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

The minimum permit fee is Older county fee schedule shows $35.00 for projects from $0 to $2,000 and specific flat fees such as $50.00 for portable accessory buildings. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule, with valuation bands and flat fees by permit type. Plan check fee: Not clearly published in the reviewed county sources.

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

Typical processing time is No general turnaround estimate was published on the reviewed county page..

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

The following work is generally exempt: The zoning resolution states no building permit is required for the erection, construction, or reconstruction of any building or other structure on land devoted to agriculture uses or used for agriculture purposes.; County materials also indicate some small accessory structures and other ordinance-defined exemptions may apply, but the reviewed page did not publish one short consolidated exempt-work list..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: County office contact by phone; the reviewed page does not publish a separate online inspection-scheduling system.

County Building Permits

Greene County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

This is the county permitting office for unincorporated Greene County. Incorporated cities such as Greeneville, Tusculum, Baileyton, and Mosheim handle their own building permits inside their municipal limits.

Department: Greene County Board of Zoning / Building Commissioner; Building Official Tim Tweed
Address: 401 Takoma Ave, Suite 102, Greeneville, TN 37743
Phone: 423-798-1724
Email: kmorrison@greenecountytn.gov for the county planning/building permits page , no direct building-office email was published on the reviewed page
Website: https://www.greenecountytngov.com/board-of-zoning-building-commissioner/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: iWorQ permit portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm the property is in unincorporated Greene County and not inside a city.
Gather the required application information: owner name, applicant name, phone number, 911 address, subdivision plat if applicable, and a site plan, drawing, or sketch showing dimensions and layout.
Stake the property lines and proposed structure locations as required before application.
Submit the application through the county office or permit portal.
Provide contractor license, workers compensation, and Greene County business license documents if a contractor is pulling the permit.
Permit is issued on site when the initial inspection is completed and the application is approved.

Typical processing time: No general turnaround estimate was published on the reviewed county page.

Source: Greene County Board of Zoning / Building Commissioner; Building Official Tim Tweed

General Requirements

The county issues building permits for work in unincorporated Greene County. The zoning resolution requires a building permit before construction, alteration, moving, or other regulated work on buildings and accessory buildings, except for agricultural uses on land devoted to agriculture.

Required Documents

Owner name, applicant name, telephone number, 911 address, approved subdivision plat if property has been divided, site plan or sketch with dimensions and layout, and any additional information requested by the Building Official.

Permit validity: The reviewed county pages do not publish a single clear expiration rule for all permits.
Building code: Greene County has adopted the 2018 Edition of the International Building Code and the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Code with Appendix J.
Owner-builder: Not publicly stated on the reviewed county pages.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must provide an updated Tennessee contractor license, updated workers compensation insurance papers, and a current Greene County business license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Older county fee schedule shows $35.00 for projects from $0 to $2,000 and specific flat fees such as $50.00 for portable accessory buildings
Plan check fee: Not clearly published in the reviewed county sources
Permit fee formula: Mixed schedule, with valuation bands and flat fees by permit type
Reinspection fee: The county zoning resolution includes civil and criminal penalties for violations, but a standard published reinspection fee was not clearly surfaced on the reviewed pages
Payment note: Cash or check is accepted for the application amount according to the permit page

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Greene County Board of Zoning / Building Commissioner; Building Official Tim Tweed to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

County office contact by phone; the reviewed page does not publish a separate online inspection-scheduling system (online)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Time windows: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Zoning inspection, footer inspection, slab inspection, rough-in inspection, energy inspection, final inspection, then certificate of occupancy

The county page says permits are issued on site when the initial inspection is completed and the application is approved; the reviewed pages do not publish a separate reinspection fee line

Additional Resources

Building code: Greene County has adopted the 2018 Edition of the International Building Code and the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Code with Appendix J.
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 Greene County Board of Zoning / Building Commissioner; Building Official Tim Tweed before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greene County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Greene County, TN?: The county issues building permits for work in unincorporated Greene County. The zoning resolution requires a building permit before construction, alteration, moving, or other regulated work on buildings and accessory buildings, except for agricultural uses on land devoted to agriculture.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Greene County, TN?: The minimum permit fee is Older county fee schedule shows $35.00 for projects from $0 to $2,000 and specific flat fees such as $50.00 for portable accessory buildings. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule, with valuation bands and flat fees by permit type. Plan check fee: Not clearly published in the reviewed county sources.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Greene County, TN?: 1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Greene County and not inside a city. 2. Gather the required application information: owner name, applicant name, phone number, 911 address, subdivision plat if applicable, and a site plan, drawing, or sketch showing dimensions and layout. 3. Stake the property lines and proposed structure locations as required before application. 4. Submit the application through the county office or permit portal. 5. Provide contractor license, workers compensation, and Greene County business license documents if a contractor is pulling the permit. 6. Permit is issued on site when the initial inspection is completed and the application is approved.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Greene County, TN?: Typical processing time is No general turnaround estimate was published on the reviewed county page..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Greene County, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: The zoning resolution states no building permit is required for the erection, construction, or reconstruction of any building or other structure on land devoted to agriculture uses or used for agriculture purposes.; County materials also indicate some small accessory structures and other ordinance-defined exemptions may apply, but the reviewed page did not publish one short consolidated exempt-work list..
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Greene County, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: County office contact by phone; the reviewed page does not publish a separate online inspection-scheduling system.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Greene 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.

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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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