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

The minimum permit fee is The county publishes a $5 archive fee on processing of applications. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Published flat fees include single-wide mobile home, pool, grading, demolition, and carport fees; residential and accessory structures are square-foot based. Plan check fee: The county fee sheet references engineering fees for review of subdivision, plats, construction plans, FEMA reviews, and similar items, to be collected at approval.

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

The following work is generally exempt: The first accessory structure on a parcel is excluded if it does not exceed 200 square feet; Minimal excavation or filling required just to prepare the foundation for a building or structure does not require a grading permit, though other permits may still be required; County zoning sections also reference exempt signs and nonconforming signs; Other exemptions are handled through the county zoning resolution and permit guidance.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: County instructions indicate inspections are part of the permit process and office staff coordinates the sequence; the public pages do not list a modern online scheduling portal.

County Building Permits

Cheatham County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

This is the primary building permit authority for unincorporated Cheatham County. The county page explicitly states it enforces adopted codes and zoning regulations in the unincorporated areas of Cheatham County.

Department: Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety / Land Use and Zoning
Address: 338 Frey Street, Ashland City, TN 37015
Phone: (615) 792-7915
Email: The public page shows an email link , but the visible text capture did not expose the address , thin data on the exact email
Website: https://www.cheathamcountytn.gov/bldg_codes.html

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: iWorQ permit management portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Check zoning, flood zone status, road access, septic needs, and any other required approvals.
Obtain a septic permit from the state environmental office when applicable.
Obtain a driveway permit from the county highway department, or TDOT if the property fronts a state route.
Obtain an electrical permit from the State of Tennessee for any type of structure in the county.
Bring the required plans and supporting documents to the county building office, or submit through the online permit portal.
For contractor work, provide the contractor license and workers compensation documentation.
Pay the county fees and required impact or development charges.
Build only after the permit is issued; county instructions state that the office keeps plans on file until completion and occupancy approval.

Typical processing time: No universal permit processing time was published on the county pages reviewed

Source: Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety / Land Use and Zoning

General Requirements

A county permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, change of occupancy, electrical/gas/mechanical/plumbing work, accessory structures, grading and filling, and swimming pools. The county zoning article also says a building permit is required for construction or placement of any structure under roof, with a narrow exemption for the first accessory structure under 200 square feet.

Required Documents

Plans on file, completed permit application, proof of ownership for owner-builders, contractor license and workers compensation for contractor jobs, septic permit, driveway permit, and any other project-specific approvals

Permit validity: No general county permit expiration period was clearly published in the reviewed pages
Building code: 2018 International Building Code and 2018 Residential Building Code are listed on the county permit pages
Owner-builder: Homeowners constructing their own home are responsible for full code compliance. The county FAQ says owner-builders need a permit application and proof of ownership. Ashland City style owner-builder limits are not stated identically on the county page, so use the county FAQ and office direction for unincorporated lots
Contractor requirements: Contractors must provide a copy of their license and proof of workers compensation insurance

Fees

Minimum permit fee: The county publishes a $5 archive fee on processing of applications
Plan check fee: The county fee sheet references engineering fees for review of subdivision, plats, construction plans, FEMA reviews, and similar items, to be collected at approval
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Published flat fees include single-wide mobile home, pool, grading, demolition, and carport fees; residential and accessory structures are square-foot based
Reinspection fee: Penalty fine for building without a permit is double the permit fee
Payment note: The permit instructions state the county must have cash or check payable to Cheatham County Building Commission; the fee sheet also notes taxes are due at permit issuance and remaining development tax is due at CO

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety / Land Use and Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

County instructions indicate inspections are part of the permit process and office staff coordinates the sequence; the public pages do not list a modern online scheduling portal (online)

Inspection hours: County office is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with permit applications accepted until 4:00 PM
Time windows: County office is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with permit applications accepted until 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, foundation, framing, rough-in plumbing, rough-in mechanical, insulation, and final. For county work, final septic and driveway approvals are required before the final inspection/occupancy

If the county is called out before work is ready, additional coordination is implied; a specific reinspection fee was not clearly published in the captured text

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 International Building Code and 2018 Residential Building Code are listed on the county permit pages
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 Cheatham County Department of Codes, Building Safety / Land Use and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheatham County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Cheatham County, TN?: A county permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, change of occupancy, electrical/gas/mechanical/plumbing work, accessory structures, grading and filling, and swimming pools. The county zoning article also says a building permit is required for construction or placement of any structure under roof, with a narrow exemption for the first accessory structure under 200 square feet.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Cheatham County, TN?: The minimum permit fee is The county publishes a $5 archive fee on processing of applications. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Published flat fees include single-wide mobile home, pool, grading, demolition, and carport fees; residential and accessory structures are square-foot based. Plan check fee: The county fee sheet references engineering fees for review of subdivision, plats, construction plans, FEMA reviews, and similar items, to be collected at approval.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cheatham County, TN?: 1. Check zoning, flood zone status, road access, septic needs, and any other required approvals. 2. Obtain a septic permit from the state environmental office when applicable. 3. Obtain a driveway permit from the county highway department, or TDOT if the property fronts a state route. 4. Obtain an electrical permit from the State of Tennessee for any type of structure in the county. 5. Bring the required plans and supporting documents to the county building office, or submit through the online permit portal. 6. For contractor work, provide the contractor license and workers compensation documentation. 7. Pay the county fees and required impact or development charges. 8. Build only after the permit is issued; county instructions state that the office keeps plans on file until completion and occupancy approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Cheatham County, TN?: Typical processing time is No universal permit processing time was published on the county pages reviewed.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Cheatham County, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: The first accessory structure on a parcel is excluded if it does not exceed 200 square feet; Minimal excavation or filling required just to prepare the foundation for a building or structure does not require a grading permit, though other permits may still be required; County zoning sections also reference exempt signs and nonconforming signs; Other exemptions are handled through the county zoning resolution and permit guidance.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cheatham County, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: County instructions indicate inspections are part of the permit process and office staff coordinates the sequence; the public pages do not list a modern online scheduling portal.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Cheatham 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.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

← Back to Cheatham County permit guides