How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?

The minimum permit fee is Not a minimum flat fee; county uses square-foot based fees. Fees are calculated as: Square-foot based. Plan check fee: Included in the county fees, according to the public page.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached garages, sheds, barns, decks, and pole barns that are not occupied or conditioned; Agricultural buildings used solely for farm purposes may be exempt; If a structure is insulated, heated, cooled, or occupied, a permit is required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Not publicly stated.

County Building Permits

Dekalb County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

This is the county permit authority for the county's unincorporated areas. The county page says DeKalb County does not have countywide zoning regulations.

Department: DeKalb County Building Department
Address: 1 South Public Square, Smithville, TN 37166
Phone: (615) 215-2633 for Monday and Tuesday; (931) 256-1524 for permitting and general inquiries Wednesday through Friday
Email: dekalb.inspector@outlook.com
Website: https://www.dekalbtennessee.com/building-department.html

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: County web intake with linked permit application form • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm the property is in unincorporated DeKalb County and not inside Smithville, Alexandria, Liberty, or another municipality.
Gather the site plan, water source, septic or sewer verification, construction plans, proof of ownership, and contractor information if applicable.
Submit the county permit application.
Wait for review and any required correction cycle.
Obtain the permit before starting work.
Keep the permit and approved plans on site and call for inspections at required stages.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated

Source: DeKalb County Building Department

General Requirements

County page says permits are required before work begins. Required submittals include site plan, potable water source, septic approval or sewer verification, construction plans, and proof of ownership.

Required Documents

Site plan, potable water source, septic approval or sewer verification, construction plans, proof of property ownership, owner and contractor information, and contractor license and insurance if applicable.

Permit validity: Any issued permit becomes null and void if substantial work does not commence within six months or if work is suspended or abandoned for six months after starting, per the county application form.
Building code: County page does not list a single code title on the public summary page reviewed. The county notes that all structures must comply with applicable building codes and setback requirements where applicable.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may perform work on their primary residence once every two years, subject to verification and applicable law.
Contractor requirements: If total value exceeds $25,000, the work must be performed by a licensed contractor, as required by state law.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Not a minimum flat fee; county uses square-foot based fees
Plan check fee: Included in the county fees, according to the public page
Permit fee formula: Square-foot based
Reinspection fee: The public page says the calculated fees include all required inspections, up to 3 re-inspections and plan reviews
Payment note: Public page does not describe payment methods

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the DeKalb County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Not publicly stated (phone)

Inspection hours: The county lists inspector hours for general inquiries and permitting, but not a formal inspection schedule on the public page
Time windows: The county lists inspector hours for general inquiries and permitting, but not a formal inspection schedule on the public page

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, framing, rough-in, and final inspections may be required

Fees include up to 3 re-inspections under the county fee summary

Additional Resources

Building code: County page does not list a single code title on the public summary page reviewed. The county notes that all structures must comply with applicable building codes and setback requirements where applicable.
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 DeKalb County Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dekalb County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?: County page says permits are required before work begins. Required submittals include site plan, potable water source, septic approval or sewer verification, construction plans, and proof of ownership.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?: The minimum permit fee is Not a minimum flat fee; county uses square-foot based fees. Fees are calculated as: Square-foot based. Plan check fee: Included in the county fees, according to the public page.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?: 1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated DeKalb County and not inside Smithville, Alexandria, Liberty, or another municipality. 2. Gather the site plan, water source, septic or sewer verification, construction plans, proof of ownership, and contractor information if applicable. 3. Submit the county permit application. 4. Wait for review and any required correction cycle. 5. Obtain the permit before starting work. 6. Keep the permit and approved plans on site and call for inspections at required stages.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?: Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Detached garages, sheds, barns, decks, and pole barns that are not occupied or conditioned; Agricultural buildings used solely for farm purposes may be exempt; If a structure is insulated, heated, cooled, or occupied, a permit is required.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Dekalb County, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Not publicly stated.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Dekalb County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

← Back to Dekalb County permit guides