On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Jefferson County
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.
Structures used strictly for agricultural use only
Portable structures, as described by county FAQ, are generally outside the permit trigger for nonportable structures
- Exempt Structures used strictly for agricultural use only
- Exempt Portable structures, as described by county FAQ, are generally outside the permit trigger for nonportable structures
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.
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly stated in the public sources reviewed
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: A two-day waiting period for plan review is stated, but some plans may require more time
- 01 Identify whether the project needs a county permit.
- 02 Gather the required documents, including deed, survey or plat, septic approval, plans, and any driveway permit if applicable.
- 03 Submit the plans to the county Building Department for review.
- 04 Wait for the required review period, which is at least two days for some plans.
- 05 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Jefferson County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
For some work valued at $1,000 and less, no fee unless inspection is required, then $15 per inspection
02
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
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based by building type and mobile home schedule
04
Reinspection fee
Not separately listed in the summary sources reviewed; the fee schedule page should be consulted directly for specifics if needed
The county publishes a formal fee schedule and permit procedure PDF. Public pages do not show online payment for permits.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: County review first, then permit issuance, then inspections during construction and final approval as required
Not clearly published in the summary sources reviewed
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Jefferson County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN typically run A two-day waiting period for plan review is stated, but some plans may require more time. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jefferson County, TN via: Not clearly stated in the public sources reviewed.
last verified April 2026
source Jefferson County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/jefferson/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Jefferson County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.