Bolthole Index

Hardeman County, Tennessee

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

69Index Score / 100
#55 of 95 in Tennessee

Hardeman County, Tennessee requires a county permit to construct any building or addition, and every mobile home also needs a permit1. The county administers zoning through the Hardeman County Planning Region, participates in Tennessee's residential building program, and leaves septic permitting to the state1,2,3. Start with county Zoning Compliance before committing to a house site or land use1.

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

Yes.

Yes. Hardeman County requires a permit for construction of any building or addition, and all mobile homes must purchase a permit1. Agricultural buildings on land devoted to agricultural uses are excluded from the county zoning-compliance-permit requirement under the zoning resolution's general provisions7. Hardeman County participates in Tennessee's State Residential Building Program for residential code administration2. The state program applies the 2018 International Residential Code, with amendments, to one- and two-family homes and townhomes where a qualifying local government has neither taken over enforcement nor opted out8. A county certificate of occupancy is required before land, a building, or part of a building erected or altered under the zoning resolution is used7. A state residential permit does not replace county zoning, floodplain, septic, electrical, grading or sewer approvals9.

Who issues Hardeman County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Hardeman County Zoning Compliance issues zoning permits, which the county page also labels building permits, and handles subdivision plat approval, rezoning, variances and uses permitted on appeal.

Hardeman County Zoning Compliance issues zoning permits, which the county page also labels building permits, and handles subdivision plat approval, rezoning, variances and uses permitted on appeal1. The office is at 100 N Main Street, 2nd Floor, Bolivar, TN 38008; call (731) 658-5412 or email hczoning@aeneas.com1. When a site plan is required, a licensed engineer or licensed surveyor must prepare and stamp it for Planning Commission review; uses permitted on appeal go to the Board of Zoning Appeals before a zoning-compliance permit or certificate of occupancy may issue7. Site-plan approval remains effective for 1 year7. The same office enforces the county's flood-zone regulations, so it is also the first county contact when a proposed house site may be in a mapped flood area1. A subdivision plat must receive Planning Commission approval before the Register of Deeds may record it10.

Does Hardeman County have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. The Hardeman County Zoning Resolution establishes 11 zoning districts in the Hardeman County Planning Region, each with its own allowed land uses7. Lot size, setbacks, building coverage and height depend on the applicable district and use7. The reviewed district provisions cap general and accessory-building height at 35 feet, with stated exceptions for certain appurtenances that meet code and property-line separation conditions7. A lot must be at least 1 acre where the county environmentalist requires that size because of soil characteristics7. Manufactured or mobile homes on individual lots are allowed in the Forestry-Agriculture-Residential district, subject to a county permit7. Agricultural buildings on land devoted to agricultural uses are not subject to county zoning-compliance permits or regulation under the resolution's stated general-provision exception7.

How do septic permits work in Hardeman County?

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, not Hardeman County, handles septic permitting and inspection because Hardeman is not a contract county.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, not Hardeman County, handles septic permitting and inspection because Hardeman is not a contract county3. Obtain the septic permit before starting dirt work, a building pad or building construction, as well as before installing, modifying or repairing the system4. Applications and fees may be submitted through TDEC's service-request form, with property, site, soils-map and design information as required; paper applications remain accepted at the appropriate environmental field office11. The installer must notify TDEC when installation is complete, and the system must be inspected and approved before it is covered12. The TDEC Jackson Environmental Field Office lists Hardeman County for septic-related services and publishes 731-441-5593 for inquiries13. USDA soil data rate 0% of county soils as free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency14.

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

Tennessee prohibits using a ready-removable structure for residential, recreational or emergency housing; this includes a tiny-home unit if it has no foundation, footings or other support mechanism and can be easily relocated.

Tennessee prohibits using a ready-removable structure for residential, recreational or emergency housing; this includes a tiny-home unit if it has no foundation, footings or other support mechanism and can be easily relocated5. A structure outside that definition may be treated as a dwelling only if it satisfies the applicable construction, inspection, permit, code, foundation, footing and anchoring requirements5. Hardeman County's zoning and building-permit rules still apply, and we could not confirm how the county treats other tiny-home designs or long-term RV living on private land1. Ask Hardeman County Zoning Compliance about the exact design, parcel district, duration and utilities before buying or moving a unit1. Mobile homes require a county permit and are expressly allowed on individual lots in the Forestry-Agriculture-Residential district1,7.

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

Call Hardeman County Zoning Compliance at (731) 658-5412 to confirm the parcel's zone, allowed use, setbacks, height limit, flood status and required county application.

  1. Call Hardeman County Zoning Compliance at (731) 658-5412 to confirm the parcel's zone, allowed use, setbacks, height limit, flood status and required county application1,7.
  2. If a site plan is required, have a licensed engineer or licensed surveyor prepare and stamp it for Planning Commission review7.
  3. If subdividing land, obtain Planning Commission approval of the subdivision plat before recording it10.
  4. Contact TDEC's septic service at 731-441-5593 and obtain the required septic permit before dirt work, a building pad or building construction begins4,13.
  5. Confirm legal street access: subdivision and zoning-compliance rules generally require the lot's access street to have public-street status or approved equivalent, while a driveway on state highway right-of-way needs a TDOT permit10,15.
  6. Submit the county permit application before constructing a building or addition; mobile homes also require a county permit1.
  7. Coordinate the applicable county, state residential and septic inspections, then obtain the county certificate of occupancy before using a new or altered building2,7,12.

What should you check before buying land in Hardeman County?

Confirm the zoning district, permitted use, setbacks, height limit, minimum lot size and flood status with Hardeman County Zoning Compliance before the due-diligence period ends.

Confirm the zoning district, permitted use, setbacks, height limit, minimum lot size and flood status with Hardeman County Zoning Compliance before the due-diligence period ends1,7. A site plan in a FEMA special flood hazard area must show the minimum 100-year base-flood elevation, so flood review can affect where a house may sit7. Treat septic feasibility as a major purchase contingency because USDA data rate 0% of the county's soils as free of severe limits for a conventional drain field14. Ask the serving utility whether sewer connection is mandatory; Tennessee allows certain sewer utilities to require an existing building on an abutting parcel to connect and stop using another sewage-disposal method16. Confirm that the lot has qualifying street access before buying; subdivision and zoning-compliance permits can depend on the access street's legal status and construction progress10. If access is from a state highway, TDOT requires an entrance permit before constructing or changing the driveway15.

Watch-outs

  • Hardeman County's permit requirement covers any building or addition and every mobile home, but the zoning resolution excludes agricultural buildings on land devoted to agricultural uses; ask Zoning Compliance to confirm that a proposed farm building qualifies1,7.
  • USDA data rate 0% of Hardeman County soils as free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, making a TDEC site evaluation a critical early step13,14.
  • Tennessee prohibits housing in a ready-removable structure, while Hardeman County's treatment of other tiny-home designs, RV occupancy, temporary camping and minimum dwelling size remains unconfirmed; ask Zoning Compliance about the exact parcel and proposal1,5.

Sources

16 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 7, 2026

  1. Zoning & Permits | Hardeman County, Tennessee
  2. Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors
  3. Septic System Construction Permit
  4. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule)
  5. Public Guidance: Ready-Removables and Non-Traditional Homes
  6. Residential Permits | Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
  7. Hardeman County Zoning Resolutions
  8. Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office Currently Adopted Codes (Tennessee statewide rule)
  9. Residential Permit FAQs (Tennessee statewide rule)
  10. Hardeman County Subdivision Regulations
  11. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Permits
  12. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule)
  13. TDEC Jackson Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  14. 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
  15. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule)
  16. comptroller.tn.gov (Tennessee statewide rule)

Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Hardeman County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleHardeman CountyMcNairy CountyFayette CountyChester CountyMadison CountyHaywood CountyHardin County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesNoYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Hardeman County in Tennessee

69
County map
Hardeman County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Hardeman County scores

69 / 100 · #55 of 95 in Tennessee · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion51100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability58100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost89100% 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 →

$163kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$2,804Land / acre
56.3"Annual rain
4% of yrsSevere drought
14.8 / yr (+13.5)Mid-century 100°F days
16.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.53" (+5.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.5×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,928Home insurance / yr
-1.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.74%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
30,331People within 30 min
2,565,244People within 2 hr
29,235Radius comparison (15 mi)
38.3People / sq mi
0.5%Federal land
61.5%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
73.2%Wooded land
40.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
60.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Hardeman 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 Hickory Valley · Town of Hornsby · Town of Saulsbury · Town of Silerton · Town of Toone · Town of Whiteville

Answers from the rulebook for Hardeman County

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

Hardeman County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of any building or addition and all mobile homes under the county zoning-permit program.

    • The county page separately states that all mobile homes are required to purchase a permit.
    “A permit is required for the construction of any building or addition. Also, all mobile homes are required to purchase a permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A homeowner constructing a residence in Hardeman County under the state residential permit program.

    • The construction must be the homeowner's residence and not be sold or leased.
    • The homeowner must not have been issued a homeowner building permit during the preceding 24 months.
    • Contractor registration verification is part of the permitting process.

    lookback period: 24 months (no homeowner building permit may have been issued during this period)

    “A homeowner may build a home as long as the construction is to be the residence of the homeowner (not to be sold or leased) and the homeowner has not been issued a homeowner building permit for the 24 month period prior to the application.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Residential building-code administration in Hardeman County through participation in Tennessee's State Residential Building Program.

    • The Tennessee table identifies Hardeman County as participating in SRBP, rather than stating that every building type is covered by the program.
    • The table separately lists incorporated municipalities, including Bolivar and Grand Junction, with their own statuses.
    • The cited page does not identify the underlying code edition.
    “Hardeman County | SRBP | Terry Hulen | savinspector@yahoo.com | 731-607-6395 [...] SRBP - The jurisdiction will participate in the State Residential Building Program”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Land, buildings, or parts of buildings erected or altered under the county zoning resolution.

    • A final inspection must occur within five days after notification that the building or premises is ready for occupancy or use.
    • If certification is refused, the refusal and cause must be stated in writing.

    final inspection deadline: <= 5 days (after notification that the building or premises is ready for occupancy or use)

    “No land or building or part thereof hereafter erected or altered in its use or structure shall be used until the Zoning Compliance Officer shall have issued a certificate of occupancy”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulations administered for the Hardeman County Planning Region.

    • The county page states that the office established eleven zones and that each zone has allowed land uses.
    “This office established eleven zones throughout Hardeman County, and each zone has certain land uses which are allowed.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    The Hardeman County Planning Region and county zoning districts established by the Hardeman County Zoning Resolution.

    • The resolution states that agricultural buildings on lands devoted to agricultural uses are not subject to zoning-compliance permits or regulation under the stated general-provision exception.
    • The resolution was originally adopted in 1993 and the opened document is updated 4/2025.

    number of zoning districts: 11 districts

    “Chapter 4 establishes eleven (11) zoning districts in Hardeman County”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in Hardeman County zoning districts; exact dimensional requirements vary by district and use.

    • The zoning resolution states that district standards may depend on the county environmentalist and soil characteristics.

    minimum lot size: >= 1 acre (where required by the county environmentalist based on soil characteristics)

    “10.03. Minimum Lot Size. All uses 1 acre or greater if required by the county environmentalist based on soil characteristics”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Front, side, and rear yards in Hardeman County zoning districts.

    • Setbacks vary by district and use.
    • The subdivision regulations permit the Planning Commission to increase yard requirements for peculiar site conditions.

    front yard depth: 60 arterial / 45 other feet · side yard: 20 feet · rear yard: 30; 40 when abutting residential property feet

    “A. All lots fronting arterial streets 60 feet B. All other lots 45 feet”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum building coverage in the zoning district provisions reviewed.

    • The cited district standard applies to the district and uses governed by Chapter 10.

    maximum building coverage: 40 percent

    “10.08. Maximum Building Coverage (total all buildings). All uses Forty (40%) percent”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building height in the zoning district provisions reviewed.

    • The 35-foot limit does not apply to listed appurtenances if they meet code and are located height plus ten feet from the nearest property line.
    • Accessory buildings also may not exceed 35 feet.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet (belfries, chimneys, church spires, flagpoles, radio and television antennas, water tanks, or standpipes subject to stated conditions)

    “A. Buildings in General: No building shall exceed 35 feet in height.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Occupancy of recreational-vehicle and travel-trailer spaces in recreational-vehicle and travel-trailer parks regulated by the Hardeman County Zoning Resolution.

    • The park site must comprise at least 10 acres.
    • Floodplain-management standards apply under the appropriate chapter of the zoning resolution.
    • Spaces may be rented only by the day or week.
    • An occupant may remain in the same travel-trailer park no more than 14 days; recreational vehicles and travel trailers must leave after 14 days and may not return for 5 days.
    • Auto-renewal contracts and land leases are prohibited; a rental agreement must be established for each rental period.
    • Recreational vehicles must be placed in parks designated on site plans approved by the Planning Commission.
    • Before issuance of a zoning-compliance permit, each recreational-vehicle or travel-trailer park must have the approved state and applicable federal permits specified by the resolution.

    minimum park site area: >= 10 acres · maximum stay in same travel trailer park: <= 14 days · required absence before return: >= 5 days

    “Recreational Vehicles and Travel trailers must leave after 14 days and not return for 5 days.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured/mobile homes on individual lots in the FAR Forestry-Agriculture-Residential District.

    • A county permit is required for all mobile homes.
    • The zoning resolution permits mobile homes on individual lots in the FAR district.
    “Single-family dwellings, mobile homes and incidental home occupations are permitted in this zoning district.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land into two or more lots or tracts located within Hardeman County.

    • A subdivision plat must be submitted to and approved by the Hardeman County Planning Commission before recording.
    • The regulations define subdivision to include divisions requiring new street or utility construction and divisions of less than five acres for sale or building development.
    • Minor subdivisions are exempt from preliminary plat submittal, but the source does not state that they are exempt from all subdivision regulation.

    minimum lots or tracts: >= 2 lots or tracts · small-division threshold: < 5 acres (The definition covers divisions of less than five acres for sale or building development.)

    “No plat of a subdivision of land into two (2) or more lots or tracts located within Hardeman County shall be admitted”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Access serving lots and subdivision access easements in Hardeman County.

    • The cited rule is specific to subdivision access and issuance of zoning-compliance permits; it is not a general driveway-permit rule for every parcel.
    • Subdivision access easements must have a paved surface at least 22 feet wide and may be no longer than 600 feet or serve more than 15 dwelling units.
    • Dead-end access easements must have an 80-foot-diameter paved turnaround.
    • Before a zoning-compliance permit is issued, the access street must have the legal status of a public street or correspond to an approved subdivision or street plat, subject to the stated exception for a substantially complete approved subdivision.

    minimum paved width: >= 22 feet (Subdivision access easements.) · maximum access-easement length: <= 600 feet (Alternatively, maximum 15 dwelling units.) · maximum dwelling units served: <= 15 dwelling units (Alternatively, maximum 600 feet.) · dead-end turnaround diameter: 80 feet (Dead-end access easements.)

    “The maximum length shall be 600 feet or 15 dwelling units.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development and subdivision in flood-hazard areas under county zoning and subdivision controls.

    • Subdivision lots must contain a building site not subject to flooding or other hazards.
    • Site plans must delineate floodplains and show the minimum 100-year base flood elevation when any portion lies in a FEMA special flood hazard area.

    base flood: 100-year

    “Also, the site plan must denote the minimum 100-year, base flood elevation level if any portion of the site lies within the FEMA-designated, special, flood, hazard area.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Zoning-compliance permits for construction, moving, or alteration of buildings under the Hardeman County Zoning Resolution.

    • The processing fee is set by the County Commission.
    • A permit applicant must submit a dimensional sketch or scale plan and required site-plan information.
    • The proposed work must conform to the zoning resolution and other then-effective Hardeman County resolutions.
    • Written approval of proposed water-supply and sewage-disposal provisions from the Hardeman County Department of Environment and Conservation is required before a zoning-compliance permit is issued.
    • A zoning-compliance permit becomes void six months after issuance unless substantial progress has been made.
    • The county's published permit application leaves the dollar amount blank.

    processing fee: set by the County Commission (No dollar amount is stated in the zoning resolution or the published permit application.)

    “processing fee set by the County Commission.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning-compliance permit and site-plan review process in Hardeman County.

    • Where a site plan is required, it must be prepared and stamped by a licensed engineer or licensed surveyor.
    • The Hardeman County Regional Planning Commission reviews required site plans; uses permitted on appeal are reviewed by the Board of Zoning Appeals before issuance of a zoning-compliance permit or certificate of occupancy.
    • Site-plan approval is effective for one year from approval.
    • Agricultural buildings on lands devoted to agricultural uses are excluded from the zoning-compliance-permit requirement under the general zoning provisions.

    site-plan approval validity: 1 year

    “The site plan must be prepared and stamped by either a licensed engineer or a licensed surveyor.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • InspectionsLimited

    One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in areas of Tennessee where the State Fire Marshal's residential building code enforcement program applies (not areas with locally enforced codes under an exemption, and not opt-out jurisdictions).

    • Program does not apply where the local government has received an exemption from the State Fire Marshal's Office by enforcing local building codes.
    • Program does not apply where the city or county legislative body opted out by a 2/3 vote; in opt-out jurisdictions an owner may request a State Fire Marshal inspection (Tenn. Code Ann. 68-120-101(b)(1)(d)) and receive a certificate of occupancy if standards are met.
    • The page lists inspections of the foundation before pouring, framing/rough-in and final; this record does not state a fixed minimum count, and whether any inspection may be waived was not located on the pages opened.
    • A slab inspection is not required for garages or unfinished basements; an additional slab inspection fee applies if the slab under living space is not a monolithic pour.
    • One free re-inspection per project if a required inspection is not passed the first time; additional re-inspections require a fee.
    • Detached garages, sheds, barns and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not need a state residential building permit.
    • Inspections are performed by state contracted inspectors and scheduled at core.tn.gov.

    inspection stages: foundation before pouring; framing/rough-in; final (slab inspection not required for garages or unfinished basements; waiver rules not confirmed)

    “inspections are performed of the foundation prior to pouring, the framing/rough-in construction and the final construction.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Overnight camping on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled Wildlife Management Areas and related lands where overnight camping is allowed.

    • Overnight camping may be permitted only in designated areas and by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor.
    • Camping is subject to limitations prescribed in the permit if required.
    • Camping may not exceed three weeks from the beginning to the end of the camping stay.
    • Owner contact information or a TWRA ID number and date of arrival must be displayed on a camper, tent, vehicle, or similar item at all times.
    • Where overnight camping is allowed, firearms and archery equipment must remain in camp except during legal hunting hours.

    maximum camping stay: <= 3 weeks

    “May be permitted in designated areas by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor. Such camping is subject to the limitations prescribed in the permit if required.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Camping and use of trailers or other camper units in Tennessee state forests administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry.
      “Camping and the use of trailers or other camper units are allowed only at designated locations. The district forester will issue written permits to persons to camp in backcountry or other isolated sections of a forest area.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Ready-removable structures intended for residential, recreational, or emergency housing, including any tiny-home unit that meets Tennessee's ready-removable definition.
      “No ready-removable shall be modified for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in this state.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Tennessee subsurface sewage disposal system construction permitting and related SSDS administration statewide.

    • The Tennessee Division of Water Resources administers SSDS permitting in non-contract counties.
    • Permit packages and Certificate of Completion packages for sites in contract counties are submitted directly to the contract county.
    • The listed contract counties are Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson.
    • Installer permits are valid statewide, but contract counties may require an additional permit.
    “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and inspection applicable in Hardeman County.
      “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Statewide subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and assistance, with specified contract counties providing ground water protection services in their own areas.
      “NOTE: Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas. The online application form is not to be submitted for services requested in the following metropolitan or contact counties: Blount County, Davidson County/Nashville, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Madison County, Sevier County, Shelby County, Williamson County.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a septic system or repair of an existing faulty septic system in Hardeman County.
      “Permitting for: Installation of subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system on your property Repair to an existing faulty system”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Connection of buildings to sanitary sewer systems where a qualifying Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services and the property abuts a street or public way containing a sanitary sewer.

    • The property must abut a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer.
    • A building must exist on the lot or parcel for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
    • The utility system may require connection and cessation of other sewage-disposal methods.
    • For electrical service, written notification must show public sewer service, a septic permit application, or an existing septic system.
    “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."”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (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.
      “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 or structures on land used for agricultural purposes and subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee.

    • 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 or federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks.
    • The exemption does not apply to land located within the one-hundred-year flood plain.
    • The Attorney General opinion 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; those structures qualify only when the statutory conditions are met.
    “it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.””
  • 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.”
  • 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 local zoning status across Hardeman County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Hardeman County zoning districts.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling occupancy in Hardeman County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Hardeman County.

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 Hardeman County, Tennessee

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

Hardeman County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.

How much does land cost in Hardeman County, Tennessee?

Land in Hardeman County runs about $2,804 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hardeman County?

Hardeman County gets about 56.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4% of years.

How remote is Hardeman County?

A representative private-land location has about 30,331 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,565,244 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 Hardeman compares in Tennessee

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