Bolthole Index

Washington County, Tennessee

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Washington County, Tennessee

63Index Score / 100
#76 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Washington County, Tennessee requires county building permits for covered construction and alterations, with an exception for qualifying agricultural structures1. The county's zoning office sets zoning in rural, unincorporated territory only, not inside incorporated cities2. Septic permits for any Washington County address come from the state (TDEC's Johnson City field office), not the county, though the county may ask for septic or sewer documentation with a building application1,3.

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

Unincorporated Washington County requires permits for buildings, pools, decks, additions, renovations, manufactured housing and grading, while qualifying agricultural structures are excepted.

Unincorporated Washington County requires permits for buildings, pools, decks, additions, renovations, manufactured housing and grading, while qualifying agricultural structures are excepted1. Washington County has adopted and enforces the 2018 International Residential Code for its residential building-code program11. County inspections cover the footer, applicable slab, framing, rough-in plumbing and mechanical work, insulation and final work11. A certificate of occupancy must be obtained after all applicable inspections and before a permitted structure is occupied11. A homeowner doing work on the homeowner's own residence may receive a county homeowner permit for one project per year9. That permit rule is distinct from Tennessee's contractor-license exemption, which allows an owner to build one personal residence every two years if it will not be sold, leased or rented10.

Who is the Washington County building department, and how do you reach them?

The Washington County Zoning, Planning & Building Codes office—commonly called the Zoning Office—handles residential building-code work, zoning, floodplain management, GIS and stormwater management.

The Washington County Zoning, Planning & Building Codes office—commonly called the Zoning Office—handles residential building-code work, zoning, floodplain management, GIS and stormwater management2. Reach the office at 100 E Main Street, Suite 103, Jonesborough, TN 37659, phone 423-753-17532. Send building-permit applications and documents to zoning@washingtoncountytn.org2. The county publishes fees for zoning, building, subdivision, grading, stormwater and related permits; building-permit charges vary by project valuation, and starting permit-required work early can trigger a doubled fee unless a listed exception applies13. Ask the Zoning Office for the current building-permit fee for your project2.

Does Washington County have zoning, and what does it mean for your land?

Washington County zoning applies to rural, unincorporated land.

Washington County zoning applies to rural, unincorporated land2. Inside Johnson City, the city administers its own zoning districts and overlays; septic permits remain with TDEC's Johnson City Environmental Field Office1,6,8. Washington County adopts a zoning map and publishes district rules, including A-1, A-2, PRD-3 and residential districts; allowed uses and dimensional standards depend on the parcel's district5,14. Qualifying agricultural structures are excepted from county zoning-resolution building-permit and regulation provisions5. Tennessee's agricultural zoning protection requires a structure incidental to the agricultural enterprise and excludes specified locations near highways, airports or parks and within the hundred-year floodplain15. In Washington County's R-1 Low Density Residential District, the minimum front yard is 25 feet (30 feet on an arterial street), the rear yard is 30 feet and the side yard is 12 feet, plus 6 feet per story for buildings over two stories16. Building-height controls also vary by district5. Ask the Zoning Office for the parcel's district, minimum lot size and lot-coverage limits; we could not confirm those numeric limits2.

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

TDEC, not the county or a city, administers septic permits for Washington County addresses, inside or outside city limits.

TDEC, not the county or a city, administers septic permits for Washington County addresses, inside or outside city limits1. Contact the TDEC Johnson City Environmental Field Office at 2305 Silverdale Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601-2162 or 423-854-54008. A state permit is required to install or repair a septic system, and the county also requires septic documentation for a building permit7. Obtain approval before dirt work or construction of the building pad17. TDEC inspects an installed system before it is covered18. About 31% of Washington County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so evaluate the actual homesite early19. Off-grid domestic waste disposal is not permit-free: a qualifying single-family system still requires construction authorization from the Division of Water Resources20. A qualifying sewer utility may instead require an existing building on an abutting parcel to connect to an available sanitary sewer21.

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

A tiny home is allowed in unincorporated Washington County wherever a single-family dwelling is allowed if it is site-built on a permanent foundation; subdivision and deed restrictions must also be checked.

A tiny home is allowed in unincorporated Washington County wherever a single-family dwelling is allowed if it is site-built on a permanent foundation; subdivision and deed restrictions must also be checked1. The tiny home still follows the ordinary county permit, inspection and certificate-of-occupancy process for a dwelling1,11. Washington County regulates temporary event campgrounds, but those rules do not establish that long-term RV occupancy is allowed on an individual private lot5. We could not confirm a general private-land RV occupancy rule. Before placing or occupying an RV, ask the Zoning Office whether the parcel's district permits that use and what approvals are required2.

What are the steps to build a home in Washington County?

Ask the Washington County Zoning, Planning & Building Codes office to identify the parcel's zoning district and confirm the proposed use.

  1. Ask the Washington County Zoning, Planning & Building Codes office to identify the parcel's zoning district and confirm the proposed use2.
  2. Obtain TDEC septic approval before dirt work or building-pad construction, or provide public-sewer documentation where applicable3,17.
  3. Prepare the dimensioned sketch or scale plan showing each building's shape, size, height and location2.
  4. Obtain a driveway permit from the Washington County Highway Department; a state-highway connection instead goes through TDOT1,12,22.
  5. Submit the county building-permit application and fee before starting covered work4,13.
  6. Schedule the required county inspections as construction advances11.
  7. Complete the final inspection and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving into the structure11.

What should you check before buying land in Washington County?

Confirm the zoning district and mapped standards before relying on a listing's description of permitted use.

Confirm the zoning district and mapped standards before relying on a listing's description of permitted use14. Check septic suitability early because only about 31% of Washington County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field19. Verify road ownership and obtain the correct driveway approval before applying for a building permit1. Ask the Zoning Office about the flood map because development in a regulatory floodway may require engineering analysis showing no increase in base-flood conditions2,5. For land divisions in the Washington County Planning Region, final plats must satisfy subdivision regulations and applicable approved preliminary plans before approval and recording; road, drainage, utility, stormwater and erosion-control inspections may also be required12. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual bill is about $1,27819.

Watch-outs

  • Do not begin covered work before receiving the county permit: Washington County may add a 100% penalty to the permit fee unless a listed exception applies13.
  • Washington County's septic permits come from TDEC's Johnson City Environmental Field Office, while the county may still request septic or sewer approval with the building application3,8,23.
  • Long-term RV living and a general minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed; ask the Zoning Office for a parcel-specific answer before placing or buying a unit2.
  • A tiny home must be site-built on a permanent foundation, located where single-family dwellings are allowed, and checked against subdivision and deed restrictions1.

Sources

23 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 11, 2026

  1. washingtoncountytn.org
  2. Zoning, Planning & Building Codes
  3. Building Permit Addendum
  4. Zoning Compliance Residential Application
  5. Zoning Resolution of Washington County, Tennessee
  6. Johnson City: Johnson City Zoning and Overlays MapServer (Washington County)
  7. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Permits
  8. TDEC Johnson City Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  9. Purchasing a Permit
  10. Can I build my own home without a license? (Tennessee statewide rule)
  11. Codes Compliance
  12. Washington County Subdivision Regulations
  13. Zoning Office Fee Schedule
  14. Washington County Zoning Resolution
  15. Exemption from County Zoning Regulation for Buildings on Land Used for Agriculture, Opinion No. 22-07 (Tennessee statewide rule)
  16. 604, 605 & 606 R-1 (A&B) Low Density Residential District
  17. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule)
  18. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule)
  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. Underground Injection Control Permit
  21. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule)
  22. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule)
  23. Online Application for Septic Related Services

Written October 11, 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.

Off-grid gear

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleWashington CountySullivan CountyUnicoi CountyCarter CountyGreene CountyHawkins CountyJohnson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredNot required
County zoningYesYesNot publishedYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Washington County in Tennessee

63
County map
Washington County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Washington County scores

63 / 100 · #76 of 95 in Tennessee · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion27100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability87100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost69100% 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 →

$313kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$9,728Land / acre
46.4"Annual rain
0.5% of yrsSevere drought
1.9 / yr (+1.8)Mid-century 100°F days
11.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.56" (+9.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.65×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,265Home insurance / yr
-0.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.64%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
343,150People within 30 min
2,851,012People within 2 hr
204,175Radius comparison (15 mi)
424People / sq mi
3.7%Federal land
49.1%Land at 15% slope or less
31%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
61,415 acWorkable land screen
50.5%Wooded land
68.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Washington County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction requiring a Washington County zoning-compliance or building permit in unincorporated areas.

    • The county application states that the zoning-compliance permit must be obtained before construction begins.
    • Failure to obtain the permit may result in paying double the permit amount and fines up to $500 per day.

    maximum fine: <= 500 USD/day (for failure to obtain a zoning compliance permit before commencement of construction)

    “Failure to receive a zoning compliance permit prior to commencement of construction may result in your paying double for your permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction and listed alterations in Washington County.
      “When constructing any building structure, pool, decks, additions, renovations, manufactured housing and grading.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Residential building-code enforcement by Washington County.

    code: 2018 International Residential Code

    “Washington County, Tennessee has adopted and is enforcing the 2018 International Residential Code.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Residential building-code enforcement by Washington County.
      “Washington County, Tennessee has adopted and is enforcing the 2018 International Residential Code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential building-code enforcement by Washington County.
      “Washington County, Tennessee has adopted and is enforcing the 2018 International Residential Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction subject to Washington County building-code enforcement.

    • County Building Inspector inspections include footer, slab if applicable, framing, rough-in plumbing, rough-in mechanical, insulation, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspections.
    “The following inspections are performed by the County Building Inspector:”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures subject to Washington County building-code or zoning-resolution permitting.

    • All applicable inspections must be completed before issuance.
    • The zoning resolution requires a written application and final inspection within three working days of application for permitted construction or alteration.

    final-inspection timing: 3 working days (After written application under the zoning resolution.)

    “A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to the occupancy of the structure.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Occupancy of structures subject to Washington County code enforcement.
      “All applicable inspections must be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to the occupancy of the structure.”
    • Required — Structures for which a county building permit has been granted.
      “All applicable inspections must be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to the occupancy of the structure.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning in the unincorporated territory of Washington County.

    • The county zoning resolution applies outside municipal corporations.
    “The Washington County, Tennessee Zoning Office was created in 1989 to regulate zoning in the rural, unincorporated areas of the County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning administered by Washington County in rural, unincorporated areas.
      “The Washington County, Tennessee Zoning Office was created in 1989 to regulate zoning in the rural, unincorporated areas of the County.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Local zoning in Washington County's rural, unincorporated areas.

    • The county source does not establish municipal zoning rules inside incorporated municipalities.
    “The Washington County, Tennessee Zoning Office was created in 1989 to regulate zoning in the rural, unincorporated areas of the County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Published Washington County zoning districts and zoning map for unincorporated territory.

    • The resolution adopts a zoning map and lists district-specific regulations.
    • The county GIS service identifies zoning districts including A-1, A-2, PRD-3, R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-2A, R-3, and R-3A.
    “601 A-1 General Agriculture District - updated 6.22.26 (PDF)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Washington County zoning districts and zoning map for unincorporated territory.
      “Zoning Map of Washington County, Tennessee, dated July 5, 2011, and all explanatory matter thereon are hereby adopted”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family detached lots in A-1 and R-1 districts of unincorporated Washington County

    • A-1: 15,000 sq ft with public sewer; 21,780 sq ft with public water and septic; 43,560 sq ft with no public water or sewer
    • R-1: 15,000 sq ft; R-1A 12,000 sq ft and R-1B 10,000 sq ft for single-family on sanitary sewers
    • Other districts not reviewed

    A-1 lot area, no public water or sewer: >= 43560 sq ft · R-1 lot area single family: >= 15000 sq ft (R-1A 12,000 and R-1B 10,000 on sanitary sewer)

    “with public sewer 15,000 sq. ft. with public water & private sewer (septic system)………21,780 sq. ft. with no public water or sewer…………………………… 43,560 sq. ft.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Buildings and single-family dwelling units in Washington County's R-1 Low Density Residential District in unincorporated areas.

    • The R-1 district document states that single-family residences are permitted subject to residential-use and owner-certification requirements before permit issuance.
    • The cited measurements apply specifically to R-1 and may differ in other zoning districts.
    • Uncovered porches, stairs, terraces, steps, and handicapped ramps may project no more than ten feet into a required rear-yard setback; qualifying uncovered entrance stairs or ramps may project ten feet into the required front-yard setback, excluding the porch, stoop, or main structure.

    minimum front yard setback, lots fronting arterial streets: 30 feet · minimum front yard setback, lots fronting other streets: 25 feet · minimum rear yard setback: 30 feet · minimum side yard setback: 12 feet · additional side yard for buildings over two stories: 6 feet per story

    “Minimum required front yard for lots fronting an arterial street .....30 ft. Minimum required front yard for lots fronting other streets............25 ft. 604.3.4. Rear Yard Minimum rear yard..........................................................................30 ft. 604.3.5. Side Yard Minimum side yard..........................................................................12 ft. Minimum additional side yard for all buildings over two stories ............................................................................................ 6 ft. per story”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building-height controls in unincorporated Washington County zoning districts.

    • Height controls vary by zoning district and may include additional setbacks for buildings over two stories.

    additional setback for buildings over two stories: per 6 feet per story (Shown in the residential district chart.)

    “Additional for all buildings over 2 stories is 6 ft. per story.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary campgrounds and camping facilities in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Temporary event campgrounds require a temporary use permit for each event.
    • Camping accommodations are limited by zoning district and facility type.
    • No permanent accommodation structures are permitted in the tent/camper/RV-only category.
    “Temporary Event Campgrounds shall obtain temporary use permits for each event.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Must be located anywhere single-family dwellings are allowed.
    • Must be site-built and located on a permanent foundation.
    • Subdivision and deed restrictions must also be checked.
    “Yes - Anywhere single family dwellings are allowed and must be site built and located on a permanent foundation. Check for subdivision and deed restrictions.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Utility connections to structures regulated by Washington County building codes.

    • The county permit addendum states that utility connections require building-official approval when a permit is required.
    “That no person(s) shall make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel or power to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required, until approved by the building official.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Buildings and structures on land devoted to or used for agricultural purposes under the Washington County zoning resolution.

    • The exemption is from the county zoning-resolution building permit and regulation provisions; other state or local requirements may still apply.
    “no building permit shall be required and there shall be no regulation of the erection, construction, or reconstruction”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats and development in the Washington County Planning Region.

    • Final plats must satisfy Washington County subdivision regulations and applicable approved preliminary plans.
    • Public-road, drainage, utility, stormwater, and erosion-control inspections may be required.
    • A driveway entrance permit is required for connection to a public road through the Washington County Highway Department for county roads or TDOT for state roads.
    “No final subdivision plat shall be approved by the planning commission or accepted for recording by the County Registrar of Deeds”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision review under Washington County planning materials.
      “Subdivision Regulations 12.6.22 (PDF) Washington County Land Use and Transportation Plan_2008 (PDF)”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Subdivision plat connections to public roads in Washington County.

    • County roads require a driveway entrance permit through the Washington County Highway Department.
    • State roads require a permit through TDOT.
    “Provide note(s) stating driveway entrance permit required for connection to the public road”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building-permit applications in Washington County.
      “Application, septic permit and driveway permit”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Washington County special flood hazard areas and regulatory floodways.

    • Encroachments in regulatory floodways are prohibited unless a Tennessee-registered professional engineer demonstrates through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses that there will be no increase in base-flood elevation, velocities, or floodway widths.
    • In approximate A Zones, subdivisions or other new development over 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is lesser, must include base-flood-elevation data.

    large-development threshold: > 50 lots (The requirement also applies at more than 5 acres, whichever threshold is lesser.) · large-development threshold: > 5 acres (The requirement also applies at more than 50 lots, whichever threshold is lesser.)

    “Development may be permitted however, provided it is demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practices”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Washington County zoning, building, subdivision, grading, stormwater, and related permit fees.

    • Building permit fees vary by valuation band.
    • A 100% penalty may be added when work requiring a permit begins before the permit, subject to listed emergency, effort, office-closure, and earliest-opportunity exceptions.

    minor subdivision plat fee: 50 USD plus 10 USD per lot · major subdivision plat fee: 100 USD plus 20 USD per lot · minimum inspection fee: 40 USD · reinspection fee: 40 USD · temporary use permit fee: 35 USD

    “Minor Subdivision Plat | $50.00 Plat + $10/per lot”
  • Permit processPartial

    Residential zoning-compliance and building-permit intake.

    • Applications identify the property, owner, intended use, structure type, dimensions, estimated cost, setbacks, and public-road access.
    • The county lists zoning@washingtoncountytn.org for building-permit application and document submittals.
    “Building Permit Application and Document Submittals: zoning@washingtoncountytn.org”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A Tennessee property owner constructing a single residence for the owner's individual use.

    • The owner may have one permit every two years.
    • The residence must not be for sale, lease, or rent.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, the contractor is a prime and must be licensed and obtain the building permit for inspections.
    • Contracts may not be split into phases to circumvent the licensing law.
    • Anyone paid more than $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and must be licensed.
    • The exemption is based on TCA 62-6-103 and Rule 0680-1-.22.

    owner permits: per 1 permit per two years · contractor payment threshold: > 25000 USD (Anyone paid in excess of this amount is considered a prime and must be licensed.)

    “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Homeowners performing work on their own residence in Tennessee.
      “Electrical contractors, Well Drillers (for inspections on wells and water systems only), HVAC installers with Electrical or Mechanical contractor’s licenses, and homeowners who are performing work on their own residence in which they either reside or plan to can purchase permits.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    HUD-labeled manufactured homes installed in Tennessee under the state manufactured-housing program.

    • Manufactured homes must be installed by licensed installers and have an installation decal applied after setup.
    • A state residential building permit is not required merely to place a manufactured or modular home in the state program, but a Manufactured/Modular Site Work Permit is required for a custom addition, site-built deck, porch, or stoop next to the home.
    • A state residential building permit is not zoning approval and does not authorize violation of a local ordinance; local zoning or other local requirements may independently control siting or occupancy.
    • If a subsurface sewage system will serve the residence, state septic-system permitting applies.
    “Ensure your application is approved and your license is active prior to installing any manufactured home in the state of Tennessee”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

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

    • The Tennessee Division of Water Resources administers SSDS permitting in non-contract counties.
    • Permit packages and Certificate of Completion packages for sites in contract counties are submitted directly to the contract county.
    • The listed contract counties are Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson.
    • Installer permits are valid statewide, but contract counties may require an additional permit.
    “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving property in Washington County under Tennessee regulation.
      “Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas.”
    • State (with conditions) — Subsurface sewage disposal systems serving Washington County properties.
      “TDEC-Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation 423-854-5400”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Statewide subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and assistance, with specified contract counties providing ground water protection services in their own areas.
      “NOTE: Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas. The online application form is not to be submitted for services requested in the following metropolitan or contact counties: Blount County, Davidson County/Nashville, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Madison County, Sevier County, Shelby County, Williamson County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, modification, or repair of residential, commercial, or industrial septic systems in Tennessee.

    • A permit is required before construction, modification, or repair.
    • A septic system permit should be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building, including the building pad.
    • Repair permits have no permit fee.
    • Alternative systems require an extra-high intensity soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant.
    • Contract counties may require an additional permit.

    new conventional SSDS permit fee: 400 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · new alternative SSDS permit fee: 500 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($150 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · experimental SSDS permit fee: 500 USD · repair permit fee: 0 USD (Repair construction inspection fee is $100)

    “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system. This permit ensures that the septic system design complies with state regulations and safeguards your health by properly managing wastewater.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system on property in Washington County.
      “Permitting for: Installation of subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system on your property Repair to an existing faulty system”
    • Required — Installation or repair of a septic system serving property in Washington County.
      “Permitting for: Installation of subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system on your property Repair to an existing faulty system”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.

    • The installer must notify the Division when installation is complete.
    • A final inspection is scheduled before the system is covered.
    • TDEC inspects each SSDS installation for compliance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
    • Inspection fees vary by system type: $100 for new conventional or large-diameter graveless pipe systems, $200 for alternative systems, and $100 for repair construction inspections.

    new conventional construction inspection fee: 100 USD · alternative construction inspection fee: 200 USD · repair construction inspection fee: 100 USD

    “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Construction, modification, or repair of an on-site subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system, including systems serving residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Tennessee.

    • A septic-system permit is required for construction, modification, or repair.
    • An applicant planning a new system, or repair or modification of an existing system, must apply for a permit.
    • A TDEC Environmental Scientist conducts a site evaluation and may request a detailed site plan or soils map from a private licensed soil consultant.
    • If a permit is issued, the applicant provides it to a licensed installer; after installation, the installer contacts the local Environmental Scientist for a final inspection before the system is covered.
    • A Certificate of Completion is issued if the installation is approved.
    “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Single-family domestic waste-disposal systems, including off-grid systems requiring state construction authorization.
      “The operation of a single family domestic waste disposal system requires a construction permit from the Division of Water Resources but does not require a UIC permit.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Drilling a water well for production of water from underground sources in Tennessee.

    • Before drilling, the property owner or licensed well driller must submit a Notice of Intent to the Director in the Department-prescribed manner.
    • A driller must have documentation that the Notice of Intent was submitted to the Division of Water Resources before beginning operations at a drill site.
    • The Notice of Intent fee or a receipt must accompany the driller's report; no well or borehole may be drilled unless the driller has documentation that a Notice of Intent has been filed.
    • A Notice of Intent and fee are not required for well closure, deepening, or reworking of a water well or closed-loop geothermal borehole.
    • The Notice of Intent fee requirement does not apply in a qualifying local jurisdiction authorized to regulate well location and construction that has a Commissioner-approved inspection fee.
    • The Notice of Intent fee does not apply when the property owner filed a notice and paid the fee for the same property within the previous five years, provided the new notice identifies the first notice's identification number.
    • A Notice of Intent expires 180 days after its original filing date.

    Notice of Intent fee for water wells for production of water per property site: 75 USD (Not required for qualifying local jurisdictions or when the same property satisfies the five-year prior-notice exception.) · Notice of Intent expiration: 180 days

    “A Notice of Intent to drill a water well must be submitted by the property owner or the licensed well driller to the Director in the manner prescribed by the Department, prior to commencement of drilling a water well in Tennessee.”
  • Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    State residential building permits for detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures that are not used for living purposes.

    • This is an exemption from the state residential building permit, not an exemption from all state or local requirements.
    • The State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program applies only in areas that have not received an SFMO exemption through local-code enforcement and have not opted out by a two-thirds vote of the city or county legislative body.
    • The exemption stated by the Department is limited to detached structures not used for living purposes; the opened official page does not state an accessory-structure size threshold.
    • The state residential building permit is not zoning approval and does not authorize violation of state law, regulation, or local ordinance.
    “A state residential building permit is not required for detached garages, sheds, barns or other detached structures that are not used for living purposes.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use.

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 Washington County, Tennessee

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

Washington County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and strong self-sufficiency basics: 46.4″/yr rainfall plus 50.5% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 343,150 people within a 30-minute drive.

How much does land cost in Washington County, Tennessee?

Land in Washington County runs about $9,728 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 46.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.5% of years.

How remote is Washington County?

A representative private-land location has about 343,150 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,851,012 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Washington compares in Tennessee

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