Bolthole Index

Grainger County, Tennessee

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

76Index Score / 100
#28 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Grainger County, Tennessee does not require a general residential building permit because the county opted out of the state program12. Bean Station and Blaine require state residential building permits, while Rutledge is separately opted out3. Septic permits and inspections go through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)4.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Grainger County; Bean Station and Blaine require state residential permits156
Zoning
No countywide zoning ordinance confirmed; Bean Station has local zoning materials78
Septic permits
Required through TDEC; the Knoxville Environmental Field Office serves Grainger County4910
Owner-builder exemption
Yes, statewide: one owner-built residence every two years for personal use, not for sale, lease or rent11
RV or tiny-home living
Long-term private-land occupancy was not confirmed; ask the Planning Commission before relying on it12
Septic soil difficulty
Only 10.5% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field13
Driveway permit
Required from County Highway Department before connecting a driveway or road to any county road14

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Grainger County Planning Commission

Subdivision plat review and approval for unincorporated Grainger County land outside Bean Station, Blaine and Rutledge city limits

Planning & zoning

Grainger County Planning Commission (RV Park & Campground Regulations)

Permits for commercial recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds in unincorporated Grainger County under Resolution No. 10.9.23A; applications go to the Planning Commission and the permit itself is issued by the Property Assessor

Roads & driveways

Grainger County Highway Department

Driveway and road construction permits for connections to Grainger County roads; maintenance of county-maintained roads

865-828-3314

[email protected]

215 Cambridge Avenue, P.O. Box 91, Rutledge, Tennessee 37861

Septic permits

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Knoxville Environmental Field Office

Septic (SSDS) permit applications, plan review and final inspections for Grainger County, a non-contract county served directly by TDEC rather than a county health department

(865) 594-6035

3711 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37921

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

No general residential building permit is required in unincorporated Grainger County because the county opted out of Tennessee's State Residential Building Program12. The municipal answer differs: covered residential construction inside Bean Station and Blaine requires a state residential building permit, while Rutledge is separately listed as opted out563. In the county's opt-out jurisdiction, an owner or contractor may request a State Fire Marshal inspection of a one- or two-family dwelling during construction15. If that voluntary inspection route finds the dwelling meets statewide safety standards, the State Fire Marshal may issue a Certificate of Occupancy16. The opt-out does not remove septic, driveway, electrical, floodplain or municipal requirements that may apply to a project3.

Who handles building, zoning and permits in Grainger County?

Grainger County does not operate a general residential building-permit program for its opt-out jurisdiction12. For land divisions outside Bean Station, Blaine and Rutledge, the Grainger County Planning Commission reviews subdivision plats12. The Planning Commission page directs applicants to place plats with the County Mayor's office before the commission meeting12. Bean Station and Blaine residential permits instead run through Tennessee's state residential program56. The Grainger County Highway Department requires a site visit and permit before construction of a driveway or road connecting to a county road14. TDEC's Knoxville Environmental Field Office serves Grainger County for septic questions and forms9.

Does Grainger County have zoning?

Unincorporated Grainger County has no countywide zoning ordinance, although we could not confirm a reliable countywide zoning publication7. Bean Station is different: the town publishes a zoning book and zoning-permit materials, so buyers inside Bean Station must review the town's rules8. We could not confirm complete zoning rules for Blaine or Rutledge, or county standards for minimum dwelling size, general setbacks, building height or lot coverage; ask the relevant municipality or the Grainger County Planning Commission before designing around any of those assumptions12. Tennessee's agricultural zoning exemption is conditional, not blanket: the structure must be on land devoted to agricultural use and incidental to the agricultural enterprise, with stated exceptions that include certain highway, park, airport and floodplain locations17. Manufactured-home occupancy separately requires installation by a state-licensed installer18.

How do septic permits work in Grainger County?

A new, modified or repaired septic system in Grainger County requires a TDEC Septic System Construction Permit10. Grainger County is a non-contract county, so applications and fee payments use TDEC's state service-request process19. The Knoxville Environmental Field Office serves Grainger County and answers septic questions at (865) 594-60359. A new conventional permit costs $400 for design flow up to 1,000 gallons per day, while a new alternative permit costs $500 at that flow; additional-flow fees apply10. A repair permit has no permit fee, but its construction inspection costs $10010. The installer must arrange TDEC's final inspection before covering the system, and an approved installation receives a Certificate of Completion20. Only 10.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making site evaluation an early due-diligence priority13.

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

We could not confirm a Grainger County rule that permits or prohibits long-term occupancy of one RV or a tiny home on private land. The county's published RV-park rules address compensated commercial parks rather than answering the private-land occupancy question21. Do not treat the absence of confirmed countywide zoning as permission to live in an RV or tiny home; ask the Grainger County Planning Commission, or the municipality if the parcel is inside town limits, before buying or moving a unit onto the site712. Bean Station publishes its own zoning and zoning-permit materials8. A manufactured home is a different category from a travel trailer or site-built tiny house, and Tennessee prohibits occupancy unless the manufactured home was installed by a state-licensed installer18. Any septic or alternative subsurface sanitation serving an occupied structure still follows TDEC's permit and inspection process22.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated Grainger County, Bean Station, Blaine or Rutledge, because Bean Station and Blaine require state residential permits while the county and Rutledge are opted out3.
  2. Ask the Grainger County Planning Commission about subdivision review, or the municipality about its own zoning; Bean Station publishes zoning-permit materials128.
  3. Order the septic site evaluation and apply through TDEC; only 10.5% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field1013.
  4. Obtain a Grainger County Highway Department site visit and permit before building access onto a county road, or a TDOT permit before work on state-highway right-of-way1423.
  5. In the opt-out jurisdiction, decide whether to request the optional State Fire Marshal inspection route for a one- or two-family dwelling15.
  6. Keep the septic system uncovered until TDEC completes the final inspection20.

What should you check before buying land in Grainger County?

Start with septic feasibility because only 10.5% of Grainger County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field13. Confirm whether public sewer abuts the property, because qualifying Tennessee utility systems can require an existing building on an abutting parcel to connect24. We could not confirm whether a property owner needs a separate private-well construction permit, so ask TDEC before treating a well as ready to drill. Terrain also deserves a site visit: 27.7% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, and 57.1% is wooded2526. Check whether access meets a county road or state highway because the permitting offices differ2723. Floodplain development standards for unincorporated land were not confirmed, so ask the county about local review before closing. Grainger County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, with a median annual bill of about $8712829.

Watch-outs

  • Long-term occupancy of a single RV or tiny home on private land in Grainger County remains unconfirmed; ask the Planning Commission or the relevant municipality before relying on it12.
  • Bean Station and Blaine require state residential building permits even though unincorporated Grainger County and Rutledge are opted out3.
  • Floodplain development rules for unincorporated Grainger County were not confirmed; ask the county which local review applies before building7.

Sources

  1. Tennessee State Fire Marshal - Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors (2026 county census)
  2. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  3. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  4. TDEC - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) (2026 county census)
  5. Apply for a Residential Permit, quoted and re-checked
  6. Apply for a Residential Permit, quoted and re-checked
  7. Grainger County Planning Commission (2026 county census)
  8. Resources | TownOfBeanStation, quoted and re-checked
  9. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Knoxville Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  10. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  11. Can I build my own home without a license? (2026 county census)
  12. Grainger County Planning Commission (graingercountytn.com)
  13. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  14. Grainger County Highway Department (graingercountytn.com)
  15. Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions, quoted and re-checked
  16. Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions, quoted and re-checked
  17. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  18. Public Chapter 793 — Tennessee Manufactured Home Installation Act, quoted and re-checked
  19. Third-Party Permits & Final Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  20. SSDS Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  21. Grainger County Planning Commission (RV Park & Campground Regulations) (graingercountytn.com)
  22. Online Application for Septic Related Services, quoted and re-checked
  23. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Highway Superintendent – Grainger County Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 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

Grainger County in Tennessee

76
County map
Grainger County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Grainger County scores

Seclusion37100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness87100% ev.
Durability81100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$286kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,809Land / acre
50.4"Annual rain
1.6% of yrsSevere drought
3.2 / yr (+3.1)Mid-century 100°F days
12.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.87" (+11.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.69×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,438Home insurance / yr
-0.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.73%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
87,083People within 30 min
2,533,707People within 2 hr
111,921Radius comparison (15 mi)
88People / sq mi
3.9%Federal land
27.7%Land at 15% slope or less
10.5%Septic soil without severe limits
17,640 acWorkable land screen
57.1%Wooded land
61.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Grainger County

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

Grainger County rules

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    One- and two-family dwellings within Grainger County, with separate statuses listed for incorporated municipalities.

    • Grainger County is listed as OPT OUT of the State Residential Building Program.
    • Bean Station and Blaine are separately listed as SRBP jurisdictions, while Rutledge is separately listed as OPT OUT.
    • The Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office states that an owner or contractor in an opt-out jurisdiction may obtain a state building permit and request state inspection.
    • The jurisdiction table states that its information is accurate as of 8/21/2026.
    “Grainger County | OPT OUT | Shawn Jackson | [email protected] | 423-672-8967 Bean Station | SRBP | Blaine | SRBP | Rutledge | OPT OUT |”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — State residential building-code participation for Grainger County, including one- and two-family dwellings within the county jurisdiction.
      “Grainger County | OPT OUT [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — Grainger County's participation in Tennessee's State Residential Building Permit program; incorporated municipalities are separately listed.
      “Grainger County | OPT OUT | Shawn Jackson | [email protected] | 423-672-8967 Bean Station | SRBP Blaine | SRBP Rutledge | OPT OUT [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
    • Partial — State residential building-code program status for Grainger County and its municipalities, especially one- and two-family dwellings.
      “Grainger County | OPT OUT | Shawn Jackson | [email protected] | 423-672-8967 Bean Station | SRBP | | | Blaine | SRBP | | | Rutledge | OPT OUT | | |”
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — State residential building-code participation for one- and two-family dwellings within Grainger County.
      “Grainger County | OPT OUT | Shawn Jackson | [email protected] | 423-672-8967 [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — State Residential Building Program standards for one- and two-family dwellings within Grainger County's jurisdictional boundaries.
      “Grainger County | OPT OUT | Shawn Jackson | [email protected] | 423-672-8967 [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
  • Permit processPartial

    New driveways or roads connecting to county roads in Grainger County.

    • A permit is required before construction.
    • A site visit by the Grainger County Highway Department is required as part of the process.
    • A tile may be required to prevent water damage to the driveway, road, and county road system.
    • The cited process applies to connections to county roads and does not establish requirements for state highways or municipal roads.
    “Please contact the Grainger County Highway Department at (865) 828-3314 for a site visit and permit before construction.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The county Planning Commission administers only subdivision regulations for unincorporated land; no countywide zoning ordinance is in place.

    Grainger County Planning Commission ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    State residential building permits for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Tennessee jurisdictions where the State Fire Marshal's Office administers the residential building permit program.

    • The state permit is required only in some areas because other jurisdictions may enforce local residential building codes.
    • A county legislative body may remove unincorporated areas from the state program or a city legislative body may remove the city by a two-thirds vote.
    • The state permit does not replace grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic or sewer permits, electrical permits, or zoning approval.
    • Local governments remain responsible for locally adopted codes and other requirements.
    “Why is the state residential building permit only required in some areas of the state?”
  • 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).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner of property in Grainger County constructing a single residence for the owner’s own use.
      “may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use”
  • InspectionsLimited

    State Fire Marshal’s Office inspections requested for one- or two-family dwellings in Grainger County’s opt-out jurisdiction.

    • An owner may request inspection by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
    • Inspection may occur during construction for new construction and additions to existing homes.
    • The dwelling must be determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards for the inspection route to produce the described state result.
    • The official source does not establish a mandatory county inspection requirement for every residential project.

    covered residential use: one- and two-family dwellings · inspection timing: during construction (new construction and additions to existing homes)

    “Their home may now be inspected by an inspector with the State Fire Marshal’s Office during the construction process”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    A state Certificate of Occupancy for a one- or two-family dwelling in Grainger County’s opt-out jurisdiction when the State Fire Marshal’s Office inspection route is used.

    • The State Fire Marshal’s Office must inspect the dwelling during construction.
    • The dwelling must be determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The official source describes issuance of a state CO through this optional opt-out inspection route and does not establish a universal county CO requirement.

    covered residential use: one- and two-family dwellings · certificate condition: dwelling meets statewide building construction safety standards

    “the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy, often referred to as a “CO.””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Occupancy and location or relocation of manufactured homes in Grainger County and elsewhere in Tennessee.

    • Occupancy is unlawful unless the manufactured home has been installed by a person licensed by the Tennessee commissioner.
    • Location or relocation is also subject to the licensed-installer requirement, except for homes previously exempt or previously installed and inspected under rules in effect when they were located on the site.
    • New and used homes have additional installation criteria stated in the Act, including manufacturer or engineer instructions and applicable federal flood-zone requirements.
    “It is unlawful to occupy any manufactured home in this state unless the manufactured home has been installed by a person licensed by the commissioner to make such installation. It is unlawful for any person to locate or relocate any manufactured home in this state other than a home heretofore exempt, or a home previously installed and inspected according to rules in effect at the time of location on the site, unless the installation of the manufactured home has been done by a person licensed by the commissioner to make such installation.”
  • Who permits septicState

    Subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and final inspection for Grainger County, including non-contract-county service.

    • TDEC identifies contract counties separately; its listed contract counties are Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson.
    • Grainger County is not included in that contract-county list; the source states that applications for all non-contract counties are submitted through the state service request process.
    “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county. Contract Counties: Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby & Williamson. [...] For all non-contract counties, applications and fee payments for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Construction Permits can be submitted through the service request form.”
  • 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, installation, modification, or repair of septic systems serving residential, commercial, industrial, retail, or accessory-building uses in Grainger County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system. This permit ensures that the septic system design complies with state regulations and safeguards your health by properly managing wastewater. [...] You need to apply for a permit when you are planning to construct a new septic system, or repair or modify an existing system. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial properties.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection and approval of septic-system installations in Grainger County.

    • The final inspection occurs before the system is covered.
    • The installer must contact the local TDEC Environmental Scientist to schedule the inspection.
    • If approved, TDEC issues a Certificate of Completion.
    • TDEC states that its Division inspects each SSDS installation for compliance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
    “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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation using a septic or alternative subsurface sewage disposal system in Grainger County.

    • Off-grid septic sanitation is allowed only through the applicable TDEC permit process.
    • Conventional systems require a conventional septic permit; alternative systems such as LPP, mound, oxidation lagoon, or ATS/SSD require an alternative septic permit.
    • A site evaluation determines the system type required, and soil mapping or additional site information may be required.
    • The system must be inspected and approved before being covered.
    “A Conventional Septic System Permit is required for the installation of a conventional septic system (or approved substitute product) to serve a residence, retail or commercial building. [...] An Alternative Septic System Permit is required for the installation of an alternative septic system (i.e., LPP, Mound, Oxidation Lagoon, ATS/SDD) to serve a residence, retail or commercial building.”
  • 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."”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    County-zoning exemption for agricultural buildings or structures on qualifying agricultural land in unincorporated Grainger County.

    • The building or structure must be located on land devoted to agricultural uses.
    • It must be incidental to the agricultural enterprise.
    • The exemption does not apply on agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state or federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks.
    • The exemption does not apply if the land is within the one-hundred-year flood plain.
    • The cited provision applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    • The Attorney General opinion states there is no blanket exemption for cotton gins, grain elevators, slaughterhouses, processing plants, or milk bottling plants; those structures qualify only when both agricultural-use and incidental-to-enterprise requirements are met.
    “it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”

Inside cities and towns in Grainger County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building permitRequired

    State residential building permits for covered residential construction within the city limits of Bean Station, Grainger County.

    • The Tennessee page states the requirement for construction within the city limits of Bean Station.
    • The state residential building permit is only a building permit and does not replace grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic or sewer permits, electrical permits, zoning approval, or other state or local requirements.
    “A state residential building permit is required if construction is located within the city limits of: Alexandria Allardt Bean Station”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — State residential building permits for covered residential construction within the city limits of Blaine, Grainger County.
      “A state residential building permit is required if construction is located within the city limits of: Alexandria Allardt Bean Station Benton Bethel Springs Blaine”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    State Residential Building Program status for Bean Station, Tennessee, within Grainger County.

    • Bean Station is listed as SRBP in the state residential jurisdictions table.
    • The table states that SRBP means the jurisdiction will participate in the State Residential Building Program.
    • The jurisdiction table states that its information is accurate as of 8/21/2026.
    “Bean Station | SRBP | [...] SRBP - The jurisdiction will participate in the State Residential Building Program”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State Residential Building Program participation for one- and two-family dwellings within Bean Station.
      “Bean Station | SRBP [...] SRBP - The jurisdiction will participate in the State Residential Building Program”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State Residential Building Program participation for one- and two-family dwellings within Blaine.
      “Blaine | SRBP [...] SRBP - The jurisdiction will participate in the State Residential Building Program”
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — State Residential Building Program participation for one- and two-family dwellings within Rutledge.
      “Rutledge | OPT OUT [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State Residential Building Program status for Blaine, Tennessee, within Grainger County.
      “Blaine | SRBP | [...] SRBP - The jurisdiction will participate in the State Residential Building Program”
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — State Residential Building Program status for Rutledge, Tennessee, within Grainger County.
      “Rutledge | OPT OUT | [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Property within the town limits of Bean Station, Tennessee.

    • A zoning permit is required before excavation, work, or placing/building any structure within the town limits.
    • The source states that a zoning permit may be refused for nonconformity and that the zoning official must state the refusal in writing with cause.
    “If a zoning permit is refused, the zoning official shall state such refusal in writing with cause. Before doing any excavation, work or placing/building any structure on property in the town limits of Bean Station a permit must be obtained.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land within the Town of Bean Station, Tennessee.
      “Bean Station Zoning Book Zoning Permit Info Zoning Permit”

Still unanswered

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

  • Zoning districts — Countywide zoning districts in Grainger County, including possible municipal or extraterritorial areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for residential structures in unincorporated Grainger County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Grainger County.
  • Setbacks — Building and structure setbacks in unincorporated Grainger County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in unincorporated Grainger County.
9 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • Subdividing land
  • Building in a floodplain
  • 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 Grainger County, Tennessee

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

Grainger County scores 76/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 87,083 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Grainger County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Resources. 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 Grainger County, Tennessee?

Land in Grainger County runs about $5,809 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Grainger County?

Grainger County gets about 50.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.6% of years.

How remote is Grainger County?

A representative private-land location has about 87,083 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,533,707 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 Grainger County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Grainger compares in Tennessee

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