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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Selmer
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.
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
- Exempt Minor electrical repairs that do not involve new wire, conduit, machinery, apparatus, or other electrical devices generally requiring an electrician
- Exempt Gas appliance setting or connecting other than the specific permit-triggering items named in the gas code
- Exempt Repair of leaks in house gas piping
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.
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Selmer code says the building permit becomes void six months from issuance unless substantial progress has been made.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly posted
- 01 Confirm zoning and code applicability with the Building Inspector / City Planning Office.
- 02 Prepare the building application and supporting site plan or sketch.
- 03 Submit the application to the city office for review.
- 04 Pay required permit fees after the application is reviewed.
- 05 Obtain the permit before starting regulated work.
- 06 Schedule required inspections through the city office during construction.
- 07 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Selmer building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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
02
Plan check fee
Not publicly posted
03
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.
04
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.
Public pages do not identify an online payment portal for permits.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Selmer permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Selmer, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in Selmer, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Selmer, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Selmer, TN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Selmer, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Selmer, TN typically run Not publicly posted. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Selmer, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Selmer, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Selmer, TN via: Through the Building Inspector / City Planning Office.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Selmer, Building Inspector / City Planning Office ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/mcnairy/selmer
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Selmer, Building Inspector / City Planning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.