Bolthole Index

Henderson County, Tennessee

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Scotts Hill, Tennessee

The Town of Scotts Hill in Henderson and Decatur Counties requires a Tennessee state residential building permit for covered construction inside town limits.12 The state handles residential permits and inspections, while TDEC handles septic permits and inspections.34 The town code regulates subdivisions and flood-damage control, but we could not confirm a current general zoning-district schedule.56

At a glance

Building permit
A state residential permit is required for covered construction inside Scotts Hill1
Building code
The state residential program uses the 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC7
Zoning
Town land-use controls cover subdivisions and flood damage; confirm current district rules with City Hall82
Septic
A TDEC construction permit and final inspection are required for a septic system910
RV or tiny home
No specific occupancy rule confirmed; ask City Hall before buying or moving a unit onsite2
Owner-builder
Available for one residence for the owner's use, subject to state limits and required permits11
Subdivision lots
Town standards govern streets, drainage, water, sewer and septic approval5

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Town of Scotts Hill City Hall / Administration

General town contact for zoning, land-use, floodplain and local permit questions

731-549-3175

85 Hwy 114 South Scotts Hill, Tennessee 38374

Building permits

Tennessee State Fire Marshal Residential Permits

State residential building permits and inspections for covered construction in Scotts Hill

615-741-7170

[email protected]

500 James Robertson Pkwy Nashville, TN 37243-0565

Online permits →

Septic permits

TDEC Jackson Environmental Field Office

Septic-related inquiries for Henderson and Decatur Counties

731-441-5593

1625 Hollywood Drive | Jackson, TN 38305

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Scotts Hill means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Scotts Hill, Tennessee?

Yes. Covered residential construction inside Scotts Hill requires a state residential building permit because the town participates in Tennessee's State Residential Building Program.1 The program applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses and uses the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.7 Detached garages, sheds, barns and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require the state residential permit, while additions over 30 square feet do.7

A manufactured or modular home does not require that state residential permit, but custom site work such as a deck, patio or stoop may require one.7 The state building permit does not replace town land-use review, floodplain compliance, a septic or sewer permit, grading approval or an electrical permit.3 Ask Scotts Hill City Hall about additional local approvals before work begins.2

Who issues residential building permits in Scotts Hill?

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office administers covered residential building permits in Scotts Hill.1 Buy and service the permit through the state's CORE system or through a local issuing agent; the permit holder is responsible for requesting inspections.3 For state residential permit help, call 615-741-7170 or email [email protected].12

State-regulated residential work receives foundation, rough-in or framing, and final inspections; a separately poured slab under living space adds another inspection.13 Plumbing and mechanical systems are inspected during rough-in and final review.13 State residential permit fees depend on estimated construction cost, with additional charges possible for plumbing and HVAC review and a non-monolithic slab.14 Because no current Scotts Hill building-permit ordinance or local fee schedule was confirmed, contact City Hall at 731-549-3175 for any town approval that may apply alongside the state permit.2

Does Scotts Hill have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs and tiny homes?

Scotts Hill's municipal code has a title for zoning and land-use control, but the available text contains flood-damage-prevention and subdivision chapters rather than a current zoning-district schedule or map.8 Scotts Hill regulates subdivision infrastructure, including streets, drainage, water mains, sanitary sewers when applicable, and approved septic areas where sewer connection is not economical.5 Flood-damage control is governed by a town ordinance, although the detailed permit and elevation standards were not available in the reviewed code.6

We could not confirm current town rules for residential RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny homes, manufactured-home occupancy, accessory dwellings, minimum home size, minimum lot size or setbacks. Ask City Hall for a written parcel-specific answer covering the proposed use, length of occupancy, foundation or chassis, utilities, zoning district and any floodplain review.2 Do not assume the state building-permit exception for installing a manufactured or modular home also approves its location or occupancy.7

How do septic permits work inside Scotts Hill?

A new, modified, repaired or replacement septic system serving property in Scotts Hill requires a Tennessee Septic System Construction Permit before installation or repair.9 TDEC's Division of Water Resources administers the permit process for Scotts Hill because neither Henderson nor Decatur is listed among the counties that provide their own groundwater-protection services.4 Apply through the state's online septic-services portal and resolve wastewater before beginning dirt work or placing the building pad.15

After installation, the installer contacts the local Environmental Scientist for a final inspection before the system is covered; an approved installation receives a Certificate of Completion.10 Scotts Hill subdivision lots that cannot economically connect to sewer must have adequate area for an approved septic tank and disposal field and written approval from the county health officer.16 For local help, call TDEC's Jackson Environmental Field Office septic line at 731-441-5593.17

Building a home in Scotts Hill: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm that the parcel is inside Scotts Hill and identify whether it lies in Henderson or Decatur County; the town crosses the county line.2
  2. Ask City Hall to confirm the allowed use, current land-use standards, setbacks, floodplain review and any additional town approvals.862
  3. Resolve sewer availability or apply for the required TDEC septic permit before dirt work or construction.15
  4. Purchase the state residential building permit through CORE or a local issuing agent before covered construction begins.3
  5. Request the required foundation, rough-in or framing, and final inspections, plus any applicable slab inspection.13
  6. Have the septic installation inspected before it is covered and obtain the Certificate of Completion.10
  7. If the driveway enters state highway right-of-way, obtain TDOT's highway entrance permit before construction or a change in use.18

What should you check before buying land in Scotts Hill?

Start by confirming both the town boundary and the county because Scotts Hill contains land in Henderson and Decatur Counties.2 Obtain a written answer from City Hall on the parcel's current land-use classification, allowed dwelling type, RV use, setbacks, minimum lot size and floodplain status; the available municipal code does not provide a current general district schedule.82

Make wastewater feasibility a purchase contingency. None of Henderson County's mapped soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so the county-level soil data point toward careful site evaluation rather than guaranteeing a standard system.19 TDEC may request a site plan, soils map or other information during its evaluation.20 Henderson County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, with a median annual property-tax bill of about $732; those figures are county-level and may not describe a Decatur County parcel.2122

Watch-outs

  • Scotts Hill crosses Henderson and Decatur Counties, so verify the parcel's county before relying on county records or contacts.2
  • A state residential building permit does not replace zoning, floodplain, septic, sewer, grading or electrical approvals.3
  • Do not cover a new septic system before TDEC's final inspection.10
  • Current Scotts Hill rules for RV living, temporary camping and tiny-home occupancy could not be confirmed; ask City Hall for a written parcel-specific answer.2

Sources

  1. Apply for a Residential Permit (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  2. Town of Scotts Hill City Hall / Administration (cityofscottshill.com)
  3. Apply for a Residential Permit (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  4. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  5. The Scotts Hill Municipal Code (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  6. The Scotts Hill Municipal Code (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  7. Residential Permits (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  8. Scotts Hill Municipal Code (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  9. Septic System Construction Permit (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  10. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  11. Residential Permit FAQs (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  12. Tennessee State Fire Marshal Residential Permits (tn.gov)
  13. Residential Permits (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  14. Residential Building Permit Fees (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  15. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  16. Scotts Hill Municipal Code (Town of Scotts Hill), quoted and re-checked
  17. TDEC Jackson Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  18. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. 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
  20. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  21. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Scotts Hill

Town of Scotts Hill’s own rules

  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Scotts Hill town limits; the town code contains a municipal Title 14 titled Zoning and Land Use Control.

    • The code's Title 14 provisions located in the reviewed code cover flood-damage prevention and subdivision standards; no conventional zoning-district schedule was located in the reviewed material.
    • The MTAS directory states the code was last updated October 4, 2004, and the code preface warns that later ordinances may not appear.
    “TITLE 14 ZONING AND LAND USE CONTROL CHAPTER 1. FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE. 2. SUBDIVISION STANDARDS.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid septic sanitation for subdivision lots inside Scotts Hill town limits.

    • Off-grid septic is addressed only where lots are not or cannot be economically connected with a sewerage system.
    • The septic tank and disposal fields must be approved.
    • Written county health officer approval is required.
    “Where lots are not or cannot be economically connected with a sewerage system, they must contain adequate area for the installation of approved septic tank and disposal fields and must be approved in writing by the county health officer.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Subdivision development and lots inside Scotts Hill town.

    • Subdivision developers must install water mains to serve all lots for domestic use and fire protection.
    • Sanitary sewers must be installed when applicable to serve all lots with connection to the public system.
    • Where lots are not or cannot be economically connected with a sewerage system, they must have adequate area for an approved septic tank and disposal fields.
    • The septic tank and disposal fields must be approved in writing by the county health officer.
    • The code does not state a universal distance-based connection rule for every individual new home.

    minimum sewer-line diameter: >= 8 inches · minimum water-line diameter: >= 6 inches

    “Install water mains in such a manner as to serve adequately [...] all lots shown on the subdivision plat. [...] Install sanitary sewers, when applicable”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Subdivision development inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “Install water mains in such a manner as to serve adequately for both domestic use and fire protection, all lots shown on the subdivision plat. [...] No water line shall be less than six (6) inches in diameter. (4) Install sanitary sewers, when applicable in such a manner as to serve adequately all lots with connection to the public system. No sewer line shall be less than eight (8) inch diameter.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision development inside Scotts Hill town limits.

    • Subdivision developers must grade and improve streets.
    • Dead-end streets must have a safe vehicle turnaround.
    • Stormwater inlets and adequate drainage must be installed.
    • Water mains must serve all lots and be at least six inches in diameter.
    • Sanitary sewers must serve lots when applicable and be at least eight inches in diameter.
    • Where lots cannot be economically connected to sewer, adequate area for approved septic tanks and disposal fields is required, with written approval by the county health officer.
    • The cited subdivision provision is Ordinance #2000-1, March 2000.

    minimum subdivision street surface width: >= 18 feet (The code says the surface area of streets in development should be at least 18 feet wide.) · minimum water-main diameter: >= 6 inches · minimum sewer-line diameter: >= 8 inches

    “The subdivision developer shall be required to: (1) Grade and improve streets, to include pavement base, prime coat, and wearing coat, which conforms to adjoining street system and specifications, established by the Town of Scotts Hill. The surface area of streets in development should be at least 18 feet wide”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision developers inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “The subdivision developer shall be required to: (1) Grade and improve streets, to include pavement base, prime coat, and wearing coat, which conforms to adjoining street system and specifications, established by the Town of Scotts Hill.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “14-201. Requirements of subdivision developers. The subdivision developer shall be required to:”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Flood-damage development inside Scotts Hill town limits.

    • Flood damage control is governed by Ordinance I-2, April 1993, titled Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, and any amendments thereto.
    • The opened code did not provide the ordinance's detailed permit, elevation, map, or exception standards.
    “Regulations governing flood damage control within the Town of Scotts Hill shall be governed by Ordinance #I-2, April 1993, titled "Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance" and any amendments thereto.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Scotts Hill

Town of Scotts Hill does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential construction within Scotts Hill town limits covered by Tennessee's state residential permit program.

    • The official state page says local government should be checked for additional local permits.
    • The page's requirement is for construction located within city limits and specifically lists Scotts Hill.
    “A state residential building permit is required if construction is located within the city limits of: [...] Scotts Hill”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A homeowner constructing a residence for the homeowner's own use inside Scotts Hill town limits.

    • The construction must be the homeowner's residence and not be sold, leased, or rented.
    • The homeowner must not have received a homeowner building permit during the preceding 24 months.
    • A hired person whose portion of the work is $25,000 or more is not exempt from contractor-licensing requirements.
    “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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner building a single residence inside Scotts Hill town for the owner's own use.
      “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.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Scotts Hill, which is listed as a city where a state residential building permit is required.

    • The State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program applies in areas that have not received a local-code exemption or opted out.
    • The state has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.
    • Fire sprinkler systems are not required in one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses.
    • Additions over 30 square feet require a permit.
    • Detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require a state residential building permit.
    • A manufactured or modular home does not require a permit, but custom site work such as a deck, patio, or stoop may require one.
    “The state has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).”
  • InspectionsRequired

    State-regulated residential construction inside Scotts Hill town limits.

    • Three inspections are required: foundation before pour, rough-in/framing, and final construction.
    • A fourth inspection is required for a separately poured slab under living space.
    • Plumbing and mechanical systems are inspected at rough-in and final.
    • Any inspection may be waived if an approved architect or engineer submits an inspection letter.
    “Three inspections will be required: the foundation prior to pour, the rough-in/framing, and at final construction.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    County-health-officer approval for septic disposal areas serving subdivision lots inside the Henderson County portion of Scotts Hill town.

    • The town subdivision standard applies where lots are not or cannot be economically connected to a sewerage system.
    • The lots must contain adequate area for an approved septic tank and disposal field.
    • Written approval by the county health officer is required.
    “Where lots are not or cannot be economically connected with a sewerage system, they must contain adequate area for the installation of approved septic tank and disposal fields and must be approved in writing by the county health officer.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Septic systems serving property inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “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”
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving property inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.”
    • State (with conditions) — Septic-system construction permitting applicable to property inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “Completed application forms and application fees should be sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    A new, modified, repaired, or replacement septic system serving property inside Scotts Hill town limits.

    • A permit is required before installation or repair.
    • The permit application requires property, lot, occupancy, bedroom, water-use, well, driveway, utility, and related site information.
    • The applicant or installer must notify TDEC when installation is complete.
    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation or repair of a septic system inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “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.”
    • Required — Septic-system construction inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “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

    Construction, modification, or repair of a septic system serving property inside Scotts Hill town.

    • A septic system permit is required for construction, modification, or repair of a septic system.
    • TDEC conducts a site evaluation after application.
    • After installation, the installer must contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered.
    • If approved, TDEC issues a Certificate of Completion.
    • The permit applies to residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
    “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — A septic installation serving property inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “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.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    State residential building permits for qualifying construction inside Scotts Hill town.

    • Fees are based on construction cost.
    • The cost of construction cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot.
    • For construction costs above the maximum listed in the schedule, an additional $50 fee applies for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • An HVAC and plumbing inspection fee of $100 is required for all new construction.
    • A $100 slab inspection fee applies when slab and footing are cast separately.
    • The published schedule includes $100 for construction costs from $0 to $5,000 and $350 for costs from $5,001 to $100,000.

    permit fee for construction cost $0-$5,000: 100 USD · permit fee for construction cost $5,001-$100,000: 350 USD · HVAC and plumbing inspection fee: 100 USD (required for all new construction) · slab inspection fee: 100 USD (slab and footing cast separately) · fee above schedule maximum: per 50 USD per additional $50,000 or fraction

    “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 [...] $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — State residential building permits for qualifying construction inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “NOTE: For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table below there is an additional fee of $50.00 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof. Cost of Construction* | Fee | Additional Fee for Plumbing and HVAC Inspection** | Additional Fee if Slab Other than Monolith Pour*** $0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    State residential permit and inspection process for qualifying construction inside Scotts Hill town limits.

    • Permits are purchased online through CORE or at a local issuing agent.
    • The permit holder is responsible for requesting inspections.
    • Work must begin within 180 days after issuance.
    • A permit expires two years after issuance or upon certificate of occupancy, subject to the stated substantial-progress written-exception process.
    • The state permit does not replace zoning, floodplain, septic, sewer, grading, or electrical approvals.
    “The permit holder is solely responsible for requesting an inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — State-administered permits potentially applicable inside Scotts Hill town limits.
      “Permits can be purchased through an online CORE account.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Scotts Hill or Henderson County directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Residential occupancy inside Scotts Hill town limits.
  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts inside Scotts Hill town limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Residential dwellings inside Scotts Hill town limits.
  • Minimum lot size — Residential lots inside Scotts Hill town limits.
  • Setbacks — Buildings and structures inside Scotts Hill town limits.
11 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • 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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Scotts Hill publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Henderson County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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