Norris Lake gem just northeast of Knoxville. Cheap land, low taxes, and lake life — 30 minutes from the city.
Yes — Union County has minimal zoning and is very barndo-friendly. Most land is unzoned agricultural with few building restrictions.
| Zone | Min Lot | Barndo OK? |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural | None | ✅ Yes |
| Residential | 1 acre | ✅ Yes |
Source: Union County Planning. Very light zoning — most land is unrestricted.
Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Union County Building Dept 901 Main St, Maynardville, TN 37807 (865) 992-8043 Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Low flood risk. Only 8% of land is in FEMA zones, mostly around Norris Lake shoreline. Upland parcels are clean.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey
Union County is one of the cheapest counties near Knoxville. At $10,500/acre, it's a fraction of Knox prices with lake and mountain access.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Union County Assessor
Union County is Knoxville's affordable back door. Norris Lake brings boaters and fishermen; the hills bring peace and quiet; and Knoxville is 30 minutes south.
800 miles of shoreline, crystal-clear water, and some of the best bass fishing in East Tennessee.
Property tax at 0.44% — among the lowest in the Knoxville region.
Minimal zoning means you build what you want, where you want.
Rural infrastructure. Maynardville has limited municipal services. Most of the county uses wells, septic, and propane.
All of Union County qualifies for USDA Rural Development — zero down payment for eligible buyers.
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