Thinking about adding a shop, pole barn, or shed on your Houston County land? It is a great way to gain storage, protect equipment, or create a hobby space. The key is placing it right and following the rules that apply to your specific parcel. In this guide, you’ll learn how permits, setbacks, septic, wells, and floodplain checks work in our area, plus a simple checklist to get your project moving with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Confirm your jurisdiction first
Before you sketch plans, confirm whether your property is inside Erin or Tennessee Ridge city limits or in unincorporated Houston County. City parcels follow municipal zoning and permit rules. Rural parcels may have fewer local layers, but state codes and recorded restrictions still apply.
- Review Houston County’s local-government framework to understand how county and city authority works in small, rural counties. Refer to the county overview on CTAS to get oriented: Houston County overview.
- If you are inside Erin, the city’s code and planning commission guide accessory buildings, setbacks, and permits. See the Erin Municipal Code index.
- For plats, deeds, and recorded easements, check the Houston County Clerk’s Office.
What needs a permit in Tennessee
Tennessee does not require a state residential building permit for detached garages, sheds, barns, or other detached structures that are not used for living purposes. Local governments can still require permits, zoning reviews, or inspections.
- Review the state’s guidance on residential permits and exemptions: Tennessee residential permits.
- Local rules often set size thresholds for when a permit is required and may check height, setbacks, and intended use. Because thresholds vary by jurisdiction, always confirm with Erin, Tennessee Ridge, or the county office before you build.
Setbacks, easements, and placement
Even on rural, unzoned land, you must respect recorded easements and rights of way. Inside city limits, zoning adds specific standards for accessory structures.
- Understand typical zoning subjects like setbacks, height, and lot coverage in Tennessee: County zoning overview.
- Pull your plat and deed to spot utility easements and road setbacks, then avoid building on or too close to them. The County Clerk’s Office can help you access records.
- If a subdivision has private covenants or an HOA, review those rules as well.
Septic, wells, and floodplains
Site conditions can shape your plan as much as permits. A little homework here prevents expensive redesigns later.
- Septic: If your shop will include plumbing, a septic construction permit and capacity review are required. Start with TDEC’s program page: Septic system construction permits.
- Wells: Private wells, drilling, and pump work are state regulated. Review well standards and licensed provider info at Tennessee well water resources.
- Floodplain: Check FEMA maps to see if any portion of your site sits in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Start with the FEMA Map Service Center. If you are in a mapped zone, ask about elevation requirements before you finalize the foundation design.
Utilities and intended use
How you plan to use the building controls which permits and inspections you need.
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC typically require trade permits and inspections, even if the structure itself is exempt at the state level. See the state’s permit guidance: Tennessee residential permits.
- Using an outbuilding for a business or as living space usually triggers additional zoning or building-code requirements. Learn how zoning handles use and occupancy in Tennessee: County zoning overview.
Budget and timeline basics
Your total cost and schedule depend on site prep and utilities more than the building shell.
- Common cost drivers: grading and drainage, the concrete slab, large doors, new electrical service, plumbing or septic work, driveway improvements, and any floodproofing.
- Timeline: allow time for records research, local permit reviews, trade inspections, contractor lead times, and TDEC approvals for septic or wells. In rural markets, scheduling can take longer, so start early.
Step-by-step planning checklist
Use this quick list to move from idea to installation without backtracking.
- Confirm jurisdiction and contacts
- Determine if your parcel is in Erin, Tennessee Ridge, or unincorporated county. Start with the County Clerk’s Office and the Erin Municipal Code.
- Pull records
- Get your plat and deed. Highlight any recorded easements, setbacks, or covenants. The County Clerk’s Office can help.
- Check floodplain
- Use the FEMA Map Service Center to see if your build area intersects a mapped flood zone.
- Verify permits and thresholds
- Call the city or county building office to ask what approvals are needed for your size, height, and intended use. Review state guidance for context: Tennessee residential permits.
- Confirm septic and well needs
- If you plan plumbing, talk with a licensed installer and TDEC about capacity and separation distances: Septic permits. If you use a well, review well water standards.
- Get bids and schedule
- Request quotes from licensed contractors. Ask who pulls trade permits and how inspections are handled.
Avoid these common pitfalls
- Placing a building over an easement or too close to a right of way.
- Assuming a state exemption means no local review is needed.
- Adding a sink or bathroom without a septic permit or capacity check.
- Overlooking floodplain elevation requirements that change foundation plans.
- Running power without electrical permits and inspections.
Ready to plan your shop the right way?
Whether you are picturing a compact shed or a full-size workshop, a little local due diligence keeps the build smooth and protects your property value. If you would like a parcel-level game plan or introductions to trusted local pros, reach out to Kim Weyrauch and the Market Masters Group for friendly, knowledgeable guidance.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a detached shed in Houston County?
- Tennessee’s state guidance exempts detached non-living structures from a state residential permit, but cities and counties can still require local permits or zoning reviews. Always confirm with Erin, Tennessee Ridge, or the county office.
Can I add a bathroom to my shop on septic?
- Yes, but you need a septic construction permit and capacity review through TDEC if you add plumbing fixtures. Plan this early so your system can be sized correctly.
How do I check if my site is in a floodplain?
- Use FEMA’s online map viewer to locate your parcel and see any Special Flood Hazard Areas. If mapped, ask the local floodplain administrator about elevation requirements before you pour a slab.
Can I run a business out of my outbuilding?
- Possibly, but business use can trigger different zoning and building-code requirements. Get written guidance from the city or county before you invest in utilities or finishes.
Who enforces setbacks and easements?
- The city or county enforces zoning and setback rules, while utility companies or private easement holders can enforce easements. Your recorded plat and deed are the starting point for what applies to your lot.