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

The minimum permit fee is $40 minimum for residential additions, alterations, accessory buildings, and fire restoration; $40 minimum for commercial work under $50,000.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed valuation-based and flat fee structure.. Plan check fee: $25 non-refundable processing fee plus valuation-based plan review fee..

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

1. Confirm the project is in Medon and under Madison County building jurisdiction. 2. Review county permit, homeowner, and license guidance. 3. Prepare the required plans and supporting documents. 4. Submit the permit application through the county portal or directly to the county Building Department. 5. Pay the applicable permit and plan review fees. 6. After approval, pull the permit and schedule inspections.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Same county exemption list applies in Medon, including small detached accessory structures under 200 square feet, fences under 7 feet, retaining walls under 4 feet, driveways, sidewalks, interior finish work, small decks, and other items listed on the county exemption page..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: County online inspection request process..

City Building Permits

Medon, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Madison County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Medon is a city, but the county construction guide states Madison County has jurisdiction over construction within the City of Medon. This means the county Building Department is the active permit authority for building code enforcement, not a separate Medon building office.

Department: Madison County Building Department
Address: 100 E Main St., Jackson, TN 38301
Phone: 731-988-3960
Email: buildingpermits@madisoncountytn.gov
Website: https://madisoncountytn.gov/76/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: CivicGov / Citizen Portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm the project is in Medon and under Madison County building jurisdiction.
Review county permit, homeowner, and license guidance.
Prepare the required plans and supporting documents.
Submit the permit application through the county portal or directly to the county Building Department.
Pay the applicable permit and plan review fees.
After approval, pull the permit and schedule inspections.

Typical processing time: Permit applications received after 2:30 pm are processed the following business day. Plan review response is targeted within 7 to 10 business days.

Source: Madison County Building Department

General Requirements

The county requires permits for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, change of occupancy, and regulated trade work. This applies in Medon because county jurisdiction covers the city for building code enforcement.

Required Documents

Complete building plans and supporting documents, with site plan and trade documents as needed.

Permit validity: Not clearly published in the reviewed public materials.
Building code: Same county adopted code set listed under the county section.
Owner-builder: County homeowner permit rules apply in Medon. A homeowner may act as their own contractor only for personal residence work not intended for sale, lease, or rent, with one homeowner permit every 2 years.
Contractor requirements: The county requires Tennessee licensing at the $25,000 threshold, with LLE, LLP, and EPA certification rules for smaller trade work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $40 minimum for residential additions, alterations, accessory buildings, and fire restoration; $40 minimum for commercial work under $50,000.
Plan check fee: $25 non-refundable processing fee plus valuation-based plan review fee.
Permit fee formula: Mixed valuation-based and flat fee structure.
Reinspection fee: $30 per occurrence.
Payment note: Card payments carry a 3 percent or $2.00 convenience fee, whichever is greater.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

County online inspection request process. (online)

Inspection hours: Requests must be turned in by 3:30 pm the day before the inspection is needed.
Time windows: Requests must be turned in by 3:30 pm the day before the inspection is needed.

Typical inspection sequence: County minimum sequence includes footing, foundation, slab, framing, insulation, and final inspections.

$30 per occurrence if an additional trip is needed.

Additional Resources

Building code: Same county adopted code set listed under the county section.
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 Madison County Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medon Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Medon, TN?: The county requires permits for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, change of occupancy, and regulated trade work. This applies in Medon because county jurisdiction covers the city for building code enforcement.
How much does a building permit cost in Medon, TN?: The minimum permit fee is $40 minimum for residential additions, alterations, accessory buildings, and fire restoration; $40 minimum for commercial work under $50,000.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed valuation-based and flat fee structure.. Plan check fee: $25 non-refundable processing fee plus valuation-based plan review fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Medon, TN?: 1. Confirm the project is in Medon and under Madison County building jurisdiction. 2. Review county permit, homeowner, and license guidance. 3. Prepare the required plans and supporting documents. 4. Submit the permit application through the county portal or directly to the county Building Department. 5. Pay the applicable permit and plan review fees. 6. After approval, pull the permit and schedule inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Medon, TN?: Typical processing time is Permit applications received after 2:30 pm are processed the following business day. Plan review response is targeted within 7 to 10 business days..
What work is exempt from building permits in Medon, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Same county exemption list applies in Medon, including small detached accessory structures under 200 square feet, fences under 7 feet, retaining walls under 4 feet, driveways, sidewalks, interior finish work, small decks, and other items listed on the county exemption page..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Medon, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: County online inspection request process..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Medon 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.

Other cities in Madison County

Jackson Denmark Beech Bluff Unincorporated Area

View all Madison County jurisdictions →