Dickson County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

This is the county's core permit jurisdiction. County public materials state that permits are issued by the county and that the building permit process applies to unincorporated Dickson County.

Department

Dickson County Planning, Zoning, and Codes Department

Address

Dickson County Administration Building, 4 Court Square, Charlotte, TN 37036

Phone

615-789-7003

Email

Not clearly published for permits on the public materials reviewed

Website

https://www.dicksoncountytn.gov/links.html

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project qualifies for a county permit and gather all required items.
2. Record the deed in the owner's name before applying.
3. Assemble the county packet, including septic or sewer proof, site plan, 911 address, and contractor documents if applicable.
4. Submit the application to the county planning, zoning, and codes office.
5. Pay the permit fee and adequate facilities tax, then obtain the permit before work starts.

Typical processing time: Not clearly stated in the public materials reviewed

Source: Dickson County Planning, Zoning, and Codes Department

General Requirements

County materials cover new construction and related permit-controlled work. The zoning resolution says a development permit is required before erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, moving, or using any building or structure, or commencing land filling, subject to the zoning rules.

Required Documents

• Recorded deed; septic permit or proof of sewer; site plan; 911 address; floodplain elevation data if applicable; contractor license and workers compensation proof if a contractor is used

Permit validity

Not clearly stated on the public materials reviewed

Building code

The county materials reviewed reference the adopted building code, but the specific edition was not isolated in the public text reviewed

Owner-builder

Permits are issued to the land owner or contractor only, and the deed must be recorded in the owner's name before the owner can apply

Contractor requirements

County materials require a copy of the contractor's license and proof of workers compensation insurance

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$24 for total valuation $1 to $500

Plan check fee

Not clearly published in the reviewed county fee sheet excerpt

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based fee schedule in tiers

Reinspection fee

Not clearly published in the reviewed county fee sheet excerpt

Payment note

The county fee sheet and adequate facilities tax notice indicate fees are due before permit issuance; adequate facilities tax is assessed on new construction

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Dickson County Planning, Zoning, and Codes Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Not clearly published (phone)

Inspection hours

Dickson County Administration Building hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Time windows

Dickson County Administration Building hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Zoning and permit review first, then inspections as required during the project

Not clearly published

Additional Resources

• Building code: The county materials reviewed reference the adopted building code, but the specific edition was not isolated in the public text reviewed
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dickson County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Dickson County, TN?

County materials cover new construction and related permit-controlled work. The zoning resolution says a development permit is required before erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, moving, or using any building or structure, or commencing land filling, subject to the zoning rules.

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

The minimum permit fee is $24 for total valuation $1 to $500. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fee schedule in tiers. Plan check fee: Not clearly published in the reviewed county fee sheet excerpt.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dickson County, TN?

1. Confirm the project qualifies for a county permit and gather all required items. 2. Record the deed in the owner's name before applying. 3. Assemble the county packet, including septic or sewer proof, site plan, 911 address, and contractor documents if applicable. 4. Submit the application to the county planning, zoning, and codes office. 5. Pay the permit fee and adequate facilities tax, then obtain the permit before work starts.

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

Typical processing time is Not clearly stated in the public materials reviewed.

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

The following work is generally exempt: The reviewed county materials did not provide a complete exempt-work list in the scraped text..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Not clearly published.