Hawkins County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Hawkins County itself states it does not issue building permits, has no zoning restrictions, and has no code enforcement. For unincorporated Hawkins County, residential building permits are issued through the state program.

Department

State of Tennessee, Department of Commerce and Insurance, State Fire Marshal's Office, Residential Building Code Enforcement Program

Address

500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243-0565

Phone

(615) 741-7170

Email

SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov

Website

https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/residential-permits.html

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is a one- and two-family dwelling or townhouse project that falls under the state residential program.
2. Verify that the site is in unincorporated Hawkins County and not within a city permit jurisdiction.
3. Purchase the residential permit through CORE or through a local issuing agent if applicable.
4. Post the permit on site during construction.
5. Request inspections through CORE or by emailing the state permit office.
6. Receive final inspection and close out the permit.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated

Source: State of Tennessee, Department of Commerce and Insurance, State Fire Marshal's Office, Residential Building Code Enforcement Program

General Requirements

New residential construction in unincorporated Hawkins County for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. The state page also states additions over 30 square feet to existing homes require a permit.

Required Documents

• CORE account information, permit application data, construction valuation, and project details; state pages also note contractor licensure is verified during permitting

Permit validity

Permits are valid for two years or until certificate of occupancy, whichever comes first

Building code

2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for the current residential permit program page

Owner-builder

A property owner may build one home every 24 months for their own residence only, not for sale, lease, or rent

Contractor requirements

The state verifies contractor licensure during permitting; contractors must be appropriately licensed under Tennessee rules, and owner-builder rules are limited

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100 for up to $5,000 in estimated construction cost

Plan check fee

Not separately published on the page reviewed

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based; $100 up to $5,000, $350 for up to $100,000, then $50 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof

Reinspection fee

First failed inspection gets one free reinspection; subsequent re-inspections are $100 each

Payment note

Permit fees are paid through the state permit system or issuing agent; residential permit page says permit purchase and servicing are done through CORE

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the State of Tennessee, Department of Commerce and Insurance, State Fire Marshal's Office, Residential Building Code Enforcement Program to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Request inspections in CORE or email SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the permit number and ready date (phone)

Inspection hours

Not publicly stated

Time windows

Not publicly stated

Typical inspection sequence: Permit purchase, inspections by contract inspectors, final inspection, and certificate of occupancy

One free reinspection after a failed inspection; later reinspections cost $100

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for the current residential permit program page
• 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

Hawkins County Building Permit FAQ

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

New residential construction in unincorporated Hawkins County for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. The state page also states additions over 30 square feet to existing homes require a permit.

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

The minimum permit fee is $100 for up to $5,000 in estimated construction cost. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; $100 up to $5,000, $350 for up to $100,000, then $50 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof. Plan check fee: Not separately published on the page reviewed.

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

1. Confirm the project is a one- and two-family dwelling or townhouse project that falls under the state residential program. 2. Verify that the site is in unincorporated Hawkins County and not within a city permit jurisdiction. 3. Purchase the residential permit through CORE or through a local issuing agent if applicable. 4. Post the permit on site during construction. 5. Request inspections through CORE or by emailing the state permit office. 6. Receive final inspection and close out the permit.

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

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Detached garages; Sheds; Barns; Other detached structures not used for living purposes.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Request inspections in CORE or email SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the permit number and ready date.