Harrison County, MO: No Building Permit

Unincorporated Harrison County, Missouri does not require a county building permit for a home, but the County Clerk should confirm the current status before construction^1,2. County zoning could not be confirmed³. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services handles Harrison County septic permitting, and most installations and repairs need approval before work begins⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required for a home in unincorporated Harrison County; confirm with the County Clerk^1,2
Zoning: Countywide zoning could not be confirmed; ask the County Clerk before relying on a proposed use^2,3
Septic: DHSS handles Harrison County; most installations and repairs need advance approval, with inspections conducted on an aggregate sampling basis^4,5
RV living: No county rule was confirmed; ask the County Clerk and DHSS about land use and sanitation^2,3,4
Tiny homes: No county occupancy or minimum-size rule was confirmed; ask the County Clerk^2,3
Owner-builder: No documented owner-builder exemption was confirmed⁶
Private well: Missouri requires regulated well-construction work to be done by licensed or permitted individuals⁷

Who to call

Building permits

Harrison County Clerk

First contact for current county building, zoning, road-access and land-use questions

660-425-6424

PO BOX 525 1505 MAIN ST BETHANY MO 64424-0525

Septic permits

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program

Onsite wastewater construction permits and exemption determinations for Harrison County

(573) 751-6095 ext. 5

OnsiteProgram@health.mo.gov

930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Online permits →

One more officeFloodplain permits

Floodplain permits

Harrison County Floodplain Administrator

County floodplain questions outside the listed incorporated communities

(660) 868-0709

1003 Factory Street Bethany, MO 64424

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 2, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Harrison County does not require a residential building permit.

Unincorporated Harrison County does not require a residential building permit¹. Missouri does not impose one uniform statewide building code; fire and building codes are adopted locally under state law⁸. The available state county-code listing shows no adopted Harrison County residential code, but we could not find a county page that explicitly states the permit answer¹. Call the Harrison County Clerk at 660-425-6424 before ordering materials to confirm that the county's practice has not changed and to ask whether another approval applies to the site². A project inside an incorporated city may face municipal rules that do not apply in unincorporated Harrison County⁸.

Who handles building and permit questions in Harrison County?

Harrison County does not identify a building department, so the Harrison County Clerk is the practical first contact for current county requirements.

Harrison County does not identify a building department, so the Harrison County Clerk is the practical first contact for current county requirements^1,2. The Clerk's office is at PO BOX 525 1505 MAIN ST BETHANY MO 64424-0525 and can be reached at 660-425-6424². Ask the Clerk to confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated, whether any county land-use approval applies, and which office controls an entrance onto the adjoining county road². Septic is separate: DHSS, not the county health department, is the listed Harrison County onsite-wastewater authority⁴. Floodplain questions outside a listed city can go to the Harrison County representative shown by Missouri SEMA at (660) 868-0709⁹.

Does Harrison County have zoning?

We could not confirm whether Harrison County has countywide zoning for unincorporated land.

We could not confirm whether Harrison County has countywide zoning for unincorporated land³. Missouri law allows eligible counties to adopt zoning for unincorporated territory through the applicable voter-approval process, but that statewide authority does not prove Harrison County adopted it¹⁰. Ask the Harrison County Clerk for a current ordinance, zoning map or written confirmation before treating a parcel as unrestricted². We also could not confirm county standards for minimum lot size, home size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height³. Missouri's protection for farm buildings concerns county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances and is not a blanket exemption from septic, floodplain, zoning or other land-use requirements¹¹.

How do septic permits work in Harrison County?

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is the listed onsite-wastewater permitting authority for Harrison County.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is the listed onsite-wastewater permitting authority for Harrison County⁴. A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater systems, although some single-family residential lots may qualify for an exemption⁴. Submit the information through the state request form to obtain an application number, or call DHSS at (573) 751-6095 ext. 5 before work begins⁴. Missouri's program inspects an aggregate sample rather than every notified project: up to 60% of systems handled by registered contractors and at least 75% of systems handled by unregistered people⁵. Harrison County's soil data rates 0% of mapped soils as free from severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so establish site and system feasibility before fixing the home location¹². Larger-flow, direct-discharge and certain lagoon systems fall under Missouri DNR instead⁴.

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

We could not confirm a Harrison County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy.

We could not confirm a Harrison County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy³. We also could not confirm a county minimum dwelling size or setback standard³. Ask the Harrison County Clerk for the rule applying to the parcel and proposed use before moving an RV or tiny home onto the land². A lack of a residential building permit does not answer occupancy or wastewater questions because those are separate requirements^1,4. Off-grid wastewater still requires a lawful disposal system: Missouri's onsite systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property, and most construction requires approval¹³.

Building a home in Harrison County: the steps, in order

Confirm with the Harrison County Clerk that the parcel is unincorporated and that no county residential building permit has been added.

Confirm with the Harrison County Clerk that the parcel is unincorporated and that no county residential building permit has been added^1,2.

Ask the Clerk for any current zoning, setback, county-road entrance or other land-use rule affecting the parcel^2,3.

Contact DHSS for an onsite-wastewater application number and do not start septic work until a permit or exemption is confirmed⁴.

Ask DHSS whether the septic work will receive an onsite inspection because Missouri applies different aggregate inspection rates based on contractor registration^4,5.

If the driveway enters MoDOT right-of-way, obtain the required state permit before constructing or modifying it¹⁴.

Check mapped flood hazards and contact the Harrison County Floodplain Administrator before grading or building in a designated hazard area^9,15.

Use a Missouri-licensed or permitted well contractor for regulated water-well construction⁷.

What should you check before buying land in Harrison County?

Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and land-use rules with the Harrison County Clerk because countywide zoning, setbacks and minimum sizes remain unconfirmed.

Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and land-use rules with the Harrison County Clerk because countywide zoning, setbacks and minimum sizes remain unconfirmed^2,3. Test septic feasibility early because 0% of mapped county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹². For an existing system, arrange a private licensed inspection if the buyer or lender needs one because public-health agencies generally do not inspect systems for real-estate transfers¹⁶. Check flood maps and contact the county representative before development in a designated hazard area^9,15. Verify whether road access meets a county road or MoDOT right-of-way, because MoDOT requires a permit for driveway work in its right-of-way while a county-road requirement could not be confirmed^2,14. Harrison County's median property-tax bill is about $885 per year, with an effective rate near 0.8%¹².

Watch-outs

No residential building permit is required in unincorporated Harrison County, but confirm the current practice with the County Clerk before construction^1,2.
Countywide zoning, RV occupancy, tiny-home rules, setbacks and minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed; ask the County Clerk for a parcel-specific answer^2,3.
Harrison County's soil data rates 0% of mapped soils as free from severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so resolve wastewater feasibility before choosing a building site¹².

Sources

16 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 2, 2026

Written October 2, 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.

Off-grid gear

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

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Harrison County requires no county building permit for a home.

Rule	Harrison County	Gentry County	Daviess County	Mercer County	Worth County	Grundy County	DeKalb County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required
County zoning	Not published	No	No	Not published	Not published	Not published	No
Septic permits	DHSS	Not published	County Health Dept.	MO Dept. of Health & Senior Services	Not published	MO DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program	DHSS

Cities and towns in Harrison 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 covered: Adams Township · Bethany · Bethany Township · Butler Township · Clay Township · Colfax Township · Cypress Township · Dallas Township · Fox Creek Township · Grant Township · Hamilton Township · Jefferson Township · Lincoln Township · Madison Township · Marion Township · New Hampton · Sherman Township · Sugar Creek Township · Trail Creek Township · Union Township · Washington Township · White Oak Township

Answers from the rulebook for Harrison County

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

Missouri rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Building permits for construction in Missouri: no statewide permit is shown; first and second classification counties may adopt building regulations and permits if voters have approved
- Authority is an option for county commissions in counties of the first and second classification, not a statewide mandate
- A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001 needs voter approval, voted only by voters outside incorporated territory
- Municipalities and other counties must be checked locally
- This claim is about the county enabling authority only; the state septic rule (RSMo 701.031) was not used as a building-permit requirement
“the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification, as provided by law, is for this purpose empowered, subject to the provisions of subsections 2 and 3 of this section, to adopt by order or ordinance regulations to control the construction”
RSMo 64.170 County commissions control construction - issue building permits ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
A property owner installing, modifying, or repairing that owner's on-site sewage disposal system.
- The owner must comply with RSMo 701.025 to 701.059.
- The statute separately provides that an owner need not obtain a permit or contractor registration merely to clean that owner's on-site sewage disposal system.
“Nothing in sections 701.053 to 701.055 shall preclude property owners from installing, modifying or repairing their own on-site sewage disposal system”
RSMo 701.055 — Property owners may install, modify or clean their own on-site sewage disposal system ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
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”
RSMo Section 64.170 ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — Residential building-code adoption by Missouri counties, particularly construction in unincorporated county territory.
  “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification [...] is for this purpose empowered [...] to adopt [...] regulations”
  RSMo § 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Partial — County adoption of residential building codes in Missouri, with the resulting regulations applicable to unincorporated territory when adopted under the statutory authority.
  “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification, as provided by law, is for this purpose empowered”
  RSMo Section 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Construction, major modification, or major repair of an on-site sewage disposal system for which RSMo 701.046 requires notice and an application; this is not a general statewide inspection rule for all buildings.
- The city, county, or department must receive notice and an opportunity to inspect before completion.
- A registered contractor must notify the authority before 9:00 a.m. on the day before completion; an unregistered person must notify it before 9:00 a.m. on the second day before completion.
- The system must remain available for a complete inspection under the state standard until 3:00 p.m. on the completion day unless the authority confirms earlier inspection and approval.
- The system may not be closed or completed if inspection finds it does not meet the state standard; the authority must provide conspicuous notice at inspection and written confirmation of the result, or of no inspection, within three working days of completion.
“without providing notice and an opportunity for inspection by the city, county or department as provided in this section.”
RSMo 701.050 — Construction or repair notice, requirements and inspection ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Zoning districtsPartial
Missouri statutory authority for counties to create zoning districts in unincorporated territory; this does not establish or publish the actual zoning districts for any particular county.
- The statute applies to unincorporated territory of counties subject to sections 64.211 to 64.295.
- Actual district boundaries, regulations, and maps depend on county adoption and are not supplied by this statewide statute.
- District regulations must be uniform for each class or kind of building or land use within each district, although regulations may differ between districts.
- The regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
“the unincorporated territory may be divided into districts of such number, shape and area as may be deemed best suited”
RSMo Section 64.261 — Zoning districts, creation, regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Potential county zoning controls on the size of residential buildings in unincorporated portions of first-class counties other than first-class counties without a charter form of government.
- The county commission is authorized to regulate by order in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
- The statute does not state a statewide minimum dwelling-size measurement.
- The statute expressly excludes incorporated portions of counties and identifies additional agricultural, rice-farming, flood-irrigation, farm-structure, and underground-mining exclusions.
“except in counties of the first class not having a charter form of government [...] in the unincorporated portions of the county [...] size of buildings”
RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Size of yards, courts and other open spaces in unincorporated portions of second- and third-class counties with county zoning; setbacks left to such counties
- Power exists only for counties to which sections 64.510 to 64.690 apply under section 64.510
- Exercised only after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.530
- Must be done by order of record and in accordance with a comprehensive plan
- Applies only to unincorporated portions of the county
- Does not apply to crops, livestock, orchards, forestry, or farm buildings used for such purposes outside the flood hazard area map area
- Existing lawful uses protected; ordinances adopted before March 4, 1991 unaffected
“the size of yards, courts and other open spaces”
RSMo 64.620 Building restrictions - limitations on regulations (second and third class counties) ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
Lot coverageSpecified
Percentage of lots that may be occupied in unincorporated portions of second- and third-class counties with county zoning; lot coverage left to such counties
- Power exists only for counties to which sections 64.510 to 64.690 apply under section 64.510
- Exercised only after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.530
- Must be done by order of record and in accordance with a comprehensive plan
- Applies only to unincorporated portions of the county
- Does not apply to crops, livestock, orchards, forestry, or farm buildings used for such purposes outside the flood hazard area map area
- Existing lawful uses protected; ordinances adopted before March 4, 1991 unaffected
“the percentage of lots that may be occupied”
RSMo 64.620 Building restrictions - limitations on regulations (second and third class counties) ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
Camping on your landLimited
Developments where land is sold or leased for camping in recreational vehicles (recreational developments) under the state wastewater rule 10 CSR 20-6.030; this is a wastewater-disposal rule, not a zoning rule on camping generally
- Applies only when land is sold or leased for the purpose of camping in recreational vehicles.
- To qualify as a recreational development, restrictive covenants must prohibit continuous year-round living on the lot, and no cabins or other structures that could be used for year-round residential purposes are allowed.
- Minimum lot size of 20,000 sq ft applies where individual on-site wastewater treatment facilities are used; no reduction from the minimum lot size determined by the geohydrologic evaluation, though a one-half reduction as indicated by the soils report may be allowed.
- Where sewage dump stations provide collection and treatment, they count as centralized collection and treatment.
- The developer must submit a copy of the restrictive covenants with any plans for dump stations or centralized systems.
- Any residential housing development required to obtain department approval must get written approval before sale or lease of any lot or start of construction.
- Rule text says it does not preclude local, municipal, county or other lawful authority from adopting equal or more stringent subdivision, sewer or on-site system regulations.
- Rule was last amended with an effective date of Jan. 30, 2025.
- The state rule does not itself regulate temporary camping on private land outside such developments; that is left to local zoning.
minimum lot size, recreational development with individual on-site wastewater treatment: >= 20000 square feet (one-half reduction per soils report may be allowed; no reduction from geohydrologic evaluation minimum)
“a development is considered recreational when land is sold or leased for the purpose of camping in recreational vehicles. in order to be considered a recreational development, restrictive covenants must prohibit continuous year-round living on the lot and no cabins or other structures will be allowed that could be used for year-round residential purposes.”
10 CSR 20-6 Permits (incl. 10 CSR 20-6.030 Disposal of Wastewater in Residential Housing Developments), Missouri Secretary of State, Code of State Regulations ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Missouri.
- DHSS administers minimum standards and permits through DHSS, local contract authorities, or local authorities operating under ordinance.
- County or city governments may adopt standards stricter than the state standard.
- DNR regulates lagoons serving anything other than single-family residences, systems discharging to surface waters, systems treating flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day and dispersing through soil absorption systems, and industrial wastewater systems.
- DNR approval is required for subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds when OWTS use is planned.
domestic wastewater flow threshold: <= 3000 gallons per day (DNR regulates systems with flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day when wastewater is dispersed through soil treatment or absorption systems)
“DHSS OWTS permitting falls under one of three authority types: DHSS Onsite Program, Local Authority (contract), or Local Authority via Ordinance. The application process varies by permitting authority.”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- State — Onsite wastewater permitting for Harrison County.
  “Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS Address: 930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102 County: Harrison Phone: (573) 751-6095 ext. 5 Website: N/A”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
- State (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater permitting for Harrison County, as identified by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
  “Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS Address: 930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65102 County: Harrison Phone: (573) 751-6095 ext. 5 Website: N/A”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
- Mixed — Missouri wastewater treatment systems, including domestic onsite systems, larger-flow systems, direct discharges, lagoons, subdivisions, and industrial wastewater.
  “In Missouri, different state and local agencies are responsible for regulating wastewater treatment systems.”
  On-site Septic Systems and Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Construction, major modification, or major repair of onsite sewage disposal systems in Harrison County under the state-administered DHSS program.
  “Except as otherwise provided in section 701.031, no person may, on or after September 1, 1995, construct or make a major modification or major repair to an on-site sewage disposal system without first notifying the city, county or department and completing an application, upon a form provided by the department, submitting an application fee in the amount established by the city, county or department, and obtaining a construction permit.”
  RSMo Section 701.046 ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
- Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Harrison 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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
- Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Missouri.
  “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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Required — Proposed campgrounds, mobile home parks, and subdivisions planning to use onsite wastewater treatment systems anywhere in Missouri.
  “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
Onsite sewage disposal systems in Harrison County subject to Missouri state standards and notice requirements.
- For systems constructed, modified, or repaired by registered contractors, the city, county, or department must inspect in the aggregate up to 60 percent.
- For systems constructed, modified, or repaired by unregistered persons, the city, county, or department must inspect in the aggregate at least 75 percent.
- The inspection percentages apply when notice is given under sections 701.046 to 701.048 and 701.050.
- Certification without onsite inspection may be accepted from an eligible registered contractor.
inspection rate for registered contractors: <= 60 percent maximum aggregate · inspection rate for unregistered persons: >= 75 percent minimum aggregate
“A city, county or the department shall inspect, in the aggregate, up to sixty percent of on-site sewage disposal systems constructed, modified or repaired by contractors registered under sections 701.053 to 701.055 and at least seventy-five percent of on-site sewage disposal systems constructed, modified or repaired by persons not registered under sections 701.053 to 701.055 for which notice of construction, repair or modification is given under sections 701.046 to 701.048 and 701.050.”
RSMo Section 701.043 ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Inspection or evaluation of existing onsite wastewater systems 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.”
  Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Inspections Versus Evaluations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Limited — Inspections of existing onsite sewage systems in connection with property sales statewide in Missouri.
  “Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) rules governing onsite sewage systems cover minimum construction requirements, system inspections at the time of property sales, and requirements for percolation testers and soil evaluators.”
  health.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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.”
health.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Use of onsite wastewater treatment systems as off-grid sanitation where central sewer service is unavailable in Missouri.
  “In Missouri, where central sewer service is not available, homeowners and small business owners use various types of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).”
  Onsite Wastewater Treatment ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Well permitLimited
Construction or alteration of a public well serving a Missouri public water system.
- Public water systems must receive written approval from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Public Drinking Water Branch before constructing or altering a public well.
- The requirement does not apply when the system meets the charitable-and-benevolent-organization exemptions in section 640.116, RSMo.
- Anyone proposing to install a public well must contact the department’s regional office for a well-site survey.
- The survey addresses minimum isolation or setback distances from known or potential contaminant sources, including septic tanks, sanitary sewer lines, and landfills.
- Before applying for construction authorization, the public water system must obtain an estimated casing-depth letter from the Missouri Geological Survey Water Resources Center.
- There is no fee for the well-site-survey and estimated-casing-depth-letter services.
- Failure to obtain construction authorization may result in approval delays and possibly require the owner to properly plug the well and drill a new one according to 10 CSR 60-3.
public water system threshold: at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily, at least 60 days per calendar year
“Public water systems must receive written approval from the PDWB before constructing or altering a public well”
Who Regulates Water Wells in Missouri? - PUB4001 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Construction of water wells in Harrison County by persons doing regulated well-construction work.
  “Individuals must test and become licensed/permitted in order to do business in Missouri to construct a water, heat pump or monitoring well.”
  Well and Pump Installation Contractor Permitting ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Required — A person or contractor conducting regulated work to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a water well, heat-pump well, monitoring well, or related well in Missouri.
  “A non-restricted permit is required to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a well.”
  Well and Pump Installation Contractor Permitting ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Limited — Construction or repair of water wells, installation or replacement of pumps, and associated plumbing and electrical work in Missouri.
  “A non-restricted water well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well in Missouri.”
  Water Wells - PUB2945 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Missouri state law preserves the authority of specified local governments and districts that own or operate a sewage-collection-and-treatment sewer system to require connection by owners of houses, buildings, or other facilities within that entity's territory.
- This is an authorization for the applicable city, town, village, sewer district, public water supply district, municipality, political subdivision, or district; it is not a statewide mandate that every property connect.
- The entity must own or operate a sewer system providing collection and treatment of sewage.
- The house, building, or other facility must be within the municipality, political subdivision, or district.
- The sewer system must be available.
- The statute identifies sewer districts organized under chapter 204 or chapter 249 and public water supply districts organized under chapter 247 among the entities whose authority is preserved.
“to require the owners of all houses, buildings or other facilities [...] to connect to the sewer system [...] when such sewer system is available.”
Missouri Revisor of Statutes — RSMo § 644.027 ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Farm buildings and farm structures used for agricultural purposes under the county building and land-use restriction provisions of RSMo sections 64.800 to 64.905.
- The exemption does not apply within incorporated portions of counties.
- The exemption applies to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry and to specified rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments.
- For farm buildings or farm structures, the area must not be within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.
- The statute preserves the validity of county ordinances or orders adopted before March 4, 1991.
- Other laws and local requirements may still apply.
rice-farming or flood-irrigation berm height: <= 18 inches (small berms placed around a field to hold water for growing rice or flood irrigation)
“This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes in an area not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.”
RSMo Section 64.890 — Building and land use restrictions; exemptions ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures as against county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
  “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.”
  RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for agricultural purposes under RSMo section 64.890, outside incorporated portions of counties and outside areas shown on flood hazard area maps.
  “This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes [...]”
  RSMo Section 64.890 ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Farm buildings and farm structures statewide, with respect to county fire-protection and fire-prevention ordinances.
  “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 [...]”
  revisor.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Available — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures with respect to county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
  “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.”
  RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Subdividing landLimited
Subdivision plats in the unincorporated areas of counties covered by RSMo section 64.070 after the county commission adopts subdivision regulations.
- The county commission must first adopt subdivision regulations.
- The plat must first be submitted to the planning commission.
- If the county planning commission does not report upon the plat within thirty days, it may then be deemed approved.
- If amended or rejected by the planning commission, the action may be overruled and the plat approved only by the county commission, with the reasons for overruling spread upon the county commission minutes.
- The recorder of deeds may not record the plat until receiving a certificate of authority from the county zoning enforcement officer.
- The statute also permits a county planning commission, upon written request of an incorporated area's legislative body where there is no municipal planning commission, to pass upon subdivision plats within that incorporated area; those plats are subject to county planning commission rules and approval procedures.
planning commission reporting period: 30 days (If no report is made, the plat may then be deemed approved.)
“After the county commission shall have adopted such subdivision regulations, no plat of a subdivision of land within the unincorporated area of such county [...]”
RSMo Section 64.070 ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Subdivision regulations adopted by Missouri cities, towns, or villages under RSMo section 89.410.
  “The planning commission shall recommend and the council may by ordinance adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction.”
  RSMo Section 89.410 ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
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”
Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
Laws and Regulations That Might Affect You if You Mine Sand or Gravel From Missouri Streams ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — All development in a Missouri floodplain, administered through the applicable community floodplain permitting process.
  “Regardless, some type of permit MUST be issued for ALL development in the floodplain.”
  Floodplain Forms ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
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.”
Air Construction Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Missouri onsite wastewater treatment system construction, modification, and repair application fees administered under the statewide DHSS OWTS program.
  “Effective August 28, 2026, [...] the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Installation or repair of most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Missouri.
- Some single-family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.
- The applicant must determine which agency has permitting authority where the work is being done.
- DHSS permitting may be administered by the DHSS Onsite Program, a local authority under contract, or a local authority via ordinance.
- Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption has been confirmed.
- DHSS regulates single-family residential systems and onsite or cluster systems treating domestic wastewater flows of 3,000 gallons per day or less that disperse wastewater through soil treatment or absorption systems.
- DNR regulates other systems, including non-single-family lagoons, systems discharging to surface waters, systems over 3,000 gallons per day, and industrial wastewater systems.
- DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds if OWTS use is planned.
domestic wastewater flow threshold: <= 3000 gallons per day (Systems above this threshold are regulated by DNR when they disperse wastewater through soil treatment or absorption systems.)
“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.”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Permit applications for work on Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way statewide.
  “Contact the Traffic Specialist a minimum of 48 hours prior to beginning work and for all necessary inspections.”
  Permit Process | Missouri Department of Transportation ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
county zoning authorityLimited
Missouri county zoning authority over unincorporated land.
- RSMo § 64.850 applies to counties of the first class without a charter and counties of the second, third, or fourth class.
- RSMo § 64.620 applies to counties of the second or third class to which §§ 64.510–64.690 apply.
- Adoption under §§ 64.510–64.690 requires approval by vote of the people under § 64.530.
- The authority applies in unincorporated portions and not incorporated portions.
- The regulations must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
- Under § 64.090, the zoning power does not apply to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry; seasonal or temporary rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments; specified farm structures outside mapped flood-hazard areas; or underground mining entered through shafts outside mapped flood-hazard areas.
- Existing lawful uses and specified public-utility services are protected under the cited statutory schemes.
“the county commission of any county of the first class not having a charter form of government, or of any county of the second, third or fourth class may, after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.845, regulate and restrict, by order of record, in the unincorporated portions of the county, the height, number of stories, and size of buildings, the percentage of lots that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, the density of population, the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes.”
RSMo § 64.850 — County commission may prescribe zoning regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- General — Missouri counties adopting zoning regulations for unincorporated territory.
  “If a majority of the votes cast is in favor of county zoning, the county commission shall proceed with a program of county zoning”
  RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Limited — Missouri county zoning of unincorporated land.
  “counties of the second, third or fourth class may, after approval by vote of the people [...] in the unincorporated portions of the county”
  RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
county building authorityLimited
County authority to regulate residential construction and issue building permits in unincorporated areas of Missouri.
- The authority under sections 64.170 to 64.200 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 one under those sections.
- Only voters in the area affected by the proposed code may vote; incorporated-territory citizens cannot vote on a code affecting a county.
- The county commission must hold at least three public hearings and provide the statutory newspaper publication and county posting notices before adoption.
- Regulations adopted under section 64.180 apply to unincorporated territory, except as otherwise provided.
- Adopted or amended codes after August 28, 2001, must use a current, calendar year 1999 or later edition of a nationally recognized building code, as amended.
- A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installations governed by section 323.020.
public hearings before adoption: >= 3 hearings minimum (Section 64.180(3)) · newspaper notice: >= 15 days (Notice of hearing time and place must be published in at least two newspapers having general circulation within the county) · posted notice: >= 15 days (Notice must be posted in four conspicuous places in the county) · minimum nationally recognized building-code edition: >= calendar year 1999 edition year (Applies after August 28, 2001, under section 64.180)
“The regulations adopted shall be applicable to the unincorporated territory of the county, except as otherwise provided herein”
RSMo Section 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — 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.
  “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification [...] is for this purpose empowered [...] to adopt [...] regulations to control the construction”
  RSMo § 64.170 — County commissions control construction and issue building permits ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Limited — Missouri counties' authority to require permits and regulate residential construction in unincorporated areas.
  “Before the adoption of such code of regulations, the county commission shall hold at least three public hearings thereon”
  RSMo § 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in unincorporated Harrison County.
County-wide zoning — County zoning in unincorporated Harrison County, MO
Local zoning — Municipal zoning within Harrison County, MO
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Harrison County, MO
Building height — Building height in unincorporated Harrison County.

5 more unanswered

Living in an RV
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
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 Harrison County, Missouri

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

Harrison County scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

How much does land cost in Harrison County, Missouri?

Land in Harrison County runs about $3,799 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Harrison County?

Harrison County gets about 38.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.7% of years.

How remote is Harrison County?

A representative private-land location has about 5,482 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,411,764 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.

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