Giles County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Giles County is not subject to countywide zoning. Building permit questions are routed through the County Clerk, while state residential permits may apply depending on exemption status.

Department

Giles County Clerk, with county and state routing as applicable

Address

222 W. Madison Street, Pulaski, TN 38478

Phone

931-363-1509

Email

carol.wade@tn.gov

Website

https://gilescountytn.gov/county-clerk/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project is a one- and two-family dwelling or townhouse subject to the state residential program, or whether another local or state route applies.
2. Check whether the property is inside any incorporated city limits. If it is not, the county clerk is the starting contact.
3. Create a CORE account if using the state residential permit system.
4. Purchase the permit online or through a local issue agent if available.
5. Request inspections through CORE or by email to the State Fire Marshal permit office.
6. Complete required foundation, framing/rough-in, and final inspections before project closeout.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated

Source: Giles County Clerk, with county and state routing as applicable

General Requirements

The county clerk says residential building permits are required for new residential buildings, additions, and renovations that increase square footage. The state residential program applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in areas without a local exemption or opt-out.

Required Documents

• Permit application through CORE, contractor registration verification, floodplain documentation if applicable, and any documentation requested by county or state reviewers.

Permit validity

Not publicly stated in the reviewed county page. State guidance indicates inspections and permit servicing occur through CORE.

Building code

The state residential program uses the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for applicable areas. Giles County itself has no countywide zoning.

Owner-builder

A homeowner may build a home if it will be the homeowner's residence and the homeowner has not received a homeowner permit in the prior 24 months.

Contractor requirements

Contractor registration verification is part of the state permitting process. State and local contractor licensing rules apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not stated in the county materials reviewed; state fees are based on estimated construction cost.

Plan check fee

Not separately stated in the reviewed materials.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based, based on estimated cost of construction.

Reinspection fee

One free reinspection is allowed if a required inspection is not passed the first time; each additional reinspection requires an additional fee.

Payment note

Permits are purchased online in CORE or at a local issue agent. The county clerk notes costs vary by actual expected construction cost and foundation type.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Giles County Clerk, with county and state routing as applicable to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Through CORE or by email to SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov. (phone)

Inspection hours

Not publicly stated.

Time windows

Not publicly stated.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation prior to pouring, framing/rough-in, then final inspection. Plumbing and mechanical systems are inspected at rough-in and final on permits purchased after October 1, 2011.

One free reinspection is available if a required inspection fails; additional reinspections are fee-based.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The state residential program uses the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for applicable areas. Giles County itself has no countywide zoning.
• 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

Giles County Building Permit FAQ

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

The county clerk says residential building permits are required for new residential buildings, additions, and renovations that increase square footage. The state residential program applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in areas without a local exemption or opt-out.

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

The minimum permit fee is Not stated in the county materials reviewed; state fees are based on estimated construction cost.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based, based on estimated cost of construction.. Plan check fee: Not separately stated in the reviewed materials..

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

1. Confirm whether the project is a one- and two-family dwelling or townhouse subject to the state residential program, or whether another local or state route applies. 2. Check whether the property is inside any incorporated city limits. If it is not, the county clerk is the starting contact. 3. Create a CORE account if using the state residential permit system. 4. Purchase the permit online or through a local issue agent if available. 5. Request inspections through CORE or by email to the State Fire Marshal permit office. 6. Complete required foundation, framing/rough-in, and final inspections before project closeout.

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

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require a state residential permit on the county clerk page.; Detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living purposes are also excluded from the state residential permit page.; Manufactured or modular home placement does not require a state residential permit unless custom site work is included..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Through CORE or by email to SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov..