On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Crab Orchard
The county packet requires a building permit for residential new construction dwellings and for commercial new construction, remodels, or additions. The county resolution also states the county code is in place for new residential construction and commercial additions and alterations/repairs.
Agriculture buildings are exempt from requiring permits
Accessory buildings, garages, and decks that are not part of new residential construction are exempt
The county resolution also exempts the R-19 insulation requirement in the floor joints of residential vented crawl spaces
- Exempt Agriculture buildings are exempt from requiring permits
- Exempt Accessory buildings, garages, and decks that are not part of new residential construction are exempt
- Exempt The county resolution also exempts the R-19 insulation requirement in the floor joints of residential vented crawl spaces
Required documents
- Address verification from 911 addressing, septic permit and layout, legible construction plans with square footages, and a homeowner affidavit when the owner acts as general contractor.
- Building code
- Cumberland County adopts the 2018 IRC for residential construction and the 2018 IBC, IFC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and NFPA 101 for commercial construction, with county-specific amendments.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly published in the sources reviewed.
- Owner-builder
- Yes. The county publishes a homeowner affidavit for building permits for owner-builders.
- Contractor requirements
- State licensed general contractors must show a current Tennessee contractor license, proof of workers' compensation or exemption, and proof of liability insurance. For plumbing and HVAC/gas piping permits, anyone who is not a state licensed general contractor must obtain a county special plumbing/mechanical license. The fee schedule says projects over $25,000 require a state certified license.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated on the county pages reviewed.
- 01 Confirm the project is in Crab Orchard and routed to Cumberland County Codes.
- 02 Gather the required documents, including address verification, septic permit and layout, and construction plans.
- 03 Submit the application in person at the county office or online through the iWorQ portal.
- 04 If acting as a homeowner contractor, file the homeowner affidavit.
- 05 If using a state licensed contractor, establish the contractor account and provide the required license and insurance documents.
- 06 Pay applicable fees and obtain the permit before starting work.
- 07 Schedule required inspections through the county portal, by email, or by phone.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated on the county pages reviewed.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Crab Orchard building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25.00
02
Plan check fee
Not separately identified in the fee schedule reviewed.
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based for building permits. The schedule uses tiered valuation brackets, plus a separate plumbing and mechanical fee based on square footage.
04
Reinspection fee
$100.00 per reinspection after two reinspections at no charge.
The public documents reviewed do not publish payment method details.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online through the county portal, by email to codes@cumberlandcountytn.gov, or by phone at (931) 710-5727 (online)
- Inspection hours
- County office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Time windows
- County office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Typical sequence: Footing, slabs, foundation, rough-ins, energy/insulation, final
A $100 reinspection fee is charged after two failed inspections at no charge. The county also states no inspections will be scheduled without a permit.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Crab Orchard permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Crab Orchard, TN? ▸
The county packet requires a building permit for residential new construction dwellings and for commercial new construction, remodels, or additions. The county resolution also states the county code is in place for new residential construction and commercial additions and alterations/repairs.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Crab Orchard, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in Crab Orchard, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for building permits. The schedule uses tiered valuation brackets, plus a separate plumbing and mechanical fee based on square footage.. Plan check fee: Not separately identified in the fee schedule reviewed..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Crab Orchard, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Crab Orchard, TN, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the project is in Crab Orchard and routed to Cumberland County Codes. 2. Gather the required documents, including address verification, septic permit and layout, and construction plans. 3. Submit the application in person at the county office or online through the iWorQ portal. 4. If acting as a homeowner contractor, file the homeowner affidavit. 5. If using a state licensed contractor, establish the contractor account and provide the required license and insurance documents. 6. Pay applicable fees and obtain the permit before starting work. 7. Schedule required inspections through the county portal, by email, or by phone.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Crab Orchard, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Crab Orchard, TN typically run Not publicly stated on the county pages reviewed.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Crab Orchard, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Crab Orchard, TN. The following work is generally exempt: Agriculture buildings are exempt from requiring permits; Accessory buildings, garages, and decks that are not part of new residential construction are exempt; The county resolution also exempts the R-19 insulation requirement in the floor joints of residential vented crawl spaces. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Crab Orchard, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Crab Orchard, TN via: Online through the county portal, by email to codes@cumberlandcountytn.gov, or by phone at (931) 710-5727.
last verified April 2026
source Cumberland County Codes Department ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/cumberland/crab-orchard
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Cumberland County Codes Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.