows an owner to build one personal residence every two years if it will not be sold, leased or rented11.

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

The Washington County Zoning, Planning & Building Codes office—commonly called the Zoning Office—handles residential building-code work, zoning, floodplain management, GIS and stormwater management20. Reach the office at 100 E Main Street, Suite 103, Jonesborough, TN 37659, phone 423-753-175320. Send building-permit applications and documents to zoning@washingtoncountytn.org20. The county publishes fees for zoning, building, subdivision, grading, stormwater and related permits; building-permit charges vary by project valuation, and starting permit-required work early can trigger a doubled fee unless a listed exception applies21. Ask the Zoning Office for the current building-permit fee for your project20.

Does Washington County have zoning, and what does it mean for your land?

Washington County zoning applies to rural, unincorporated land2. Inside Johnson City, the city administers its own zoning districts and overlays; septic permits remain with TDEC's Johnson City Environmental Field Office739. Washington County adopts a zoning map and publishes district rules, including A-1, A-2, PRD-3 and residential districts; allowed uses and dimensional standards depend on the parcel's district2223. Qualifying agricultural structures are excepted from county zoning-resolution building-permit and regulation provisions6. Tennessee's agricultural zoning protection requires a structure incidental to the agricultural enterprise and excludes specified locations near highways, airports or parks and within the hundred-year floodplain24. In Washington County's R-1 Low Density Residential District, the minimum front yard is 25 feet (30 feet on an arterial street), the rear yard is 30 feet and the side yard is 12 feet, plus 6 feet per story for buildings over two stories25. Building-height controls also vary by district26. Ask the Zoning Office for the parcel's district, minimum lot size and lot-coverage limits; we could not confirm those numeric limits20.

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

TDEC, not the county or a city, administers septic permits for Washington County addresses, inside or outside city limits3. Contact the TDEC Johnson City Environmental Field Office at 2305 Silverdale Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601-2162 or 423-854-54009. A state permit is required to install or repair a septic system, and the county also requires septic documentation for a building permit27. Obtain approval before dirt work or construction of the building pad28. TDEC inspects an installed system before it is covered29. About 31% of Washington County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so evaluate the actual homesite early30. Off-grid domestic waste disposal is not permit-free: a qualifying single-family system still requires construction authorization from the Division of Water Resources31. A qualifying sewer utility may instead require an existing building on an abutting parcel to connect to an available sanitary sewer32.

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

A tiny home is allowed in unincorporated Washington County wherever a single-family dwelling is allowed if it is site-built on a permanent foundation; subdivision and deed restrictions must also be checked14. The tiny home still follows the ordinary county permit, inspection and certificate-of-occupancy process for a dwelling133. Washington County regulates temporary event campgrounds, but those rules do not establish that long-term RV occupancy is allowed on an individual private lot34. We could not confirm a general private-land RV occupancy rule. Before placing or occupying an RV, ask the Zoning Office whether the parcel's district permits that use and what approvals are required20.

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

  1. Ask the Washington County Zoning, Planning & Building Codes office to identify the parcel's zoning district and confirm the proposed use3520.
  2. Obtain TDEC septic approval before dirt work or building-pad construction, or provide public-sewer documentation where applicable284.
  3. Prepare the dimensioned sketch or scale plan showing each building's shape, size, height and location36.
  4. Obtain a driveway permit from the Washington County Highway Department; a state-highway connection instead goes through TDOT151637.
  5. Submit the county building-permit application and fee before starting covered work521.
  6. Schedule the required county inspections as construction advances12.
  7. Complete the final inspection and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving into the structure33.

What should you check before buying land in Washington County?

Confirm the zoning district and mapped standards before relying on a listing's description of permitted use23. Check septic suitability early because only about 31% of Washington County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field30. Verify road ownership and obtain the correct driveway approval before applying for a building permit15. Ask the Zoning Office about the flood map because development in a regulatory floodway may require engineering analysis showing no increase in base-flood conditions3820. For land divisions in the Washington County Planning Region, final plats must satisfy subdivision regulations and applicable approved preliminary plans before approval and recording; road, drainage, utility, stormwater and erosion-control inspections may also be required39. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual bill is about $1,2784041.

Watch-outs

  • Do not begin covered work before receiving the county permit: Washington County may add a 100% penalty to the permit fee unless a listed exception applies21.
  • Washington County's septic permits come from TDEC's Johnson City Environmental Field Office, while the county may still request septic or sewer approval with the building application4249.
  • Long-term RV living and a general minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed; ask the Zoning Office for a parcel-specific answer before placing or buying a unit20.
  • A tiny home must be site-built on a permanent foundation, located where single-family dwellings are allowed, and checked against subdivision and deed restrictions14.

Sources

  1. washingtoncountytn.org, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning, Planning & Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  3. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Permits, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Permit Addendum, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning Compliance Residential Application, quoted and re-checked
  6. Zoning Resolution of Washington County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  7. Johnson City: Johnson City Zoning and Overlays MapServer (Washington County), quoted and re-checked
  8. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Permits, quoted and re-checked
  9. TDEC Johnson City Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  10. Purchasing a Permit, quoted and re-checked
  11. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Codes Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  13. Codes Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  14. washingtoncountytn.org, quoted and re-checked
  15. washingtoncountytn.org, quoted and re-checked
  16. Washington County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Codes Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  18. Codes Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  19. Codes Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Washington County Zoning, Planning & Building Codes (Zoning Office) (washingtoncountytn.org)
  21. Zoning Office Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  22. Zoning Resolution of Washington County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  23. Washington County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  24. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. 604, 605 & 606 R-1 (A&B) Low Density Residential District, quoted and re-checked
  26. Zoning Resolution of Washington County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  27. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Permits, quoted and re-checked
  28. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Underground Injection Control Permit, quoted and re-checked
  32. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Codes Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  34. Zoning Resolution of Washington County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  35. Washington County Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  36. Zoning, Planning & Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  37. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Zoning Resolution of Washington County, Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  39. Washington County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  40. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  42. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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 4 of its 6 neighbors, Washington County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleWashington CountySullivan CountyUnicoi CountyCarter CountyGreene CountyHawkins CountyJohnson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredNot required
County zoningYesYesNot publishedYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Washington County in Tennessee

63
County map
Washington County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Washington County scores

Seclusion27100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability87100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost69100% 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
0.6%Property tax
$9,728Land / acre
46.4"Annual rain
0.5% of yrsSevere drought
1.9 / yr (+1.8)Mid-century 100°F days
11.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.56" (+9.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.65×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,265Home insurance / yr
-0.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.64%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
343,150People within 30 min
2,851,012People within 2 hr
204,175Radius comparison (15 mi)
424People / sq mi
3.7%Federal land
49.1%Land at 15% slope or less
31%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
61,415 acWorkable land screen
50.5%Wooded land
68.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Washington 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.

Not yet researched: Town of Jonesborough

Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction requiring a Washington County zoning-compliance or building permit in unincorporated areas.

    • The county application states that the zoning-compliance permit must be obtained before construction begins.
    • Failure to obtain the permit may result in paying double the permit amount and fines up to $500 per day.

    maximum fine: <= 500 USD/day (for failure to obtain a zoning compliance permit before commencement of construction)

    “Failure to receive a zoning compliance permit prior to commencement of construction may result in your paying double for your permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction and listed alterations in Washington County.
      “When constructing any building structure, pool, decks, additions, renovations, manufactured housing and grading.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Residential building-code enforcement by Washington County.

    code: 2018 International Residential Code

    “Washington County, Tennessee has adopted and is enforcing the 2018 International Residential Code.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Residential building-code enforcement by Washington County.
      “Washington County, Tennessee has adopted and is enforcing the 2018 International Residential Code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential building-code enforcement by Washington County.
      “Washington County, Tennessee has adopted and is enforcing the 2018 International Residential Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction subject to Washington County building-code enforcement.

    • County Building Inspector inspections include footer, slab if applicable, framing, rough-in plumbing, rough-in mechanical, insulation, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspections.
    “The following inspections are performed by the County Building Inspector:”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures subject to Washington County building-code or zoning-resolution permitting.

    • All applicable inspections must be completed before issuance.
    • The zoning resolution requires a written application and final inspection within three working days of application for permitted construction or alteration.

    final-inspection timing: 3 working days (After written application under the zoning resolution.)

    “A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to the occupancy of the structure.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Occupancy of structures subject to Washington County code enforcement.
      “All applicable inspections must be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to the occupancy of the structure.”
    • Required — Structures for which a county building permit has been granted.
      “All applicable inspections must be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to the occupancy of the structure.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning in the unincorporated territory of Washington County.

    • The county zoning resolution applies outside municipal corporations.
    “The Washington County, Tennessee Zoning Office was created in 1989 to regulate zoning in the rural, unincorporated areas of the County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning administered by Washington County in rural, unincorporated areas.
      “The Washington County, Tennessee Zoning Office was created in 1989 to regulate zoning in the rural, unincorporated areas of the County.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Local zoning in Washington County's rural, unincorporated areas.

    • The county source does not establish municipal zoning rules inside incorporated municipalities.
    “The Washington County, Tennessee Zoning Office was created in 1989 to regulate zoning in the rural, unincorporated areas of the County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Published Washington County zoning districts and zoning map for unincorporated territory.

    • The resolution adopts a zoning map and lists district-specific regulations.
    • The county GIS service identifies zoning districts including A-1, A-2, PRD-3, R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-2A, R-3, and R-3A.
    “601 A-1 General Agriculture District - updated 6.22.26 (PDF)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Washington County zoning districts and zoning map for unincorporated territory.
      “Zoning Map of Washington County, Tennessee, dated July 5, 2011, and all explanatory matter thereon are hereby adopted”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Buildings and single-family dwelling units in Washington County's R-1 Low Density Residential District in unincorporated areas.

    • The R-1 district document states that single-family residences are permitted subject to residential-use and owner-certification requirements before permit issuance.
    • The cited measurements apply specifically to R-1 and may differ in other zoning districts.
    • Uncovered porches, stairs, terraces, steps, and handicapped ramps may project no more than ten feet into a required rear-yard setback; qualifying uncovered entrance stairs or ramps may project ten feet into the required front-yard setback, excluding the porch, stoop, or main structure.

    minimum front yard setback, lots fronting arterial streets: 30 feet · minimum front yard setback, lots fronting other streets: 25 feet · minimum rear yard setback: 30 feet · minimum side yard setback: 12 feet · additional side yard for buildings over two stories: 6 feet per story

    “Minimum required front yard for lots fronting an arterial street .....30 ft. Minimum required front yard for lots fronting other streets............25 ft. 604.3.4. Rear Yard Minimum rear yard..........................................................................30 ft. 604.3.5. Side Yard Minimum side yard..........................................................................12 ft. Minimum additional side yard for all buildings over two stories ............................................................................................ 6 ft. per story”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building-height controls in unincorporated Washington County zoning districts.

    • Height controls vary by zoning district and may include additional setbacks for buildings over two stories.

    additional setback for buildings over two stories: per 6 feet per story (Shown in the residential district chart.)

    “Additional for all buildings over 2 stories is 6 ft. per story.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary campgrounds and camping facilities in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Temporary event campgrounds require a temporary use permit for each event.
    • Camping accommodations are limited by zoning district and facility type.
    • No permanent accommodation structures are permitted in the tent/camper/RV-only category.
    “Temporary Event Campgrounds shall obtain temporary use permits for each event.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Must be located anywhere single-family dwellings are allowed.
    • Must be site-built and located on a permanent foundation.
    • Subdivision and deed restrictions must also be checked.
    “Yes - Anywhere single family dwellings are allowed and must be site built and located on a permanent foundation. Check for subdivision and deed restrictions.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Utility connections to structures regulated by Washington County building codes.

    • The county permit addendum states that utility connections require building-official approval when a permit is required.
    “That no person(s) shall make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel or power to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required, until approved by the building official.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Buildings and structures on land devoted to or used for agricultural purposes under the Washington County zoning resolution.

    • The exemption is from the county zoning-resolution building permit and regulation provisions; other state or local requirements may still apply.
    “no building permit shall be required and there shall be no regulation of the erection, construction, or reconstruction”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats and development in the Washington County Planning Region.

    • Final plats must satisfy Washington County subdivision regulations and applicable approved preliminary plans.
    • Public-road, drainage, utility, stormwater, and erosion-control inspections may be required.
    • A driveway entrance permit is required for connection to a public road through the Washington County Highway Department for county roads or TDOT for state roads.
    “No final subdivision plat shall be approved by the planning commission or accepted for recording by the County Registrar of Deeds”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision review under Washington County planning materials.
      “Subdivision Regulations 12.6.22 (PDF) Washington County Land Use and Transportation Plan_2008 (PDF)”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Subdivision plat connections to public roads in Washington County.

    • County roads require a driveway entrance permit through the Washington County Highway Department.
    • State roads require a permit through TDOT.
    “Provide note(s) stating driveway entrance permit required for connection to the public road”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building-permit applications in Washington County.
      “Application, septic permit and driveway permit”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Washington County special flood hazard areas and regulatory floodways.

    • Encroachments in regulatory floodways are prohibited unless a Tennessee-registered professional engineer demonstrates through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses that there will be no increase in base-flood elevation, velocities, or floodway widths.
    • In approximate A Zones, subdivisions or other new development over 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is lesser, must include base-flood-elevation data.

    large-development threshold: > 50 lots (The requirement also applies at more than 5 acres, whichever threshold is lesser.) · large-development threshold: > 5 acres (The requirement also applies at more than 50 lots, whichever threshold is lesser.)

    “Development may be permitted however, provided it is demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practices”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Washington County zoning, building, subdivision, grading, stormwater, and related permit fees.

    • Building permit fees vary by valuation band.
    • A 100% penalty may be added when work requiring a permit begins before the permit, subject to listed emergency, effort, office-closure, and earliest-opportunity exceptions.

    minor subdivision plat fee: 50 USD plus 10 USD per lot · major subdivision plat fee: 100 USD plus 20 USD per lot · minimum inspection fee: 40 USD · reinspection fee: 40 USD · temporary use permit fee: 35 USD

    “Minor Subdivision Plat | $50.00 Plat + $10/per lot”
  • Permit processPartial

    Residential zoning-compliance and building-permit intake.

    • Applications identify the property, owner, intended use, structure type, dimensions, estimated cost, setbacks, and public-road access.
    • The county lists zoning@washingtoncountytn.org for building-permit application and document submittals.
    “Building Permit Application and Document Submittals: zoning@washingtoncountytn.org”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

    “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Homeowners performing work on their own residence in Tennessee.
      “Electrical contractors, Well Drillers (for inspections on wells and water systems only), HVAC installers with Electrical or Mechanical contractor’s licenses, and homeowners who are performing work on their own residence in which they either reside or plan to can purchase permits.”
  • 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 Washington County under Tennessee regulation.
      “Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas.”
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving Washington County properties.
      “TDEC-Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation 423-854-5400”
    • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system on property in Washington County.
      “Permitting for: Installation of subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system on your property Repair to an existing faulty system”
    • Required — Installation or repair of a septic system serving property in Washington County.
      “Permitting for: Installation of subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system on your property Repair to an existing faulty system”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.

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

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

    “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Single-family domestic waste-disposal systems, including off-grid systems requiring state construction authorization.

    • A construction permit from the Division of Water Resources is required.
    • A UIC permit is not required for the single-family domestic waste-disposal system described by the source.
    “The operation of a single family domestic waste disposal system requires a construction permit from the Division of Water Resources but does not require a UIC permit.”
  • 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.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy.
3 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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 Washington County, Tennessee

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

Washington County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and strong self-sufficiency basics: 46.4″/yr rainfall plus 50.5% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 343,150 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Washington County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county 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 Washington County, Tennessee?

Land in Washington County runs about $9,728 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 46.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.5% of years.

How remote is Washington County?

A representative private-land location has about 343,150 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,851,012 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 Washington compares in Tennessee

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