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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Blount County
County materials publish forms and procedures for building permits, plumbing, gas and mechanical permits, swimming pools, manufactured homes, signs, demolition, grading, zoning requests, and pre-approved plans. Development Services accepts applications for all construction permits and Board of Construction Appeals matters and schedules inspections.
Note: Thin public data: the reviewed county permit pages and forms do not publish a consolidated exempt-work list for unincorporated Blount County. Confirm any claimed exemption directly with Development Services rather than assuming a standard IRC or IBC exemption applies unchanged.
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan
- Owner and contractor names, addresses, and phone numbers
- State contractor license number when required
- Workers compensation proof or exemption affidavit
- Construction valuation
- Project-specific forms such as the Single Family Dwelling Use form, grading permit application, septic permits, or zoning approvals where applicable
- Building code
- The county Development Services page states building codes are enforced under adopted construction codes. Verify the currently adopted code editions directly with Development Services at filing.
- Permit validity
- County forms do not expose a single public expiration summary, but the county posts a Building Permit Extension form, which confirms extensions are part of the local process.
- Owner-builder
- County permit procedures state the owner may act as contractor on some permit types. The county posts project-specific owner or agent forms, including the Single Family Dwelling Use form.
- Contractor requirements
- County requires the general contractor's state contractor license number when required and proof of workers compensation or a state-mandated affidavit of exemption at permit application. Verify Tennessee state licensing thresholds for the specific scope.
Application process
Typical processing: The county materials reviewed do not publish a single universal turnaround time for permit issuance.
- 01 Use the county Forms and Applications page to obtain the Building Permit Application, Permit Process Checklist, extension form, sample submissions, and any other related building, grading, zoning, or septic forms.
- 02 Assemble the required package. County procedures for residential one- and two-family dwellings require a completed application, site plan, owners and contractor information, state contractor license when required, workers compensation proof or exemption, and any applicable supporting documents.
- 03 Submit the application to Development Services at 1221 McArthur Road. Applications may be brought in, and some forms can be faxed or otherwise transmitted depending on permit type.
- 04 The Department of Building Safety reviews plans for code compliance and issues the permit when submitted information is within regulations.
- 05 Receive the permit, required inspection list, and jobsite tag, then schedule inspections through Development Services.
- 06 Complete all inspections and obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion, depending on project type.
Typical processing time: The county materials reviewed do not publish a single universal turnaround time for permit issuance.
Fee schedule
Effective 2020
Development Services accepts credit card payments and charges a non-refundable 3.25 percent convenience fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2020) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Blount County Development Services: 865-681-9301 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Allow 24 to 48 hours lead time for inspections
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: County residential and commercial procedure sheets reference footing or site-plan approval first, then applicable trade and framing inspections, then final inspection before certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion. The exact sequence varies by permit type.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Blount County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Blount County, TN? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Blount County, TN? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blount County, TN? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Blount County, TN? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Blount County, TN? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Blount County Development Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.