Marion County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Marion County only. The county FAQ explicitly says incorporated cities are permitted through their city governments, not the county.

Department

Marion County Building and Planning Office

Address

24 Courthouse Square, Minter Building, Suite 105, Jasper, TN 37347

Phone

(423) 942-8019

Email

gyeargan@marioncountytn.net

Website

https://marioncountytn.net/planning-building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Marion County and not inside Jasper, South Pittsburg, Kimball, Whitwell, or another incorporated city.
2. Gather septic approval or receipt, tax map and parcel number, 911 address, and two sets of drawings or blueprints.
3. Complete the county building permit application.
4. Submit the application to the Building and Planning Office.
5. Pick up the permit, pay the fee, and keep the stamped plans on the job site.
6. Schedule inspections by calling the Building Office during business hours.

Typical processing time: Normally permit available in 24 to 48 hours after submission, according to the county procedures packet

Source: Marion County Building and Planning Office

General Requirements

The county permits all residential structures, including storage buildings, detached garages, metal buildings, pole barns, decks, in-ground pools, cell towers, roof-mounted solar panels, mobile homes, and demolitions. The county also issues commercial, mechanical, and plumbing permits through the same office.

Required Documents

• Septic application or septic verification, two sets of blueprints or drawings to scale, tax map and parcel number, 911 address, and soil or flood documentation where applicable. The county FAQ also notes a FEMA base elevation certificate is required in flood zones at permit submission.

Permit validity

Not publicly stated in the sources reviewed

Building code

2012 editions of the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Property Maintenance Code, and International Residential Code.

Owner-builder

Yes. The county publishes an owner/builder agreement and a homeowner process in its building packet.

Contractor requirements

The county packet directs users to the state contractor verification site and states that state licensed general contractors are used where required. The procedures packet also says mobile homes must be installed by a licensed Tennessee installer.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not publicly stated

Plan check fee

Not publicly stated

Permit fee formula

Not publicly stated in the sources reviewed

Reinspection fee

Not publicly stated in the sources reviewed

Payment note

Permit payment is due when the permit is picked up, according to the procedures packet

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Marion County Building and Planning Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• By phone at (423) 942-8019 (phone)

Inspection hours

Inspections are scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST

Time windows

Inspections are scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST

Typical inspection sequence: Footings, foundation, rough-in, final

The public packet reviewed does not publish a reinspection fee schedule

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2012 editions of the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Property Maintenance Code, and International Residential Code.
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Marion County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, TN?

The county permits all residential structures, including storage buildings, detached garages, metal buildings, pole barns, decks, in-ground pools, cell towers, roof-mounted solar panels, mobile homes, and demolitions. The county also issues commercial, mechanical, and plumbing permits through the same office.

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

The minimum permit fee is Not publicly stated. Fees are calculated as: Not publicly stated in the sources reviewed. Plan check fee: Not publicly stated.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, TN?

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Marion County and not inside Jasper, South Pittsburg, Kimball, Whitwell, or another incorporated city. 2. Gather septic approval or receipt, tax map and parcel number, 911 address, and two sets of drawings or blueprints. 3. Complete the county building permit application. 4. Submit the application to the Building and Planning Office. 5. Pick up the permit, pay the fee, and keep the stamped plans on the job site. 6. Schedule inspections by calling the Building Office during business hours.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, TN?

Typical processing time is Normally permit available in 24 to 48 hours after submission, according to the county procedures packet.

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

The following work is generally exempt: The county packet does not publish a broad exempt-work list on the pages reviewed; Electrical permits are handled separately by the State of Tennessee.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: By phone at (423) 942-8019.