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

The minimum permit fee is Local residential Zoning Compliance Permit fee is $125.00. State residential permit minimum is $100 for construction costs $0 to $5,000.. Fees are calculated as: Local zoning compliance fee is flat. State residential permit fees are valuation-based.. Plan check fee: No separate public city plan check fee found. State residential permit fees include the permit fee and, if applicable, additional plumbing/HVAC and slab inspection fees..

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

1. Contact the Decatur office at 423-334-5716 to confirm requirements for the specific project. 2. Determine whether the project is residential, commercial, or industrial. 3. For residential work, apply for the local Zoning Compliance Permit with Shawn Roberts by email or in person at the Municipal Building. 4. For commercial or industrial construction, obtain Decatur Municipal Planning Commission approval. 5. If the project is in a state residential permit area, purchase the Tennessee residential building permit through CORE or an issuing agent. 6. Complete inspections through the state SFMO process.

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

Typical processing time is Not publicly posted on the city site.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Thin public data on local Decatur exemptions. The city page only clearly identifies that residential projects need zoning compliance review and commercial or industrial projects need planning commission approval.; Work that falls outside the state residential permit program should still be checked against local zoning and floodplain rules.; Tennessee SFMO residential permit program does not replace zoning approval, floodplain compliance, septic/sewer approval, or electrical permits..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: State inspections are scheduled through CORE or by email to SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the permit number and ready date..

City Building Permits

Decatur, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Meigs County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Decatur is an incorporated town in Meigs County. Public city guidance says residential builds require a local Zoning Compliance Permit, while commercial or industrial construction must be approved by the Decatur Municipal Planning Commission. In addition, the Tennessee SFMO list shows Decatur as a state residential permit area, so residential work routes through both local zoning compliance and the state residential permit program.

Department: Town of Decatur, Planning and Zoning / Zoning Compliance Officer
Address: Decatur Municipal Building, 116 North Main Street, Decatur, TN 37322
Phone: 423-334-5716
Email: shawnroberts@decaturtn.net
Website: https://www.decaturtn.net/town-of-decatur/services-2/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: None identified • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Contact the Decatur office at 423-334-5716 to confirm requirements for the specific project.
Determine whether the project is residential, commercial, or industrial.
For residential work, apply for the local Zoning Compliance Permit with Shawn Roberts by email or in person at the Municipal Building.
For commercial or industrial construction, obtain Decatur Municipal Planning Commission approval.
If the project is in a state residential permit area, purchase the Tennessee residential building permit through CORE or an issuing agent.
Complete inspections through the state SFMO process.

Typical processing time: Not publicly posted on the city site

Source: Town of Decatur, Planning and Zoning / Zoning Compliance Officer

General Requirements

Decatur states that before you build, you should contact the office to find out requirements. For residential builds, a Zoning Compliance Permit is required. For commercial or industrial construction, planning commission approval is required. Separately, the SFMO requires a residential building permit within Decatur city limits.

Required Documents

Local page does not publish a complete document checklist. Publicly identified items include completed zoning compliance or sign permit application, and for floodplain-related development the municipal code requires plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing nature, location, dimensions, elevations, drainage, and other project details.

Permit validity: State residential permit rules require work to start within 180 days and the permit expires upon completion, or two years from issuance, whichever occurs first, unless extended in writing by the commissioner or designee.
Building code: State residential program uses the 2018 International Residential Code with Tennessee amendments. Decatur's local zoning page points to the Decatur Zoning Ordinance for land use regulation. The floodplain ordinance is part of the municipal code.
Owner-builder: Tennessee SFMO says an owner may construct one single residence every two years for personal use without a licensed contractor, so long as it is not for resale, lease, or rent.
Contractor requirements: For state residential work, Tennessee contractor licensing rules still apply. The SFMO says anyone hired by the homeowner whose portion is $25,000 or more is not exempt from contractor licensing requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Local residential Zoning Compliance Permit fee is $125.00. State residential permit minimum is $100 for construction costs $0 to $5,000.
Plan check fee: No separate public city plan check fee found. State residential permit fees include the permit fee and, if applicable, additional plumbing/HVAC and slab inspection fees.
Permit fee formula: Local zoning compliance fee is flat. State residential permit fees are valuation-based.
Reinspection fee: State SFMO allows one free reinspection per permit; a second or subsequent reinspection costs $100 each. No Decatur-specific reinspection fee found.
Payment note: Local submission can be made in person at the Municipal Building or by email. State permits are purchased in CORE or through an issuing agent.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Decatur, Planning and Zoning / Zoning Compliance Officer to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

State inspections are scheduled through CORE or by email to SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the permit number and ready date. (phone)

Inspection hours: State law requires inspections within three working days of request, and footer inspections within one working day.
Time windows: State law requires inspections within three working days of request, and footer inspections within one working day.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation prior to pour, rough-in/framing, final inspection, plus an extra slab inspection for slabs other than monolith pour. Plumbing and mechanical inspections are also required for state residential permits.

One reinspection is free per permit. Additional reinspections cost $100 each.

Additional Resources

Building code: State residential program uses the 2018 International Residential Code with Tennessee amendments. Decatur's local zoning page points to the Decatur Zoning Ordinance for land use regulation. The floodplain ordinance is part of the municipal 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

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Decatur, Planning and Zoning / Zoning Compliance Officer before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Decatur Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Decatur, TN?: Decatur states that before you build, you should contact the office to find out requirements. For residential builds, a Zoning Compliance Permit is required. For commercial or industrial construction, planning commission approval is required. Separately, the SFMO requires a residential building permit within Decatur city limits.
How much does a building permit cost in Decatur, TN?: The minimum permit fee is Local residential Zoning Compliance Permit fee is $125.00. State residential permit minimum is $100 for construction costs $0 to $5,000.. Fees are calculated as: Local zoning compliance fee is flat. State residential permit fees are valuation-based.. Plan check fee: No separate public city plan check fee found. State residential permit fees include the permit fee and, if applicable, additional plumbing/HVAC and slab inspection fees..
How do I apply for a building permit in Decatur, TN?: 1. Contact the Decatur office at 423-334-5716 to confirm requirements for the specific project. 2. Determine whether the project is residential, commercial, or industrial. 3. For residential work, apply for the local Zoning Compliance Permit with Shawn Roberts by email or in person at the Municipal Building. 4. For commercial or industrial construction, obtain Decatur Municipal Planning Commission approval. 5. If the project is in a state residential permit area, purchase the Tennessee residential building permit through CORE or an issuing agent. 6. Complete inspections through the state SFMO process.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Decatur, TN?: Typical processing time is Not publicly posted on the city site.
What work is exempt from building permits in Decatur, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Thin public data on local Decatur exemptions. The city page only clearly identifies that residential projects need zoning compliance review and commercial or industrial projects need planning commission approval.; Work that falls outside the state residential permit program should still be checked against local zoning and floodplain rules.; Tennessee SFMO residential permit program does not replace zoning approval, floodplain compliance, septic/sewer approval, or electrical permits..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Decatur, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: State inspections are scheduled through CORE or by email to SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the permit number and ready date..

Need help with your project?

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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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