Bolthole Index

Pulaski County, Missouri

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Pulaski County, Missouri

74Index Score / 100
#34 of 115 in Missouri

Unincorporated Pulaski County, Missouri does not require a county building permit for a home, but the County Clerk & Commission should confirm that answer for a specific parcel1,2. Countywide zoning remains unconfirmed, so ask the same office before relying on an assumed setback, minimum size or RV rule2,3. Missouri DHSS is the current onsite wastewater authority for Pulaski County4.

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

An ordinary home in unincorporated Pulaski County does not require a county building permit.

An ordinary home in unincorporated Pulaski County does not require a county building permit1. Call the County Clerk & Commission before construction for parcel-specific confirmation, especially if a lender, insurer or contractor needs written verification1,2. Inside Dixon, construction requires a city building permit from City Hall before work begins7. Missouri DHSS remains the countywide onsite wastewater authority, and Dixon also requires a city permit for private sewage disposal systems4. A farm-building exemption in state law concerns county fire-protection and fire-prevention ordinances; it is not a blanket exemption from septic, floodplain, zoning or other land-use requirements8.

Who handles Pulaski County building permits and land-use questions?

Pulaski County has no confirmed building-permit office for unincorporated residential construction, so the Pulaski County Clerk & Commission is the practical first contact for parcel-specific building, zoning and land-use questions.

Pulaski County has no confirmed building-permit office for unincorporated residential construction, so the Pulaski County Clerk & Commission is the practical first contact for parcel-specific building, zoning and land-use questions1,2. Reach the office at 573-774-4701 or pcmoclerk@gmail.com, or visit 301 Historic Rt. 66 E. in Waynesville2. Ask whether the parcel lies inside an incorporated municipality, because Missouri building and fire codes are adopted locally and a city may have its own requirements9. We could not confirm Pulaski County requirements for a certificate of occupancy, county-road access or floodplain development; ask the County Clerk & Commission which office handles each issue2. A driveway constructed or modified within MoDOT right-of-way requires a state permit6. MoDOT accepts right-of-way applications online, through the area Traffic Specialist or by mail, and the Traffic Specialist must be contacted at least 48 hours before work begins10.

Does Pulaski County, Missouri have zoning?

Pulaski County's countywide zoning status could not be confirmed from an official county or state source.

Pulaski County's countywide zoning status could not be confirmed from an official county or state source3. Do not treat the absence of a confirmed zoning office as proof that an unincorporated parcel has no zoning, setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, height limit or lot-coverage rule3. Ask the County Clerk & Commission to identify any county ordinance affecting the parcel and to confirm whether the address is inside municipal limits2. The county guidance here concerns unincorporated land; inside St. Robert, the city sets zoning and requires land uses to conform to its zoning and land-development regulations11,12. Missouri DHSS remains the onsite wastewater authority within Pulaski County, including city addresses4. Additional county subdivision rules and rules for accessory dwellings, manufactured homes and short-term rentals remain unconfirmed; ask the County Clerk & Commission about the intended use2.

How do septic permits work in Pulaski County?

Missouri DHSS is the current onsite wastewater authority for Pulaski County.

Missouri DHSS is the current onsite wastewater authority for Pulaski County4. A construction permit is required to install or repair a system on residential property under 3 acres; nonresidential systems require a permit regardless of acreage13. Some single-family lots may qualify for an exemption, but acreage alone does not establish eligibility; wait for DHSS to issue a permit or confirm an exemption before work begins5,13. Contact the DHSS Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program at 573-751-6095 or OnsiteProgram@health.mo.gov5. Application fees have been temporarily suspended since August 28, 2026, while DHSS develops new fee standards14. DNR approval is required for subdivisions, mobile-home parks and campgrounds planning onsite wastewater systems; owners in unapproved developments should contact DNR about residential housing-unit requirements5. DNR also regulates systems discharging to surface water, non-single-family lagoons, industrial wastewater and systems over 3,000 gallons per day14. Only about 9% of Pulaski County soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange a site and soil evaluation before fixing the house location or septic budget15.

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

We could not confirm Pulaski County rules for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy; ask the County Clerk & Commission about the proposed use.

We could not confirm Pulaski County rules for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy; ask the County Clerk & Commission about the proposed use2. Countywide zoning also remains unconfirmed, so the lack of a published rule is not permission to occupy an RV or tiny home on an unincorporated parcel3. An off-grid setup may use a compliant onsite sewage system instead of a regulated sewer connection, but every occupied building must provide sanitary sewage disposal and the onsite system must follow Missouri rules16. Residential property under 3 acres needs a construction permit for septic installation or repair, and nonresidential systems need one regardless of acreage; wait for a permit or confirmed exemption before work13,14. For a tiny home inside a city, contact that municipality because Missouri building codes are adopted locally9.

Building a home in Pulaski County: what are the steps?

Ask the County Clerk & Commission to confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Pulaski County and to identify any zoning, floodplain, access or subdivision rule tied to it.

  1. Ask the County Clerk & Commission to confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Pulaski County and to identify any zoning, floodplain, access or subdivision rule tied to it2,3.
  1. Obtain a site and soil evaluation early because only about 9% of county soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field15.
  1. Contact Missouri DHSS before septic work; DHSS must issue a permit or confirm an exemption before installation or repair begins5,17.
  1. If the project is a subdivision, mobile-home park or campground using OWTS, obtain DNR approval as well; owners in unapproved developments should contact DNR about residential housing-unit requirements5.
  1. Determine who controls the road. Construction or modification of a driveway in MoDOT right-of-way requires a state permit6.
  1. Confirm the building-permit answer with the County Clerk & Commission if written proof is needed; an ordinary unincorporated home does not require a county building permit1,2.

What should you check before buying land in Pulaski County?

Start with septic feasibility: only about 9% of Pulaski County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a soil evaluation can change the usable building area and system cost.

Start with septic feasibility: only about 9% of Pulaski County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a soil evaluation can change the usable building area and system cost15. About 59.7% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, and about 72% is wooded, making an on-site review of grade, clearing and access more useful than county averages alone15. Federal land covers about 28.9% of the county, so verify the surveyed parcel boundary and legal access rather than inferring them from nearby open land15. A parcel need not connect universally to public sewer, but every occupied building must dispose of sewage through a regulated sewer or a compliant onsite system16. County floodplain-development rules, private-well requirements and county-road driveway permits could not be confirmed; ask the County Clerk & Commission which office controls each issue for the parcel2. Missouri does not require an OWTS inspection for every sale, although a lender or buyer may request one from a licensed individual; ask DHSS whether Pulaski County has an additional local rule13. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, with a median annual bill near $1,15915.

Watch-outs

  • An ordinary home in unincorporated Pulaski County does not require a county building permit; ask the County Clerk & Commission for parcel-specific confirmation before construction1,2.
  • Pulaski County zoning, RV-occupancy, tiny-home, setback and minimum-size rules remain unconfirmed; ask the County Clerk & Commission before relying on an assumed allowance2,3.
  • A larger residential lot does not automatically establish a septic-permit exemption in Pulaski County; wait for Missouri DHSS to confirm an exemption or issue a permit before installation or repair5,13.
  • Do not confuse Pulaski County, Missouri with Pulaski County, Virginia; the Missouri county office is at 301 Historic Rt. 66 E. in Waynesville2.

Sources

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

  1. State of Missouri Data Portal - County Building Codes for Missouri (2026 county census)
  2. Pulaski County Clerk & Commission (pulaskicountymo.org)
  3. (2026 county census)
  4. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  5. OWTS Construction Permit Process
  6. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule)
  7. Dixon: Building Permit - City of Dixon (Pulaski County)
  8. RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures (Missouri statewide rule)
  9. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule)
  10. Permit Process | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule)
  11. RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission (Missouri statewide rule)
  12. St. Robert: Article I: Zoning Districts (Pulaski County)
  13. health.mo.gov
  14. OWTS Construction Permit Process
  15. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  16. RSMo Section 701.031
  17. OWTS Construction Permit Process

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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Pulaski County requires no county building permit for a home.

RulePulaski CountyLaclede CountyPhelps CountyMaries CountyMiller CountyCamden CountyWright County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot required
County zoningNot publishedNoNoNoNot publishedYesNo
Septic permitsDHSSCounty Health Dept.DHSSDHSSDHSSCounty Wastewater Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Pulaski County in Missouri

74
County map
Pulaski County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Pulaski County scores

74 / 100 · #34 of 115 in Missouri · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion61100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.
Admin Boringness8077% ev.
Durability57100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$232kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,020Land / acre
43.9"Annual rain
4.9% of yrsSevere drought
13.5 / yr (+11.2)Mid-century 100°F days
15.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.02" (+5.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.78×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,900Home insurance / yr
1.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.73%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
26,019People within 30 min
1,404,225People within 2 hr
56,751Radius comparison (15 mi)
98.4People / sq mi
28.9%Federal land
59.7%Land at 15% slope or less
9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
31,304 acWorkable land screen
72%Wooded land
41.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Pulaski 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: Crocker · Waynesville

Answers from the rulebook for Pulaski County

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

Pulaski County rules

  • Who permits septicState

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems within Pulaski County.

    “Currently, MO Department of Health & Senior Services is the regulatory authority for the OWTS program within Pulaski County.”

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”
  • 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”
  • 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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • 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”
  • 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”
  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation or repair of onsite wastewater systems in Missouri, including potentially applicable work in Pulaski County
      “A construction permit is required to install or repair an onsite system on any residential property less than three acres. (This exemption does not apply in some counties; check with the county authority.) Regardless of the size of the property, a permit is necessary for all other onsite systems that serve non-residential structures.”
    • Limited — Pulaski County OWTS because the county health center identifies DHSS as the current regulatory authority.
      “A construction permit is required to install or repair an onsite system on any residential property less than three acres. (This exemption does not apply in some counties; check with the county authority.) Regardless of the size of the property, a permit is necessary for all other onsite systems that serve non-residential structures.”
    • Limited — OWTS installation or repair in Pulaski County where DHSS is the regulatory authority.
      “A construction permit is required to install or repair an onsite system on any residential property less than three acres. (This exemption does not apply in some counties; check with the county authority.) Regardless of the size of the property, a permit is necessary for all other onsite systems that serve non-residential structures.”
    • 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.”
    • 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.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

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

    • Local public health agencies generally no longer inspect existing systems for real-estate transfers.
    • A private licensed inspector may perform an inspection or evaluation.
    • A lender, buyer, or other transaction participant may require an assessment.
    • Some local standards may be more stringent than state regulations.
    • Inspections and evaluations are distinct; an inspection includes a hydraulic test, while an evaluation does not.
    “For the most part, local public health agencies no longer inspect existing systems related to real estate transfer. The help of a licensed inspector can be obtained to check the condition of the system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — An onsite wastewater inspection or evaluation before a real-estate transaction.
      “No. However, if a lender or buyer requests an inspection/evaluation, it must be conducted by a licensed individual. Some counties may require an onsite system inspection/evaluation for every real estate transaction. Check with the local permitting authority.”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Off-grid domestic wastewater disposal in Pulaski County using an onsite sewage disposal system.
      “Except as provided in this section, sewage and waste from such buildings shall be disposed of by discharging into a sewer system regulated pursuant to chapter 644, or shall be disposed of by discharging into an on-site sewage disposal system operated as defined by rules promulgated pursuant to sections 701.025 to 701.059.”
    • 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).”
  • 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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • 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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Sanitary wastewater disposal for buildings in Pulaski County.
      “Property owners of all buildings where people live, work or assemble shall provide for the sanitary disposal of all domestic sewage. Except as provided in this section, sewage and waste from such buildings shall be disposed of by discharging into a sewer system regulated pursuant to chapter 644, or shall be disposed of by discharging into an on-site sewage disposal system operated as defined by rules promulgated pursuant to sections 701.025 to 701.059.”
  • 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.”
    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.”
    • 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 [...]”
    • 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 [...]”
    • 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.”
  • 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 [...]”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions, mobile-home parks, and campgrounds proposing onsite wastewater treatment systems.
      “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned. Developers as well as property owners in unapproved developments should contact DNR regarding their residential housing unit requirements.”
    • Limited — Subdivisions in Pulaski County where onsite wastewater treatment systems are planned.
      “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned. Developers as well as property owners in unapproved developments should contact DNR regarding their residential housing unit requirements.”
    • 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.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or modification of a driveway within MoDOT right-of-way.
      “We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways Modifications to existing driveways (e.g. proposed changes in width, grade, location, surface type, etc.)”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

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

    • The source describes local county or city flood damage reduction ordinances rather than one uniform statewide ordinance.
    • The project must be within a participating jurisdiction.
    • The project must be within a designated flood hazard area.
    • The cited rule does not apply if either condition is absent.
    • Covered projects must not raise flood heights.
    “Some jurisdictions (for example, county, city) require any projects in certain floodplains do not raise flood heights.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — 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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Missouri DHSS onsite sewage construction, modification, and repair permit fees applicable to Pulaski County's DHSS-administered OWTS program.
      “Effective August 28, 2026, due to changes to RSMo 701.046, the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended. 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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — The state OWTS construction-permit process.
      “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.”
    • Published (with conditions) — DHSS-administered OWTS permitting in Pulaski 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. [...] Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption to permitting has been confirmed by the appropriate permitting authority.”
    • Published — OWTS permitting through Missouri DHSS for Pulaski County.
      “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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • 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”
    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”
    • 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”

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 Pulaski County.
  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning in Pulaski County, MO
  • Local zoning — Municipal zoning within Pulaski County, MO (Waynesville, St. Robert, Richland and others)
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Pulaski County, MO
  • Building height — Building height in unincorporated Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, Missouri

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

Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, Missouri?

Land in Pulaski County runs about $3,020 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Pulaski County?

Pulaski County gets about 43.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.9% of years.

How remote is Pulaski County?

A representative private-land location has about 26,019 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,404,225 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Pulaski compares in Missouri

Compare side-by-side →See all 115 Missouri counties ranked →