Why Some Counties Opt Out of Building Codes
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher • Editor
Some counties – including Moore County – stand apart in one significant way: They do not require building codes for residential homes.
While many counties enforce regulations to ensure safety and structural integrity, Moore County and others have opted not to adopt such standards. As local discussions again stir around implementing building codes, it’s worth exploring why some counties choose to go without them.
A Strong Preference for Limited Government
For many residents of rural Tennessee, less government is better government. Building codes – though designed with safety in mind – are sometimes viewed as an infringement on personal freedom.
Opponents of adopting codes often argue, “It’s my land, my house, and my responsibility. I don’t need the government telling me how to build it.”
This sentiment is deeply rooted in a culture of independence, especially in countries where personal property rights are highly regarded.
The Cost of Starting and Running a Code Office
Implementing building codes isn’t just a policy change – it’s an administrative undertaking. Counties must hire or contract building inspectors, review permit applications, and enforce violations.
In small or low-tax counties, some officials see this as a cost they can’t justify.
As a result, many counties opt to keep overhead low and responsibilities lean, avoiding the expense of expanding responsibilities or creating a new regulatory body.
A Culture of DIY and Owner-Built Homes
In areas where residents often build their own homes – or rely on local builders they know personally – there’s less appetite for formal oversight.
Moore County, for example, has a long tradition of self-built homes passed down through generations. These are often built with sweat equity and trusted local knowledge, not blueprints stamped by engineers.
Some residents argue that requiring code compliance would make it too costly or complicated for the average person to build a home.
Political Pressure and Public Resistance
Elected officials in non-code counties often face pressure from constituents and local builders to keep things simple and regulation-free.
Public hearings on building codes in rural communities tend to draw vocal opposition, with arguments about property rights, rising costs, and bureaucratic red tape. Politicians, especially in smaller counties, may worry that supporting codes will be seen as going against the people’s will.
Even if officials personally support safety regulations, they may avoid promoting the issue to preserve political capital.
Belief That the Free Market Will Sort It Out
Some argue that home buyers and builders can self-regulate. If a builder does shoddy work, word will spread. If a home is unsafe, future buyers will demand repairs or walk away.
In this view, building codes are unnecessary because market forces, reputations, and private inspections will naturally lead to higher-quality construction.
This approach places the responsibility squarely on the homeowner or buyer to ask the right questions, pay for inspections, and accept the risks.
’ That’s Just How It’s Always Been’
Finally, for many counties without codes, the decision is rooted in history. They simply never adopted a code in the first place, and generations have lived with that choice.
It’s the mentality of, “If it wasn’t broken for 50 years, why fix it now?”
But as new residents move in, as weather patterns shift, and as construction grows more complex, some locals are starting to question whether tradition alone is a good enough reason to stay the course.
What’s Next for Moore County?
The question of building codes isn’t just about fire safety or structural standards – it’s about how much government involvement residents are willing to accept in exchange for added protection.
For now, Moore County continues to build without mandatory inspections, relying instead on trust, tradition, and personal responsibility.
Whether the county eventually changes course or holds the line, one thing is clear: the choice mirrors more than just a construction policy – it reflects the community’s values.
