Bolthole Index

Greene County, Tennessee

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Greene County, Tennessee

66Index Score / 100
#65 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Greene County, Tennessee requires a building permit before excavation, construction, moving or alteration of a building, issued by the county Building & Zoning Office1. County zoning applies only outside municipal limits, where towns may run their own1. Septic permit applications now go online to TDEC, not the county office2. Buildings on agricultural land are exempt from the county building permit1.

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

Yes.

Yes. In unincorporated Greene County, a building permit must be issued before excavation, construction, moving or alteration of a building, including an accessory building1. Plans, intended use, zoning, subdivision rules and applicable flood-zone requirements must conform before approval1. Greene County administers adopted construction codes, though other jurisdictional requirements can apply to particular structures or locations8. Required county inspections include zoning, slab and final inspections, with others depending on the structure type8. Greene County issues the certificate of occupancy after final inspection and before occupancy8. The county zoning resolution says no building permit is required for a building or structure on land devoted to agricultural uses, though septic, subdivision, floodplain, state and municipal requirements may still apply1,7. Inside a municipality, building and zoning rules are the town's own, and the county's unincorporated-area rules do not apply1.

Who handles Greene County building permits and inspections?

The Greene County Building & Zoning Office is the first stop for a project in unincorporated Greene County, and it takes permit and inspection questions during its published weekday hours.

The Greene County Building & Zoning Office is the first stop for a project in unincorporated Greene County, and it takes permit and inspection questions during its published weekday hours8. The application requires property-owner and applicant information, a telephone number, the property address, a building description, and a site plan or drawing; include a subdivision plat when applicable9. The Building Official may request more information, and the county requires an initial inspection and application approval before issuing the permit9. For a land division, contact the Greene County Planning Department, which reviews subdivision plats and answers development questions10. A division covered by the county subdivision rules needs an approved plat before it can be filed or recorded11.

Does Greene County, Tennessee have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. Greene County zoning applies outside municipal corporate limits and requires development to conform to the applicable district1. The county map uses agricultural, residential, business and industrial districts, so the parcel's district is the starting point for any land-use answer1. Minimum lot area varies by district and use: in district A-2, a single-family structure needs 1 acre and other uses need 3 acres, and a lot without sanitary sewer must also satisfy TDEC requirements1. Zoning stays a county matter in unincorporated Greene County, while septic permits go through TDEC2. Setbacks are not countywide defaults: they depend on the zoning district and use, and accessory buildings have separate requirements1. Building-height limits also depend on the applicable district and use1. Ask the Building & Zoning Office to identify the parcel's district and dimensional rules before positioning a house, driveway or accessory building8. Floodplain development is reviewed locally and may require approval before work begins12.

Who issues septic permits in Greene County, and how do they work?

A septic permit is required to install, repair or modify a septic system serving Greene County property.

A septic permit is required to install, repair or modify a septic system serving Greene County property13. Septic permits are separate from county building permits and zoning approval. Submit the application and payment through TDEC's online septic portal because the county Environmental Health office says it can no longer accept them3. A repair permit is required before work on a failing system, while changes to bedroom count, expected flow or the site plan can require a modification permit13. An alternative system requires a soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant13. After installation, the installer must notify the state so the system can be inspected and approved before it is covered14. Only about 18% of Greene County soils rate as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making early site evaluation especially useful15.

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

Greene County regulates new campgrounds, RV facilities and dispersed camping areas, and requires Planning Commission approval of a site plan.

Greene County regulates new campgrounds, RV facilities and dispersed camping areas, and requires Planning Commission approval of a site plan6. Unless another permission applies, a transient camper or visitor stay is limited to 30 days; temporary accessory-dwelling use on private property is limited to 60 days and generally cannot occupy the principal use's front yard without gravel or paved parking6. Permanent RV placement is addressed within an approved campground and requires anchoring, inspection, safe egress, utilities, wastewater service and compliance with zoning and flood rules6. We could not confirm a general rule allowing long-term RV residence on an ordinary private parcel, or a tiny-home-specific occupancy or minimum-floor-area rule; ask the Building & Zoning Office about the proposed use8. A residential tiny home still faces permitting, zoning, setbacks and septic approval1,13.

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

Ask the Greene County Building & Zoning Office to confirm the parcel's district, allowed use, setbacks, lot-size requirement and flood-zone status.

  1. Ask the Greene County Building & Zoning Office to confirm the parcel's district, allowed use, setbacks, lot-size requirement and flood-zone status1,12.
  2. Submit the septic application through TDEC before dirt work or building construction fixes the house location3,4.
  3. Prepare the county application with the property and applicant details, building description, site plan or drawing, and any applicable subdivision plat9.
  4. Stake the property lines and proposed structure with at least 18-inch stakes for the zoning inspection8.
  5. Complete the required construction inspections and have the septic system inspected before covering it8,14.
  6. Obtain the county certificate of occupancy after the building final and before moving in8.
  7. If the driveway enters state highway right-of-way, obtain the required TDOT permit16.

What should you check before buying land in Greene County?

Start with buildability, not the listing description.

Start with buildability, not the listing description. About 60% of Greene County land has a slope of 15% or less, while about 51% is wooded, so clearing, grading and driveway layout can change the usable homesite15. Conventional septic suitability is a major filter because only about 18% of soils rate free of severe drain-field limitations15. Confirm zoning, district-specific setbacks, minimum lot area, floodplain status and whether an existing division was legally approved before closing1,11,12. A mobile-home park must have public water, while its sewer or septic arrangements must meet the applicable approval requirements1. Greene County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $80315. We could not confirm a Greene County-specific private-well permit rule, so ask the Building & Zoning Office and TDEC what applies3,8.

Watch-outs

  • The county Environmental Health page says it no longer accepts septic applications or payments, so use TDEC's online portal instead3.
  • A septic installation must be inspected and approved before the system is covered14.
  • Temporary camping and RV use have time, siting, sanitation and site-plan limits; confirm the exact category before occupying the land6.
  • A qualifying farm structure can be permit-exempt, but floodplain, septic, subdivision and state requirements may still apply1,7.

Sources

16 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

  1. Greene County Zoning Resolution
  2. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
  3. Environmental Health
  4. tn.gov
  5. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule)
  6. Greene County August 25, 2025 Minutes
  7. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 (Tennessee statewide rule)
  8. BUILDING SAFETY / CODES
  9. BOARD OF ZONING / BUILDING COMMISSIONER
  10. Greene County Planning Department (greenecountytngov.com)
  11. Greene County Subdivision Regulations
  12. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory (Tennessee statewide rule)
  13. Online Application for Septic Related Services
  14. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule)
  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. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule)

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Off-grid gear

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 3 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, Greene County has countywide zoning.

RuleGreene CountyHawkins CountyCocke CountyHamblen CountyUnicoi CountyWashington CountyHancock County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredNot required
County zoningYesNoYesYesNot publishedYesNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Greene County in Tennessee

66
County map
Greene County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Greene County scores

66 / 100 · #65 of 95 in Tennessee · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion31100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency75100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability83100% 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 →

$256kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$6,423Land / acre
46.7"Annual rain
0.8% of yrsSevere drought
3.6 / yr (+3.5)Mid-century 100°F days
11.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.61" (+10.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.67×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,282Home insurance / yr
-0.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.65%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
139,416People within 30 min
2,736,412People within 2 hr
92,648Radius comparison (15 mi)
116.7People / sq mi
3%Federal land
60.2%Land at 15% slope or less
18.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
69,673 acWorkable land screen
50.5%Wooded land
57.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Greene 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: Town of Greeneville

Answers from the rulebook for Greene County

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

Greene County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Excavation, construction, moving, or alteration of buildings, including accessory buildings, in areas governed by the county zoning resolution.

    • A building permit must be issued by the building commissioner before work commences.
    • No building permit or regulation applies to erection, construction, or reconstruction on land devoted to or used for agriculture.
    • Plans, specifications, intended use, zoning, subdivision, and applicable flood-zone requirements must conform.
    “alteration of any building, including accessory buildings, until the building commissioner has issued for such work a building permit including a statement that the plans, specifications and intended use of such building in all respects conform with the provision of this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Excavation, construction, moving, or alteration of buildings, including accessory buildings, in the unincorporated county zoning jurisdiction.
      “However no building permit shall be required and there shall be no regulation of the erection, construction, or reconstruction of any building, or other structure on land now devoted to agriculture uses or which may hereafter be used for agriculture purposes.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Greene County building-code administration.

    • The page identifies the adopted editions but does not state whether municipal building-code administration differs.

    International Building Code edition: 2018 · International Residential Code edition: 2018 (with Appendix J)

    “Greene County has adopted the 2018 Edition of the International Building Code and the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Code with Appendix J.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — County-administered construction-code enforcement.
      “Greene County has adopted the 2018 Edition of the International Building Code and the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Code with Appendix J.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction subject to Greene County building-code administration.
      “Greene County has adopted the 2018 Edition of the International Building Code and the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Code with Appendix J.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction subject to Greene County building-code inspections.

    • Listed inspections include zoning, footer, slab, rough-in, energy, and building final inspections.
    • Other inspections may be required depending on structure type.
    • A minimum 18-inch staking requirement is stated for zoning inspection.
    “Required Permit Inspections [...] Zoning Inspection – Setbacks, Zoning and Use. Property lines and structure must be staked with a minimum of 18″ stakes. [...] Building Final Inspection – After structure is completed. 911 address must be permanently posted, plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Required permit inspections for construction administered by Greene County.
      “Required Permit Inspections Zoning Inspection – Setbacks, Zoning and Use. Property lines and structure must be staked with a minimum of 18″ stakes. Footer Inspection – After all steel reinforcement is in place. Slab Inspection – Plumbing must be in place prior to inspection. Rough-In Inspection – After all framing, plumbing, mechanical and electrical is roughed in. Energy Inspection – Insulation: Walls, floor and ceiling. Building Final Inspection – After structure is completed.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of structures subject to the county building inspection process.

    • The certificate is issued after the final inspection and before occupancy.
    “Certificate of Occupancy – Will be issued after the final inspection is completed prior to occupancy.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Occupancy of permitted construction administered by Greene County.
      “Certificate of Occupancy – Will be issued after the final inspection is completed prior to occupancy.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Zoning regulation in the unincorporated territory of Greene County.

    • The cited resolution applies to unincorporated territory; incorporated municipalities may administer separate land-use rules.
    “A resolution establishing zone districts within the unincorporated territory of Greene County, Tennessee regulating the uses of property therein”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning in Greene County's unincorporated territory.
      “A resolution establishing zone districts within the unincorporated territory of Greene County, Tennessee regulating the uses of property therein, adopting a map of said districts,”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulation in the unincorporated territory of Greene County.

    • The county resolution applies to territory outside municipal corporate limits.
    • The resolution establishes nine zoning districts and requires conformity with the district regulations.

    zoning districts: 9 districts

    “A resolution establishing zone districts within the unincorporated territory of Greene County, Tennessee regulating the uses of property therein, adopting a map of said districts, requiring zoning permits for the construction and use of buildings and premises within said districts”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Mapped zoning districts in unincorporated Greene County.

    • The resolution was adopted in August 1984 and updated through December 2015.
    • Listed districts include A-1, A-2, R-1, R-2, B-1, B-2, B-3, M-1, and M-2.
    “For the purpose of this ordinance, Greene County, Tennessee is hereby divided into nine (9) classes of districts as follows: A-1 - General Agriculture District A-2 - Agriculture-Residential District R-1 - Low Density Residential District R-2 - Medium Density Residential District B-1 - Neighborhood Business District B-2 - General Business District”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Zoning districts and map for unincorporated Greene County.
      “The map herein referred to which is identified by the title "Zoning Map of Greene County, Tennessee," dated August 1984 and all explanatory matter thereon are hereby adopted and made a part of this resolution.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential and other uses in county zoning districts.

    • Requirements vary by district and use.
    • Examples include A-1 single-family minimum one-half acre, A-2 single-family minimum one acre, R-1 single-family minimum one-half acre, and R-2 single-family minimum one-half acre.
    • Where not served by sanitary sewer, lot size must also conform to TDEC requirements and cannot be below county minimums.

    A-1 single-family minimum lot area: >= 0.5 acre · A-2 single-family minimum lot area: >= 1 acre · R-1 single-family minimum lot area: >= 0.5 acre · R-2 single-family minimum lot area: >= 0.5 acre

    “Minimum required lot area for single-family detached structures....½ acre.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential lots in the unincorporated county zoning districts, including the A-2 Agriculture-Residential District.
      “Minimum required lot area for all uses Other than single-family structures and public utilities.................... 3 acres. Minimum required lot area for single-family structures.....................1 acre.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building setbacks in county zoning districts.

    • Setbacks vary by district, road classification, structure type, and lot conditions.
    • Examples include A-1 front setbacks of 50 feet on arterial roads and 55 feet from road centerline or 30 feet from right-of-way edge, whichever is greater, for other roads; R-1 side yard 12 feet; and R-2 rear yard 25 feet and side yard 10 feet.

    A-1 arterial front setback: 50 feet · R-1 side yard setback: 12 feet · R-2 rear yard setback: 25 feet · R-2 side yard setback: 10 feet

    “For all other road classifications ............................................55 feet from the road centerline or 30 feet from the edge of the right-of-way, whichever is greater.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — District-specific building and accessory-structure setbacks in the Greene County zoning resolution.
      “Minimum required side yard at the building line for single-family structures................................................................30 feet.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building height in county zoning districts.

    • Height limits vary by district and use; no single countywide numeric maximum was established.
    • The resolution prohibits exceeding the height limit applicable to the district.
    “No building or structure shall hereafter be erected or altered so as to exceed the height limit, to accommodate or house a greater number of families, to have narrower or smaller front yards or side yards than are required or specified in the regulations herein for the district in which it is located.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    New campgrounds, RV facilities, dispersed camping areas, and RV occupancy regulated by Greene County.

    • New campgrounds and dispersed camping areas are subject to the regulations; expansions of existing campgrounds must comply.
    • Minimum tract size is five acres.
    • Campsites must use internal access roads or access areas rather than direct access from external county, state, or federal maintained roads.
    • Toilet facilities are required for all campgrounds, and TDEC must approve septic systems or other waste collection must meet TDEC requirements.
    • A site plan must be approved by the Planning Commission.
    • Permanent RV placement in an approved campground requires anchoring, inspection, safe egress, heating, electrical service, compliance with flood, zoning, and other regulations, and connection to septic or sanitary sewer.
    • Unless otherwise permitted, transient camper or visitor stays are limited to thirty days.
    • Temporary accessory-dwelling use on private property is limited to sixty days and is not permitted in the principal use's front yard unless a gravel or paved parking area is used.

    minimum tract size: 5 acres · transient stay limit: <= 30 days (unless permitted elsewhere) · temporary accessory dwelling duration: <= 60 days (front-yard restriction applies unless gravel or paved parking area is used) · permanent RV campground density with septic: <= 15 campsites per acre · permanent RV campground density with sanitary sewer: <= 20 units per acre

    “NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Greene County Legislative Body meeting on August 18, 2025, in regular session, a quorum being present and a majority voting in the affirmative, to amend of Greene County Zoning Resolution as follows: [...] Unless permitted elsewhere, a camper/visitor may stay no more than thirty (30) days in a campground, RV resort or dispersed camping area.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured and mobile homes in the county planning region.

    • Mobile-home parks require permits and must comply with park standards.
    • A mobile-home park must contain at least two acres and no more than fifty mobile homes.
    • Public water supply, approved sanitary sewer conditions, access, buffers, density, and other standards apply.
    • Without public wastewater, minimum space areas are 7,500 square feet for single-wide and 10,000 square feet for double-wide homes unless higher density is approved after soils testing.

    mobile home park minimum area: >= 2 acres · mobile home park maximum homes: <= 50 homes · minimum space area without public wastewater, single-wide: >= 7500 square feet · minimum space area without public wastewater, double-wide: >= 10000 square feet

    “It shall be unlawful for any person to place or maintain two or more mobile homes for living or sleeping purposes on any premises or tract of land in Greene County within the Greene County Planning Region unless they be contained within a planned mobile home park duly permitted and pursuant to the provisions of these regulations.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Septic and subsurface sewage disposal services for Greene County.

    • The county Environmental Health page states that TDEC now accepts applications and payment online and that the county department operates under TDEC rules.
    • The same page also states that the county issues septic-system permits, so the page reflects mixed state/county roles.
    “our department can no longer accept applications and payment for septic permits [...] You must apply online at tdec.tn.gov/septic.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Septic permitting and environmental-health administration in Greene County.
      “We have been notified by the State of Tennessee effective immediately that our department can no longer accept applications and payment for septic permits, subdivision evaluations, water samples, inspection letters, or any other type of services offered thru the Water Resources Services Department. You must apply online at tdec.tn.gov/septic. [...] Lastly, we do issue permits for Septic Systems within the County.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Mobile-home parks regulated by the Greene County zoning resolution.

    • An approved water supply and sanitary sewer condition must be provided to each mobile-home space.
    • Piping and connections must be specified and approved by the county health officer.
    • No mobile-home park is permitted unless served by a public water supply.
    • Where public wastewater service is unavailable, larger lot areas apply unless higher density is approved after appropriate soils testing.
    “An approved water supply and sanitary sewer condition shall be provided to each mobile home space. Piping and connections shall be as specified and approved by the county health officer. No mobile home park shall be permitted unless park is served by a public water supply.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Buildings and structures on land devoted to or used for agricultural purposes under the county zoning resolution.

    • The agricultural exception is stated in Section 902 of the zoning resolution and concerns the county zoning-resolution building-permit requirement.
    • Other state, septic, floodplain, subdivision, or municipal requirements may still apply.
    “no building permit shall be required and there shall be no regulation of the erection, construction, or reconstruction of any building, or other structure on land now devoted to agriculture uses”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings and structures on land devoted to or used for agriculture.
      “However no building permit shall be required and there shall be no regulation of the erection, construction, or reconstruction of any building, or other structure on land now devoted to agriculture uses or which may hereafter be used for agriculture purposes.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions within the Greene County Planning Region.

    • Subdivision means division of a tract or parcel less than five acres into two or more lots, sites, or divisions for sale or building development.
    • A plat must be submitted and approved before filing or recording.
    • Final plats require applicable Division of Groundwater Protection approval and signature.

    subdivision threshold: < 5 acres (two or more lots, sites, or divisions for sale or building development)

    “These regulations shall govern all subdivision of land within the planning region of Greene County as now or hereafter established, and within the Greene County Planning Region as established by resolution of the State of Tennessee Local Planning Assistance Office.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Buildings, additions, or installations falling under the Greene County flood-zone resolution.

    • Applicants must interpret FEMA or other flood-zone maps for staking.
    • The building commissioner reviews applicable flood-zone requirements and may require amended applications or deny permits for noncompliance.
    “If the application is for a residential or commercial structure, addition, accessory building or for a double wide mobile home, single wide mobile home, or manufactured home, that once built, or installed as the case may be, will fall under the flood zone resolution, ensure that all permitting requirements set forth in the flood zone resolution are met”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit application process.

    • Application requires owner information, applicant name, telephone number, 911 address, approved subdivision plat when applicable, building description, site plan or sketch, staked property lines and structure, and payment.
    • Contractors must provide current state contractor license, workers compensation papers, and county business license.
    • Permits are issued on site after initial inspection and application approval.
    “All permits are issued on site when an initial inspection is completed and application is approved.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Greene County building-permit application process.
      “All permits are issued on site when an initial inspection is completed and application is approved.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Greene County building-permit application process.
      “To file an application for a permit we will need:”

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).”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Preassembled permanent tiny homes delivered to a homeowner as a completed unit, including a tiny home built off-site on a chassis or installed on a permanent foundation.

    • The State Fire Marshal’s Office says its inspection program allows construction, inspection, and permanent consumer use of tiny homes and similar structures.
    • The program inspection is described as similar to inspections of a site-built home and provides a decal reflecting compliance with adopted statewide building and electrical codes.
    • State residential-code regulations apply to new construction; additions over 30 square feet have been covered since October 1, 2011.
    • A state residential building permit is not zoning approval and does not authorize violation of a local ordinance; local zoning or other local requirements may independently control placement or occupancy.
    • If a subsurface sewage system will serve the residence, a conventional septic-system permit is required for installation of a conventional system or approved substitute product; an alternative-system permit is required for installation of an alternative system.
    • If a water well is drilled or a well pump or water-treatment device is installed, the work must be performed by a licensed person.

    addition area triggering state residential-code regulation: > 30 square feet (Applies to additions beginning October 1, 2011.)

    “The new tiny home inspection program was developed to allow for the construction, inspection and use of tiny homes and similar structures for permanent use by consumers.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, modification, or repair of residential, commercial, or industrial septic systems in Tennessee.

    • A permit is required before construction, modification, or repair.
    • A septic system permit should be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building, including the building pad.
    • Repair permits have no permit fee.
    • Alternative systems require an extra-high intensity soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant.
    • Contract counties 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: 0 USD (Repair construction inspection fee is $100)

    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, modification, or repair of septic systems in Tennessee, including Greene County.
      “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
    • Required — Installation, repair, modification, or alternative septic systems serving property in Greene County.
      “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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.

    • The installer must notify the Division when installation is complete.
    • A final inspection is scheduled before the system is covered.
    • TDEC inspects each SSDS installation for compliance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
    • Inspection fees vary by system type: $100 for new conventional or large-diameter graveless pipe systems, $200 for alternative systems, and $100 for repair construction inspections.

    new conventional construction inspection fee: 100 USD · alternative construction inspection fee: 200 USD · repair construction inspection fee: 100 USD

    “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Septic installations in Greene County subject to TDEC approval.
      “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

    Construction, modification, or repair of an on-site subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system, including systems serving residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Tennessee.

    • A septic-system permit is required for construction, modification, or repair.
    • An applicant planning a new system, or repair or modification of an existing system, must apply for a permit.
    • A TDEC Environmental Scientist conducts a site evaluation and may request a detailed site plan or soils map from a private licensed soil consultant.
    • If a permit is issued, the applicant provides it to a licensed installer; after installation, the installer contacts the local Environmental Scientist for a final inspection before the system is covered.
    • A Certificate of Completion is issued if the installation is approved.
    “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Drilling a water well for production of water from underground sources in Tennessee.

    • Before drilling, the property owner or licensed well driller must submit a Notice of Intent to the Director in the Department-prescribed manner.
    • A driller must have documentation that the Notice of Intent was submitted to the Division of Water Resources before beginning operations at a drill site.
    • The Notice of Intent fee or a receipt must accompany the driller's report; no well or borehole may be drilled unless the driller has documentation that a Notice of Intent has been filed.
    • A Notice of Intent and fee are not required for well closure, deepening, or reworking of a water well or closed-loop geothermal borehole.
    • The Notice of Intent fee requirement does not apply in a qualifying local jurisdiction authorized to regulate well location and construction that has a Commissioner-approved inspection fee.
    • The Notice of Intent fee does not apply when the property owner filed a notice and paid the fee for the same property within the previous five years, provided the new notice identifies the first notice's identification number.
    • A Notice of Intent expires 180 days after its original filing date.

    Notice of Intent fee for water wells for production of water per property site: 75 USD (Not required for qualifying local jurisdictions or when the same property satisfies the five-year prior-notice exception.) · Notice of Intent expiration: 180 days

    “A Notice of Intent to drill a water well must be submitted by the property owner or the licensed well driller to the Director in the manner prescribed by the Department, prior to commencement of drilling a water well in Tennessee.”
  • Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    State residential building permits for detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures that are not used for living purposes.

    • This is an exemption from the state residential building permit, not an exemption from all state or local requirements.
    • The State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program applies only in areas that have not received an SFMO exemption through local-code enforcement and have not opted out by a two-thirds vote of the city or county legislative body.
    • The exemption stated by the Department is limited to detached structures not used for living purposes; the opened official page does not state an accessory-structure size threshold.
    • The state residential building permit is not zoning approval and does not authorize violation of state law, regulation, or local ordinance.
    “A state residential building permit is not required for detached garages, sheds, barns or other detached structures that are not used for living purposes.”
  • 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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area.
  • Lot coverage — Maximum lot coverage or lot occupancy.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or permanent RV occupancy on private land.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units.
  • Short-term rentals — 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 Greene County, Tennessee

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

Greene County scores 66/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 139,416 people within a 30-minute drive.

How much does land cost in Greene County, Tennessee?

Land in Greene County runs about $6,423 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greene County?

Greene County gets about 46.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.8% of years.

How remote is Greene County?

A representative private-land location has about 139,416 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,736,412 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 Greene compares in Tennessee

Compare side-by-side →See all 95 Tennessee counties ranked →