How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?

The minimum permit fee is Not publicly extracted. Fees are calculated as: The county zoning resolution refers to zoning fees set by the County Commission and, for certain projects, building permit fees based on total project cost using the commercial fee schedule. Plan check fee: Not publicly published.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated on the sources reviewed.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on agricultural lands are described in the zoning resolution as exempt from local zoning regulations except for obtaining a building permit and following applicable building standards; Other local exemptions were not clearly published in the public materials reviewed.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the portal or direct office contact.

County Building Permits

Bedford County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bedford County, Tennessee. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Tennessee Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

This is the county authority for unincorporated Bedford County. The county portal and county permit application are the public routing points.

Department: Bedford County Building & Codes and Zoning / County of Bedford permit office
Address: 1 Public Square, Suite 301, Shelbyville, TN 37160
Phone: 931-685-1336
Email: Permits@bedfordcountytn.gov
Website: https://www.bedfordcountytn.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: SmartGov Community • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Bedford County, not inside a town limit.
Prepare the county permit packet with tax card, tax map, site sketch, and plans.
Submit the application through the SmartGov portal or at the county office.
County staff reviews zoning, setbacks, and code compliance.
Pay fees, satisfy any related septic or trade permit steps, and receive the permit.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated on the sources reviewed

Source: Bedford County Building & Codes and Zoning / County of Bedford permit office

General Requirements

The county permit application covers new construction, additions, remodels, demolition, removal, change of use, mobile homes, pools, porches, garages, carports, storage buildings, and similar regulated work

Required Documents

Tax card and tax map; drawing of structure and property lines; building plans; invoice for some manufactured or ready-built items; septic permit when plumbing is present; contractor license and workers compensation proof if using a contractor; separate electrical permit for certain work such as pools

Permit validity: Not clearly stated in the public form reviewed
Building code: The application references the adopted building code, but the exact edition was not clearly listed in the public source reviewed
Owner-builder: The county form includes homeowner and self-supervision declarations and warns about using unlicensed construction managers
Contractor requirements: The form requires a Tennessee license and proof of workers compensation coverage for contractors, and it flags special licensing issues for non-owner applicants on smaller projects

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Not publicly extracted
Plan check fee: Not publicly published
Permit fee formula: The county zoning resolution refers to zoning fees set by the County Commission and, for certain projects, building permit fees based on total project cost using the commercial fee schedule
Reinspection fee: Not publicly published
Payment note: The portal page is public-facing and notes that users should check spam for office email communications

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Bedford County Building & Codes and Zoning / County of Bedford permit office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Through the portal or direct office contact (phone)

Inspection hours: Not clearly published on the portal landing page
Time windows: Not clearly published on the portal landing page

Typical inspection sequence: Application review, code/zoning review, any required compliance inspections, fee payment, permit issuance, then trade permits where applicable

Not clearly published

Additional Resources

Building code: The application references the adopted building code, but the exact edition was not clearly listed in the public source reviewed
Zoning information: View zoning info
License lookup guide: Tennessee Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Tennessee Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Tennessee hub: Tennessee Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Bedford County Building & Codes and Zoning / County of Bedford permit office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bedford County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?: The county permit application covers new construction, additions, remodels, demolition, removal, change of use, mobile homes, pools, porches, garages, carports, storage buildings, and similar regulated work
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?: The minimum permit fee is Not publicly extracted. Fees are calculated as: The county zoning resolution refers to zoning fees set by the County Commission and, for certain projects, building permit fees based on total project cost using the commercial fee schedule. Plan check fee: Not publicly published.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?: 1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Bedford County, not inside a town limit. 2. Prepare the county permit packet with tax card, tax map, site sketch, and plans. 3. Submit the application through the SmartGov portal or at the county office. 4. County staff reviews zoning, setbacks, and code compliance. 5. Pay fees, satisfy any related septic or trade permit steps, and receive the permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?: Typical processing time is Not publicly stated on the sources reviewed.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on agricultural lands are described in the zoning resolution as exempt from local zoning regulations except for obtaining a building permit and following applicable building standards; Other local exemptions were not clearly published in the public materials reviewed.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bedford County, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the portal or direct office contact.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Bedford County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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