How much does a building permit cost in Russellville, TN?

The minimum permit fee is $10 permit issuance for plumbing, mechanical, or gas; $25 minimum for some structures; $50 demolition; $100 stormwater management permit.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed, mostly square-foot and unit based for building work, with flat charges for some administrative items and permits.. Plan check fee: Not separately published in the reviewed county materials..

How do I apply for a building permit in Russellville, TN?

1. Confirm whether the parcel is in Morristown city limits or in county jurisdiction. 2. Select the county application type and complete the form. 3. Attach required plans, septic approval, and contractor documentation. 4. Submit the completed packet to the county planning office by email or office process. 5. County staff reviews and issues the permit after all requirements are satisfied.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Russellville, TN?

Typical processing time is Not stated. County only says complete applications are issued quickly..

What work is exempt from building permits in Russellville, TN?

The following work is generally exempt: Renovation projects that do not affect the structure of the building, such as painting, cabinet replacement, and new flooring; Roof replacement or repair; Electrical work, with a note to contact the utility company; Tree houses, dog houses, and children's play equipment; Fences.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Russellville, TN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Office phone or voicemail; provide name, property address, phone number, and request..

City Building Permits

Russellville, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Hamblen County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

No separate Russellville building department or permit portal was identified in the public sources reviewed. Public routing appears to be through Hamblen County unless a parcel is inside Morristown city limits.

Department: Hamblen County Planning Commission, Office of Planning and Zoning
Address: 511 West Second North Street, Morristown, TN 37814
Phone: 423-581-1373
Email: planning@co.hamblen.tn.us
Website: https://www.hamblencountytn.gov/planning-and-zoning-applications/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: None publicly identified • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm whether the parcel is in Morristown city limits or in county jurisdiction.
Select the county application type and complete the form.
Attach required plans, septic approval, and contractor documentation.
Submit the completed packet to the county planning office by email or office process.
County staff reviews and issues the permit after all requirements are satisfied.

Typical processing time: Not stated. County only says complete applications are issued quickly.

Source: Hamblen County Planning Commission, Office of Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

County permit coverage applies to structures and installations, including new construction, accessory buildings, additions, decks, pools, mobile homes, modular homes, and utility-related work, unless a specific exemption applies.

Required Documents

Building permit application; site plan; floor plan; land disturbance form; septic approval when applicable; contractor licenses and insurance; plumber license documentation when applicable.

Permit validity: Not published in the reviewed county materials.
Building code: 2018 International Building Code.
Owner-builder: The residential checklist references an affidavit of exemption; no broader Russellville-specific owner-builder rule was located.
Contractor requirements: Same county requirements as other unincorporated Hamblen County areas.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $10 permit issuance for plumbing, mechanical, or gas; $25 minimum for some structures; $50 demolition; $100 stormwater management permit.
Plan check fee: Not separately published in the reviewed county materials.
Permit fee formula: Mixed, mostly square-foot and unit based for building work, with flat charges for some administrative items and permits.
Reinspection fee: Second failure fee is $25; work begun prior to permit is double fee; after-hours inspection fee is $20.
Payment note: No public online portal or e-payment workflow was identified in the reviewed sources.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Hamblen County Planning Commission, Office of Planning and Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Office phone or voicemail; provide name, property address, phone number, and request. (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Time windows: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Depends on permit type; the residential checklist shows inspections and inspection cards are part of issuance and closeout.

Two failed inspections add $25; after-hours inspections cost $20.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 International Building Code.
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 Hamblen County Planning Commission, Office of Planning and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Russellville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Russellville, TN?: County permit coverage applies to structures and installations, including new construction, accessory buildings, additions, decks, pools, mobile homes, modular homes, and utility-related work, unless a specific exemption applies.
How much does a building permit cost in Russellville, TN?: The minimum permit fee is $10 permit issuance for plumbing, mechanical, or gas; $25 minimum for some structures; $50 demolition; $100 stormwater management permit.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed, mostly square-foot and unit based for building work, with flat charges for some administrative items and permits.. Plan check fee: Not separately published in the reviewed county materials..
How do I apply for a building permit in Russellville, TN?: 1. Confirm whether the parcel is in Morristown city limits or in county jurisdiction. 2. Select the county application type and complete the form. 3. Attach required plans, septic approval, and contractor documentation. 4. Submit the completed packet to the county planning office by email or office process. 5. County staff reviews and issues the permit after all requirements are satisfied.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Russellville, TN?: Typical processing time is Not stated. County only says complete applications are issued quickly..
What work is exempt from building permits in Russellville, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Renovation projects that do not affect the structure of the building, such as painting, cabinet replacement, and new flooring; Roof replacement or repair; Electrical work, with a note to contact the utility company; Tree houses, dog houses, and children's play equipment; Fences.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Russellville, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Office phone or voicemail; provide name, property address, phone number, and request..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Russellville can be complicated.

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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.

Other cities in Hamblen County

Morristown Whitesburg Unincorporated Area

View all Hamblen County jurisdictions →