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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Decatur
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.
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.
- 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.
- Exempt Work that falls outside the state residential permit program should still be checked against local zoning and floodplain rules.
- Exempt Tennessee SFMO residential permit program does not replace zoning approval, floodplain compliance, septic/sewer approval, or electrical permits.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly posted on the city site
- 01 Contact the Decatur office at 423-334-5716 to confirm requirements for the specific project.
- 02 Determine whether the project is residential, commercial, or industrial.
- 03 For residential work, apply for the local Zoning Compliance Permit with Shawn Roberts by email or in person at the Municipal Building.
- 04 For commercial or industrial construction, obtain Decatur Municipal Planning Commission approval.
- 05 If the project is in a state residential permit area, purchase the Tennessee residential building permit through CORE or an issuing agent.
- 06 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Decatur building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
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.
03
Permit fee formula
Local zoning compliance fee is flat. State residential permit fees are valuation-based.
04
Reinspection fee
State SFMO allows one free reinspection per permit; a second or subsequent reinspection costs $100 each. No Decatur-specific reinspection fee found.
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.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Decatur permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Decatur, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in Decatur, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Decatur, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Decatur, TN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Decatur, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Decatur, TN typically run Not publicly posted on the city site. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Decatur, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Decatur, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Decatur, TN via: State inspections are scheduled through CORE or by email to SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the permit number and ready date..
last verified April 2026
source Town of Decatur, Planning and Zoning / Zoning Compliance Officer ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/meigs/decatur
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Decatur, Planning and Zoning / Zoning Compliance Officer before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.