On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Marion County
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.
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
- Exempt The county packet does not publish a broad exempt-work list on the pages reviewed
- Exempt Electrical permits are handled separately by the State of Tennessee
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.
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated in the sources reviewed
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Normally permit available in 24 to 48 hours after submission, according to the county procedures packet
- 01 Confirm the property is in unincorporated Marion County and not inside Jasper, South Pittsburg, Kimball, Whitwell, or another incorporated city.
- 02 Gather septic approval or receipt, tax map and parcel number, 911 address, and two sets of drawings or blueprints.
- 03 Complete the county building permit application.
- 04 Submit the application to the Building and Planning Office.
- 05 Pick up the permit, pay the fee, and keep the stamped plans on the job site.
- 06 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Marion County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not publicly stated
02
Plan check fee
Not publicly stated
03
Permit fee formula
Not publicly stated in the sources reviewed
04
Reinspection fee
Not publicly stated in the sources reviewed
Permit payment is due when the permit is picked up, according to the procedures packet
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Footings, foundation, rough-in, final
The public packet reviewed does not publish a reinspection fee schedule
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Marion County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Marion County, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Marion County, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, TN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Marion County, TN typically run Normally permit available in 24 to 48 hours after submission, according to the county procedures packet. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Marion County, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Marion County, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Marion County, TN via: By phone at (423) 942-8019.
last verified April 2026
source Marion County Building and Planning Office ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/marion/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Marion County Building and Planning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.