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

The minimum permit fee is For some work valued at $1,000 and less, no fee unless inspection is required, then $15 per inspection. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based by building type and mobile home schedule. Plan check fee: Not clearly isolated as a separate standard fee in the public materials reviewed; plan review occurs as part of the permit process and some work is subject to fee review.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Structures used strictly for agricultural use only; Portable structures, as described by county FAQ, are generally outside the permit trigger for nonportable structures.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Not clearly stated in the public sources reviewed.

County Building Permits

Jefferson County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

This is the county permit authority for unincorporated Jefferson County and also the routing point when local town rules do not apply.

Department: Jefferson County Building Department
Address: 202 W. Main Street, Dandridge, TN 37725
Phone: 865-397-0640
Email: building@jeffersoncountytn.gov
Website: https://jeffersoncountytn.gov/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

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

Application Process

Identify whether the project needs a county permit.
Gather the required documents, including deed, survey or plat, septic approval, plans, and any driveway permit if applicable.
Submit the plans to the county Building Department for review.
Wait for the required review period, which is at least two days for some plans.
Pay the fee and receive the permit before starting work.

Typical processing time: A two-day waiting period for plan review is stated, but some plans may require more time

Source: Jefferson County Building Department

General Requirements

Any new structure or addition to an existing structure that is not portable, except structures used strictly for agricultural use only. The county FAQ also says permits are required for garages, new buildings, and additions.

Required Documents

Warranty deed, copy of survey or plat, septic permit approval or certificate of verification, two copies of plans or drawings, and a driveway permit from the Highway Department where applicable. Mobile homes require a bill of sale or floor plan depending on new or used status.

Permit validity: Not clearly stated in the public sources reviewed
Building code: 2012 International Residential Code for county residential work, with county FAQ also stating the county adopted the 2018 International Residential Codes on the public page. The public materials indicate county residential code adoption and county zoning/building procedures.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may obtain one permit every two years to build their own house and act as their own contractor. If a homeowner hires a contractor, the contractor must be licensed and obtain the permit.
Contractor requirements: State license, county license, liability insurance, workers comp insurance, and driver's license are requested by the county; anyone paid more than $25,000 is required to be licensed.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: For some work valued at $1,000 and less, no fee unless inspection is required, then $15 per inspection
Plan check fee: Not clearly isolated as a separate standard fee in the public materials reviewed; plan review occurs as part of the permit process and some work is subject to fee review
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based by building type and mobile home schedule
Reinspection fee: Not separately listed in the summary sources reviewed; the fee schedule page should be consulted directly for specifics if needed
Payment note: The county publishes a formal fee schedule and permit procedure PDF. Public pages do not show online payment for permits.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Jefferson County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Not clearly stated in the public sources reviewed (phone)

Inspection hours: County office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Time windows: County office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Typical inspection sequence: County review first, then permit issuance, then inspections during construction and final approval as required

Not clearly published in the summary sources reviewed

Additional Resources

Building code: 2012 International Residential Code for county residential work, with county FAQ also stating the county adopted the 2018 International Residential Codes on the public page. The public materials indicate county residential code adoption and county zoning/building procedures.
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 Jefferson County Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jefferson County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN?: Any new structure or addition to an existing structure that is not portable, except structures used strictly for agricultural use only. The county FAQ also says permits are required for garages, new buildings, and additions.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN?: The minimum permit fee is For some work valued at $1,000 and less, no fee unless inspection is required, then $15 per inspection. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based by building type and mobile home schedule. Plan check fee: Not clearly isolated as a separate standard fee in the public materials reviewed; plan review occurs as part of the permit process and some work is subject to fee review.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN?: 1. Identify whether the project needs a county permit. 2. Gather the required documents, including deed, survey or plat, septic approval, plans, and any driveway permit if applicable. 3. Submit the plans to the county Building Department for review. 4. Wait for the required review period, which is at least two days for some plans. 5. Pay the fee and receive the permit before starting work.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN?: Typical processing time is A two-day waiting period for plan review is stated, but some plans may require more time.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Structures used strictly for agricultural use only; Portable structures, as described by county FAQ, are generally outside the permit trigger for nonportable structures.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Not clearly stated in the public sources reviewed.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Jefferson County 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.

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