On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bedford County
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
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
- 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
- Exempt Other local exemptions were not clearly published in the public materials reviewed
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
- Building code
- The application references the adopted building code, but the exact edition was not clearly listed in the public source reviewed
- Permit validity
- Not clearly stated in the public form 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
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated on the sources reviewed
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Bedford County, not inside a town limit.
- 02 Prepare the county permit packet with tax card, tax map, site sketch, and plans.
- 03 Submit the application through the SmartGov portal or at the county office.
- 04 County staff reviews zoning, setbacks, and code compliance.
- 05 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Bedford County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not publicly extracted
02
Plan check fee
Not publicly published
03
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
04
Reinspection fee
Not publicly published
The portal page is public-facing and notes that users should check spam for office email communications
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Application review, code/zoning review, any required compliance inspections, fee payment, permit issuance, then trade permits where applicable
Not clearly published
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Bedford County permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Bedford County, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Bedford County, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bedford County, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bedford County, TN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bedford County, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Bedford County, TN typically run Not publicly stated on the sources reviewed. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bedford County, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bedford County, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bedford County, TN via: Through the portal or direct office contact.
last verified April 2026
source Bedford County Building & Codes and Zoning / County of Bedford permit office ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/bedford/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Bedford County Building & Codes and Zoning / County of Bedford permit office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.