New Madrid County, MO: No Building Permit

Unincorporated New Madrid County, Missouri does not require a county building permit for a home¹. County zoning remains unconfirmed; ask the County Commission about the parcel^2,3. Missouri DHSS handles county septic permitting: most installations and repairs need a construction permit, including residential systems on lots under 3 acres; larger lots need a confirmed exemption before work begins^4,5.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required by the county for a home in an unincorporated area¹
County zoning: Unconfirmed; ask the County Commission about the parcel^2,3
Septic permit: DHSS handles most home septic systems; under 3 acres requires a permit, larger lots need exemption confirmation^4,5
RV or tiny-home living: Not confirmed; ask the County Commission before buying^2,3
Water wells: Private-well construction standards apply; public-system wells need approval before drilling⁶
Septic soil suitability: About 1% of soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field⁷
Property tax: About 0.7% effective rate and a $746 yearly median bill⁷

Who to call

Also useful

New Madrid County Commission

General county-government and unincorporated land-use questions

(573) 748-2524

nmcocommissioners@newmadridcountymo.gov

450 Main Street, New Madrid, MO 63869

Septic permits

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program

Onsite wastewater construction permits for New Madrid County

(573) 751-6095 ext.5

OnsiteProgram@health.mo.gov

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 October 12, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in New Madrid County, Missouri?

Unincorporated New Madrid County does not require a county building permit for a home.

Unincorporated New Madrid County does not require a county building permit for a home¹. Missouri leaves building-code adoption to local governments instead of imposing one uniform statewide code⁸. City requirements differ: Portageville requires building permits for covered construction, Lilbourn requires a manufactured- or mobile-home setup permit, and Morehouse requires a building permit before placing a tiny house^9,10,11. County septic permitting starts with Missouri DHSS; Portageville and Morehouse also require city private-sewage approvals under state health requirements^4,12,13. Missouri exempts farm buildings from county fire-ordinance permits, which does not establish an exemption from every approval a farm project might need¹⁴.

Who issues building permits in New Madrid County?

New Madrid County has no identified county building department, and a county building permit is not required for a home in an unincorporated area.

New Madrid County has no identified county building department, and a county building permit is not required for a home in an unincorporated area¹. Start questions about unincorporated parcels with the County Commission, which governs county infrastructure, services and local ordinances³. Call (573) 748-2524, email nmcocommissioners@newmadridcountymo.gov, or visit 450 Main Street, New Madrid, MO 63869³. For septic construction permits, request an application number from Missouri DHSS through the state form linked below^4,15. Missouri DNR must approve subdivisions planning onsite wastewater systems; that requirement does not establish a general county subdivision process⁴.

Does New Madrid County have zoning?

Countywide zoning in unincorporated New Madrid County could not be confirmed.

Countywide zoning in unincorporated New Madrid County could not be confirmed². Missouri allows certain non-charter counties to establish zoning after voter approval, but that authority does not prove New Madrid County adopted zoning¹⁶. We could not confirm county requirements for setbacks, lot coverage, building-height limits, minimum home size or minimum lot size; ask the County Commission for a parcel-specific answer^2,3. Portageville and Matthews administer their own city zoning, as does Sikeston, which lies mainly in Scott County and reaches into New Madrid County^17,18,19. City zoning does not replace septic approval: start with DHSS for the county authority, and in Portageville obtain the city private-sewage permit as well^4,12.

How do septic permits work in New Madrid County?

Missouri DHSS is the septic-permit authority listed for New Madrid County.

Missouri DHSS is the septic-permit authority listed for New Madrid County⁴. A construction permit is required before installing or repairing a residential septic system on property under 3 acres; nonresidential systems require a permit regardless of lot size, from the agency with jurisdiction⁵. Some larger single-family lots may qualify for an exemption, but New Madrid’s eligibility is not established; obtain DHSS confirmation before starting work⁴. DHSS covers single-family residential systems, including lagoons; DNR handles non-single-family lagoons, surface-water discharges and industrial wastewater systems⁴. Request an application number through the state form, call (573) 751-6095 ext.5 or email OnsiteProgram@health.mo.gov¹⁵. Application fees have been temporarily suspended since August 28, 2026⁴. Only about 1% of county soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make wastewater feasibility an early purchase check⁷.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in New Madrid County?

We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated New Madrid County.

We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated New Madrid County². The absence of a county building permit for a home does not itself authorize RV or tiny-home occupancy; ask the County Commission about use restrictions and setbacks before buying^1,2,3. Inside Morehouse, placing a tiny house requires Board of Aldermen review and purchase of a building permit before placement¹¹. Morehouse also requires a city permit for private sewage disposal, with state or county health requirements preserved¹³. On unincorporated land, most septic installations and repairs require DHSS approval unless an exemption is confirmed⁴.

How do you build a home in New Madrid County, step by step?

Verify whether the parcel is unincorporated; inside a city, ask the city about its building permit and zoning approval.

Verify whether the parcel is unincorporated; inside a city, ask the city about its building permit and zoning approval^1,2.

For an unincorporated parcel, ask the County Commission about zoning approval, setbacks, subdivision, floodplain permits and county-road access^2,3.

Test wastewater suitability because only about 1% of county soils avoid severe drain-field limits⁷.

Request a septic application number from Missouri DHSS, then wait for a septic permit or confirmed exemption before work begins^15,20.

For residential property under 3 acres, plan on a septic permit; for a larger lot, ask DHSS whether an exemption applies before installation or repair^4,5.

If the driveway enters a state highway, obtain a MoDOT right-of-way permit²¹.

Confirm the applicable construction rules before drilling a private well; a public-system well requires written approval before drilling⁶.

What should you check before buying land in New Madrid County?

Make wastewater feasibility a purchase contingency because only about 1% of county soils avoid severe conventional drain-field limits.

Make wastewater feasibility a purchase contingency because only about 1% of county soils avoid severe conventional drain-field limits⁷. A proposed subdivision using onsite wastewater also needs Missouri DNR approval⁴. Private wells must follow Missouri construction requirements that vary by well category and location⁶. About 100% of the county has slopes of 15% or less, while about 6.1% is wooded⁷. Typical farmland value is about $6,704 per acre and typical home value is about $104,768⁷. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a $746 median annual bill⁷. Confirm legal access and flood exposure, and ask the County Commission for a parcel-specific zoning answer before closing^2,3.

Watch-outs

Countywide zoning, setbacks, minimum dwelling size and RV occupancy remain unconfirmed; ask the County Commission about the parcel^2,3.
A larger lot does not automatically waive a septic permit in New Madrid County; ask DHSS to confirm eligibility before work begins⁴.
Septic application fees are temporarily suspended, but the septic-permit requirement still applies unless Missouri DHSS confirms an exemption^4,20.

Sources

21 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 12, 2026

Written October 12, 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 New Madrid 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, New Madrid County requires no county building permit for a home.

Rule	New Madrid County	Mississippi County	Stoddard County	Dunklin County	Pemiscot County	Scott County	Butler County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required
County zoning	Not published	Not published	Not published	No	No	No	No
Septic permits	DHSS	DHSS	MO Dept. of Health & Senior Services	DHSS	MO Dept. of Health & Senior Services	County Health Dept.	DHSS

Cities and towns in New Madrid 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: Canalou · Town of Catron · Marston · Village of North Lilbourn · Risco · Tallapoosa

Answers from the rulebook for New Madrid 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 septicState
Onsite wastewater permitting for New Madrid County under the Missouri DHSS Onsite Wastewater Program.
- The DHSS page lists New Madrid County with Agency: DHSS and Authority Type: DHSS.
- DHSS regulations cover single-family residential systems and onsite or cluster systems treating domestic wastewater flows of 3,000 gallons per day or less through soil treatment/absorption systems.
- DNR regulates lagoons serving anything other than a single-family residence, systems discharging to surface waters, systems over 3,000 gallons per day dispersed through soil treatment, and industrial non-domestic wastewater systems.
- DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds if OWTS is planned.
- Some incorporated areas may defer permitting back to DHSS.
“Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS Address: 930 Wildwood Dr. Jefferson City, MO 65102 County: New Madrid Phone: (573) 751-6095 ext.5 Website: N/A”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- State (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater permitting authority for New Madrid County.
  “Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS Address: 930 Wildwood Dr. Jefferson City, MO 65102 County: New Madrid Phone: (573) 751-6095 ext.5 Website: N/A Alert: Submit the information at https://stateofmissouri.wufoo.com/forms/q1l2xmqk0yjvaut/ to request an application number.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process — New Madrid County authority listing ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 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
- Mixed (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Missouri.
  “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
Septic permitRequired
Most onsite wastewater treatment system installations and repairs in New Madrid County, where the official Missouri DHSS county lookup identifies DHSS as the agency and authority type.
- A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems.
- Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.
- Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption to permitting has been confirmed by the appropriate permitting authority.
- The New Madrid County lookup directs applicants to request an application number from DHSS at the listed state form.
- Effective August 28, 2026, application fees for onsite sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs are temporarily suspended due to changes to RSMo 701.046.
- DHSS regulations cover single-family residential systems, including lagoons, and onsite or cluster systems treating domestic wastewater flows of 3,000 gallons per day or less and dispersing wastewater through soil treatment or absorption systems.
- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulates lagoons serving anything other than single-family residences, systems discharging into surface waters, systems treating flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day and dispersing through soil treatment or absorption systems, and industrial non-domestic wastewater systems.
- DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds if onsite wastewater treatment system use is planned.
domestic wastewater flow threshold: <= 3000 gallons per day (DHSS coverage described for onsite or cluster systems; DNR regulates systems treating flows greater than 3,000 gallons per day and dispersing through soil treatment or absorption systems.) · application-fee suspension effective date: 2026-08-28 (Temporary suspension stated by DHSS due to changes to RSMo 701.046.)
“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. [...] Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS [...] County: New Madrid”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
8 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Onsite wastewater treatment systems in New Madrid County administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
  “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). [...] Agency: DHSS Authority Type: DHSS [...] County: New Madrid”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
- Required — Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Missouri, including individual septic systems serving single-family residences, subject to stated exemptions and jurisdictional limits.
  “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 Sep 24, 2026
- Required — Most onsite wastewater system installations and repairs in Missouri, including systems within New Madrid County, subject to the applicable permitting authority.
  “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 4, 2026
- Required — Installing or repairing an onsite wastewater treatment system on a residential property of less than three acres in New Madrid County, where Missouri DHSS is the listed permitting authority.
  “A construction permit is required to install or repair an onsite system on any residential property less than three acres.”
  health.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- Required — Installation, repair, modification, or construction of most onsite wastewater treatment systems in New Madrid 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.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
- Required — 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 onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 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 system construction, major modification, or major repair subject to Missouri notice and inspection provisions in New Madrid County.
- For covered work, notice and an opportunity for inspection must be provided before completion.
- Registered contractors require notice before 9:00 a.m. on the day preceding completion; unregistered persons require notice before 9:00 a.m. on the second day preceding completion.
- The system must remain available for complete inspection 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 fails the state standard.
- The authority must provide written inspection results, or confirmation that it did not inspect, within three working days.
- The state standard allows aggregate inspection of up to 60% of systems constructed by registered contractors and at least 75% of systems constructed by unregistered persons, and permits certification without onsite inspection in specified circumstances.
registered-contractor aggregate inspection rate: <= 60 percent (Aggregate rate under RSMo 701.043.) · unregistered-person aggregate inspection rate: >= 75 percent (Aggregate rate under RSMo 701.043.)
“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 701.050 ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 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
- Limited — Water wells in New Madrid County, with construction authorization specifically required before drilling or altering a public water-system well; private-well construction requirements also apply under Missouri well-construction rules.
  “Public water systems must receive written approval from the PDWB before constructing or altering a public well, unless the system meets the charitable and benevolent organization exemptions in section 640.116, RSMo.”
  Who Regulates Water Wells in Missouri? ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Subdivisions in New Madrid County where onsite wastewater treatment systems are planned.
  “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Variable (with conditions) — DHSS onsite-wastewater permit fees applicable to New Madrid County.
  “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. 701.046 was changed to take out the $90 permit fee and authorizes the Department of Health and Senior Services to set reasonable fees—effectively placing current fees on hold until the new standards take effect.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process fee update ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — The Missouri onsite-wastewater permit process applicable to qualifying work in New Madrid County.
  “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. Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption to permitting has been confirmed by the appropriate permitting authority.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
- 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 for buildings in unincorporated New Madrid County.
County-wide zoning — County zoning in unincorporated New Madrid County
Local zoning — Municipal zoning within New Madrid County (e.g., City of New Madrid)
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated New Madrid County
Building height — Building-height requirements in unincorporated New Madrid 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 New Madrid County, Missouri

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

New Madrid County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: strong self-sufficiency basics: 49.8″/yr rainfall with little drought.

How much does land cost in New Madrid County, Missouri?

Land in New Madrid County runs about $6,704 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in New Madrid County?

New Madrid County gets about 49.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.7% of years.

How remote is New Madrid County?

A representative private-land location has about 21,482 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,159,404 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 septic rules in New Madrid County, Missouri