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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Madison County
The county requires permits for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, demolitions, relocations, change of occupancy, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work.
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.
- 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.
Required documents
- Complete building plans and project documents; site plans, life safety plans, and trade drawings where applicable.
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly published in the reviewed public materials.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 Confirm the site is outside Jackson city limits and not otherwise exempted.
- 02 Review county permit, zoning, homeowner, and inspection guidance.
- 03 Assemble plans, site documents, and any outside agency approvals.
- 04 Submit the application through the Citizen Portal or the Building Department.
- 05 Pay the required fees.
- 06 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Madison County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$40 minimum in the residential additions/alterations/accessory building category and $40 minimum for commercial work under $50,000.
02
Plan check fee
$25 non-refundable processing fee plus valuation-based plan review fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed valuation-based and flat fee schedule.
04
Reinspection fee
$30 per occurrence.
Card payments carry a 3 percent or $2.00 convenience fee, whichever is greater.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Madison County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Madison County, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Madison County, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, TN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Madison County, TN typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Madison County, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Madison County, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Madison County, TN via: Online inspection request form and portal..
last verified April 2026
source Madison County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/madison/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Madison County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.