Bolthole Index

Cumberland County, Tennessee

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Cumberland County, Tennessee

74Index Score / 100
#38 of 95 in Tennessee

Cumberland County, Tennessee requires building permits for residential new construction and county-regulated commercial work, and the county has adopted residential and commercial building codes12. TDEC, not the county, handles septic permits3. Countywide zoning remains unconfirmed, so ask the Planning Commission about land-use rules for a specific parcel4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for residential new construction and county-regulated commercial work1
Building codes
County adopted residential and commercial codes effective in 20242
Inspections
Required; the permit holder schedules them in sequence5
Zoning
Countywide zoning not confirmed; ask the Planning Commission about the parcel4
Septic permit
Required through TDEC for construction, modification or repair36
Agricultural buildings
County permit exemption available, but other requirements may apply7
Owner-builder
Available for a home built for the owner's personal use, subject to state conditions89
Septic-friendly soils
Only 4.6% of soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field10

Who to call

Building permits

Cumberland County Codes Department

Building, plumbing, mechanical and floodplain permits, plan review and inspections for new residential and commercial construction outside the City of Crossville

(931) 710-5727

[email protected]

1760 S Main Street, Crossville, TN 38555

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Cumberland County Planning Commission

The county road list and subdivision-related road-standard matters; the office to ask about zoning status for a specific Cumberland County parcel

931-979-2170

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

Do you need a building permit in Cumberland County, Tennessee?

Yes. Cumberland County requires a building permit for residential new construction and for commercial new construction, remodels and additions within the Codes Department's jurisdiction1. A new home also requires plumbing and mechanical, HVAC or gas-piping permits, while commercial projects require plan review along with the listed trade permits1. Cumberland County adopted residential and commercial building codes effective in 2024, using specified 2018 code editions with county amendments and exceptions2. Agricultural buildings have a county building-permit exemption, although other building-code and land-use requirements may still apply7. Ask the Codes Department how the exemption applies to the proposed structure before starting work.

Who is the Cumberland County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Cumberland County Codes Department is the local building office for county-regulated work outside the City of Crossville11. Call (931) 710-5727, email [email protected] or visit 1760 S Main Street in Crossville11. Applications may be filed there or through the county's online permit portal12. A complete application may require address verification, a septic permit and layout, construction plans, and a homeowner affidavit when applicable; a state-licensed general contractor must establish an account before pulling permits12. Obtain required state permits before submitting the county application, as directed by the Codes Department11.

Does Cumberland County have zoning?

Cumberland County has a Regional Planning Commission and subdivision regulations, but we could not confirm an adopted countywide zoning resolution4. Ask the Planning Commission at 931-979-2170 whether a specific parcel has zoning, setbacks, a minimum dwelling size or another use restriction13. The county does regulate certain land divisions: Planning Commission approval is required before recording a plat or conveying a lot when a division within its jurisdiction requires a new road or utility, or creates a parcel smaller than 5 acres for sale or building development14. That subdivision rule is not proof of countywide zoning. Tennessee gives counties authority to zone land outside municipalities, but the state grant of authority does not establish that Cumberland County exercised it15.

How do septic permits work in Cumberland County?

TDEC handles septic permitting in Cumberland County, not the county Codes Department3. A septic permit is required to construct, modify or repair a residential, commercial or industrial system, and TDEC conducts a site evaluation that may require a site plan or soils map6. Allow up to 45 days after TDEC receives a complete application6. After installation, the installer must arrange the final inspection before the system is covered; TDEC issues a Certificate of Completion if the installation passes16. Only 4.6% of Cumberland County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so verify septic feasibility before committing to a homesite10.

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

We could not confirm a Cumberland County rule for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home occupancy on private land. We also could not confirm countywide zoning, minimum dwelling size, general setbacks or lot-coverage rules4. Ask both the Cumberland County Codes Department and Planning Commission about the exact parcel and proposed use before placing or occupying a unit1113. A tiny home used as a dwelling should not be treated as exempt simply because it is small: Cumberland County requires building permits for residential new construction within the Codes Department's jurisdiction1. Any proposed septic system still requires TDEC review and permitting6.

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

  1. Ask the Planning Commission whether parcel-specific zoning or subdivision review applies; qualifying land divisions require approval before a plat is recorded or a lot conveyed414.
  2. Confirm the address and have TDEC evaluate the site, issue the septic permit and provide the layout needed for the county application126.
  3. Assemble construction plans and any applicable homeowner affidavit, then apply online or in person with the Cumberland County Codes Department12.
  4. Obtain the building, plumbing and mechanical permits required for residential new construction1.
  5. The permit holder must request and coordinate footing, slab, foundation, rough-in, energy or insulation, and final inspections in the required sequence; the county will not schedule an inspection without a permit5.
  6. Pass the final building inspection before occupying the structure or moving in furniture, then receive the certificate of occupancy17.

What to check before you buy land in Cumberland County

Start with septic suitability: only 4.6% of Cumberland County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and TDEC may require a soils map during its site evaluation106. Ask the Planning Commission whether the parcel is subject to zoning or subdivision review, especially if the seller plans to divide land or create a parcel smaller than 5 acres414. For access from a Tennessee state highway, TDOT requires a permit before constructing, modifying or changing the use of a driveway on state right-of-way18. Cumberland County's typical property-tax bill is about $699 per year at an effective rate near 0.3%1920.

Watch-outs

  • Do not begin work before permits are issued: Cumberland County will not schedule required inspections without a permit5.
  • Do not occupy the structure or move in furniture until it passes final inspection and receives a certificate of occupancy17.
  • TDEC must inspect a septic installation before it is covered, and approval results in a Certificate of Completion16.
  • Countywide zoning and parcel-level rules remain unconfirmed, so ask the Planning Commission before relying on an RV, tiny-home, setback or minimum-size assumption413.

Sources

  1. Contractor Information Packet - 1-27-2025, quoted and re-checked
  2. Resolution to Adopt the Residential and Commercial Building Codes for Cumberland County, quoted and re-checked
  3. Codes Department – Cumberland County, quoted and re-checked
  4. (2026 county census)
  5. Contractor Information Packet - 1-27-2025, quoted and re-checked
  6. SSDS FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  7. Resolution to Adopt the Residential and Commercial Building Codes for Cumberland County, quoted and re-checked
  8. Cumberland County Codes Department (2026 county census)
  9. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  11. Cumberland County Codes Department (cumberlandcountytn.gov)
  12. Contractor Information Packet - 1-27-2025, quoted and re-checked
  13. Cumberland County Planning Commission (cumberlandcountytn.gov)
  14. Cumberland County Subdivision Regulations 2023 amendments, quoted and re-checked
  15. Tennessee Attorney General Opinion No. 10-108 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. SSDS FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  17. Contractor Information Packet - 1-27-2025, quoted and re-checked
  18. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Cumberland County in Tennessee

74
County map
Cumberland County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Cumberland County scores

Seclusion47100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness5177% ev.
Durability72100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% 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 →

$314kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$5,023Land / acre
59.2"Annual rain
5.1% of yrsSevere drought
1.5 / yr (+1.5)Mid-century 100°F days
12.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.47" (+8.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.61×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,497Home insurance / yr
-0.6% / yrInsurance growth
0.8%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
40,749People within 30 min
3,393,460People within 2 hr
68,862Radius comparison (15 mi)
95.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
66.9%Land at 15% slope or less
4.6%Septic soil without severe limits
19,759 acWorkable land screen
74.8%Wooded land
60.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.6°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Cumberland County

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

Cumberland County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential new construction and commercial new construction, remodels, and additions within the jurisdiction of Cumberland County Codes Department.

    • Residential new construction also requires plumbing and mechanical/HVAC/gas piping permits.
    • Commercial projects also require plan review, plumbing, and mechanical/HVAC/gas piping permits.
    • Agriculture buildings and certain accessory buildings, garages, and decks have stated exemptions.
    “For Residential New Construction Dwellings: ● Building Permit ● Plumbing Permit ● Mechanical/HVAC/Gas Piping Permit For Commercial New Construction, Remodels, or Addition projects: ● Plan Review ● Building Permit ● Plumbing Permit ● Mechanical/HVAC/Gas Piping Permit”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Residential and commercial construction regulated by Cumberland County building codes.

    • Residential new construction is addressed separately from remodels and additions.
    • Commercial new, addition, and alteration or repair projects are addressed.
    • The resolution adopts specified 2018 codes with stated amendments and exceptions.

    commercial code edition: 2018 edition (specified code amendments apply) · residential code edition: 2018 edition (specified code amendments apply)

    “NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners hereby approves and adopts the above listed Residential and Commercial Building Codes for Cumberland County effective January 1, 2024”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Structures subject to Cumberland County Codes inspections.

    • No inspections are scheduled without a permit.
    • Inspections must be requested and coordinated by the permit holder.
    • The packet lists footing, slab, foundation, rough-in, energy/insulation, and final inspections, with additional prerequisites.

    reinspection fee: 100 USD (after two failed inspections per job site)

    “It is your responsibility to coordinate and schedule ALL required inspections in the proper order. [...] NO inspections will be scheduled without a permit.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures subject to Cumberland County final inspection requirements.

    • A final inspection must be passed before issuance.
    • The structure cannot be occupied and furniture cannot be moved in before the certificate is issued.
    “CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY WILL BE ISSUED ONCE FINAL INSPECTION IS PASSED. STRUCTURE CANNOT BE OCCUPIED NOR FURNITURE MOVED IN PRIOR TO C.O. BEING ISSUED.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agriculture buildings under Cumberland County’s adopted building-code resolution.

    • The exemption is stated for agriculture buildings requiring permits.
    • Other building-code and land-use requirements may still apply.
    “WHEREAS, agriculture buildings shall be exempt from requiring permits;”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions within the jurisdiction of the Cumberland County Planning Commission requiring new roads or utilities, or divisions of less than five acres for sale or building development.

    • Planning Commission approval is required before filing the plat for record and before selling or conveying a lot.
    • A preliminary plat may be omitted only when all stated conditions are met, including no more than five lots, installed public improvements, TDEC septic approval if applicable, and staff-planner consultation.
    • The regulations provide stated preliminary and final plat review periods and utility, road, drainage, and septic requirements.

    small-division threshold: < 5 acres (for sale or building development)

    “Any owner of land lying within the area of jurisdiction of the Planning Commission who wishes to divide such land into two (2) or more lots, sites, or other divisions requiring any new road or utility construction, or any division of less than five (5) acres for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or building development, or who wishes to resubdivide an existing subdivision lot(s) for this purpose, shall submit a plan of such proposed subdivision to the Planning Commission for approval and shall obtain such approval prior to the filing of his subdivision plat for record and prior to selling or giving a deed for any lot.”
  • Permit processPublished

    Cumberland County residential and commercial building permit applications.

    • Applications may be made in person or online.
    • Required documents include address verification, septic permit and layout, construction plans, and a homeowner affidavit when applicable.
    • State-licensed general contractors must establish an account before pulling permits.
    “Permits can be applied for in person at 1760 South Main St, Crossville, TN or online at: https://cumberlandcountytn.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/cumberlandcountytn”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A Tennessee property owner constructing a single residence for the owner's individual use.

    • The owner may have one permit every two years.
    • The residence must not be for sale, lease, or rent.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, the contractor is a prime and must be licensed and obtain the building permit for inspections.
    • Contracts may not be split into phases to circumvent the licensing law.
    • Anyone paid more than $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and must be licensed.
    • The exemption is based on TCA 62-6-103 and Rule 0680-1-.22.

    owner permits: per 1 permit per two years · contractor payment threshold: > 25000 USD (Anyone paid in excess of this amount is considered a prime and must be licensed.)

    “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
  • Who permits septicState

    Septic permitting and related subsurface sewage disposal regulation applicable in Cumberland County.

    • The county Codes Department directs applicants to the State of Tennessee for septic permits.
    “Septic Permit – The State of Tennessee issues septic permits.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system on property in Tennessee, and repair of an existing faulty system.

    • A Septic System Construction Permit is required before installation or repair.
    • The application requires site and system information; soils maps may be required and large conventional or alternative systems require a licensed-engineer design.
    • The review generally takes 10 days and must be completed within 45 days.
    • New conventional permit fee is $400 up to 1,000 gallons per day, plus $100 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day.
    • New alternative permit fee is $500 up to 1,000 gallons per day, plus $150 for each additional 1,000 gallons per day.
    • Experimental SSDS permit fee is $500.
    • Repair permits have no permit fee; repair construction inspection fee is $100.
    • Contract counties Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson may require an additional permit.

    new conventional SSDS permit fee: 400 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · new alternative SSDS permit fee: 500 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($150 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · experimental SSDS permit fee: 500 USD · repair permit fee: No permit fee

    “Any individual or property owner who desires to have a subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system installed on their property or requiring repair to an existing faulty system must get a Septic System Construction Permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, modification, or repair of septic systems in Cumberland County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic system installations in Cumberland County regulated by TDEC.

    • The final inspection occurs after installation and before the system is covered.
    • If approved, TDEC issues a Certificate of Completion.
    “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered. If the septic system installation is approved, the Environmental Scientist will issue a Certificate of Completion.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Residential, commercial, or industrial buildings on lots or parcels abutting a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer, where the applicable Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services.

    • The cited Tennessee statute grants qualifying utility systems authority to require connection.
    • The building must exist on the abutting lot or parcel.
    • The owner, tenant, or occupant may be required to cease using other means for disposal of sewage, sewage waste, or other polluting matter.
    • This source describes authority to require sewer connection; it does not establish that every Tennessee property has sewer available.
    “Utility systems within the State of Tennessee that have issued bonds payable for sewer services are granted authority in TCA § 7-35-201 (1) to "require the owner tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land that abuts upon a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and upon which lot or parcel a building exists for residential, commercial or industrial use, to connect the building with the sanitary sewer and to cease to use any other means for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste or other polluting matter."”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Construction, modification, revision, or change in use of a driveway on Tennessee state highway right-of-way.

    • The requirement applies to state highway right-of-way and does not establish a permit requirement for every driveway on every road.
    • Property owners must obtain the permit from TDOT.
    • County or municipal land-use regulations may also apply.
    “Under state law, a permit is required before construction of a driveway on state highway right-of-way, including the modification, revision, or change in use”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building permits administered by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses where the state program applies.

    • The state program does not apply where a local government enforces local building codes under an exemption or where the city or county has opted out by a two-thirds vote.
    • For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table, an additional fee of $50.00 applies for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • The construction cost cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction.
    • An HVAC and Plumbing Inspection is required for all new construction.
    • A slab other than Monolith Pour Inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately.

    permit fee for construction cost $0 to $5,000: 100 USD · permit fee for construction cost $5,001 to $100,000: 350 USD · additional fee for plumbing and HVAC inspection: 100 USD (Applicable as stated in the fee table.) · additional fee for slab other than monolith pour: 100 USD (Applicable when slab and footing are cast separately.)

    “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    County legislative bodies adopting zoning regulations for portions of Tennessee counties outside municipal corporations.

    • The authority is exercised under the conditions and procedures in Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 13-7-101 through 13-7-119.
    • The grant applies to portions of counties outside municipal corporations.
    • County zoning authority does not authorize county building permits or regulation of buildings or structures on agricultural land when the building or structure is incidental to the agricultural enterprise, except on agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state federal-aid highways, public airports or public parks.
    • The agricultural-land limitation applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    “Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-101, et seq., the General Assembly has expressly delegated the authority to county legislative bodies to enact zoning regulations and create a board of zoning appeals.”

Still unanswered

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

  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning regulation in Cumberland County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Cumberland County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Cumberland County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — County land-use minimum dwelling size requirements.
  • Minimum lot size — County land-use minimum lot size requirements.
11 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • 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 Cumberland County, Tennessee

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

Cumberland County scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and 23 operating mines.

Do you need a building permit in Cumberland County, Tennessee?

Cumberland County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Cumberland County, Tennessee?

Land in Cumberland County runs about $5,023 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cumberland County?

Cumberland County gets about 59.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.1% of years.

How remote is Cumberland County?

A representative private-land location has about 40,749 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,393,460 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Cumberland compares in Tennessee

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