Russellville, TN — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Hamblen County Planning Commission, Office of Planning and Zoning

Street address

511 West Second North Street, Morristown, TN 37814

Phone

423-581-1373

planning@co.hamblen.tn.us

Coverage

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.

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Russellville

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Renovation projects that do not affect the structure of the building, such as painting, cabinet replacement, and new flooring

Exempt

Roof replacement or repair

Exempt

Electrical work, with a note to contact the utility company

Exempt

Tree houses, dog houses, and children's play equipment

Exempt

Fences

Exempt

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

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.

Building code: 2018 International Building Code.
Permit validity: Not published in the reviewed county materials.
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.

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Confirm whether the parcel is in Morristown city limits or in county jurisdiction.
02

Select the county application type and complete the form.
03

Attach required plans, septic approval, and contractor documentation.
04

Submit the completed packet to the county planning office by email or office process.
05

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Russellville building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

No public online portal or e-payment workflow was identified in the reviewed sources.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 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.

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Russellville permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Russellville, TN? ▸

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

Building permit fees in Russellville, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

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

To apply for a building permit in Russellville, TN, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in Russellville, TN typically run Not stated. County only says complete applications are issued quickly.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Russellville, TN via: Office phone or voicemail; provide name, property address, phone number, and request..

last verified April 2026 source Hamblen County Planning Commission, Office of Planning and Zoning ↗ entry id permits/tennessee/hamblen/russellville

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hamblen County Planning Commission, Office of Planning and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Russellville

Other jurisdictions in Hamblen County.