McNairy County, TN Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated McNairy County, Tennessee does not require state residential-program review for an ordinary one- or two-family home because the county opted out of that program¹². Owners and contractors may still request state inspection, with a Certificate of Occupancy available when the home passes³. TDEC handles septic permits separately⁴. County zoning is not confirmed on an official page, so ask the County Mayor's Office before treating rural land as unrestricted⁵⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required under the state residential program for an ordinary one- or two-family home in McNairy County's opt-out jurisdiction¹²
Voluntary inspection: Available through the State Fire Marshal pathway; a passing home can receive a Certificate of Occupancy³
Zoning: County zoning in unincorporated areas is not confirmed on an official page; ask the County Mayor's Office before relying on a land use⁵⁶
Septic permits: TDEC issues them through the Jackson Environmental Field Office⁴⁷⁸
RV or tiny-home living: Not confirmed for private land in unincorporated McNairy County; ask the County Mayor's Office before buying⁵⁶
Owner-builder: Allowed for a home for the owner's use, subject to Tennessee's licensing conditions⁹¹⁰
Septic soil difficulty: Only 0.5% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field¹¹
State-highway driveway: A TDOT permit is required before construction, modification or a change in use¹²

Who to call

Building permits

State Fire Marshal-Designated Residential Inspector for McNairy County

Voluntary State Fire Marshal residential inspections for one- and two-family dwellings in McNairy County's opt-out jurisdiction

731-607-6395

[email protected]

Septic permits

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Jackson Environmental Field Office

Septic-service questions and state water-resources services for McNairy County

(731) 512-1300

1625 Hollywood Drive, Jackson, TN 38305

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

McNairy County Highway/Road Department

County-road questions, including whom to ask about driveway access onto a county road

731-645-3651

4864 Hwy 64 East, Selmer, TN 38375

Planning & zoning

McNairy County Mayor's Office

Routes questions about county zoning, setbacks, floodplain administration and land-use rules when no specific county office is published

731-645-3472

170 West Court Ave, Suite 201, Selmer, TN 38375

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Unincorporated McNairy County is listed as an opt-out jurisdiction in Tennessee's State Residential Building Program, so an ordinary one- or two-family dwelling does not go through mandatory state residential-program permit review¹¹³. The opt-out is limited to the state residential program and does not prove that every other approval is unnecessary¹³. Incorporated places have their own entries and may follow different code paths; Adamsville and Selmer, for example, are listed separately from McNairy County². An owner or contractor in the county's opt-out jurisdiction may obtain a state permit and request inspection during construction¹⁴. If the dwelling meets statewide building-construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal's Office can release a Certificate of Occupancy³. Septic, electrical-service documentation and driveway access remain separate questions¹⁵¹².

Who handles building inspections in McNairy County, and how do you reach them?

For the optional state residential-inspection path, call the State Fire Marshal-designated inspector for McNairy County at 731-607-6395 or email [email protected]¹⁶. The state list identifies McNairy County as opt out and publishes that inspector contact¹⁶. A homeowner using the state program purchases the permit online or from an Issue Agent, then schedules foundation, framing or rough-in, and final inspections¹⁷. The state process includes one free re-inspection when a required inspection is not passed the first time¹⁷. Detached garages, sheds, barns and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require the state residential permit, while custom site work such as a deck, patio or stoop at a manufactured or modular home does¹⁷. For a parcel inside a town, contact that municipality before starting because municipal status can differ from the county's opt-out status².

Does McNairy County have zoning?

We could not confirm a county zoning ordinance or zoning map for unincorporated McNairy County on an official county or state page⁵. Tennessee law gives county legislative bodies authority to adopt zoning outside municipal corporations, but that statewide authority does not establish that McNairy County adopted a zoning resolution¹⁸. Call the McNairy County Mayor's Office at 731-645-3472 and ask specifically about the parcel's use, setbacks, minimum lot size, building height and floodplain contact before relying on a project plan⁶. Municipal rules are different: Adamsville has an adopted zoning ordinance within its corporate limits, and Selmer publishes a Building Inspector and City Planning Office with zoning materials¹⁹²⁰. Agricultural structures can qualify for a county-zoning exemption only when the land and structure meet Tennessee's conditions; the exemption has limits near certain highways, airports, parks and floodplains, and it does not apply to municipal zoning²¹.

How do septic permits work in McNairy County?

TDEC's Division of Water Resources, rather than McNairy County, issues permits to install, modify or repair subsurface sewage disposal systems here⁴⁷. Start with the Jackson Environmental Field Office at (731) 512-1300; its official page lists McNairy County among the counties served⁸. The application asks for site and household information plus a sketch showing property lines, the house, water source, planned driveway and utilities²². Review generally takes 10 days and must be completed within 45 days after submission²². A new conventional system permit costs $400 for up to 1,000 gallons per day, while a new alternative-system permit at that flow costs $500; construction-inspection charges are separate²³. Only 0.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain the site evaluation before committing to a house location¹¹. After installation, notify TDEC for inspection and approval before covering the system²².

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

We could not confirm an official rule that allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, temporary private-land camping or tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated McNairy County⁵. The absence of a published answer is not permission. Before buying, call the County Mayor's Office at 731-645-3472 and describe whether the unit is on wheels or a foundation, whether it will be occupied while building, and whether utilities or a septic system will serve it⁶. Septic rules still matter to off-grid plans: a residence may use a composting toilet, incinerating toilet or privy only when an approved gray-water disposal method is available, and TDEC determines the approved method²⁴. Manufactured homes also should not be treated as an answer to the RV question; the state residential-permit process says their installation does not require that particular state permit, but custom site work may require one¹⁷. Inside Adamsville or Selmer, ask the city because both municipalities have their own zoning administration²⁵²⁰.

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

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality, because Adamsville and Selmer administer municipal zoning¹⁹²⁰.

Ask the County Mayor's Office about county zoning, setbacks and the floodplain contact; those county rules were not confirmed on an official page⁵⁶.

Arrange the TDEC septic site review early because only 0.5% of county soils are rated without severe conventional-drain-field limits¹¹.

Submit the septic application to TDEC and obtain approval before installation²².

Decide whether to use the optional state building-inspection path and contact the designated inspector at 731-607-6395¹⁴¹⁶.

Ask the Highway/Road Department at 731-645-3651 about access to a county road; a driveway on state highway right-of-way needs a TDOT permit²⁶¹².

Have TDEC inspect the installed septic system before it is covered, and retain the approval records²⁷.

What should you check before buying land in McNairy County?

Put septic suitability near the top of due diligence: only 0.5% of McNairy County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹¹. Confirm legal road access and ask the Highway/Road Department whether a proposed county-road entrance needs review; a state-highway entrance requires a TDOT permit²⁶¹². Ask the County Mayor's Office to route questions about unincorporated zoning, setbacks and floodplain administration because those county-specific rules were not confirmed⁵⁶. If a tract was divided, check the wastewater side carefully: McNairy County itself is reported as not regulating subdivisions, while Adamsville, Bethel Springs and Selmer have subdivision regulations, and TDEC can still require a subdivision evaluation for septic service²⁸²⁹. The land is 71.7% wooded, and 69.5% is at a slope of 15% or less, so walk the actual homesite and access route instead of relying on countywide averages³⁰³¹. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, with a median annual bill of $589³²³³.

Watch-outs

McNairy County's state-program opt-out does not cancel separate septic, utility-documentation or state-highway entrance requirements¹³¹⁵¹².
County zoning, setbacks, minimum lot size, RV occupancy and tiny-home occupancy remain unconfirmed for unincorporated McNairy County; ask the County Mayor's Office before buying or building⁵⁶.
Only 0.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so a parcel-specific site evaluation can materially change the build plan¹¹.

Sources

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

How McNairy County scores

Seclusion50100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency73100% ev.

Admin Boringness87100% ev.

Durability59100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost90100% 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 →

$177kTypical home

0.4%Property tax

$2,954Land / acre

56.8"Annual rain

4% of yrsSevere drought

14.9 / yr (+13.4)Mid-century 100°F days

15.9 daysMid-century dry spell

2.46" (+7.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.51×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,724Home insurance / yr

0.5% / yrInsurance growth

1.02%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

34,683People within 30 min

2,556,886People within 2 hr

45,100Radius comparison (15 mi)

46.5People / sq mi

0.3%Federal land

69.5%Land at 15% slope or less

0.5%Septic soil without severe limits

1,887 acWorkable land screen

71.7%Wooded land

51.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac

60.3°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for McNairy County

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

McNairy County rules

Building code adoptedNot adopted (with conditions)
McNairy County's participation in Tennessee's State Residential Building Program.
- This claim concerns the State Residential Building Program only; it does not establish whether a separate county code or municipal code applies.
- The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance states that its information was accurate as of August 21, 2026.
“McNairy County | OPT OUT | Terry Hulen | [email protected] ([email protected]) | 731-607-6395”
Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Not adopted (with conditions) — One- and two-family dwellings in the county's opt-out jurisdiction; incorporated municipalities have separately listed residential-code statuses.
  “McNairy County | OPT OUT | Terry Hulen | [email protected] ([email protected]) | 731-607-6395”
  Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Subdividing landNot regulated
County subdivision regulations in McNairy County, including unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.
- The official Tennessee TACIR table separately identifies Adamsville, Bethel Springs, and Selmer as cities with subdivision regulations.
- The source identifies the county-level status as No; it does not establish the contents or current status of any municipal regulations.
“McNairy No Adamsville, Bethel Springs, Selmer Eastview, Finger, Guys, Michie, Milledgeville, Ramer, Stantonville”
Dedications along Existing Public Rights-of-Way, Balancing Property Rights with Local Authority over Land Use Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning/zoning office or building-codes department is listed among McNairy County's departments or officials, indicating unincorporated areas are not county-zoned.
UT CTAS - McNairy County Officials Directory ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Tennessee rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
State residential building permits for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Tennessee jurisdictions where the State Fire Marshal's Office administers the residential building permit program.
- The state permit is required only in some areas because other jurisdictions may enforce local residential building codes.
- A county legislative body may remove unincorporated areas from the state program or a city legislative body may remove the city by a two-thirds vote.
- The state permit does not replace grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic or sewer permits, electrical permits, or zoning approval.
- Local governments remain responsible for locally adopted codes and other requirements.
“Why is the state residential building permit only required in some areas of the state?”
Residential Permit FAQs ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — One- and two-family dwellings and additions to existing homes located in McNairy County, which the official state jurisdiction list identifies as an opt-out jurisdiction; this claim describes the optional State Fire Marshal inspection and permit pathway, not a county-local permit requirement.
  “The owner of a one- or two-family dwelling or the contractor performing work on the dwelling may obtain a state building permit”
  Residential Jurisdictions & Inspectors ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
A Tennessee property owner constructing a single residence for the owner's individual use.
- The owner may have one permit every two years.
- The residence must not be for sale, lease, or rent.
- If the owner hires a contractor, the contractor is a prime and must be licensed and obtain the building permit for inspections.
- Contracts may not be split into phases to circumvent the licensing law.
- Anyone paid more than $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and must be licensed.
- The exemption is based on TCA 62-6-103 and Rule 0680-1-.22.
owner permits: per 1 permit per two years · contractor payment threshold: > 25000 USD (Anyone paid in excess of this amount is considered a prime and must be licensed.)
“one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
Can I build my own home without a license? ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — An owner constructing a single residence for the owner's own use in McNairy County, subject to Tennessee contractor-licensing and permitting rules.
  “an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use”
  Residential Permit FAQs ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
InspectionsLimited
State Fire Marshal inspections for one- and two-family dwellings in McNairy County's opt-out jurisdiction, including new construction and additions to existing homes.
- Inspection is available upon request by the owner or contractor; it is not stated as mandatory for every opt-out project.
- The inspection occurs during construction for new construction and additions to existing homes.
- The dwelling must be determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards for the related certificate of occupancy.
- McNairy County is listed as OPT OUT as of the state list's 8/21/2026 accuracy date.
“Their home may now be inspected by an inspector with the State Fire Marshal’s Office during the construction process”
Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
One- and two-family dwellings in McNairy County, which the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s jurisdiction list identifies as an OPT OUT jurisdiction, including new construction and additions to existing homes.
- The owner or contractor may request inspection by the State Fire Marshal’s Office during construction.
- The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
- The dwelling must be determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards before the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy.
- The source describes an optional request pathway and does not state that a Certificate of Occupancy is mandatory for every dwelling in McNairy County.
- Incorporated municipalities within McNairy County are separately listed with different residential-program statuses and may have separate requirements.
“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. 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.””
Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — 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.
  “determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy”
  Statewide Building Construction Code Inspections in “Opt-Out” or “Non-Code” Jurisdictions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Who permits septicState
Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving property in McNairy County.
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Water Resources processes applications through the appropriate Environmental Field Office.
- The source identifies contract counties that may require an additional permit; it does not identify McNairy County as a contract county.
“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 System Construction Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
Septic System Construction Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction, modification, or repair of septic systems serving residential, commercial, and industrial properties in McNairy County.
  “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
  Septic System Construction Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation of septic systems in McNairy County.
- The installer must contact the local Environmental Scientist for a final inspection before the system is covered.
- If approved, the Environmental Scientist issues a Certificate of Completion.
- The Division inspects each SSDS installation for compliance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
conventional SSDS construction inspection fee: 100 USD · alternative SSDS construction inspection fee: 200 USD · repair construction inspection fee: 100 USD
“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.”
Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Private septic sanitation serving a residence, retail or commercial building, including accessory buildings, in McNairy County.
- A conventional or alternative septic system permit is required before installation.
- Alternative systems are typically used when soil or site conditions are not favorable for a conventional system.
- The system must undergo final inspection before being covered and receive approval or a Certificate of Completion.
“A Conventional Septic System Permit is required for the installation of a conventional septic system (or approved substitute product) to serve a residence, retail or commercial building.”
Online Application for Septic Related Services ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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."”
Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Conditional — Electrical service requests for a proposed house or establishment in McNairy County.
  “This bill requires that before the electrical inspector can process a request for electrical service, he/she must be provided with written notification that the proposed house or establishment is served by a public sewer system, or, that a septic system permit has been applied for, or, that an existing septic system will be used.”
  Online Application for Septic Related Services ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Buildings or structures on land used for agricultural purposes in Tennessee counties, including McNairy County, to the extent the county-zoning exemption in Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114 applies.
- 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 on 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 there is no blanket exemption for cotton gins, grain elevators, slaughterhouses, processing plants, or milk bottling plants.
- The statute applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
“only if the structure is located on lands devoted to agricultural purposes and is incidental to the underlying agricultural enterprise.”
Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — Buildings or structures on agricultural land subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee, including McNairy County to the extent county zoning regulation applies.
  “The exemption does not apply, however, if the building or structure is located on land located within the one-hundred-year flood plain.”
  Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Conditional — Buildings or structures on land used for agricultural purposes and subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee.
  “it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.””
  Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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”
Highway Entrance Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
State-issued subsurface sewage disposal system permits applicable to property in McNairy County.
- A septic construction permit is required for installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system or repair of an existing faulty system.
- The published fee schedule distinguishes conventional, alternative, experimental, and repair permits and inspections.
- The page states that permit applications and fees are sent to the Division of Water Resources at the appropriate Environmental Field Office.
new conventional or large diameter graveless pipe SSDS permit: 400 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($100 for each additional 1000 gallons per day flow) · new conventional SSDS construction inspection: 100 USD · new alternative SSDS permit: 500 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($150 for each additional 1000 gallons per day flow) · alternative SSDS construction inspection: 200 USD · experimental SSDS permit: 500 USD · repair permit: no permit fee · repair construction inspection: 100 USD
“Experimental SSDS Permit | $500 | Repair Permit | No permit fee”
Septic System Construction Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (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.
  “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
  Residential Building Permit Fees ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Residential permit purchase and inspection process under Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program.
- The state program applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses only in areas without the stated local-code exemption or opt-out.
- A first-time CORE user must register for an account.
- A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent.
- Inspections cover the foundation before pouring, framing/rough-in construction, and final construction.
- One free re-inspection is available; each additional re-inspection requires an additional fee.
- A homeowner may build a home only if it will be the homeowner's residence, not sold or leased, and the homeowner has not received a homeowner building permit during the preceding 24 months.
- Detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require a state residential building permit.
- A permit is not required for installation of a manufactured or modular home, but custom site work such as a deck, patio, or stoop requires a permit.
effective date for permit requirement for additions over 30 square feet: 2011-10-01 (Applies to additions to existing homes.) · free re-inspections per project: 1 inspection (Available if a required inspection is not passed the first time.)
“A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent. The cost of the building permit is based on the estimated cost”
Residential Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — State-issued septic-system permit process applicable to property in McNairy County.
  “The review process generally takes 10 days and must be completed within 45 days”
  Septic System Construction Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
Tennessee Attorney General Opinion No. 10-108 ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Inside cities and towns in McNairy County

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

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning within the Town of Selmer, an incorporated municipality in McNairy County.
- The official notice concerns a proposed amendment to Selmer's Official Zoning Map.
- The notice identifies the affected property as part of McNairy County Tax Map 69 between Tennessee Avenue and U.S. Highway 45.
- The proposed change is from R-2 (Medium Density Residential) to M-1 (Industrial).
- The hearing was scheduled before the Selmer Board of Mayor and Aldermen for September 9, 2025, at Selmer City Hall, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 13-7-203.
- The notice states that the proposed ordinance would be available for public examination at Selmer City Hall.
rezoning classification change: R-2 to M-1
“Building Inspector / Code Enforcement [...] Zoning and Codes One-Stop Shop [...] Zoning Map”
Public Hearing Concerning Amendment of Selmer Official Zoning Map ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the City of Adamsville, an incorporated municipality in McNairy County.
  “Adamsville Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance Adamsville Subdivision Regulations Adamsville Zoning Ordinance”
  Zoning Classifications – The City of Adamsville ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
- Present (with conditions) — Property within the corporate limits of the Town of Adamsville, McNairy County, Tennessee.
  “This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the Zoning Ordinance of Adamsville, Tennessee; and the map herein referred to, which is identified by the title "Official Zoning Map, Adamsville, Tennessee", and all explanatory matters thereon are hereby adopted and made a part of this Ordinance.”
  Adamsville Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
- Present (with conditions) — Property within the City of Adamsville, Tennessee, in McNairy County.
  “Permits, Licences, Taxes and Zoning >View Zoning Ordinance | >View Permit Fees”
  Permits, Licenses, Taxes and Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Zoning districts — Published zoning districts applicable in McNairy County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in unincorporated McNairy County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in unincorporated McNairy County.
Setbacks — Setback requirements in unincorporated McNairy County.
Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated McNairy County.

9 more unanswered

Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Well permit
Building in a floodplain
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 McNairy County, Tennessee

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

McNairy County scores 81/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

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

McNairy County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Division of Water Resources. 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 McNairy County, Tennessee?

Land in McNairy County runs about $2,954 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McNairy County?

McNairy County gets about 56.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4% of years.

How remote is McNairy County?

A representative private-land location has about 34,683 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,556,886 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.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building inspections in McNairy County, and how do you reach them?

Does McNairy County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in McNairy County?

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

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

What should you check before buying land in McNairy County?

Watch-outs

Sources

McNairy County in Tennessee

How McNairy County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for McNairy County

McNairy County rules

Tennessee rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in McNairy County

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in McNairy County, Tennessee

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

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

How much does land cost in McNairy County, Tennessee?

What is the water situation in McNairy County?

How remote is McNairy County?

How McNairy compares in Tennessee