How much does a building permit cost in Celina, TN?

The minimum permit fee is $100 for projects with construction cost from $0 to $5,000. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based fee table, with additional charges for plumbing and HVAC inspection and for slabs other than monolithic pour. Plan check fee: Not separately published on the public state fee page reviewed.

How do I apply for a building permit in Celina, TN?

1. Confirm whether the work is covered by the state residential program, local city review, or both. 2. Contact the Clay County building inspector at the published Celina office for local routing and confirm any local requirements. 3. For state residential work, create or use a CORE account and purchase the permit online. 4. Submit the required project information and pay the permit fee based on construction value. 5. Request inspections through CORE when the project reaches the required stages. 6. Receive the permit and proceed with construction only after approval.

What work is exempt from building permits in Celina, TN?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached garages, sheds, barns, or other detached structures not used for living purposes are not subject to a state residential building permit; The state page also indicates that the permit rule is limited to one and two family dwellings and townhouses, so non-residential work follows other local or state pathways.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Celina, TN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Through CORE at https://core.tn.gov or by email to SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov.

City Building Permits

Celina, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Clay County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Celina publishes the Clay County building inspector as the relevant local contact. For residential one and two family work inside Celina city limits, Tennessee state residential permits also apply unless the city has its own exempt local building code program; the state list specifically includes Celina.

Department: Building Inspector, Clay County Government
Address: 112 W Lake Ave, Celina, TN 38551
Phone: 931-243-2165
Email: ablakelyicc@gmail.com
Website: https://www.claycountytngov.com/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: CORE, Comprehensive Online Regulatory and Enforcement System • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm whether the work is covered by the state residential program, local city review, or both.
Contact the Clay County building inspector at the published Celina office for local routing and confirm any local requirements.
For state residential work, create or use a CORE account and purchase the permit online.
Submit the required project information and pay the permit fee based on construction value.
Request inspections through CORE when the project reaches the required stages.
Receive the permit and proceed with construction only after approval.

Typical processing time: Not clearly published on the local Clay County page; state CORE permits are issued after the online purchase and any required review

Source: Building Inspector, Clay County Government

General Requirements

Tennessee state residential permits are required for one and two family dwellings and townhouses in Celina city limits. State guidance also says permits are required for additions over 30 square feet to existing homes. The county building inspector is the published local contact for Celina.

Required Documents

State CORE application information, construction cost estimate, and project details. Local Celina or Clay County submittal requirements were not publicly posted in a separate permit packet located during research.

Permit validity: Not clearly published in the sources reviewed.
Building code: Tennessee state residential program uses the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.
Owner-builder: A homeowner may build the home if it will be the homeowner's residence, not for sale or lease, and the homeowner has not been issued a homeowner building permit in the prior 24 months.
Contractor requirements: Contractor registration verification is part of the state permitting process. The state page does not fully restate local contractor licensing rules, so users should also verify any Tennessee contractor licensing and local registration requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $100 for projects with construction cost from $0 to $5,000
Plan check fee: Not separately published on the public state fee page reviewed
Permit fee formula: Valuation based fee table, with additional charges for plumbing and HVAC inspection and for slabs other than monolithic pour
Reinspection fee: One free reinspection is allowed if a required inspection is not passed the first time; each additional reinspection requires an additional fee
Payment note: State permits are purchased online through CORE or at a local issue agent; the state page does not indicate any local Celina payment portal

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Inspector, Clay County Government to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Through CORE at https://core.tn.gov or by email to SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov (phone)

Inspection hours: Not published for Celina locally; state inspections are scheduled through the CORE system
Time windows: Not published for Celina locally; state inspections are scheduled through the CORE system

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation prior to pour, framing and rough-in, then final construction

One free reinspection is allowed if a required inspection is failed once; additional reinspections cost extra

Additional Resources

Building code: Tennessee state residential program uses the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.
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 Building Inspector, Clay County Government before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Celina Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Celina, TN?: Tennessee state residential permits are required for one and two family dwellings and townhouses in Celina city limits. State guidance also says permits are required for additions over 30 square feet to existing homes. The county building inspector is the published local contact for Celina.
How much does a building permit cost in Celina, TN?: The minimum permit fee is $100 for projects with construction cost from $0 to $5,000. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based fee table, with additional charges for plumbing and HVAC inspection and for slabs other than monolithic pour. Plan check fee: Not separately published on the public state fee page reviewed.
How do I apply for a building permit in Celina, TN?: 1. Confirm whether the work is covered by the state residential program, local city review, or both. 2. Contact the Clay County building inspector at the published Celina office for local routing and confirm any local requirements. 3. For state residential work, create or use a CORE account and purchase the permit online. 4. Submit the required project information and pay the permit fee based on construction value. 5. Request inspections through CORE when the project reaches the required stages. 6. Receive the permit and proceed with construction only after approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Celina, TN?: Typical processing time is Not clearly published on the local Clay County page; state CORE permits are issued after the online purchase and any required review.
What work is exempt from building permits in Celina, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Detached garages, sheds, barns, or other detached structures not used for living purposes are not subject to a state residential building permit; The state page also indicates that the permit rule is limited to one and two family dwellings and townhouses, so non-residential work follows other local or state pathways.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Celina, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Through CORE at https://core.tn.gov or by email to SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov.

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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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