Bolthole Index

Grundy County, Tennessee

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

75Index Score / 100
#34 of 95 in Tennessee

Grundy County, Tennessee does not require a county residential building permit because it is an OPT OUT jurisdiction for the state residential-code program1. Owners may choose the state permit-and-inspection pathway, but it does not replace septic, electrical, floodplain or zoning approvals2. TDEC requires a permit for a new or repaired septic system3.

At a glance

Residential building permit
No county permit required; Grundy County is OPT OUT1
Optional state inspection
Available by request through the State Fire Marshal's Office4
Countywide zoning
Current status could not be confirmed; ask the County Mayor's Office56
Septic permit
Required through TDEC for installation or repair3
RV or tiny-home living
No countywide occupancy rule could be confirmed6
Owner-builder
Allowed for a home for the owner's use, subject to state limits7
Private well
Use a state-licensed driller; a separate owner permit could not be confirmed8

Who to call

Building permits

Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office — Residential Permits

Optional state residential permits and requested inspections in opt-out Grundy County.

615-427-9586

[email protected]

Online permits →

Septic permits

TDEC Division of Water Resources — Chattanooga Environmental Field Office

Water-resources questions, including septic-related services, for Grundy County.

(423) 634-5745

1301 Riverfront Parkway | Suite #206 | Chattanooga, TN 37402

Also useful

Grundy County Mayor's Office

General county-government questions about current local ordinances and land-use administration.

( 931) 692-3718

68 Cumberland Street, Suite 133 Altamont, TN 37301

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 Grundy County, Tennessee?

Grundy County does not require a county residential building permit because the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office lists the county as OPT OUT for one- and two-family dwellings1. Altamont, Beersheba Springs, Coalmont, Gruetli-Laager, Palmer and Tracy City are also OPT OUT, while Monteagle is EXEMPT, so verify the jurisdiction for land inside municipal limits9.

An owner or contractor may obtain an optional state building permit and request a State Fire Marshal inspection2. If the requested inspections show that the dwelling meets statewide safety standards, the state can release a Certificate of Occupancy10. The optional state permit does not replace septic, electrical, grading, floodplain or zoning approval2.

Who handles building permits and inspections in Grundy County?

For the optional residential permit and requested inspection, contact the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office using the Grundy County contact in the state table11. Grundy County's OPT OUT status means the jurisdiction passed a resolution leaving the state residential-code program11. The list concerns one- and two-family dwellings and does not establish a commercial-building process9.

Septic questions go to TDEC's Chattanooga Environmental Field Office, whose service area includes Grundy County12. For current county ordinances or the correct local official for zoning, floodplain or road access, start with the Grundy County Mayor's Office6. Ask the municipality directly for land inside city limits because municipal residential-code status varies within Grundy County9.

Does Grundy County, Tennessee have zoning?

We could not confirm Grundy County's current countywide zoning status from a county page, even though the available record indicates no comprehensive countywide zoning5. Before relying on a parcel being unzoned, ask the Grundy County Mayor's Office whether a current ordinance, resolution, subdivision rule, setback or floodplain standard applies6.

Tennessee law gives county legislative bodies zoning authority outside municipalities, so city and unincorporated-county rules can differ13. State law conditionally exempts a building on land devoted to agriculture when it is incidental to the agricultural enterprise, but exceptions include certain land near highways, airports or parks and land within the floodplain14. That county-zoning exemption does not apply to municipal rules14.

How do septic permits work in Grundy County?

TDEC's Division of Water Resources administers septic permits and inspections for Grundy County15. A property owner installing a system or repairing a failing one must obtain a Septic System Construction Permit3. After installation, the final inspection must happen before the system is covered; an approved installation receives a Certificate of Completion16.

Only 15.7% of Grundy County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make soil evaluation an early purchase contingency17. The state lists different fees and design requirements for conventional and alternative systems, with some systems requiring an engineer18. A qualifying utility may require a building on a parcel abutting sewer to connect, but statewide authority does not prove that a particular parcel is subject to an order19.

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

A countywide Grundy County rule for living in an RV, temporary camping or occupying a tiny home on private land could not be confirmed. Ask the Grundy County Mayor's Office about the parcel and intended use before placing or occupying either dwelling6. Ask the municipality too when land lies inside city limits because local rules can differ9.

Do not treat OPT OUT status as permission for every land use: it addresses the residential building-code program, not zoning, sanitation or floodplain approval2. A tiny home or RV still needs a lawful sewage solution; septic installation or repair requires a state permit3. Minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot size, accessory dwellings and manufactured-home occupancy also remain unconfirmed, so ask about each before closing.

Building a home in Grundy County: the steps in order

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or municipal because residential-code status varies9.
  1. Ask the County Mayor's Office or municipality about zoning, subdivision, setbacks, floodplain and local access6.
  1. Get a septic evaluation and apply through TDEC before installation or repair3.
  1. Decide whether to use the optional state permit and inspection pathway, then contact the State Fire Marshal's Office11.
  1. Confirm owner-builder conditions: the residence cannot be for sale, lease or rent, and the allowance is one residence every two years20.
  1. Obtain a TDOT permit before constructing or changing a driveway in state-highway right-of-way21.
  1. Arrange TDEC's septic inspection before covering the system16.

What should you check before buying land in Grundy County?

Make septic suitability a contract contingency: only 15.7% of Grundy County soils lack severe conventional-drain-field limitations17. About 81.9% of the county is wooded, while 65.9% has a slope of 15% or less, so inspect the actual homesite and access route2223.

Check the deed, survey, legal access and road ownership; state-highway access requires a TDOT permit21. Ask the county floodplain administrator before work near a mapped floodplain because review is local24. For a private well, use a state-licensed driller and ask TDEC what filings apply; state material confirms driller licensing, inspection authority and a completion report, but not a separate owner-obtained county permit8. Verify county or municipal land-use rules before closing because current zoning and occupancy details could not be confirmed.

Watch-outs

  • OPT OUT addresses the residential-code program only; it does not eliminate septic, electrical, floodplain or zoning approvals2.
  • Current zoning, setbacks, minimum lot and dwelling sizes, and subdivision rules could not be confirmed; ask the Grundy County Mayor's Office6.
  • TDEC must inspect a permitted septic system before it is covered16.

Sources

  1. TN State Fire Marshal - Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors (2026 county census)
  2. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  3. Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) Permits, quoted and re-checked
  4. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  5. Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts - Grundy County Zoning Ruling (2026 county census)
  6. Grundy County Mayor's Office (grundycountytn.net)
  7. Can I build my own home without a license? (2026 county census)
  8. Well Water, quoted and re-checked
  9. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  10. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  11. Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office — Residential Permits (tn.gov)
  12. TDEC Division of Water Resources — Chattanooga Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  13. Tennessee Attorney General Opinion No. 10-108 (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  15. TDEC - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) (2026 county census)
  16. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  17. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  18. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  20. Residential Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  21. Highway Entrance Permits, quoted and re-checked
  22. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Statewide Floodplain Administrator Directory, quoted and re-checked

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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

County locator

Grundy County in Tennessee

75
County map
Grundy County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Grundy County scores

Seclusion37100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness87100% ev.
Durability67100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% 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 →

$216kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$4,988Land / acre
62.3"Annual rain
5.3% of yrsSevere drought
2.1 / yr (+2)Mid-century 100°F days
13.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.62" (+9.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.52×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,731Home insurance / yr
0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.75%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
53,490People within 30 min
4,558,640People within 2 hr
35,063Radius comparison (15 mi)
38.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
65.9%Land at 15% slope or less
15.7%Septic soil without severe limits
36,153 acWorkable land screen
81.9%Wooded land
44.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.5°FAvg temp

Scout Grundy County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Grundy County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Answers from the rulebook for Grundy County

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

Grundy County rules

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    State residential building-construction-code coverage for one- and two-family dwellings in Grundy County and the listed municipalities.

    • The State Fire Marshal page states that counties and municipalities may exempt one- and two-family dwellings from statewide standards.
    • Grundy County is listed as OPT OUT, meaning the jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program.
    • The State Fire Marshal page states that an owner in an opt-out jurisdiction may request State Fire Marshal inspection during construction.
    • The page states that the information is accurate as of 8/21/2026.
    • Municipal status varies: Altamont, Beersheba Springs, Coalmont, Gruetli-Laager, Palmer, and Tracy City are listed OPT OUT, while Monteagle is listed EXEMPT.
    • This claim concerns residential one- and two-family dwellings; it does not establish commercial-building-code adoption.
    “Grundy County | OPT OUT [...] Monteagle | EXEMPT [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Statewide residential building-construction standards for one- and two-family dwellings in Grundy County.
      “Grundy County | OPT OUT | Kyle Vari | [email protected] | 615-427-9586”
    • Partial — Statewide residential building-construction standards for one- and two-family dwellings within Grundy County and its listed municipalities.
      “Grundy County | OPT OUT [...] Monteagle | EXEMPT [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
    • Not adopted — Grundy County's participation in Tennessee's State Residential Building Program.
      “Grundy County | OPT OUT | Kyle Vari | [email protected] | 615-427-9586 [...] OPT OUT - The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Grundy County has not adopted comprehensive county-wide zoning under the Tennessee County Zoning Act; the TN Supreme Court struck down a 2020 county resolution as an improperly enacted zoning ordinance, indicating no valid county zoning framework is in place.

    Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts - Grundy County Zoning Ruling ↗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?”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — One- and two-family dwellings in Grundy County, which the State Fire Marshal's Office lists as an OPT OUT jurisdiction.
      “The owner of a one- or two-family dwelling or the contractor performing work on the dwelling may obtain a state building permit at various locations throughout the state or online at www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/residential-permits.html.”
  • 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
    • Available — An owner constructing a single residence in Tennessee, including an owner using the state residential permit pathway for an opt-out jurisdiction such as Grundy County.
      “Yes. Pursuant to TCA § 62-6-103, an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use, as long as it is not for resale, lease or rent without being a licensed contractor. However, anyone hired by the homeowner whose portion is $25,000 or more would not be exempt from the contractors’ licensing requirements.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    State Fire Marshal inspection of one- and two-family dwellings, including new construction and additions, in Grundy County's opt-out jurisdiction.

    • An owner may request the State Fire Marshal's Office inspection; it is not described as mandatory solely because Grundy County is opt out.
    • The inspection determines whether the building, structure, or premises meets statewide building construction safety standards.
    • If the dwelling is determined to meet those standards, the State Fire Marshal's Office releases a Certificate of Occupancy.
    “In 2017, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a law that allows an owner of a building, structure or premises located within an “opt-out” or “non-code” jurisdiction to request the State Fire Marshal’s Office to inspect the building, structure or premises to determine if it meets the statewide building construction safety standards.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings in Tennessee opt-out or non-code jurisdictions when the State Fire Marshal's Office inspects the dwelling during construction.

    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • The Certificate of Occupancy is released only if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes this process for opt-out or non-code jurisdictions and for new construction or additions to existing homes.
    “determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Certificate of Occupancy for a one- or two-family dwelling in an opt-out jurisdiction such as Grundy County when the State Fire Marshal's Office performs the requested inspection.
      “If the one- or two-family dwelling is determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy, often referred to as a “CO.””
  • Who permits septicState

    Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving property in Grundy County.

    • The Tennessee Division of Water Resources administers the cited SSDS inspection and approval process.
    • The source does not identify a Grundy County-specific local administrator.
    “Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.”
  • 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 — Installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system or repair of an existing faulty system on property in Grundy County.
      “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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Permitted septic-system installations in Grundy County.

    • The final inspection must occur 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system in Grundy County.
      “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water wells drilled in Grundy County for domestic, irrigation, livestock-watering, or other beneficial uses.

    • The official source establishes statewide licensing of drillers and pump/treatment installers and state inspection authority, but does not describe a separate owner-obtained construction permit on the opened page.
    • A well driller must submit a Tennessee Water Well Drillers Report to TDEC after completion.
    • The source refers to a registration fee paid to the State of Tennessee but does not state the amount or a current Notice of Intent procedure.
    “The Tennessee Water Well Act of 1963 requires all persons drilling a water well to be licensed. A water well is any well for the production of water for beneficial use such as domestic use, irrigation, livestock watering, etc. A person installing a pump or water treatment device on a water well must also be licensed.”
  • 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."”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Lots or parcels in Tennessee, including Grundy County, that abut a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and have a residential, commercial, or industrial building.
      “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."”
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Residential, commercial, or industrial buildings on lots or parcels in Grundy County that abut a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer, when the applicable Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services.
      “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

    Buildings and structures on agricultural land subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee, including unincorporated Grundy County.

    • The building or structure must be located on lands devoted to agricultural uses.
    • The building or structure must be incidental to the agricultural enterprise.
    • The exemption does not apply to agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks.
    • The exemption does not apply if the land is located within the one-hundred-year flood plain.
    • The Attorney General states that the provision applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    • There is no blanket exemption for cotton gins, grain elevators, slaughterhouses, processing plants, or milk bottling plants; the structure must satisfy the agricultural-use and incidental-to-the-enterprise requirements.
    • Buildings used as residences by farmers and farm workers are treated as incidental to the agricultural enterprise under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114.
    • A 2014 Attorney General opinion describes a farm as including a tract of at least fifteen (15) acres engaged in specified production and producing average gross agricultural income of at least $1,500 per year over a three-year period; it states that a family garden is unlikely to qualify under the cited definitions.

    minimum farm acreage under cited voter-registration definition: >= 15 acres (The Attorney General opinion also cites a separate Right to Farm Act definition that does not state a 15-acre threshold.) · average gross agricultural income under cited voter-registration definition: >= 1500 USD per year (Average measured over a three-year period.)

    “To be exempt from county zoning regulation under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114, a building or structure must meet two requirements: (1) it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114(a).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Construction, modification, revision, or change in use of a driveway entrance within the right-of-way of a highway designated as part of Tennessee's state highway system in Grundy County.

    • A TDOT driveway permit is required before construction on state highway right-of-way.
    • The rule applies to state highway rights-of-way and does not establish a permit requirement for every driveway on county or municipal roads.
    • TDOT may issue a permit only when the application complies with the rules.
    • TDOT is authorized to impose terms, conditions, and limitations as necessary and convenient to meet the rule requirements.
    • State requirements are in addition to any county or municipal land-use regulations that may govern driveways.
    “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 of any existing driveway facilities. Property owners must obtain a permit from TDOT.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, modification, revision, or change in use of a driveway on Tennessee state highway right-of-way.
      “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”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in or near a mapped or regulated floodplain in Tennessee, including Grundy County where the applicable local community participates in the NFIP.

    • Floodplain development requirements are managed locally.
    • If the property is outside city limits, the county floodplain administrator is the relevant contact.
    • Contact the local floodplain administrator before beginning work in or near a mapped floodplain.
    • Local review may be required before development begins in a regulated floodplain.
    • Requirements vary by community and are based on the local floodplain management ordinance and mapped flood zones.
    “Local review may be required before development begins in a regulated floodplain.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — State residential building permits for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Tennessee jurisdictions that participate in the State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program; Grundy County is listed separately as OPT OUT.
      “The permit fee is based on the cost of construction.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential permit purchase and inspection process under Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program.

    • The state program applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses only in areas without the stated local-code exemption or opt-out.
    • A first-time CORE user must register for an account.
    • A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent.
    • Inspections cover the foundation before pouring, framing/rough-in construction, and final construction.
    • One free re-inspection is available; each additional re-inspection requires an additional fee.
    • A homeowner may build a home only if it will be the homeowner's residence, not sold or leased, and the homeowner has not received a homeowner building permit during the preceding 24 months.
    • Detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require a state residential building permit.
    • A permit is not required for installation of a manufactured or modular home, but custom site work such as a deck, patio, or stoop requires a permit.

    effective date for permit requirement for additions over 30 square feet: 2011-10-01 (Applies to additions to existing homes.) · free re-inspections per project: 1 inspection (Available if a required inspection is not passed the first time.)

    “A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent. The cost of the building permit is based on the estimated cost”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — State residential building permit and inspection process in Tennessee jurisdictions participating in the State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program; Grundy County is listed as OPT OUT.
      “A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent.”
  • 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.

  • Local zoning — Aggregate of local zoning controls in Grundy County, including Altamont, Beersheba Springs, Coalmont, Gruetli-Laager, Monteagle, Palmer, and Tracy City; the county does not necessarily administer municipal ordinances.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts applicable countywide or in unincorporated Grundy County, Tennessee.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Grundy County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Grundy County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in unincorporated Grundy County.
10 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Subdividing land
  • 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 Grundy County, Tennessee

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

Grundy County scores 75/100 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 53,490 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Grundy 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 - Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Program. 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 Grundy County, Tennessee?

Land in Grundy County runs about $4,988 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Grundy County?

Grundy County gets about 62.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.3% of years.

How remote is Grundy County?

A representative private-land location has about 53,490 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,558,640 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 Grundy County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

How Grundy compares in Tennessee

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