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

The minimum permit fee is Publicly cited minimum fee of $15 for certain sign permits; a general building permit minimum was not clearly published. Fees are calculated as: The public ordinance references the Standard Building Code rate schedule for sign permits; general building permit fee details were not located on the city pages. Plan check fee: Not publicly stated.

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

1. Confirm the project is inside Lexington city limits. 2. Review applicable zoning, flood, site plan, subdivision, and building code requirements. 3. Complete the Building Permit Application. 4. Submit plans and supporting documents to Building and Planning for review. 5. Obtain approvals from any other city reviewers if required. 6. Receive the permit before starting work.

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

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Sign maintenance that prolongs the life of the sign; Exempt signs listed in the zoning ordinance, including small identification signs, flags, signs inside buildings or windows, public notices, historical markers, holiday decor signs, and no trespassing or no dumping signs.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Not publicly stated.

City Building Permits

Lexington, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Henderson County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City limits of Lexington; the city also enforces zoning, flood, sign, site plan, and subdivision regulations.

Department: City of Lexington Building and Planning Department / Planning and Codes
Address: 33 First Street, Lexington, TN 38351
Phone: (731) 968-7091
Email: Not publicly listed on the building and planning page
Website: https://www.lexingtontn.gov/bldg_inspector.html

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

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

Application Process

Confirm the project is inside Lexington city limits.
Review applicable zoning, flood, site plan, subdivision, and building code requirements.
Complete the Building Permit Application.
Submit plans and supporting documents to Building and Planning for review.
Obtain approvals from any other city reviewers if required.
Receive the permit before starting work.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated

Source: City of Lexington Building and Planning Department / Planning and Codes

General Requirements

Lexington states a permit is needed for building construction that must comply with city codes and ordinances; the public page routes new construction, additions, and other work through Building and Planning. The zoning ordinance also requires permits before sign work and before site plan approval in specified cases.

Required Documents

Building Permit Application; site plan or dimensional plan as required; any other documents needed for zoning, subdivision, flood, or sign review.

Permit validity: Sign permits become void if work is not completed within six months; the general building permit expiration rule was not clearly published on the public page.
Building code: 2024 International Building Code, 2024 International Residential Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Plumbing Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, 2024 International Fire Code.
Owner-builder: Not clearly published on the public page.
Contractor requirements: The city links to Tennessee contractor lookup and follows state contractor rules; license and insurance status may be required depending on project type and value.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Publicly cited minimum fee of $15 for certain sign permits; a general building permit minimum was not clearly published
Plan check fee: Not publicly stated
Permit fee formula: The public ordinance references the Standard Building Code rate schedule for sign permits; general building permit fee details were not located on the city pages
Reinspection fee: Not publicly stated
Payment note: Not publicly stated

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Lexington Building and Planning Department / Planning and Codes to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Not publicly stated (phone)

Inspection hours: Planning and Codes office hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Time windows: Planning and Codes office hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm

Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly stated on the building page

Not publicly stated

Additional Resources

Building code: 2024 International Building Code, 2024 International Residential Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Plumbing Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, 2024 International Fire 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 City of Lexington Building and Planning Department / Planning and Codes before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Lexington, TN?: Lexington states a permit is needed for building construction that must comply with city codes and ordinances; the public page routes new construction, additions, and other work through Building and Planning. The zoning ordinance also requires permits before sign work and before site plan approval in specified cases.
How much does a building permit cost in Lexington, TN?: The minimum permit fee is Publicly cited minimum fee of $15 for certain sign permits; a general building permit minimum was not clearly published. Fees are calculated as: The public ordinance references the Standard Building Code rate schedule for sign permits; general building permit fee details were not located on the city pages. Plan check fee: Not publicly stated.
How do I apply for a building permit in Lexington, TN?: 1. Confirm the project is inside Lexington city limits. 2. Review applicable zoning, flood, site plan, subdivision, and building code requirements. 3. Complete the Building Permit Application. 4. Submit plans and supporting documents to Building and Planning for review. 5. Obtain approvals from any other city reviewers if required. 6. Receive the permit before starting work.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Lexington, TN?: Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.
What work is exempt from building permits in Lexington, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Sign maintenance that prolongs the life of the sign; Exempt signs listed in the zoning ordinance, including small identification signs, flags, signs inside buildings or windows, public notices, historical markers, holiday decor signs, and no trespassing or no dumping signs.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Lexington, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Not publicly stated.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Lexington 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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