One of the most buildable counties in East Tennessee. Great zoning flexibility, low flood risk, and USDA Rural eligible.
Yes — and more easily than most counties. Blount County offers Agricultural and Rural zones with no minimum lot size and barndominium-friendly rules. Even R-1 residential allows conditional barndos.
| Zone | Min Lot | Barndo OK? |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 (Low Density Residential) | 1 acre | ⚠️ Conditional |
| R-2 (Medium Density Residential) | 0.5 acre | ❌ No |
| Agricultural (AG) | None | ✅ Yes |
| Rural (RU) | 1 acre | ✅ Yes |
Without public sewer, minimum lot size is 1 acre for septic. Source: Blount County Zoning Ordinance
Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Blount County Building Department 349 Court Street, Maryville, TN 37804 (865) 273-5700 Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Flood risk is low. Only 12% of Blount County land falls within FEMA-designated flood zones — well below the national average. The majority of buildable land is outside any flood hazard area.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey
Blount County is affordable compared to neighboring Knox County, with median land prices roughly 35% lower per acre.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Blount County Assessor
Picture this: morning coffee on your porch, looking out at the Smoky Mountains with mist rising through the valleys. Your kids ride bikes on a quiet road. The nearest neighbor waves from across the pasture. Knoxville is 20 minutes away when you need it — but most days, you don't.
The national park is your backyard. Hiking, fishing, and fall colors that draw millions — but you just step outside.
Strong schools in Maryville, low crime, church communities on every corner, and room for your kids to roam.
No state income tax. Property tax at 0.53%. Land 35% cheaper than Knox County. Your dollar stretches here.
Most rural Blount County relies on well water and septic. Public water is available along major corridors. Broadband coverage is expanding but patchy outside Maryville.
Blount County qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans — meaning zero-down-payment financing for eligible buyers in most areas outside Maryville city limits.
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