Bolthole Index

Johnson County, Tennessee

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

80Index Score / 100
#19 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Johnson County, Tennessee does not require a county building permit for new structures or additions, but septic and electric permits are required1. Johnson County is opted out of Tennessee's state residential building-code program, although an owner may request state inspection of a qualifying home23. Mountain City has its own zoning and building-permit rules45.

At a glance

Building permit
No county permit for new structures or additions in unincorporated Johnson County1
Required approvals
Septic and electric permits; confirm when the county Certificate of Occupancy applies6
Zoning
No county Zoning Department; Mountain City has municipal zoning74
Septic
TDEC's Johnson City field office handles permits and inspections89
Owner-builder
You may build your own home without a county building permit; trade licensing can still apply10
RV living
Not confirmed on private land; Mountain City limits stays in qualifying travel-trailer parks711
Floodplain
New construction subject to the county process needs a FEMA Flood Permit12
Private well
Use a state-licensed driller; a separate owner permit was not confirmed13

Who to call

Floodplain permits

Johnson County Property Assessor's Office

FEMA Flood Permits for new construction in Johnson County

423-727-7692

Septic permits

Johnson City Environmental Field Office (TDEC Division of Water Resources)

Septic permit applications and inspections for Johnson County

(423) 854-5400

[email protected]

2305 Silverdale Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601-2162

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Johnson County, Tennessee does not require a county building permit for new structures or additions1. A project still needs septic and electric permits, and the county says it has a Certificate of Occupancy without explaining exactly when that certificate is required6. Tennessee has adopted statewide building and fire-safety codes, but that adoption alone does not establish county enforcement for every building type14. Johnson County has opted out of the state residential building-code program2. An owner or contractor may still request State Fire Marshal inspection for a qualifying dwelling or addition, with a state Certificate of Occupancy issued if the inspected work meets statewide standards315. New construction covered by the county flood process also needs a FEMA Flood Permit through the Property Assessor's Office12.

Who issues permits in Johnson County, Tennessee?

Johnson County does not operate a general county building-permit program for new structures and additions in its unincorporated area1. TDEC's Johnson City Environmental Field Office handles Johnson County septic applications and inspections89. The Johnson County Property Assessor's Office accepts FEMA Flood Permit applications for new construction covered by the county process16. The county also requires an electric permit for new structures and additions, but we could not confirm a county construction-fee schedule6. For a voluntary state inspection of a home in this opt-out jurisdiction, the owner or contractor obtains a state building permit through the State Fire Marshal's Office3. Inside Mountain City, use the town process because municipal building permits are required for covered construction5.

Does Johnson County, Tennessee have zoning?

Johnson County states that it has no Zoning Department, but that statement does not by itself confirm that every parcel lacks all land-use controls7. The county publishes subdivision regulations for covered subdivision activity, while their applicability inside Mountain City was not established17. We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or height limit, so ask county government about the parcel and the Planning Commission about a proposed land division718. Mountain City is different: its ordinance establishes municipal zoning districts and regulates uses and building characteristics inside town limits4. Mountain City also requires building permits for covered construction5. Tennessee's county-zoning exemption for an agricultural structure requires agricultural land and a structure incidental to the farm enterprise; the exemption has location exceptions and does not apply to municipalities19.

How do septic permits work in Johnson County?

A new septic system or repair of a faulty system in Johnson County requires a Septic System Construction Permit before dirt work or construction begins20. Apply through TDEC's Johnson City Environmental Field Office, and have the installed system inspected before it is covered219. A conventional-system permit costs $400 for design flow up to 1,000 gallons per day, while an alternative-system permit costs $500 at that flow; additional flow and construction inspection carry separate charges20. A repair permit has no permit fee, although its construction inspection costs $10020. Only 1.3% of Johnson County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency22. A qualifying sewer utility may require connection where a building's parcel abuts a public way containing its sanitary sewer23.

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

We could not confirm whether long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping is allowed on private land in unincorporated Johnson County, so ask county government before buying land for that use7. Mountain City's ordinance permits travel-trailer parks in one business district and limits occupancy in the same park to 30 days, but that rule covers parks with two or more trailers and does not answer whether one RV may be occupied on an individual lot11. A tiny home that meets Tennessee's ready-removable definition cannot be modified for residential, recreational or emergency housing24. A different design avoids that classification only if it satisfies the state's listed construction, inspection and foundation conditions24. Septic and electric permits still apply to new structures and additions in unincorporated Johnson County1.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is inside Mountain City, because the town has separate zoning and building-permit rules45.
  1. Check the flood map and, when the county flood process applies, obtain the FEMA Flood Permit from the Property Assessor's Office16.
  1. Have the site evaluated and obtain the septic construction permit before grading the building pad20.
  1. Arrange the electric permit and ask county government when its Certificate of Occupancy applies, even though no county building permit is required6.
  1. Decide whether to request the optional state residential inspection route3.
  1. If the driveway enters a state highway right-of-way, obtain a TDOT permit before building or changing it25.
  1. An owner may build a home without a county building permit in unincorporated Johnson County, but state trade-licensing rules can still apply10.

What should you check before buying land in Johnson County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 1.3% of Johnson County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field22. Terrain can sharply reduce practical building area because only 10.5% of county land is at a slope of 15% or less, while 81.9% is wooded2627. Confirm legal access and obtain a TDOT permit if the driveway will connect to a state highway right-of-way25. Check whether a proposed split triggers Johnson County's published subdivision regulations17. For a private well, hire a Tennessee-licensed driller and expect the driller to file the state report; we could not confirm a separate owner-issued county well permit13. Check flood status before closing because new construction covered by the county process requires a FEMA Flood Permit12.

Watch-outs

  • The lack of a county Zoning Department does not confirm permission for long-term RV living, temporary camping or every tiny-home design; ask county government first724.
  • Mountain City has municipal zoning and building permits, so confirm whether the parcel is inside town limits45.
  • Johnson County subdivision rules can apply even though the county does not require a general building permit for unincorporated new structures171.

Sources

  1. Newcomer Information, quoted and re-checked
  2. Residential Permits: Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  3. Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office Residential Permits Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors, quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Mountain City Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building & Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  6. Newcomer Information, quoted and re-checked
  7. Johnson County TN - Newcomer Information (2026 county census)
  8. Johnson City Tennessee Environmental Field Office, quoted and re-checked
  9. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  10. Tennessee law on county zoning and building authority
  11. Town of Mountain City Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Administrative Offices, quoted and re-checked
  13. Well Water, quoted and re-checked
  14. Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office Currently Adopted Codes, quoted and re-checked
  15. Newcomer Information, quoted and re-checked
  16. Johnson County Property Assessor's Office (johnsoncountytn.gov)
  17. County Government, quoted and re-checked
  18. County Government | Johnson County Tennessee, quoted and re-checked
  19. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  20. Septic System Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  21. Johnson City Environmental Field Office (TDEC Division of Water Resources) (tn.gov)
  22. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  23. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Public Guidance: Ready-Removables and Non-Traditional Homes, quoted and re-checked
  25. Tennessee Department of Transportation Highway System Access Manual, Volume 3, quoted and re-checked
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Johnson County in Tennessee

80
County map
Johnson County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Johnson County scores

Seclusion48100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency59100% ev.
Admin Boringness90100% ev.
Durability79100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% ev.

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

$257kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$6,031Land / acre
50.7"Annual rain
0.2% of yrsSevere drought
0.1 / yr (+0.1)Mid-century 100°F days
10.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.65" (+10.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.64×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,484Home insurance / yr
-1.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.03%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
41,093People within 30 min
2,101,420People within 2 hr
75,315Radius comparison (15 mi)
61.6People / sq mi
2.5%Federal land
10.5%Land at 15% slope or less
1.3%Septic soil without severe limits
2,375 acWorkable land screen
81.9%Wooded land
79 tonsBiomass / forest ac
52.4°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Johnson County

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

Johnson County rules

  • Building permitNot required

    New structures and additions under Johnson County government jurisdiction in unincorporated Johnson County, Tennessee.

    • A septic permit and an electric permit are required for new structures/additions.
    • A Certificate of Occupancy is required.
    • The county statement does not establish the rule inside Mountain City, the county's incorporated municipality; municipal rules remain distinct.
    “Johnson County, Tennessee, does not currently require a building permit. Our only requirement for new structures/additions are a septic permit and an electric permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

    Unincorporated Johnson County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.

    • A septic permit and an electric permit are required for new structures/additions.
    • A Certificate of Occupancy is required.
    “Johnson County, Tennessee, does not currently require a building permit. Our only requirement for new structures/additions are a septic permit and an electric permit.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted (with conditions)

    State residential building-code program participation for Johnson County, Tennessee, as listed by the Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office.

    • The state list identifies Johnson County as OPT OUT.
    • The state list defines OPT OUT as: The jurisdiction has passed a resolution opting out of the program.
    • Johnson County's official page separately states that it does not currently require a building permit and requires septic and electric permits for new structures/additions.
    • This claim concerns participation in the State Residential Building Program and does not determine whether other state or local construction requirements apply.
    “Johnson County | OPT OUT | Shawn Jackson | [email protected] | 423-672-8967”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision activity addressed by Johnson County's published subdivision regulations.

    • The county webpage identifies the regulations as amended through October 18, 2012.
    • The cited webpage does not establish whether additional municipal rules apply within Mountain City.

    regulation amendment date: October 18, 2012

    “Johnson County Subdivision Regulations As amended through October 18, 2012.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in unincorporated Johnson County under the Johnson County Subdivision Regulations administered through the Johnson County Planning Commission.
      “Johnson County Subdivision Regulations As amended through October 18, 2012. Download PDF version here.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision activity subject to Johnson County's published subdivision regulations.
      “Johnson County Subdivision Regulations As amended through October 18, 2012.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New construction in Johnson County, Tennessee, where the county flood-permit process applies.

    • The county notice specifically addresses new construction.
    • The permit application location identified by the county is the Property Assessor’s Office.
    • The notice does not state the fee, technical standards, or all activities requiring a permit.
    “NOTICE FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION: You must apply for FEMA Flood Permits in the Property Assessors Office. Questions: 423-727-7692”
  • Permit processPartial

    New structures and additions in Johnson County, Tennessee, within the county-administered area.

    • The county page states that no building permit is currently required.
    • A septic permit and an electric permit are required for new structures/additions.
    • The page states that Johnson County has a Certificate of Occupancy.
    • The source does not specify whether incorporated municipalities impose additional requirements.
    “Johnson County, Tennessee, does not currently require a building permit. Our only requirement for new structures/additions are a septic permit and an electric permit. Therefore, we do have a Certificate of Occupancy.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The county states it has no zoning department ('We do not have a Zoning Department').

    Johnson County TN - Newcomer Information ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • InspectionsLimited

    One- and two-family dwellings and additions in Johnson County, which Tennessee lists as an OPT OUT jurisdiction; state inspection is available when requested through the State Fire Marshal's Office.

    • Johnson County is listed as OPT OUT; Mountain City is separately listed as EXEMPT.
    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • Inspection is not stated to be mandatory for every county construction project.
    “Their home may now be inspected by an inspector with the State Fire Marshal’s Office during the construction process, both for new construction and additions to existing homes.”
  • 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 — One- and two-family dwellings and additions in Johnson County's state-designated OPT OUT area when the State Fire Marshal's Office inspection process is used.
      “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.””
  • Tiny homesProhibited

    Modification of Tennessee-defined ready-removable structures for residential, recreational, or emergency housing, including any tiny-home structure that falls within the ready-removable definition.

    • The prohibition applies specifically to a ready-removable structure as defined by Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-126-303(9).
    • A structure is not considered a ready-removable if it satisfies the guidance's listed criteria, including specified off-site construction, no electrical or plumbing systems at transport, visible structural components, compliance with dwelling inspection/permit/code requirements, and placement on an approved foundation or engineered piers.
    • For projects costing $25,000 or more, contractor licensing requirements apply.

    contractor project threshold: >= 25000 USD (Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-6-103 contractor-licensing requirement stated on the source page)

    “Further, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-126-311, “No ready-removable shall be modified for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in this state.””
  • Who permits septicState

    Septic-system permitting and administration for Johnson County, Tennessee.

    • The Johnson City Environmental Field Office serves Johnson County.
    • Applications for new septic permits are handled through TDEC's Division of Water Resources.
    “Counties Served [...] Johnson [...] To apply online for a new septic permit [...] view the Division of Water Resources Septic Related Services.”
  • 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, serving property in Johnson County.
      “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 SSDS installations serving property in Johnson County.

    • The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division after installation so it can be inspected and approved.
    • The Division inspects each SSDS installation for compliance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
    • Construction inspection fees vary by system type.
    “The Division inspects each SSDS installation to ensure that it was installed in accordance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Private and other water wells drilled in Johnson County under Tennessee jurisdiction.

    • The person conducting, managing, or supervising well drilling must hold a TDEC Division of Water Resources license.
    • The official TDEC page refers to a registration fee paid to the State and requires the driller to submit a Tennessee Water Well Drillers Report to the Division of Water Resources.
    • The reviewed official pages do not describe a separate county-issued private-well permit; Johnson County-specific municipal or special local authority exceptions were not established.

    registration fee: required · well driller report: required

    “Tennessee requires that all water well drillers, pump and water treatment device installers be licensed by the State. [...] Will you itemize what the well system will cost; including the registration fee paid to the State of Tennessee? [...] The driller is required to send a Tennessee Water Well Drillers Report (CN-0825) to the Division of Water Resources.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Residential, commercial, or industrial buildings on lots or parcels abutting a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer, where the applicable Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services.

    • The cited Tennessee statute grants qualifying utility systems authority to require connection.
    • The building must exist on the abutting lot or parcel.
    • The owner, tenant, or occupant may be required to cease using other means for disposal of sewage, sewage waste, or other polluting matter.
    • This source describes authority to require sewer connection; it does not establish that every Tennessee property has sewer available.
    “Utility systems within the State of Tennessee that have issued bonds payable for sewer services are granted authority in TCA § 7-35-201 (1) to "require the owner tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land that abuts upon a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and upon which lot or parcel a building exists for residential, commercial or industrial use, to connect the building with the sanitary sewer and to cease to use any other means for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste or other polluting matter."”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    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.””
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Buildings or structures on agricultural land subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee, including Johnson County unincorporated areas to the extent county zoning regulation would otherwise apply.
      “To be exempt from county zoning regulation under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114, a building or structure must meet two requirements:”
    • Conditional — Buildings or structures on agricultural land in Johnson County seeking exemption from county zoning regulation under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114.
      “it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.””
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Construction, modification, revision, or change in use of a driveway on Tennessee state highway right-of-way.

    • The requirement applies to state highway right-of-way and does not establish a permit requirement for every driveway on every road.
    • Property owners must obtain the permit from TDOT.
    • County or municipal land-use regulations may also apply.
    “Under state law, a permit is required before construction of a driveway on state highway right-of-way, including the modification, revision, or change in use”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Driveway construction, modification, revision, or change in use on Tennessee state highway right-of-way in Johnson County.
      “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.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building permits administered by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses where the state program applies.

    • The state program does not apply where a local government enforces local building codes under an exemption or where the city or county has opted out by a two-thirds vote.
    • For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table, an additional fee of $50.00 applies for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • The construction cost cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction.
    • An HVAC and Plumbing Inspection is required for all new construction.
    • A slab other than Monolith Pour Inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately.

    permit fee for construction cost $0 to $5,000: 100 USD · permit fee for construction cost $5,001 to $100,000: 350 USD · additional fee for plumbing and HVAC inspection: 100 USD (Applicable as stated in the fee table.) · additional fee for slab other than monolith pour: 100 USD (Applicable when slab and footing are cast separately.)

    “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    County legislative bodies adopting zoning regulations for portions of Tennessee counties outside municipal corporations.

    • The authority is exercised under the conditions and procedures in Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 13-7-101 through 13-7-119.
    • The grant applies to portions of counties outside municipal corporations.
    • County zoning authority does not authorize county building permits or regulation of buildings or structures on agricultural land when the building or structure is incidental to the agricultural enterprise, except on agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state federal-aid highways, public airports or public parks.
    • The agricultural-land limitation applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    “Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-101, et seq., the General Assembly has expressly delegated the authority to county legislative bodies to enact zoning regulations and create a board of zoning appeals.”

Inside cities and towns in Johnson County

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction within the municipal limits of Mountain City

    • The Town states that it adheres to the 2018 IRC International Building Code.
    • Building permits are required inside the municipal limits for homes, buildings, accessory structures, carports, sheds, and decks for structures over 200 square feet.
    • Decks serving an exit door, of any size, attached to a home, require a permit.
    • Building permit fees are $100 for project values from $1 to $2,500 and $100 plus 1% of total cost for project values of $2,501 or above.
    • All zoning and land-use questions are directed to City Hall, and new construction must comply with zoning and building-code regulations.

    building permit threshold: > 200 square feet (Decks serving an exit door, of any size, attached to a home require a permit.) · building permit fee: 100 USD (For project values from $1 to $2,500.) · building permit fee: 100 plus 1% of total cost USD (For project values of $2,501 or above.)

    “The Town adheres to (2018) IRC International Building Code, which is available at City Hall for review.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and other construction within the municipal limits of Mountain City, Tennessee.
      “Building permits are REQUIRED inside the municipal limits of the Town of Mountain City.  This applies to any construction of homes, buildings, accessory structures, carports, sheds, decks etc. for structures over 200 square feet.  Decks serving an exit door, of any size, attached to a home, require a permit. The Town adheres to (2018) IRC International Building Code, which is available at City Hall for review.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning and land-use controls within the municipal limits of Mountain City, Johnson County, Tennessee

    • The Town's official site identifies a valid Municipal Code revised and adopted November 4, 2025.
    • Ordinance #2071, governing use districts, was adopted March 3, 2026.
    • Ordinance #2072, governing site plan review, was adopted March 3, 2026.
    • The official Town site publishes a zoning map and zoning ordinance; the detailed district standards were not extracted here.
    • New construction must comply with zoning and building-code regulations.
    “Ordinance #2071 - Provisions Governing Use Districts adopted 03/03/2026”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land use within the corporate limits of the Town of Mountain City, Tennessee.
      “This ordinance shall be known as the “Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Mountain City, Tennessee, and the map herein referred to, which is identified by the title “Zoning Map of the Town of Mountain City, Tennessee,” and all explanatory matter thereon are hereby adopted and made a part of this ordinance.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Travel trailer parks within the incorporated limits of Mountain City, Tennessee, defined as land with two or more travel trailers used as temporary living or sleeping quarters.

    • The zoning ordinance lists travel trailer parks as a permitted use in the B-3 Arterial Business District.
    • Occupancy may not remain in the same trailer park for more than thirty (30) days.
    • The cited zoning ordinance is amended through November 2022; no later amendment or current municipal rule was located in the available official materials.
    • The ordinance definition addresses two or more travel trailers; it does not establish a countywide rule or expressly resolve a single RV on an individual private lot.

    maximum occupancy duration in the same trailer park: <= 30 days

    “383. Travel Trailer Park. Any plat of land upon which two (2) or more travel trailers are located and used as temporary living or sleeping quarters. The occupancy of such parks may not remain in the same trailer park more than thirty (30) days.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts applicable in Johnson County, Tennessee, including the distinction between unincorporated county areas and incorporated municipalities.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements for unincorporated Johnson County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements for unincorporated Johnson County.
  • Setbacks — Building and structure setbacks for unincorporated Johnson County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage requirements for unincorporated Johnson County.
5 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Camping on your land
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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 Johnson County, Tennessee

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

Johnson County scores 80/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Johnson 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), Johnson City Environmental Field Office. 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 Johnson County, Tennessee?

Land in Johnson County runs about $6,031 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Johnson County?

Johnson County gets about 50.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.2% of years.

How remote is Johnson County?

A representative private-land location has about 41,093 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,101,420 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 Johnson County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Johnson compares in Tennessee

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