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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Alexandria
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.
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.
- Exempt Publicly verified exemptions on the town site were limited.
- Exempt Floodplain page notes permits are required for all proposed construction or development in floodplain areas.
- Exempt State residential program does not cover grading/fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic/sewer, electrical, or zoning approval.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Floodplain permit approval may take a few months to complete; otherwise no general permit timeline is stated publicly
- 01 Confirm whether the project needs a state residential permit, a local zoning review, floodplain approval, or both.
- 02 For one- and two-family dwellings, purchase the state residential building permit before breaking ground.
- 03 If zoning clarification, site plan, variance, or floodplain review is needed, submit the town forms to the Town Recorder or Planning and Zoning process.
- 04 Submit plans and any required supporting documents.
- 05 Receive approval and keep the permit on site.
- 06 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Alexandria building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100 for state residential permits in the $0 to $5,000 construction cost bracket
02
Plan check fee
Not separately stated on the state residential fee page reviewed
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based state fee schedule
04
Reinspection fee
One re-inspection per permit without additional fee; second and subsequent re-inspections cost $100 each
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Alexandria permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Alexandria, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in Alexandria, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Alexandria, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Alexandria, TN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Alexandria, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Alexandria, TN typically run Floodplain permit approval may take a few months to complete; otherwise no general permit timeline is stated publicly. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Alexandria, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Alexandria, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Alexandria, TN via: Through the state permit system or issuing agent for state residential permits; town review applies for zoning and floodplain items.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Alexandria Planning and Zoning / building code enforcement under the town and state residential program ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/dekalb/alexandria
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Alexandria Planning and Zoning / building code enforcement under the town and state residential program before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.