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

The minimum permit fee is $40 minimum in the residential additions/alterations/accessory building category and $40 minimum for commercial work under $50,000.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed valuation-based and flat fee schedule.. Plan check fee: $25 non-refundable processing fee plus valuation-based plan review fee..

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

The following work is generally exempt: County residential exemption list includes small detached accessory structures under 200 square feet, fences under 7 feet, retaining walls under 4 feet, water tanks on grade under 5,000 gallons, sidewalks and driveways, interior finish work, swings and playground equipment, qualifying window awnings, qualifying small decks, prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep, temporary stage sets, shade cloth nursery/agricultural structures, and movable fixtures under 5 feet 9 inches..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online inspection request form and portal..

County Building Permits

Madison County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

This is the countywide permit authority for unincorporated Madison County. The county guide states the Madison County Building Department has jurisdiction over construction within Madison County, excluding Jackson and federally owned buildings.

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 site is outside Jackson city limits and not otherwise exempted.
Review county permit, zoning, homeowner, and inspection guidance.
Assemble plans, site documents, and any outside agency approvals.
Submit the application through the Citizen Portal or the Building Department.
Pay the required fees.
Receive permit approval and proceed with inspections.

Typical processing time: Permit applications received after 2:30 pm are processed on 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 new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, demolitions, relocations, change of occupancy, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Required Documents

Complete building plans and project documents; site plans, life safety plans, and trade drawings where applicable.

Permit validity: Not clearly published in the reviewed public materials.
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, 2017 ICC ANSI A117.1, and county amendments.
Owner-builder: A homeowner may act as their own contractor for a personal residence that is not for sale, lease, or rent, and only one homeowner permit may be issued every 2 years.
Contractor requirements: The county says projects under $25,000 may use trade-specific LLE, LLP, or EPA certification rules, while projects at $25,000 or more require a Tennessee contractor license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $40 minimum in the residential additions/alterations/accessory building category and $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 schedule.
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

Online inspection request form and portal. (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: Footing, foundation, slab, floor joists and girders, framing, insulation, and final inspections, with trade-specific inspections as applicable.

The county charges $30 per occurrence for reinspection in the fee schedule.

Additional Resources

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, 2017 ICC ANSI A117.1, and county amendments.
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

Madison County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, TN?: The county requires permits for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, demolitions, relocations, change of occupancy, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Madison County, TN?: The minimum permit fee is $40 minimum in the residential additions/alterations/accessory building category and $40 minimum for commercial work under $50,000.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed valuation-based and flat fee schedule.. Plan check fee: $25 non-refundable processing fee plus valuation-based plan review fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, TN?: 1. Confirm the site is outside Jackson city limits and not otherwise exempted. 2. Review county permit, zoning, homeowner, and inspection guidance. 3. Assemble plans, site documents, and any outside agency approvals. 4. Submit the application through the Citizen Portal or the Building Department. 5. Pay the required fees. 6. Receive permit approval and proceed with inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, TN?: Typical processing time is Permit applications received after 2:30 pm are processed on the following business day. Plan review response is targeted within 7 to 10 business days..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Madison County, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: County residential exemption list includes small detached accessory structures under 200 square feet, fences under 7 feet, retaining walls under 4 feet, water tanks on grade under 5,000 gallons, sidewalks and driveways, interior finish work, swings and playground equipment, qualifying window awnings, qualifying small decks, prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep, temporary stage sets, shade cloth nursery/agricultural structures, and movable fixtures under 5 feet 9 inches..
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Madison County, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Online inspection request form and portal..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Madison County 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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