Unincorporated Smith County does not require a general building permit

If your land is outside any city's limits, you do not need a county building permit to build a home in Smith County. The county's codified policies say so clearly. This is different from living in a city, where permits are required.

Not needing a building permit does not mean there are no rules at all. You still need a septic permit, you must follow floodplain rules, and subdivision regulations apply if you divide land. If your property is inside a city — Tyler, Lindale, or Whitehouse, for example — that city's permit rules apply instead. Always confirm with the city you are in.