On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Franklin County
Franklin County's planning and zoning materials cover building permits for unincorporated areas. The county application asks for new residence, commercial, and industrial permits and related project data.
Thin data. The county planning page reviewed did not publish a concise exempt-work list in the accessible text.
- Exempt Thin data. The county planning page reviewed did not publish a concise exempt-work list in the accessible text.
Required documents
- Copy of deed, site plan drawing, two sets of building plans or blueprints, proof of public water supply or well.
- Building code
- The county page links to standard building codes, but the specific edition was not displayed in the accessible text reviewed.
- Permit validity
- Not published on the reviewed pages.
- Owner-builder
- Not published on the reviewed pages.
- Contractor requirements
- The county application collects contractor names and contact details for general, framing, foundation, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors. State contractor licensing rules may apply by project size and type.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published.
- 01 Review zoning, floodplain, and building code requirements for the parcel.
- 02 Complete the county new residence/commercial/industrial application.
- 03 Attach deed, site plan drawing, two sets of building plans or blueprints, and proof of public water supply or well.
- 04 Submit the application for county review and permit processing.
- 05 Obtain approval and then begin work.
Typical processing time: Not published.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Franklin County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Residential single family up to 1,000 square feet is $250; mobile home is $250; accessory dwelling unit is $250.
02
Plan check fee
The fee schedule lists plot plan review at $400.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Residential and commercial fees are primarily square-foot based; some actions like rezoning, variances, and subdivision work are flat or per-lot.
04
Reinspection fee
Re-inspection fee is $50 for the first trip and $100 after the first trip. Fees are doubled if construction starts before obtaining a permit.
All fees are non-refundable.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Not clearly published. (phone)
- Inspection hours
- The planning page provides office location and general department information, but not a published inspection window in the reviewed text.
- Time windows
- The planning page provides office location and general department information, but not a published inspection window in the reviewed text.
Typical sequence: Not clearly published.
Reinspection fees are explicitly listed in the fee schedule, and fees double if construction starts before a permit is obtained.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Franklin County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, TN? ▸
Franklin County's planning and zoning materials cover building permits for unincorporated areas. The county application asks for new residence, commercial, and industrial permits and related project data.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Franklin County, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Franklin County, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Residential single family up to 1,000 square feet is $250; mobile home is $250; accessory dwelling unit is $250.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential and commercial fees are primarily square-foot based; some actions like rezoning, variances, and subdivision work are flat or per-lot.. Plan check fee: The fee schedule lists plot plan review at $400..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, TN, follow these steps: 1. Review zoning, floodplain, and building code requirements for the parcel. 2. Complete the county new residence/commercial/industrial application. 3. Attach deed, site plan drawing, two sets of building plans or blueprints, and proof of public water supply or well. 4. Submit the application for county review and permit processing. 5. Obtain approval and then begin work.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Franklin County, TN typically run Not published.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Franklin County, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Franklin County, TN. The following work is generally exempt: Thin data. The county planning page reviewed did not publish a concise exempt-work list in the accessible text.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, TN via: Not clearly published..
last verified April 2026
source Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/franklin/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.