On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Denmark
Madison County requires permits for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, change of occupancy, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work. The county FAQ also says accessory structures over 200 square feet, new construction, additions, and many trade projects need permits.
One-story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less.
Fences not exceeding 7 feet high.
Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet high.
Water tanks supported directly on the ground under 5,000 gallons and within the stated height ratio.
Sidewalks and driveways.
Interior finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, and similar work.
Swings and other playground equipment.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches and need no additional support.
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.
Prefabricated swimming pools not exceeding 24 inches deep.
Temporary stage sets or scenery.
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems.
Non-fixed and movable fixtures not exceeding 5 feet 9 inches in height.
Certain electrical work is regulated and inspected by the State of Tennessee rather than the county.
Portable heating appliances, minor gas part replacements, and several portable or minor mechanical and plumbing items listed on the county exemption page.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less.
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet high.
- Exempt Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet high.
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on the ground under 5,000 gallons and within the stated height ratio.
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways.
- Exempt Interior finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, and similar work.
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment.
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches and need no additional support.
- Exempt Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools not exceeding 24 inches deep.
- Exempt Temporary stage sets or scenery.
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems.
- Exempt Non-fixed and movable fixtures not exceeding 5 feet 9 inches in height.
- Exempt Certain electrical work is regulated and inspected by the State of Tennessee rather than the county.
- Exempt Portable heating appliances, minor gas part replacements, and several portable or minor mechanical and plumbing items listed on the county exemption page.
Required documents
- The county guide calls for complete building plans with permit applications, including site plan, life safety plan, structural plans, floor plan, and trade plans as applicable. TDEC notice of coverage and health department approvals may be needed depending on the project.
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Fire Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2012 IRC Appendix G swimming pool code, 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, and 2017 ICC ANSI A117.1, with county amendments.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly published in the reviewed county materials.
- Owner-builder
- A homeowner may act as their own contractor if the home is for personal residence only, not for sale, lease, or rent. The homeowner permit rules limit issuance to one homeowner permit every 2 years.
- Contractor requirements
- For projects under $25,000, the county guide says LLE, LLP, or EPA certification rules apply by trade; at $25,000 or more, a state contractor license is required. The county also accepts the City of Jackson trade license for plumbing, gas, and mechanical work on projects under $25,000.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Permit applications received after 2:30 pm are processed the following business day. The county guide says plan reviews are first-come, first-served and the department strives to respond within 7 to 10 business days.
- 01 Confirm the project is in unincorporated Madison County and not inside Jackson or another separately governed area.
- 02 Check the county permit, homeowner, and exemption guidance.
- 03 Prepare plans and supporting documents, including site plans and other required drawings where applicable.
- 04 Submit the permit application through the county portal or through the Building Department.
- 05 If plans are required, pay the non-refundable processing fee and the applicable plan review fee.
- 06 Wait for review and approval, then obtain the permit.
- 07 Schedule inspections through the portal or inspection request process after work starts.
Typical processing time: Permit applications received after 2:30 pm are processed the following business day. The county guide says plan reviews are first-come, first-served and the department strives to respond within 7 to 10 business days.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Denmark building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Residential additions, alterations, accessory buildings, and fire restoration have a $40 minimum permit fee. Commercial work under $50,000 has a $40 minimum fee.
02
Plan check fee
A non-refundable $25 processing fee applies to all plan submittals. Plan review fees are also set on a valuation table.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. The county uses square-footage bands for new residential construction, valuation-based formulas for additions and commercial work, and flat fees for specific permit types such as pools, demolition, sign permits, and mobile homes.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee is $30 per occurrence for most permit types listed on the county fee page.
Credit or debit card transactions carry a 3 percent or $2.00 convenience fee, whichever is greater, collected by the card processor.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- County inspection requests are made through the online inspection request form or the portal process. (online)
- Inspection hours
- Requests must be turned in no later than 3:30 pm the day before the inspection is needed. Office hours for the Building Department are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays.
- Time windows
- Requests must be turned in no later than 3:30 pm the day before the inspection is needed. Office hours for the Building Department are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays.
Typical sequence: Minimum required inspections include footing, foundation, slab, floor joists and girders, framing, insulation, final building, and trade-specific inspections.
A reinspection can be requested if the project is not ready or another trip is needed, and the county fee page shows a $30 reinspection charge per occurrence.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Denmark permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Denmark, TN? ▸
Madison County requires permits for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, change of occupancy, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work. The county FAQ also says accessory structures over 200 square feet, new construction, additions, and many trade projects need permits.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Denmark, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in Denmark, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Residential additions, alterations, accessory buildings, and fire restoration have a $40 minimum permit fee. Commercial work under $50,000 has a $40 minimum fee.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. The county uses square-footage bands for new residential construction, valuation-based formulas for additions and commercial work, and flat fees for specific permit types such as pools, demolition, sign permits, and mobile homes.. Plan check fee: A non-refundable $25 processing fee applies to all plan submittals. Plan review fees are also set on a valuation table..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Denmark, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Denmark, TN, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the project is in unincorporated Madison County and not inside Jackson or another separately governed area. 2. Check the county permit, homeowner, and exemption guidance. 3. Prepare plans and supporting documents, including site plans and other required drawings where applicable. 4. Submit the permit application through the county portal or through the Building Department. 5. If plans are required, pay the non-refundable processing fee and the applicable plan review fee. 6. Wait for review and approval, then obtain the permit. 7. Schedule inspections through the portal or inspection request process after work starts.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Denmark, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Denmark, TN typically run Permit applications received after 2:30 pm are processed the following business day. The county guide says plan reviews are first-come, first-served and the department strives to respond within 7 to 10 business days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Denmark, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Denmark, TN. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less.; Fences not exceeding 7 feet high.; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet high.; Water tanks supported directly on the ground under 5,000 gallons and within the stated height ratio.; Sidewalks and driveways.; Interior finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, and similar work.; Swings and other playground equipment.; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches and need no additional support.; Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.; Prefabricated swimming pools not exceeding 24 inches deep.; Temporary stage sets or scenery.; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems.; Non-fixed and movable fixtures not exceeding 5 feet 9 inches in height.; Certain electrical work is regulated and inspected by the State of Tennessee rather than the county.; Portable heating appliances, minor gas part replacements, and several portable or minor mechanical and plumbing items listed on the county exemption page.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Denmark, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Denmark, TN via: County inspection requests are made through the online inspection request form or the portal process..
last verified April 2026
source Madison County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/madison/denmark
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Madison County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.