On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Anderson County
Anderson County states building permits are required for any and all structures over 100 square feet or costing $1,000 or greater.
Sidewalks and driveways
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Swings and other playground equipment
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require additional support
Decks not exceeding 100 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the exit door required by the code
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require additional support
- Exempt Decks not exceeding 100 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the exit door required by the code
Required documents
- The county commercial application requires two sets of plans, a signed site plan, septic tank permit if required, and E-911 address certification. The mobile home application requires bill of sale, site plat, septic layout if needed, E-911 address certification, foundation layout for double-wide units, and floor plan. Commercial work also collects contractor state license information.
- Building code
- The county planning page states the current building and property maintenance codes come from the ICC and the county follows the 2018 edition. The county commercial application and FAQ align with ICC-based review.
- Permit validity
- The county FAQ states the permit is normally valid for 180 days from issuance or the last inspection.
- Owner-builder
- The county permit form includes an affidavit of exemption for workers compensation where the applicant is working on their own property in their city of residence or directly supervising work on their own property in their city of residence.
- Contractor requirements
- The county commercial application asks for a state contractor license number. The county also requires contractor information on its applications and staff rely on local and state licensing compliance.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Thin data. No public standard review-time estimate was found.
- 01 Confirm the property is in unincorporated Anderson County and not inside a city limit.
- 02 Contact Planning and Development or use the county building permit application forms.
- 03 Prepare the site plan, plans, contractor information, address certification, and any septic documentation required for the project.
- 04 Submit the application to the county office for code and zoning review.
- 05 Pay the calculated permit fee and inspection fee.
- 06 Obtain permit issuance and call for required inspections during construction.
Typical processing time: Thin data. No public standard review-time estimate was found.
Source: Office of Planning and Development, Anderson County Government ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Anderson County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not cleanly posted in the reviewed pages. The application form shows project-specific valuation-based calculation.
02
Plan check fee
Included in the review process on the application forms, but no separate flat public plan-check fee was clearly posted on the reviewed pages.
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. The commercial application shows permit fee calculated from structure area x cost per square foot, plus inspection fee at $30 per inspection.
04
Reinspection fee
Not publicly posted in the reviewed pages.
The reviewed county application forms show payment by cash or check.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Inspection hours
- Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Time windows
- Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Typical sequence: Thin data. No consolidated public sequence was found for all project types.
The reviewed pages do not publish a general reinspection fee or sequence note on the lines reviewed here.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Anderson County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Anderson County, TN? ▸
Anderson County states building permits are required for any and all structures over 100 square feet or costing $1,000 or greater.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Anderson County, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Anderson County, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Not cleanly posted in the reviewed pages. The application form shows project-specific valuation-based calculation.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. The commercial application shows permit fee calculated from structure area x cost per square foot, plus inspection fee at $30 per inspection.. Plan check fee: Included in the review process on the application forms, but no separate flat public plan-check fee was clearly posted on the reviewed pages..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Anderson County, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Anderson County, TN, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Anderson County and not inside a city limit. 2. Contact Planning and Development or use the county building permit application forms. 3. Prepare the site plan, plans, contractor information, address certification, and any septic documentation required for the project. 4. Submit the application to the county office for code and zoning review. 5. Pay the calculated permit fee and inspection fee. 6. Obtain permit issuance and call for required inspections during construction.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Anderson County, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Anderson County, TN typically run Thin data. No public standard review-time estimate was found.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Anderson County, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Anderson County, TN. The following work is generally exempt: Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and other playground equipment; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require additional support; Decks not exceeding 100 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the exit door required by the code. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Office of Planning and Development, Anderson County Government ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/anderson/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Office of Planning and Development, Anderson County Government before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.