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

The minimum permit fee is Not publicly stated online; City Hall says to contact them for rates and fees. Fees are calculated as: Not publicly stated online. Plan check fee: Not publicly stated online.

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

1. Confirm the work is inside Smithville city limits and subject to city code. 2. Contact City Hall at (615) 597-4745 ext. 2 for rates and fees. 3. Review the Smithville zoning ordinance and any zoning map constraints. 4. Submit permit materials to the city for review and payment. 5. Obtain approval before starting work. 6. Keep the permit and approved documents on site during construction.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Smithville, TN?

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Publicly verified exemptions were not located in the city pages reviewed.; The city code specifically says accessory structures and fences require a permit, so they are not exempt in Smithville..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Not publicly stated online.

City Building Permits

Smithville, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Dekalb County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City code adopts and enforces its own building code inside Smithville city limits. The city code states a separate Building, Housing and Plumbing Department was established, and the zoning page directs permit questions to City Hall. City authority applies inside incorporated Smithville, not the unincorporated county.

Department: City of Smithville, Building Department / building, housing and plumbing officials
Address: 104 E. Main St., Smithville, TN 37166
Phone: (615) 597-4745
Email: Not publicly listed on the city site
Website: https://www.smithvillecityhall.com/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: N/A • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm the work is inside Smithville city limits and subject to city code.
Contact City Hall at (615) 597-4745 ext. 2 for rates and fees.
Review the Smithville zoning ordinance and any zoning map constraints.
Submit permit materials to the city for review and payment.
Obtain approval before starting work.
Keep the permit and approved documents on site during construction.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated

Source: City of Smithville, Building Department / building, housing and plumbing officials

General Requirements

Smithville adopted the International Building Code, and its zoning page says building permit rates apply. The city code also modified the code so accessory structures and fences require a permit.

Required Documents

Not fully itemized on the public city page. The city code and zoning materials indicate permit applications are tied to the zoning ordinance and building code review.

Permit validity: Not publicly stated in the city materials reviewed
Building code: International Building Code, 2000 edition, by Smithville city code; the city zoning page also references the Smithville zoning ordinance and permit rates. The MTAS code notes the building department was established by ordinance.
Owner-builder: Not publicly stated in the city materials reviewed
Contractor requirements: Not publicly stated on the city site reviewed

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Not publicly stated online; City Hall says to contact them for rates and fees
Plan check fee: Not publicly stated online
Permit fee formula: Not publicly stated online
Reinspection fee: Not publicly stated online
Payment note: Public page only says to contact City Hall for rates and fees

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Smithville, Building Department / building, housing and plumbing officials to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Not publicly stated online (online)

Inspection hours: Not publicly stated online
Time windows: Not publicly stated online

Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly stated online

Not publicly stated online

Additional Resources

Building code: International Building Code, 2000 edition, by Smithville city code; the city zoning page also references the Smithville zoning ordinance and permit rates. The MTAS code notes the building department was established by ordinance.
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 City of Smithville, Building Department / building, housing and plumbing officials before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smithville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Smithville, TN?: Smithville adopted the International Building Code, and its zoning page says building permit rates apply. The city code also modified the code so accessory structures and fences require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Smithville, TN?: The minimum permit fee is Not publicly stated online; City Hall says to contact them for rates and fees. Fees are calculated as: Not publicly stated online. Plan check fee: Not publicly stated online.
How do I apply for a building permit in Smithville, TN?: 1. Confirm the work is inside Smithville city limits and subject to city code. 2. Contact City Hall at (615) 597-4745 ext. 2 for rates and fees. 3. Review the Smithville zoning ordinance and any zoning map constraints. 4. Submit permit materials to the city for review and payment. 5. Obtain approval before starting work. 6. Keep the permit and approved documents on site during construction.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Smithville, TN?: Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.
What work is exempt from building permits in Smithville, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Publicly verified exemptions were not located in the city pages reviewed.; The city code specifically says accessory structures and fences require a permit, so they are not exempt in Smithville..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Smithville, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Not publicly stated online.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Smithville can be complicated.

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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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