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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cannon County
County materials require a permit before disturbing soil for construction. The code applies to new construction and additions over 30 square feet.
Manufactured and modular homes are factory-inspected and do not require a residential building permit, though impact fees still apply.
Ordinary renovations are not covered by the county residential code described in the FAQ.
The county permit is not a grading or fill approval, floodplain determination, septic or sewer permit, electrical permit, or zoning approval.
- Exempt Manufactured and modular homes are factory-inspected and do not require a residential building permit, though impact fees still apply.
- Exempt Ordinary renovations are not covered by the county residential code described in the FAQ.
- Exempt The county permit is not a grading or fill approval, floodplain determination, septic or sewer permit, electrical permit, or zoning approval.
Required documents
- Square footage, map and parcel number, foundation type, estimated construction cost, and any portal-required parcel data. For temporary uses and other special cases, additional site plan or graphic materials may be required.
- Building code
- 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC. The county zoning and building codes resolution also references county building permit administration under the Building Commissioner and Land Use Administrator.
- Permit validity
- Work must begin within 180 days. Permits expire on completion, at certificate of occupancy, or two years after issuance unless extended in writing for substantial progress.
- Owner-builder
- Owner may build one single residence for personal use once every two years without a contractor license, subject to Tennessee contractor licensing limits on hired work of $25,000 or more.
- Contractor requirements
- Verify contractor status at verify.tn.gov. Tennessee licensing rules apply.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Inspections are due within three working days of request, except footer inspections within one working day.
- 01 Confirm property data in the county portal, including zoning, parcel, and floodplain status.
- 02 Complete the county building permit application.
- 03 Submit online through iWorQ or in person at the county planning office.
- 04 Pay the building permit fee and impact fees.
- 05 Receive permit review and issuance.
- 06 Start work within 180 days.
- 07 Call for required inspections and final approval.
Typical processing time: Inspections are due within three working days of request, except footer inspections within one working day.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Cannon County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$200 for estimated construction cost $0 to $5,000, or $300 with a slab other than monolithic pour
02
Plan check fee
No separate plan check fee was found in the reviewed public sources
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based on estimated construction cost
04
Reinspection fee
One free reinspection per permit; additional reinspections are $100 each
E-check or credit card accepted. Credit card transactions add a 3.5% service charge. Impact fees include AFT at $0.90 per square foot of heated space and ZCF at $0.95 per square foot of heated space.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- The permit holder schedules inspections with the Planning Department or through the portal. (phone)
- Inspection hours
- No public inspection hours were found. The timing standard is three working days after request, one working day for footer inspections.
- Time windows
- No public inspection hours were found. The timing standard is three working days after request, one working day for footer inspections.
Typical sequence: Foundation, rough-in/framing, plumbing and mechanical systems, and final inspection prior to occupancy.
One free reinspection per permit; later reinspections are $100 each.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Cannon County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Cannon County, TN? ▸
County materials require a permit before disturbing soil for construction. The code applies to new construction and additions over 30 square feet.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Cannon County, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Cannon County, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $200 for estimated construction cost $0 to $5,000, or $300 with a slab other than monolithic pour. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based on estimated construction cost. Plan check fee: No separate plan check fee was found in the reviewed public sources.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cannon County, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cannon County, TN, follow these steps: 1. Confirm property data in the county portal, including zoning, parcel, and floodplain status. 2. Complete the county building permit application. 3. Submit online through iWorQ or in person at the county planning office. 4. Pay the building permit fee and impact fees. 5. Receive permit review and issuance. 6. Start work within 180 days. 7. Call for required inspections and final approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Cannon County, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Cannon County, TN typically run Inspections are due within three working days of request, except footer inspections within one working day.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Cannon County, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Cannon County, TN. The following work is generally exempt: Manufactured and modular homes are factory-inspected and do not require a residential building permit, though impact fees still apply.; Ordinary renovations are not covered by the county residential code described in the FAQ.; The county permit is not a grading or fill approval, floodplain determination, septic or sewer permit, electrical permit, or zoning approval.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cannon County, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cannon County, TN via: The permit holder schedules inspections with the Planning Department or through the portal..
last verified April 2026
source Cannon County Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/cannon/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Cannon County Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.