Bolthole Index

Wilson County, Tennessee

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

61Index Score / 100
#80 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Wilson County, Tennessee requires building permits for new homes, additions, pools and most accessory structures, issued by the Wilson County Building Codes Department after a Zoning Compliance Certificate from the Zoning Division.12 Septic permits are issued by the state, through TDEC, not by the county.34 Permitted work is inspected, and occupancy requires final approval and a Certificate of Occupancy.56

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new homes, additions, major remodels, pools and most accessory structures1
Building codes
Wilson County enforces adopted residential, building, energy, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas and existing-building codes7
Zoning
Yes; zoning approval comes before the building permit28
Inspections
Required during permitted construction, including rough-in, insulation and final inspections5
Occupancy
Wait for final approval and the Certificate of Occupancy before moving in6
Septic permit
Required through TDEC for installation, repair or modification34
Owner-builder
The owner of record may apply, subject to Tennessee's owner-builder conditions910
RV or tiny home
A primary-residence RV needs a zoning permit; ask Zoning about placement and duration, and about tiny homes11

Who to call

Building permits

Wilson County Building Codes Department

Building permits and inspections under the adopted International Codes for unincorporated Wilson County

615-444-3025

buildingcodes@wilsoncountytn.gov

233 E Gay Street, Courthouse Annex, Lebanon, TN 37087

Zoning

Wilson County Zoning Division

Zoning Compliance Certificates (required before a building permit) and zoning permits for small structures, RVs used as a residence, signs and similar uses

615-444-3025 option 2

233 E. Gay Street, Courthouse Annex, Lebanon, TN 37087

Septic permits

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)

Septic System Construction Permits statewide, including Wilson County (Wilson is not one of the nine contract counties with their own local septic program)

(888) 891-TDEC (8332)

Davy Crockett Tower, 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Wilson 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 Wilson County, Tennessee?

Unincorporated Wilson County requires building permits for residential new construction, additions, remodels that change structural loads, use or dwelling type, pools and accessory structures1. Wilson County enforces the adopted residential, building, energy, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas and existing-building codes7. A residential accessory structure no larger than 200 square feet skips the building permit but still needs a zoning permit; that exception does not make the structure an occupiable tiny home1. Permitted construction requires inspections, and repeated failures bring escalating reinspection fees and a stop-work order after the third failure5. The project must pass final inspection and receive the Building Official's review before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued6.

Who issues building permits in Wilson County, and how do you reach them?

The Wilson County Building Codes Department is at 233 E Gay Street, Courthouse Annex, Lebanon, TN 37087; call 615-444-3025 or email buildingcodes@wilsoncountytn.gov12. The owner of record or a state-licensed contractor may apply, with owner-signed, notarized documents required for a contractor application9. Applications are not processed after 3:30 p.m.2. Start with the Wilson County Zoning Division at 615-444-3025 option 2 because an approved Zoning Compliance Certificate comes before the building-permit application13. The Zoning Compliance Certificate costs $150 effective September 21, 2026, and the county directs applicants to ask for the current Adequate Facilities Tax schedule14. An eligible owner-builder is limited to a home for personal use and one permit every two years, not a residence intended for sale, lease or rent10.

Does Wilson County have zoning, and what are the lot sizes and setbacks?

Wilson County applies zoning districts in unincorporated territory, and a Zoning Compliance Certificate must be approved before the building-permit application82. In the R-1 Rural Residential district, an interior lot requires at least a 15-foot side yard for a principal structure and a 10-foot side yard for an accessory structure15. In the A-1 Agricultural district, a dwelling and its accessory buildings need at least 80,000 square feet whether or not public sewer is available, principal and accessory structures must sit at least 60 feet from the right-of-way of an arterial street, and a principal structure needs a rear yard of at least 40 feet.161718 In R-1, a lot with public water but no public sewer needs at least 40,000 square feet, and TDEC can require more.19 Ask the Zoning Division to identify the parcel's district and confirm its dwelling size, height, lot coverage and any other setbacks because standards differ by district8. A residential accessory structure no larger than 200 square feet still needs a zoning permit even though it is exempt from a building permit1. Outside city urban-growth boundaries, a division under five acres needs Planning Commission approval to become a buildable tract of record20.

How do septic permits work in Wilson County?

TDEC administers septic permitting in Wilson County3. A Septic System Construction Permit is required for a new, modified or repaired system4. After installation, the installer must notify TDEC so the system can receive final inspection before it is covered21. An existing septic system shown on a subdivision plat also needs an inspection letter addressing its current status; a malfunctioning system must be repaired while adequate duplicate soil area is maintained22. Only about 4.3% of Wilson County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so establish septic feasibility before committing to a house site23. Where a subdivision is not required to connect to public water or sewer, an alternate system needs approval and must meet public-health requirements24.

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

Wilson County requires a zoning permit when an RV is set up as a primary residence, with a published $0.70-per-square-foot charge and a $5,000 Adequate Facilities Tax if applicable25. Ask the Zoning Division about the parcel's district, placement, hookups and duration because the published RV rule does not answer those details11. We could not confirm a general rule for temporary camping or a specific tiny-home occupancy standard; ask Zoning how the proposed tiny home is classified and what dwelling-size rule applies. The 200-square-foot accessory-structure exception is not a tiny-home occupancy exception, and the structure still requires a zoning permit1. Off-grid wastewater is not an unrestricted alternative: where public systems are unavailable or connection is not required, an alternate private system must meet public-health rules and receive written approval26.

Building a home in Wilson County: what are the steps, in order?

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district and obtain the Zoning Compliance Certificate before applying for a building permit82.
  2. If the parcel was divided outside a city urban-growth boundary, confirm that it is a buildable tract of record; divisions under five acres need Planning Commission approval27.
  3. Ask the county floodplain administrator whether the site needs local review before development begins28.
  4. Obtain the TDEC septic permit, then arrange the final installation inspection before the system is covered421.
  5. Apply as the owner of record or through a state-licensed contractor before the 3:30 p.m. cutoff92.
  6. Complete each required county inspection5.
  7. Do not move in until final inspection and the Certificate of Occupancy6.

What should you check before buying land in Wilson County, Tennessee?

Confirm zoning, tract status, wastewater, flood review and access before treating land as build-ready. Outside city urban-growth boundaries, a division under five acres needs Planning Commission approval to become a buildable tract of record20. Flood-prone land cannot be platted for residential occupancy or another use that increases the hazard, endangers people or property, or worsens erosion29. Only about 4.3% of county soils are rated without severe conventional drain-field limits23. A driveway on state-highway right-of-way needs a TDOT entrance permit; subdivision driveways for developer-built houses must also be cut, drained and equipped with necessary drainage works3031. We could not confirm the general rule for a new driveway on a county road, so ask the county before work begins. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, with a median annual bill near $1,7433233.

Watch-outs

  • Do not move into a permitted project before final inspection and the Certificate of Occupancy; premature occupancy carries a $500 fee6.
  • Failed inspections carry escalating fees, and a third failure results in a stop-work order5.
  • A primary-residence RV requires a zoning permit, and its district, placement and duration still need confirmation from Zoning11.
  • The 200-square-foot exception is for a residential accessory structure and still requires a zoning permit; it is not a tiny-home occupancy exception1.

Sources

  1. Building Codes Division, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning Division, quoted and re-checked
  3. Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS), quoted and re-checked
  4. Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS), quoted and re-checked
  5. Inspection Process, quoted and re-checked
  6. Inspection Process, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Codes Division, quoted and re-checked
  8. Comprehensive Plan Section 1, quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Codes Division, quoted and re-checked
  10. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Zoning Division, quoted and re-checked
  12. Wilson County Building Codes Department (wilsoncountytn.gov)
  13. Wilson County Zoning Division (wilsoncountytn.gov)
  14. Zoning Division, quoted and re-checked
  15. Board of Zoning Appeals, July 21, 2022, quoted and re-checked
  16. wilsoncountytn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  17. Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals Agenda, October 17, 2024, quoted and re-checked
  18. Board of Zoning Appeals, November 20, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  19. Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals Agenda, March 19, 2026, quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning Review Process | Wilson County, TN, quoted and re-checked
  21. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. 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
  24. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Zoning Division, quoted and re-checked
  26. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  27. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  30. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  32. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleWilson CountyTrousdale CountySumner CountySmith CountyRutherford CountyDavidson CountyDeKalb County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECMetro Public Health Dept.TDEC

County locator

Wilson County in Tennessee

61
County map
Wilson County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Wilson County scores

Seclusion30100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability70100% 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 →

$508kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$6,533Land / acre
54.1"Annual rain
2.6% of yrsSevere drought
10.7 / yr (+9.6)Mid-century 100°F days
14.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.31" (+6.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.57×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,758Home insurance / yr
1.5% / yrInsurance growth
2.53%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
69,843People within 30 min
3,350,064People within 2 hr
179,114Radius comparison (15 mi)
286.7People / sq mi
2.7%Federal land
83.4%Land at 15% slope or less
4.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
14,903 acWorkable land screen
53.8%Wooded land
46.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Wilson 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: Mount Juliet · Watertown

Answers from the rulebook for Wilson County

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

Wilson County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential and commercial construction subject to Wilson County building-code enforcement.

    • Residential coverage includes new construction, additions, major load/use/dwelling-type remodels, pools, and accessory structures.
    • Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet do not need a building permit but require a zoning permit.
    • Commercial accessory structures under 120 square feet do not need a building permit.
    • Commercial projects require plan review.

    residential accessory-structure exemption: <= 200 square feet (A zoning permit is required.) · commercial accessory-structure exemption: <= 120 square feet

    “We permit and enforce applicable code standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential new construction, additions, specified major remodels, pools, and accessory structures in Wilson County.
      “We permit and enforce applicable code standards on the following for residential applications:”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Building permit applications in Wilson County.

    • The property owner of record may apply directly.
    • A state-licensed contractor may also apply.
    • Contractor applications require documents signed by the property owner of record and notarized.
    “The property owner of record or a state-licensed contractor”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building-code enforcement by the Wilson County Building Codes Department.

    • The 2018 IECC includes state-approved amendments.
    • The listed residential and commercial code coverage is subject to applicable code standards.

    residential code: 2021 International Residential Code with adopted appendices · commercial building code: 2021 International Building Code

    “The following are the adopted code standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — County-enforced building codes for residential and commercial construction.
      “The following are the adopted code standards enforced by the Wilson County Building Codes Department:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction requiring county building inspection.

    • Final inspection requires preliminary final documentation.
    • Failed inspections incur $75, $150, and $300 fees for the first, second, and third failures respectively.
    • A third failed inspection results in a stop-work order.

    first failed inspection fee: 75 USD · second failed inspection fee: 150 USD · third failed inspection fee: 300 USD (A stop-work order will be placed)

    “7) Final Inspection – All preliminary final documentation must be submitted before this inspection can be scheduled.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted construction under the Wilson County building-inspection process.
      “inspectors have 72 business hours to conduct inspections”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Residential construction requiring final approval in Wilson County.

    • A final inspection must be completed and passed before review for certificate issuance.
    • A $500 fee applies for premature move-in before final inspection and certificate issuance.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued, but expiration before corrections or completion results in a $300 fee.

    premature move-in fee: 500 USD (Before final inspection and certificate of occupancy/completion) · expired temporary certificate fee: 300 USD (When corrections or construction remain incomplete)

    “After this inspection has been completed and passed, the project will be reviewed by the Building Official prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential and other construction requiring final inspection and occupancy approval.
      “prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Wilson County zoning administration and enforcement.

    • The county zoning division enforces the Wilson County Zoning Ordinance.
    • Specific dimensional and use controls were not fully extracted from the ordinance during this research.
    “ZONING DISTRICTS WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED TERRITORY OF WILSON COUNTY”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Wilson County zoning districts and district-based development standards.

    • The county publishes or links its zoning ordinance and zoning materials through the Planning Resources and Zoning Division pages.
    • District-specific numerical rules may differ by zoning district.
    “The Wilson County Zoning Division is in place to enforce the regulations set forth in conjunction with Wilson County Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Each A-1 Agricultural lot containing a dwelling and accessory buildings served by public water and public sewer.

    • The quoted requirement applies where both public water and public sewer serve the dwelling.
    • Other water/sewer configurations have different requirements.
    • The cited provision includes revisions dated November 20, 2000; Resolution 07-7-4; Resolution 23-5-7; court docket 2023-CV-167; and Resolution 25-11-13.
    • Variances may alter the requirement for a particular parcel.

    minimum lot area: >= 80000 square feet (dwelling and accessory buildings served by public water and public sewer)

    “For each dwelling, and buildings accessory thereto, served by a public water system and a public sewer system there shall be a lot area of not less than eighty thousand (80,000) square feet. [revised 11/20/00] [revised resolution 07-7-4] (revised resolution 23-5-7) (revised court docket # 2023-CV- 167) (revised resolution 25-11-13)”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwellings and accessory buildings in Wilson County's R-1 Rural Residential district on lots served by public water but not public sewer.
      “Each lot not served by a public sewer system but served by a public water system shall have a minimum lot area of forty thousand (40,000) square feet; however, a greater lot area may be required based on recommendations by the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwellings and accessory buildings in Wilson County's A-1 Agricultural district served by both public water and public sewer.
      “For each dwelling, and buildings accessory thereto, served by a public water system and a public sewer system there shall be a lot area of not less than eighty thousand (80,000) square feet.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwellings and accessory buildings in Wilson County's A-1 Agricultural district not served by public sewer but served by public water.
      “For each dwelling and buildings accessory thereto, not served by a public sewer system but served by a public water system, there shall be a minimum lot area of eighty thousand (80,000) square feet; however, a greater lot area may be required based on recommendations by the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Principal and accessory structures in the Wilson County A-1 Agricultural zoning district.

    • Front-yard setback is measured from street right-of-way lines and depends on the latest official major thoroughfare plan classification.
    • The quoted arterial-street front-yard rule is 60 feet.
    • The quoted rear-yard rule applies to principal structures.
    • A variance may be required to deviate from the stated setbacks.

    arterial-street front yard: >= 60 feet (principal and accessory structures; measured from street right-of-way lines) · principal-structure rear yard: >= 40 feet

    “All principal and accessory structures shall be set back from the right-of-way lines of streets the minimum distance shown below, according to their classifications as indicated on the latest official major thoroughfare plan: 1. Arterial Streets - sixty (60) feet - C. REAR YARD - 1. For principal structures there shall be a rear yard of not less than forty (40) feet.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Principal and accessory structures in the county R-1 Rural Residential zoning district in unincorporated Wilson County.
      “side yards shall be not less than fifteen (15) feet in width for a principal structure”
    • Specified — Principal and accessory structures on interior lots in the Wilson County R-1 Rural Residential zoning district.
      “For single and two-story structures located on interior lots, side yards shall be not less than fifteen (15) feet in width for a principal structure, and not less than ten (10) feet for an accessory structure. [resolution 15-2-12] - C. REAR YARD 1. For principal structures (not served by public sewer system) there shall be a rear yard of not less than forty (40) feet.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles set up as the primary residence in Wilson County.

    • A zoning permit is required for recreational vehicles set up as the primary residence.
    • The page states a $0.70 per square foot basis and a $5,000 Adequate Facilities Tax if applicable.
    • The opened page does not establish the full duration, placement, or district restrictions.

    zoning-permit basis: 0.7 USD per square foot · Adequate Facilities Tax: 5000 USD (if applicable)

    “Recreational Vehicles that are set up as the primary residence are based on $0.70 per square foot”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Recreational vehicles set up as a primary residence.
      “Recreational Vehicles that are set up as the primary residence are based on $0.70 per square foot along with payment to the Codes Department of $5,000 Adequate Facilities Tax if applicable.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing subsurface sewage disposal systems shown on subdivision plats.

    • An inspection letter CN-0875 addressing the current status must be completed, attached to the plat, and referenced in plat restrictions.
    • If the inspection shows malfunction, the system must be repaired under the applicable regulations while maintaining adequate duplicate soil area.
    “An inspection letter (CN-0875) addressing the current status of the SSD system shall be completed, attached to the plat and referred to in the plat restrictions.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Alternate private sewage disposal or water supply for subdivisions where public systems are unavailable or connection is not required.

    • Alternate methods must meet all applicable public-health regulations.
    • Lots must contain adequate area for approved septic tanks and disposal fields.
    • Written approval by the county health officer or authorized representative is required where the planning commission determines connection is unnecessary.
    “Where such systems are not available, as determined in accordance with Section A.9 of Article IV, an alternate method of sewage disposal or water supply may be used, if it meets all applicable public health regulations.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Subdivision water and sewer connections in the Wilson County planning region.

    • The planning commission determines accessibility and whether connections are required.
    • Where a subdivision is not required to connect to public water or sewer, alternate systems may be used subject to approval and public-health requirements.
    • Water mains or an alternate supply approved by the county health officer must serve all lots shown on the plat.
    “When a proposed subdivision is not directly adjacent to an area served by a public sewer or water supply system, the planning commission shall determine the accessibility of the nearest system or systems and determine whether the sub divider must make connections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Subdivision development governed by the Wilson County Subdivision Regulations.
      “unless it is established that the installation is impractical or economically unfeasible.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision development in the Wilson County planning region.

    • Subdivision plans require approval by the applicable local or regional planning commission.
    • Municipal regional subdivision regulations may prevail in adjacent unincorporated areas.
    • Subdivision rules include roadway, lot, utility, flood, and septic requirements.
    “The following tangible improvements or provision for their estimated cost are required before final plat approval”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land divisions outside cities’ urban growth boundaries in Wilson County, especially divisions of less than five acres and subdivision plats subject to county review.
      “divisions of land outside the cities’ urban growth boundaries that are less than five (5) acres must be approved by the Wilson County Planning Commission”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land divisions outside cities’ urban growth boundaries and subdivision plats subject to Wilson County review.
      “Major subdivisions [...] require preliminary plat and final plat approval.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveways for houses built by a developer under the Wilson County Subdivision Regulations.

    • Driveways must be cut and drained and include necessary culverts, bridges, ditches, and other drainage works.
    • The Tennessee Department of Transportation driveway rules adopted October 13, 1977 are incorporated into the county regulation.
    “All driveways for houses to be built by the developer shall be cut”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Subdivision platting and development on land subject to flooding.

    • Flood-subject land may not be platted for residential occupancy or uses that increase flood hazard, endanger health, life, or property, or aggravate erosion.
    • Flood land may be set aside for uses not endangered by inundation.
    • Fill may be used only if it does not restrict water flow or unduly increase flood heights.
    “Land subject to flooding and land deemed to be topographically unsuitable shall not be platted for residential occupancy, or for any other uses that may increase flood hazard; endanger health, life, or property; or aggravate erosion.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Wilson County zoning, inspection, and building-permit-related fees.

    • A zoning compliance certificate costs $150 effective September 21, 2026.
    • Variance requests cost $350 and use-on-appeal requests cost $500 effective September 21, 2026.
    • Inspection reinspection fees are $75, $150, and $300 for the first three failed inspections; premature move-in incurs $500 and an expired temporary certificate incurs $300.
    • The county directs applicants to contact the office for current Adequate Facilities Tax schedules.

    zoning compliance certificate fee: 150 USD (Effective September 21, 2026) · variance request fee: 350 USD (Effective September 21, 2026) · use-on-appeal fee: 500 USD (Effective September 21, 2026)

    “Effective September 21, 2026, a fee of $150.00 per certificate will be charged for all Zoning Compliance Certificates”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Wilson County building and zoning permit fees published on official county pages.
      “fees for a building permit and/or an adequate facilities tax are collected in full at the time of application.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Wilson County planning, subdivision, building inspection, and zoning permit processes.

    • Building permit applications are made by the property owner of record or a state-licensed contractor.
    • Applications are not processed after 3:30 p.m. on the building page.
    • Subdivision and site-plan processes include posted schedules, copies, fees, approvals, and recording requirements.
    • The Building Official may require additional inspection information.

    building permit processing deadline: <= 3:30 p.m. local time (Applications after this time are not processed that day.) · site-plan copies: 9 copies (Five full-size and four 11-by-17-inch copies.)

    “Permit applications will not be processed after 3:30 pm each day”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Wilson County building and zoning permit application process.
      “A Zoning Compliance Certificate is required for all building permits and must be approved prior to applying for a building permit from the Wilson County Codes Department.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Camping on your landLimited

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

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

    maximum camping stay: <= 3 weeks

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

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

    • The Tennessee Division of Water Resources administers SSDS permitting in non-contract counties.
    • Permit packages and Certificate of Completion packages for sites in contract counties are submitted directly to the contract county.
    • The listed contract counties are Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson.
    • Installer permits are valid statewide, but contract counties may require an additional permit.
    “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal permitting applicable in Wilson County.
      “# Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Permits”
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and inspection in Wilson County under Tennessee administration.
      “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.”
    • 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
  • 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.””
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Wilson County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements.
  • Building height — Building-height requirements in Wilson County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Wilson County.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in Wilson County.
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 Wilson County, Tennessee

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

Wilson County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 69,843 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Wilson County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Wilson County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles set up as the primary residence in Wilson County. A zoning permit is required for recreational vehicles set up as the primary residence. The page states a $0.70 per square foot basis and a $5,000 Adequate Facilities Tax if applicable. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Wilson County, Tennessee?

Land in Wilson County runs about $6,533 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Wilson County?

Wilson County gets about 54.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.6% of years.

How remote is Wilson County?

A representative private-land location has about 69,843 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,350,064 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 Wilson compares in Tennessee

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