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

The minimum permit fee is $100 for state residential permits in the $0 to $5,000 construction cost bracket. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based state fee schedule. Plan check fee: Not separately stated on the state residential fee page reviewed.

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

1. Confirm whether the project needs a state residential permit, a local zoning review, floodplain approval, or both. 2. For one- and two-family dwellings, purchase the state residential building permit before breaking ground. 3. If zoning clarification, site plan, variance, or floodplain review is needed, submit the town forms to the Town Recorder or Planning and Zoning process. 4. Submit plans and any required supporting documents. 5. Receive approval and keep the permit on site. 6. Request inspections through the issuing authority as the work progresses.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Publicly verified exemptions on the town site were limited.; Floodplain page notes permits are required for all proposed construction or development in floodplain areas.; State residential program does not cover grading/fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic/sewer, electrical, or zoning approval..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the state permit system or issuing agent for state residential permits; town review applies for zoning and floodplain items.

City Building Permits

Alexandria, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Dekalb County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Alexandria uses both local zoning control and the state residential building code enforcement program for one- and two-family dwellings in the city limits and within DeKalb County. The town also has its own adopted building code for local regulation.

Department: Town of Alexandria Planning and Zoning / building code enforcement under the town and state residential program
Address: 102 High Street, Alexandria, TN 37012
Phone: (615) 529-2171
Email: Not publicly listed on the town site reviewed
Website: https://www.alexandriatn.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: Tennessee State Fire Marshal residential permit system • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm whether the project needs a state residential permit, a local zoning review, floodplain approval, or both.
For one- and two-family dwellings, purchase the state residential building permit before breaking ground.
If zoning clarification, site plan, variance, or floodplain review is needed, submit the town forms to the Town Recorder or Planning and Zoning process.
Submit plans and any required supporting documents.
Receive approval and keep the permit on site.
Request inspections through the issuing authority as the work progresses.

Typical processing time: Floodplain permit approval may take a few months to complete; otherwise no general permit timeline is stated publicly

Source: Town of Alexandria Planning and Zoning / building code enforcement under the town and state residential program

General Requirements

The town says the state residential building code enforcement program applies to one- and two-family dwellings built in Alexandria city limits and within DeKalb County, and permits must be purchased before work starts. Local zoning review is also required where applicable.

Required Documents

Zoning clarification form, site plan or plat forms, floodplain development permit materials when applicable, and supporting project information. The town also notes building owners must inspect for asbestos before demolition or renovation where state air rules apply.

Permit validity: State residential permits follow state rules. Work must start within 180 days, and the permit expires on completion or two years from issuance, whichever occurs first, unless extended under state rules.
Building code: Town of Alexandria adopted the 2009 International Building Code locally, and its planning page says the state uses the 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC for the residential permit program.
Owner-builder: State rule allows an owner to construct one single residence every two years for personal use, not for sale, lease, or rent, subject to the state contractor licensing rules for hired work.
Contractor requirements: For hired work, the Tennessee contractor licensing threshold and state licensing rules apply. The town page does not add a separate local contractor license rule.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $100 for state residential permits in the $0 to $5,000 construction cost bracket
Plan check fee: Not separately stated on the state residential fee page reviewed
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based state fee schedule
Reinspection fee: One re-inspection per permit without additional fee; second and subsequent re-inspections cost $100 each
Payment note: State permits may be purchased online or through issuing agents; the state fee table includes separate add-ons for plumbing/HVAC and slab other than monolith pour

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Alexandria Planning and Zoning / building code enforcement under the town and state residential program to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Through the state permit system or issuing agent for state residential permits; town review applies for zoning and floodplain items (phone)

Inspection hours: State FAQ says inspections must occur within three working days of the request, and footer inspections within one working day
Time windows: State FAQ says inspections must occur within three working days of the request, and footer inspections within one working day

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, rough-in/framing, final; plumbing and mechanical inspections are also required for new construction

One re-inspection per permit without extra fee; additional re-inspections cost $100 each

Additional Resources

Building code: Town of Alexandria adopted the 2009 International Building Code locally, and its planning page says the state uses the 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC for the residential permit program.
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 Town of Alexandria Planning and Zoning / building code enforcement under the town and state residential program before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Alexandria, TN?: The town says the state residential building code enforcement program applies to one- and two-family dwellings built in Alexandria city limits and within DeKalb County, and permits must be purchased before work starts. Local zoning review is also required where applicable.
How much does a building permit cost in Alexandria, TN?: The minimum permit fee is $100 for state residential permits in the $0 to $5,000 construction cost bracket. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based state fee schedule. Plan check fee: Not separately stated on the state residential fee page reviewed.
How do I apply for a building permit in Alexandria, TN?: 1. Confirm whether the project needs a state residential permit, a local zoning review, floodplain approval, or both. 2. For one- and two-family dwellings, purchase the state residential building permit before breaking ground. 3. If zoning clarification, site plan, variance, or floodplain review is needed, submit the town forms to the Town Recorder or Planning and Zoning process. 4. Submit plans and any required supporting documents. 5. Receive approval and keep the permit on site. 6. Request inspections through the issuing authority as the work progresses.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Alexandria, TN?: Typical processing time is Floodplain permit approval may take a few months to complete; otherwise no general permit timeline is stated publicly.
What work is exempt from building permits in Alexandria, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Publicly verified exemptions on the town site were limited.; Floodplain page notes permits are required for all proposed construction or development in floodplain areas.; State residential program does not cover grading/fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic/sewer, electrical, or zoning approval..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Alexandria, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the state permit system or issuing agent for state residential permits; town review applies for zoning and floodplain items.

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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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