Bolthole Index

Monroe County, Missouri

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

69Index Score / 100
#68 of 115 in Missouri

Monroe County, Missouri requires a building permit and has county zoning, but the available county information does not identify every covered project, the zoning boundaries or the building-inspection process12. The county publishes a $60 building-permit fee payable at the County Clerk's Office, while septic permits and inspections go through the Monroe County Health Department34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; $60 fee published, but covered projects and inspections need confirmation13
Planning and zoning
County function exists; parcel coverage and district standards need confirmation2
Septic permit
$150 county permit with initial and final inspections for covered systems34
Septic soil difficulty
0% of mapped soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field5
RV or tiny home
Occupancy rules not confirmed; ask the County Clerk's Office2
Owner-builder
No general building exemption confirmed; a landowner may install a septic system67
State-highway driveway
MoDOT right-of-way permit required8
Property taxes
About 0.7% effective rate; median bill about $1,086 per year910

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Monroe County Clerk's Office

County Clerk services and the county's Planning & Zoning contact

877-433-3061

300 North Main St, Room 204, Paris, MO 65275

Septic permits

Monroe County Health Department

Onsite wastewater permit applications, initial inspections and final evaluations

660-327-4653

310 North Market Street, Paris, MO 65275

Roads & driveways

Monroe County Road and Bridge Department

County roads, bridges, culvert replacement and driveway-pipe installation outside the special road districts

660-909-0891

300 North Main Street, Paris, MO 65275

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 Monroe County, Missouri?

Monroe County requires a building permit and publishes a $60 building-permit fee payable at the County Clerk's Office in Paris13. The available county information does not identify every project that triggers the permit, provide the application, or describe building inspections and certificates of occupancy1. Call the County Clerk's Office before construction and ask whether the proposed house, addition, cabin, manufactured home, accessory building or farm structure needs approval11. Missouri adopts fire and building codes locally rather than through one uniform statewide building code12. A state farm-structure exemption concerns county fire-protection and fire-prevention ordinances only; it does not create a blanket exemption from zoning, septic, floodplain or other land-use approvals13.

Who handles Monroe County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Start with the Monroe County Clerk's Office at 877-433-3061 or 300 North Main St, Room 204, Paris, Missouri11. Monroe County identifies a Planning & Zoning function, and the published $60 building-permit fee is payable to the Clerk's Office23. We could not confirm a separate county building department, inspector contact or online building-permit portal; ask the Clerk for the current application, approval standard, required site-plan details, and any inspection or occupancy steps111. Septic approval follows a separate process through the Monroe County Health Department: applicants call 660-327-4653 for an application, complete it and pay the applicable fee714.

Does Monroe County, Missouri have zoning?

Monroe County has adopted county zoning and identifies an official Planning & Zoning function2. The public county page does not publish a zoning map, district schedule, ordinance text or a statement resolving exactly where county zoning applies2. Missouri's county-zoning authority generally concerns unincorporated territory, while incorporated cities and towns control land within their own boundaries15. Before relying on a listing's description, ask the County Clerk's Office to identify the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district and allowed use11. Also request the applicable setback, minimum-lot-size, height, lot-coverage and minimum-dwelling-size standards because those figures could not be confirmed from the county's published page2.

How do septic permits work in Monroe County?

The Monroe County Health Department administers the county's onsite-wastewater ordinance for covered domestic systems producing no more than 3,000 gallons per day16. A permit is required before constructing, installing, modifying or operating a covered system, subject to the ordinance's exceptions for certain existing systems17. The published septic-permit fee is $1503. Applicants call the Health Department for the application, complete it and pay the fee; a landowner may install the system, although a Missouri-registered installer is recommended7. Covered systems receive an initial inspection when the permit is issued and a final evaluation after completion4. Missouri DNR handles larger facilities, non-individual lagoons, direct-discharge systems and certain development wastewater plans1819. Mapped soils show 0% of the county free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so establish septic feasibility before fixing the house site5.

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

Monroe County's published materials do not confirm whether an RV may be occupied as a residence on private land or while a house is being built2. The published materials also do not resolve tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home placement, temporary camping, accessory dwellings or a minimum home size2. Ask the County Clerk's Office about the exact parcel and proposed use before buying or moving a unit onsite11. Ask whether the parcel is within county or municipal jurisdiction, whether residential occupancy is allowed in its district, and whether a building permit or other land-use approval is needed151. Any occupied setup still needs lawful wastewater handling: Monroe County requires the Health Department's permit for onsite wastewater construction, installation, modification or operation17.

Building a home in Monroe County: the steps in order

  1. Ask the Monroe County Clerk's Office to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed use and current building-permit requirements112.
  1. Get the current building-permit application and confirm what the published $60 fee covers, because the available information does not describe the full application or inspection process31.
  1. Call the Monroe County Health Department at 660-327-4653 for the onsite-wastewater application before choosing a house site or septic layout; covered systems require an initial inspection and final evaluation1474.
  1. If the project creates or expands a residential development, ask whether Missouri DNR must approve the wastewater-treatment method19.
  1. Confirm road authority and access: county Road and Bridge handles driveway-pipe work on its roads outside the Madison and Monroe City special road districts20. A driveway in MoDOT right-of-way requires a state permit8.

What should you check before buying land in Monroe County?

Check septic feasibility first: 0% of mapped Monroe County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field5. Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and request the actual zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and lot standards from the County Clerk's Office112. Missouri DNR regulates water-well construction, maintenance and plugging; public-system wells require authorization before drilling, while requirements vary for private wells21. Verify road authority before planning an entrance because the county maintains about 700 miles of roads outside the Madison and Monroe City special road districts, while a state-highway entrance requires MoDOT approval208. The land is mostly gentle, with 89.3% at a slope of 15% or less, but parcel-level drainage and flood exposure still need site review22. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, and the median annual bill is about $1,086910.

Watch-outs

  • A published $60 building-permit fee does not answer which projects require approval; get the current scope and process from the County Clerk's Office before construction1411.
  • The $150 septic permit covers a county process with an initial inspection and final evaluation; systems under Missouri DNR jurisdiction follow a different path3418.
  • RV, tiny-home, manufactured-home and temporary-camping rules could not be confirmed online; ask the County Clerk's Office about the parcel and proposed occupancy211.
  • County Road and Bridge does not serve roads inside the Madison or Monroe City special road districts20.

Sources

  1. Monroe County Missouri - Planning & Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. Monroe County Missouri - Planning & Zoning (2026 county census)
  3. Environmental Health – Monroe County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health – Monroe County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  6. (2026 county census)
  7. Environmental Health – Monroe County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  8. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  11. Monroe County Clerk's Office (monroecountymo.gov)
  12. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Monroe County Health Department (monroecountyhealth.com)
  15. RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Environmental Health – Monroe County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  17. Environmental Health – Monroe County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  18. On-site Septic Systems and Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  19. On-site Septic Systems and Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  20. Monroe County Road and Bridge Department (monroecountymo.gov)
  21. Who Regulates Water Wells in Missouri? - PUB4001, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of land at 15% slope or less: 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

Monroe County in Missouri

69
County map
Monroe County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Monroe County scores

Seclusion76100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.
Admin Boringness4690% ev.
Durability53100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$230kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$5,186Land / acre
40.9"Annual rain
5.8% of yrsSevere drought
11.6 / yr (+9.9)Mid-century 100°F days
16.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.04" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.84×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,770Home insurance / yr
1% / yrInsurance growth
1.61%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,629People within 30 min
792,211People within 2 hr
10,090Radius comparison (15 mi)
13.4People / sq mi
3.9%Federal land
89.3%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
1 acWorkable land screen
27.4%Wooded land
49.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.4°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Monroe County

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

Monroe County rules

  • Who permits septicCounty

    Domestic onsite wastewater systems in Monroe County serving dwellings or facilities producing 3,000 gallons or less per day, subject to the stated exceptions and categories.

    • The Monroe County Commission and health department board make the wastewater-treatment rules.
    • Systems already in use when the 1986 ordinance was passed are grandfathered and do not require a permit unless they become a nuisance or need modification.
    • The county page states that the ordinance applies to dwellings or facilities producing domestic wastewater of 3,000 gallons or less per day.

    maximum daily domestic wastewater flow: <= 3000 gallons per day (State rules and other categories may apply as described by Missouri DNR.)

    “Monroe County has an on-site wastewater ordinance. The ordinance has been in place since 1986, and the Monroe County Commission and the health department board make the rules and regulations concerning wastewater treatment systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Onsite wastewater permitting authority for Monroe County.
      “Agency: Monroe County Health Dept. Authority Type: Ordinance [...] County: Monroe [...] Contact the agency above for onsite wastewater permitting instructions. This county has their own Onsite Wastewater Ordinance and may have additional requirements beyond the state minimum construction standards.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, modification, or operation of covered onsite wastewater systems in Monroe County.

    • Systems existing when the ordinance passed in 1986 are grandfathered and do not require a permit unless the system becomes a nuisance or needs modification.
    • A permit is obtained from the Health Department after an application is completed and fees are paid.
    • The permit depends on certain setback distances.
    • A lagoon requires a fence after completion before final approval.
    • The ordinance applies to dwellings or facilities producing domestic wastewater of 3,000 gallons or less per day.

    septic permit fee: 150 USD (Payable at the Monroe County Health Department.) · maximum daily domestic wastewater flow: <= 3000 gallons per day

    “No person shall construct, install, modify or operate any wastewater treatment system without the required permit. Any person constructing, installing, or modifying a wastewater treatment system shall obtain a permit from the Health Department after an application is completed and fees are paid.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Covered septic systems in Monroe County.

    • An initial inspection occurs when the permit is given.
    • A final evaluation occurs when the system is complete.
    • Existing systems in use when the 1986 ordinance passed are grandfathered unless the system becomes a nuisance or needs modification.
    “Septic systems require an initial inspection where a permit is given and a final evaluation, when complete.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Fees stated on the Monroe County Health Department environmental-health page for building and septic permits.

    • The building permit fee is payable at the Monroe County Clerk’s Office, Courthouse, Paris, Missouri.
    • The septic permit fee is payable at the Monroe County Health Department, 310 North Market, Paris, Missouri.

    building permit fee: 60 USD · septic system permit fee: 150 USD

    “Building permit fees are $60.00, payable at the Monroe County Clerk’s Office, Courthouse, Paris, Missouri. The permit fee for a septic system is $150.00, payable at the Monroe County Health Department, 310 North Market, Paris, MO 65275.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County health-department septic permit process in Monroe County.

    • An application must be completed and fees paid.
    • The permit is obtained from the Health Department.
    • The page instructs applicants to call 660/327-4653 to request a permit application.
    • A landowner may install a wastewater treatment system, while a registered Missouri installer is recommended.
    “Any person constructing, installing, or modifying a wastewater treatment system shall obtain a permit from the Health Department after an application is completed and fees are paid. A landowner may install a wastewater treatment system, but a registered installer in the state of Missouri is recommended.”
  • Building permitRequired

    Monroe County has adopted county zoning regulations administered by a Planning & Zoning Commission, and building permits are issued (fee payable at the Monroe County Clerk's Office), making it one of the Missouri counties that does require permits despite no statewide residential code. Note: the state County Building Codes dataset (data.mo.gov iq7s-izvt, 2021) shows no adopted county residential code — the permit requirement is a county zoning/land-use or health-department permit regime rather than IRC code enforcement.

    Monroe County Missouri - Planning & Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Monroe County maintains an official Planning & Zoning office/Commission and adopted county Zoning Regulations governing land use and permits.

    Monroe County Missouri - Planning & Zoning ↗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”
  • 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.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water-well construction and related well activities in Monroe County under Missouri regulation.

    • The Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulates construction, maintenance, and plugging of water wells statewide.
    • WIS certifies all water wells.
    • Public water-system wells require construction authorization before drilling.
    • The source distinguishes private wells from public water systems; requirements vary by well category and location.
    “Water wells regulated by PDWB require construction authorization before drilling.”
  • 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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Residential housing developments and subdivisions in Monroe County that meet Missouri DNR criteria.

    • DNR approval concerns the method of domestic wastewater treatment in new residential housing developments and expansion of existing developments when specific criteria are met.
    • This claim addresses wastewater-treatment approval, not every aspect of county or municipal subdivision platting.
    “Approving the method of domestic wastewater treatment in new residential housing developments (such as subdivisions, recreational developments and multiple family housing units) and expanding an existing development when they meet specific criteria”
  • 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.”
  • 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 Monroe County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Monroe County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning rules within Monroe County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts and zoning maps in Monroe County.
12 more unanswered
  • 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
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • 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 Monroe County, Missouri

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

Monroe County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 6,629 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Monroe County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Monroe County Health Department. 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 Monroe County, Missouri?

Land in Monroe County runs about $5,186 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Monroe County?

Monroe County gets about 40.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.8% of years.

How remote is Monroe County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,629 people within a 30-minute drive and 792,211 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 Monroe County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Monroe compares in Missouri

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