On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Belle Meade
Belle Meade states permits are required when the owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, inside or out.
Ordinary repairs
Nonstructural repairs that do not include additions to, alteration of, or replacement or relocation of water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring, or mechanical work
- Exempt Ordinary repairs
- Exempt Nonstructural repairs that do not include additions to, alteration of, or replacement or relocation of water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring, or mechanical work
Note: The ordinance defines ordinary repairs as nonstructural repairs that do not include system modifications.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Two hardcopy plan sets for building plans
- PDFs plus two hardcopy sets for new houses or additions
- Site plan
- Architectural drawings
- Engineered drawings
- Front, side, and rear elevations
- Tree information for all trees four inches or larger in caliper
- Proof of state contractor license and workers compensation insurance where applicable
- Building code
- Belle Meade's permit page lists the 2018 IRC, IBC, IFGC, IMC, and IPC.
- Permit validity
- Belle Meade Ordinance 2014-7 states a building permit expires two years after issuance. Construction must proceed continuously until completion, and the Building Official may extend the permit for one year for good cause upon application.
- Owner-builder
- The permit page states the homeowner can pull the permit.
- Contractor requirements
- Applicant must show evidence of state contractor's license and workers compensation insurance, unless the homeowner pulls the permit.
Source: Building and Codes Office ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No fixed public turnaround posted.
- 01 Register in the Belle Meade CivicGov Citizen Portal and start the permit application.
- 02 Submit the application and the required plan set. Belle Meade's permit page calls for two hardcopy sets for building plans and PDF plans plus two hardcopy sets for new houses or additions.
- 03 Include the required site plan, architectural drawings, engineered drawings, elevations, and any other listed plan materials.
- 04 Show evidence of Tennessee contractor licensing and workers compensation insurance, unless the homeowner is pulling the permit.
- 05 Pay any engineering or professional review fees in advance if required by the project.
- 06 Once approved, pay the permit fee upon issuance.
- 07 Request inspections from the Building Official after permit issuance.
Typical processing time: No fixed public turnaround posted.
Source: Building and Codes Office ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100 for projects with total valuation cost of $2,000 and less, unless inspection is required, in which case a $50 fee for each inspection is charged
02
Plan check fee
Included in the published building permit fee structure for normal and routine inspections, plan review, and services before and during construction
03
Permit fee formula
New residences, accessory structures, and alterations or additions use a valuation method based on a $450 per square foot factor to determine total valuation cost, then a graduated fee table. Additional listed permit types use flat minimum fees.
04
Reinspection fee
$50 each for additional inspections
05
Penalty (no permit)
Work started before obtaining a required permit is subject to doubled fees.
Permit fee is due upon issuance. Fees for engineering and professional reviews must be paid in advance where required.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Matthew Singleton: 615-297-6041 ext. 218 (phone)
- msingleton@citybellemeade.org (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Leave voicemail for callback
Typical sequence: Belle Meade states inspections are requested by the owner or agent after permit issuance; the city does not publish a standard sequence checklist on the permit page.
Source: Building and Codes Office ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Belle Meade permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Belle Meade, TN? ▸
Belle Meade states permits are required when the owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, inside or out.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Belle Meade, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in Belle Meade, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100 for projects with total valuation cost of $2,000 and less, unless inspection is required, in which case a $50 fee for each inspection is charged. Fees are calculated as: New residences, accessory structures, and alterations or additions use a valuation method based on a $450 per square foot factor to determine total valuation cost, then a graduated fee table. Additional listed permit types use flat minimum fees.. Plan check fee: Included in the published building permit fee structure for normal and routine inspections, plan review, and services before and during construction.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Belle Meade, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Belle Meade, TN, follow these steps: 1. Register in the Belle Meade CivicGov Citizen Portal and start the permit application. 2. Submit the application and the required plan set. Belle Meade's permit page calls for two hardcopy sets for building plans and PDF plans plus two hardcopy sets for new houses or additions. 3. Include the required site plan, architectural drawings, engineered drawings, elevations, and any other listed plan materials. 4. Show evidence of Tennessee contractor licensing and workers compensation insurance, unless the homeowner is pulling the permit. 5. Pay any engineering or professional review fees in advance if required by the project. 6. Once approved, pay the permit fee upon issuance. 7. Request inspections from the Building Official after permit issuance.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Belle Meade, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Belle Meade, TN typically run No fixed public turnaround posted.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Belle Meade, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Belle Meade, TN. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs; Nonstructural repairs that do not include additions to, alteration of, or replacement or relocation of water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring, or mechanical work. Note: The ordinance defines ordinary repairs as nonstructural repairs that do not include system modifications. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Belle Meade, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Belle Meade, TN via: Matthew Singleton: 615-297-6041 ext. 218, msingleton@citybellemeade.org. Leave voicemail for callback.
last verified April 2026
source Building and Codes Office ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/davidson/belle-meade
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Codes Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.