Bolthole Index

Chariton County, Missouri

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Chariton County, Missouri

72Index Score / 100
#46 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Chariton County, Missouri does not require a county building permit for most homes1. Countywide zoning has not been confirmed, so ask the Chariton County Commission about parcel-specific land-use limits before building23. Missouri DHSS directly handles Chariton County septic permits4.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required by the county for most homes in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
Countywide zoning is unconfirmed; ask the County Commission23
Septic authority
Missouri DHSS is the permitting authority for Chariton County45
Septic permit
Required for most installations and repairs; confirm any residential exemption6
RV or tiny home
Long-term occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask the County Commission23
Owner-builder exemption
No Chariton County provision was confirmed7
Farm structures
Protected from county fire-code permit requirements, but not every other rule8

Who to call

Also useful

Chariton County Commission

County government questions and supervision of the Road & Bridge Department

660-288-3200

306 S Cherry St Keytesville, MO 65261

Septic permits

Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program

Onsite wastewater permitting for Chariton County

(573) 751-6095 ext. 5

[email protected]

930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Chariton County, Missouri?

Unincorporated Chariton County does not require a county building permit for most residential construction because the county has no adopted residential building code in the state dataset1. Missouri adopts fire and building codes locally rather than through one uniform statewide code9. The absence of a county residential permit does not answer septic, floodplain, driveway, or incorporated-city requirements; those are separate questions61011. Missouri also protects farm buildings and farm structures from permits imposed through a county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinance, but that protection is not a blanket exemption from every land-use rule8.

Who handles building and permit questions in Chariton County?

We could not confirm a dedicated Chariton County building or planning office, so the practical county contact is the Chariton County Commission at 306 S Cherry St, Keytesville, MO 65261, phone 660-288-32003. Ask the Commission whether a parcel has a county ordinance, floodplain contact, or county-road access requirement before committing to a site plan23. The Commission supervises the Road & Bridge Department, making it the starting point for questions about access from a county-maintained road3. A driveway built or modified within MoDOT right-of-way instead requires a state permit11. Septic questions do not go to the Commission: Missouri DHSS is Chariton County's listed onsite wastewater permitting authority4.

Does Chariton County have zoning?

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Chariton County2. That is not the same as proving there is no zoning, so ask the Chariton County Commission whether county zoning or another land-use ordinance applies to the parcel23. Missouri law allows counties in the relevant classifications to establish zoning for unincorporated territory after approval by county voters12. We also could not confirm Chariton County rules for setbacks, minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, accessory dwellings, manufactured homes, or building height2. Land inside an incorporated city may face municipal rules even when the county answer for unincorporated land is different12.

How do septic permits work in Chariton County?

Missouri DHSS is the onsite wastewater permitting authority for Chariton County, with permitting questions directed to 930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-6095 ext. 5, or [email protected]45. A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite systems; residential property under 3 acres requires one, while any claimed exemption should be confirmed before work begins613. Request an application number through the state request form, then submit the completed, signed, dated application with that number and the required supporting documents145. Application fees for onsite sewage system construction, modification, and repair are temporarily suspended effective August 28, 202615. For an existing system tied to a property sale, local public health agencies generally no longer perform the inspection; a licensed private inspector can assess its condition16. Only 0.1% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site and soil evaluation early17.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Chariton County?

We could not confirm a Chariton County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy on private land2. Ask the Chariton County Commission about the exact parcel and proposed use before moving an RV or tiny home onto unincorporated land23. A lack of a county residential building permit does not itself authorize occupancy or answer sanitation requirements16. If the unit produces domestic wastewater, Missouri's onsite wastewater rules still matter, and wastewater may not simply be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground18. Rules inside an incorporated city may differ from the unincorporated-county answer12.

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

  1. Ask the Chariton County Commission whether county zoning, floodplain administration, or a county-road access requirement affects the parcel23.
  1. Confirm whether the site is in an incorporated city, where municipal rules may differ from rules in unincorporated Chariton County12.
  1. If the site is in a floodplain, obtain a floodplain-development permit before development; work in the regulatory floodway also requires an engineering no-rise certificate19.
  1. Contact Missouri DHSS for an onsite wastewater application number and determine whether the project needs a construction permit or qualifies for an exemption6145.
  1. Complete the septic application and include the soil evaluation, engineered design when applicable, and other required onsite-wastewater documents14.
  1. Obtain a MoDOT permit if the driveway work enters state right-of-way; ask the Commission about access from a county road113.
  1. Build with the understanding that most homes in unincorporated Chariton County have no county residential building-permit step1.

What should you check before buying land in Chariton County?

Start with wastewater feasibility: only 0.1% of Chariton County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a soil evaluation can change the usable building area and system design17. For land with an existing septic system, arrange an assessment by a licensed private inspector rather than expecting a real-estate-transfer inspection from the local public health agency16. Check mapped flood hazards before choosing a building site: all development in a floodplain requires a floodplain-development permit, and proposed development in the regulatory floodway also requires an engineering no-rise certificate19. Ask the Commission to identify the current local floodplain contact3. Verify legal and physical access; work within MoDOT right-of-way needs a permit, while the Commission supervises the county Road & Bridge Department113. For cost context, county farmland averages about $4,955 per acre, the median property-tax bill is $900 per year, and the effective property-tax rate is about 0.8%202122.

Watch-outs

  • Chariton County's zoning status is unconfirmed, so do not treat the absence of a located ordinance as permission for a particular use2.
  • Confirm any residential septic exemption with Missouri DHSS before work begins; most installations and repairs require a construction permit65.
  • Septic application fees are temporarily suspended, so verify the fee status when applying rather than assuming the suspension is permanent15.
  • Floodplain development requires a permit, and development in the regulatory floodway also requires an engineering no-rise certificate19.

Sources

  1. State of Missouri - County Building Codes dataset (2026 county census)
  2. (2026 county census)
  3. Chariton County Commission (charitonco.com)
  4. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  5. Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program (health.mo.gov)
  6. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Laws and Regulations That Might Affect You if You Mine Sand or Gravel From Missouri Streams (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. OWTS Construction Permit Process (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. OWTS Construction Permit Application Forms, quoted and re-checked
  15. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  16. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Inspections Versus Evaluations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  18. Frequently Asked Questions (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Floodplain Forms, quoted and re-checked
  20. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  21. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 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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County locator

Chariton County in Missouri

72
County map
Chariton County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Chariton County scores

Seclusion73100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.
Admin Boringness7868% ev.
Durability46100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost80100% ev.

Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$167kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$4,955Land / acre
40.4"Annual rain
7.8% of yrsSevere drought
11.9 / yr (+10.2)Mid-century 100°F days
16.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.03" (+8.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.81×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,825Home insurance / yr
2.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.95%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
10,855People within 30 min
877,618People within 2 hr
10,408Radius comparison (15 mi)
9.8People / sq mi
7%Federal land
93.6%Land at 15% slope or less
0.1%Septic soil without severe limits
329 acWorkable land screen
17.2%Wooded land
52.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Chariton County

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

Chariton County rules

  • Building permitNot required

    Chariton is a non-charter rural county with no county residential building code listed in the Missouri county building codes dataset; Missouri has no statewide residential code and such counties generally cannot require permits. Corroborated by the state County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov iq7s-izvt, 2021): no county residential building code adopted.

    State of Missouri - County Building Codes dataset ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Missouri rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Missouri statewide legal framework for building-code adoption by counties and other communities; the statutes authorize local adoption rather than establishing one uniformly adopted statewide building code.

    • County authority under RSMo 64.170 applies to counties of the first and second classification.
    • A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001 must obtain voter approval before adopting under RSMo 64.170 to 64.200.
    • The adoption vote is limited to voters in the affected area; a code affecting a county is not voted on by citizens of incorporated territory.
    • A county adopting under RSMo 64.180 must use a current nationally recognized building code edition from calendar year 1999 or later, as amended.
    • A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installation requirements governed by RSMo 323.020.
    • A community may incorporate a code by reference only if it otherwise has legal power to adopt the ordinance.
    • A code incorporated by reference must be filed with the community clerk and available for public inspection for 90 days before adoption.
    • An ordinance adopting a code by reference must state the penalty separately rather than incorporate the penalty by reference.
    • RSMo 67.280 defines community to include any county, fire protection district, or municipality, and municipality to include an incorporated city, town, or village.
    “Because fire and building codes are adopted at the local level in Missouri”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    Missouri wastewater treatment systems, including domestic onsite systems, larger-flow systems, direct discharges, lagoons, subdivisions, and industrial wastewater.

    • DNR regulates direct point-discharge or surface-land-application systems, non-individual lagoons, facilities exceeding 3,000 gallons per day, and industrial process waste.
    • DHSS or a local agency, typically the county health department, regulates single-family subsurface onsite systems, individual single-family lagoons, and qualifying systems at or below 3,000 gallons per day.
    • Local agencies may administer qualifying systems under local authority or ordinance.

    domestic wastewater flow threshold: <= 3000 gallons per day (DNR regulates facilities with domestic wastewater flow greater than 3,000 gallons per day)

    “In Missouri, different state and local agencies are responsible for regulating wastewater treatment systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — DHSS-administered onsite wastewater permitting for sites in Chariton County.
      “Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS Address: 930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102 County: Chariton”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Missouri, including residential systems subject to state permitting.

    • A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most OWTS.
    • Some single-family residential lots may be exempt.
    • For residential property less than three acres, a permit is required; the exemption does not apply in some counties, so the county authority must be checked.
    • Work should not begin until a permit is issued or an exemption is confirmed.
    • Effective August 28, 2026, application fees for onsite sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs are temporarily suspended.

    residential lot threshold: < 3 acres (The exemption does not apply in some counties.) · temporary permit-fee suspension effective date: 2026-08-28 (Applies to application fees associated with onsite sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs.)

    “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Most onsite wastewater system installation and repair work in Missouri, including work subject to state standards in Chariton County.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting. The first step of the permitting process is to determine the agency that has permitting authority where the work is being done.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Inspection or evaluation of existing onsite wastewater systems in connection with Missouri real-estate transfers.

    • Local public health agencies generally no longer inspect existing systems for real-estate transfers.
    • A private licensed inspector may perform an inspection or evaluation.
    • A lender, buyer, or other transaction participant may require an assessment.
    • Some local standards may be more stringent than state regulations.
    • Inspections and evaluations are distinct; an inspection includes a hydraulic test, while an evaluation does not.
    “For the most part, local public health agencies no longer inspect existing systems related to real estate transfer. The help of a licensed inspector can be obtained to check the condition of the system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Inspection or evaluation of existing onsite wastewater systems, particularly in connection with Missouri real-estate transfers.
      “For the most part, local public health agencies no longer inspect existing systems related to real estate transfer. The help of a licensed inspector can be obtained to check the condition of the system.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid domestic wastewater treatment using onsite wastewater treatment systems where central sewer service is unavailable.

    • Onsite systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where generated.
    • A construction permit is generally required, including for residential property less than three acres, subject to county-specific exceptions.
    • Wastewater may not be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground.
    • Local permitting authorities may impose additional requirements.

    residential lot threshold: < 3 acres (The exemption does not apply in some counties.)

    “Onsite wastewater treatment systems are sometimes referred to as "septic systems." These systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where it is generated.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures as against county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.

    • The exemption applies to fire protection or fire prevention ordinances adopted by counties in Missouri.
    • The statutory text addresses farm buildings and farm structures; it does not establish a general exemption from every zoning, building-code, floodplain, septic, or other land-use requirement.
    • Effective August 28, 2025.

    effective date: 2025-08-28

    “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or modification of driveways within MoDOT right-of-way statewide.

    • A permit is required for construction of driveways and modifications to existing driveways on MoDOT right-of-way.
    • An initial online request must be submitted for each planned listed activity.
    • Engineered plans, traffic studies, hydraulic analysis, traffic-control plans, surety deposits, or performance bonds may be required depending on the work.
    • The rule does not establish a permit requirement for driveways outside MoDOT right-of-way.
    “We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Projects including mining, dredging, building construction, and other dirt-moving activities in designated flood hazard areas within participating Missouri jurisdictions.

    • The source describes local county or city flood damage reduction ordinances rather than one uniform statewide ordinance.
    • The project must be within a participating jurisdiction.
    • The project must be within a designated flood hazard area.
    • The cited rule does not apply if either condition is absent.
    • Covered projects must not raise flood heights.
    “Some jurisdictions (for example, county, city) require any projects in certain floodplains do not raise flood heights.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development in Missouri floodplains, including areas administered by the Chariton County floodplain administrator.
      “Regardless, some type of permit MUST be issued for ALL development in the floodplain. An Engineering “No-Rise” Certificate is required for all proposed development in the regulatory floodway, and must be obtained by the community before the floodplain development permit may be issued.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Missouri Department of Natural Resources air construction permits statewide.

    • Fees apply to air construction permits, not to every Missouri building or land-use permit.
    • Construction permit fees include a filing fee and an hourly processing fee.
    • The filing fee depends on the type of construction permit.
    • The listed fees are effective January 1, 2026.
    • Fees applicable until December 31, 2025 are available on the Air Construction Permit Fees white sheet.
    • A convenience fee is charged for electronic payment.

    portable source relocation filing fee: 300 USD · minor permit filing fee: 300 USD · minor permit processing fee: per 100 USD (hour) · general permit filing fee: 700 USD · new source review filing fee: 6000 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee) · prevention of significant deterioration filing fee: 6000 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee) · hazardous air pollutant filing fee: 6000 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee) · temporary or pilot filing fee: 250 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee)

    “Construction permit fees include a filing fee and an hourly processing fee. The filing fee is dependent on the type of construction permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — DHSS onsite wastewater construction, modification, and repair permit application fees applicable to Chariton County's DHSS-administered program.
      “Effective August 28, 2026, due to changes to RSMo 701.046, the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Permit applications for work on Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way statewide.

    • The process applies to MoDOT right-of-way work.
    • Applicants may apply online, contact the area Traffic Specialist, or submit a hard-copy application by mail.
    • Additional documentation may be required depending on the work, including site plans, performance bond, certificate of liability, traffic studies, or a meeting with MoDOT personnel.
    • After issuance, Missouri One Call, a Notice of Intent, permit and approved-plan retention, and Traffic Specialist contact requirements apply.
    • Lane closures require a request at least two working days in advance and authorization before closing lanes.
    • The Traffic Specialist must be contacted at least 48 hours before beginning work and for necessary inspections.

    lane-closure advance request: >= 2 working days (authorization from MoDOT is also required) · Traffic Specialist pre-work contact: >= 48 hours (before beginning work)

    “Contact the Traffic Specialist a minimum of 48 hours prior to beginning work and for all necessary inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — DHSS onsite wastewater permit process applicable to Chariton County.
      “When all fields on the DHSS Construction Permit Application Form have been completed, the printed form needs to be signed, dated and assigned an application number before submission to the permitting authority. To receive an application number, contact the permitting authority.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Missouri counties adopting zoning regulations for unincorporated territory.

    • First-class charter counties are empowered under RSMo § 64.090; that section excludes first-class counties without a charter form of government.
    • A first-class noncharter county or a county of the second, third, or fourth class may establish county zoning under RSMo §§ 64.845 to 64.880 only after the zoning question is submitted to county voters and a majority of votes cast favors county zoning.
    • The authority applies to unincorporated portions or territory and does not apply to incorporated portions under § 64.090.
    • Section 64.090 excludes specified agricultural activities and certain farm structures, underground mining, and protects existing lawful uses subject to gradual elimination of nonconforming uses.
    “If a majority of the votes cast is in favor of county zoning, the county commission shall proceed with a program of county zoning”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County regulation of construction and issuance of building permits for buildings, including residential construction, in Missouri counties, with the practical focus on county-controlled areas outside incorporated territory.

    • RSMo § 64.170 grants the authority to counties of the first and second classification only.
    • The authority is subject to subsections 2 and 3.
    • A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001, under §§ 64.170 to 64.200, lacks authority to adopt one under those sections unless voters approve it.
    • The building-code authority vote is limited to voters in the affected area; a code affecting a county may not be voted on by citizens of incorporated territory.
    • The statute authorizes building regulations, building permits, inspections, licensing rules, and permit, license, and inspection fees.
    “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification [...] is for this purpose empowered [...] to adopt [...] regulations to control the construction”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from county construction requirements.
  • Inspections — Building inspections in Chariton County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in Chariton County.
  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning ordinance in Chariton County.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning within Chariton County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
15 more unanswered
  • Zoning districts
  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Minimum lot size
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Subdividing land
  • 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 Chariton County, Missouri

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

Chariton County scores 72/100 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 Chariton County, Missouri?

Chariton County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas. Onsite septic is permitted by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) - Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program. 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 Chariton County, Missouri?

Land in Chariton County runs about $4,955 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Chariton County?

Chariton County gets about 40.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.8% of years.

How remote is Chariton County?

A representative private-land location has about 10,855 people within a 30-minute drive and 877,618 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Chariton compares in Missouri

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