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

The minimum permit fee is Building-code minimum fee on record is $1.50 for an inspection under the adopted code amendments; the public page does not show a modern flat minimum permit fee table. Fees are calculated as: The code amends the building-code fee schedule to one-half of the code book schedule. Electrical and gas fees are also set by code. Public web pages do not expose a current consolidated fee table.. Plan check fee: Not publicly posted.

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

1. Confirm zoning and code applicability with the Building Inspector / City Planning Office. 2. Prepare the building application and supporting site plan or sketch. 3. Submit the application to the city office for review. 4. Pay required permit fees after the application is reviewed. 5. Obtain the permit before starting regulated work. 6. Schedule required inspections through the city office during construction. 7. Receive final approval and any occupancy documentation required by the city.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Selmer, TN?

Typical processing time is Not publicly posted.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Minor electrical repairs that do not involve new wire, conduit, machinery, apparatus, or other electrical devices generally requiring an electrician; Gas appliance setting or connecting other than the specific permit-triggering items named in the gas code; Repair of leaks in house gas piping.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the Building Inspector / City Planning Office.

City Building Permits

Selmer, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Mcnairy County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City authority applies within the Selmer city limits. Selmer has its own municipal building and zoning administration; state residential permit routing is not the primary path for new residential construction inside the city.

Department: Town of Selmer, Building Inspector / City Planning Office
Address: 144 North 2nd St, Selmer, TN 38375
Phone: 731-645-3241
Email: brandon.vaughan@selmer.gov
Website: https://www.townofselmer.com/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: Town website department page, not a third-party permit portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm zoning and code applicability with the Building Inspector / City Planning Office.
Prepare the building application and supporting site plan or sketch.
Submit the application to the city office for review.
Pay required permit fees after the application is reviewed.
Obtain the permit before starting regulated work.
Schedule required inspections through the city office during construction.
Receive final approval and any occupancy documentation required by the city.

Typical processing time: Not publicly posted

Source: Town of Selmer, Building Inspector / City Planning Office

General Requirements

Selmer code states that a building code is adopted and permits are issued under that code; electrical work also requires a permit unless it is minor repair not involving new wire, conduit, machinery, apparatus, or other electrical devices. The municipal code also adopts zoning rules and a building permit is required for regulated construction and alterations.

Required Documents

Publicly visible forms page for building, flood plane, sign permit, zoning map, and municipal codes; the city code requires a building application and supporting information for permit review. For zoning actions, the ordinance requires a dimensional sketch or scale plan.

Permit validity: Selmer code says the building permit becomes void six months from issuance unless substantial progress has been made.
Building code: Selmer adopts the 2009 International Building Code and 2009 International Residential Code, with local modifications. Electrical, plumbing, gas, and energy codes are also adopted in Title 12.
Owner-builder: No Selmer-specific owner-builder rule was found on the public pages reviewed. Use Tennessee contractor licensing rules for projects above the state threshold.
Contractor requirements: Tennessee contractor licensing rules apply. For owner-builders, state guidance allows a property owner to construct one single residence every two years for personal use, not for resale, lease, or rent; if hired work exceeds $25,000, licensing rules apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Building-code minimum fee on record is $1.50 for an inspection under the adopted code amendments; the public page does not show a modern flat minimum permit fee table
Plan check fee: Not publicly posted
Permit fee formula: The code amends the building-code fee schedule to one-half of the code book schedule. Electrical and gas fees are also set by code. Public web pages do not expose a current consolidated fee table.
Reinspection fee: Electrical work fees follow state-authorized inspection fees. Gas code includes a $1.00 return inspection fee if called back after defects are corrected.
Payment note: Public pages do not identify an online payment portal for permits.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Selmer, Building Inspector / City Planning Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Through the Building Inspector / City Planning Office (phone)

Inspection hours: Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Time windows: Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Selmer code and state practice indicate rough and final inspections for gas work, with building inspection stages controlled by the adopted code and local office

Gas code authorizes a return inspection fee after correction of defects

Additional Resources

Building code: Selmer adopts the 2009 International Building Code and 2009 International Residential Code, with local modifications. Electrical, plumbing, gas, and energy codes are also adopted in Title 12.
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 Town of Selmer, Building Inspector / City Planning Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selmer Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Selmer, TN?: Selmer code states that a building code is adopted and permits are issued under that code; electrical work also requires a permit unless it is minor repair not involving new wire, conduit, machinery, apparatus, or other electrical devices. The municipal code also adopts zoning rules and a building permit is required for regulated construction and alterations.
How much does a building permit cost in Selmer, TN?: The minimum permit fee is Building-code minimum fee on record is $1.50 for an inspection under the adopted code amendments; the public page does not show a modern flat minimum permit fee table. Fees are calculated as: The code amends the building-code fee schedule to one-half of the code book schedule. Electrical and gas fees are also set by code. Public web pages do not expose a current consolidated fee table.. Plan check fee: Not publicly posted.
How do I apply for a building permit in Selmer, TN?: 1. Confirm zoning and code applicability with the Building Inspector / City Planning Office. 2. Prepare the building application and supporting site plan or sketch. 3. Submit the application to the city office for review. 4. Pay required permit fees after the application is reviewed. 5. Obtain the permit before starting regulated work. 6. Schedule required inspections through the city office during construction. 7. Receive final approval and any occupancy documentation required by the city.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Selmer, TN?: Typical processing time is Not publicly posted.
What work is exempt from building permits in Selmer, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Minor electrical repairs that do not involve new wire, conduit, machinery, apparatus, or other electrical devices generally requiring an electrician; Gas appliance setting or connecting other than the specific permit-triggering items named in the gas code; Repair of leaks in house gas piping.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Selmer, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the Building Inspector / City Planning Office.

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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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