Putnam County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

This office handles construction permits and inspections in the unincorporated areas of Putnam County. The county does not have county-wide zoning, but it does enforce building codes, floodplain rules, subdivision regulations, and cell tower regulations in the unincorporated area.

Department

Putnam County Codes and Planning Department

Address

270 Carlen Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501

Phone

931-526-2285

Email

putnamcodes@putnamcountytn.gov

Website

https://putnamcountytn.gov/building-codes

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain a new 911 address for new construction by calling 931-528-1555.
2. Purchase the septic permit from the State of Tennessee environmental office.
3. Purchase the building permit from Putnam County Codes.
4. Purchase plumbing and mechanical permits as needed.
5. Post house numbers and the permit on site.
6. Call for inspections in the required sequence.
7. Receive final approval before occupancy.

Typical processing time: The county page says new addresses are usually assigned within 48 hours, but no permit issuance turnaround time was published.

Source: Putnam County Codes and Planning Department

General Requirements

Putnam County requires permits for all new residential and commercial buildings, additions, decks or porches, modular homes, garages or storage buildings over 200 square feet, and plumbing and mechanical additions. The county does not issue sign permits.

Required Documents

• The county downloadables include building, mechanical, plumbing permit forms, a permit fee schedule, residential inspection sheet, and address posting document. The webpage also says permit applicants must have a new 911 address, septic permit, and posted address before inspections.

Permit validity

Not clearly published on the public webpage reviewed.

Building code

2018 edition of the International Code Council codes. The page specifically says Putnam County has adopted the 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC.

Owner-builder

Not clearly published on the public webpage reviewed.

Contractor requirements

Putnam County requires a Special Plumbers License for all plumbers and HVAC contractors, with a $50 fee renewed yearly. The county also links to state contractor licensing resources.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed.

Plan check fee

Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed.

Permit fee formula

Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed, though the county publishes a permit fee schedule PDF.

Reinspection fee

Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed.

Payment note

Not clearly published in the HTML page reviewed.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Putnam County Codes and Planning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call for inspections in the proper order. (phone)

Inspection hours

County office hours are 7:00am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Time windows

County office hours are 7:00am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Typical inspection sequence: Footer, foundations, plumbing in slabs if required, concrete slabs, rough-in framing/plumbing/mechanical together, energy/insulation, final before habitating.

Not clearly published.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 edition of the International Code Council codes. The page specifically says Putnam County has adopted the 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC.
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Putnam County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, TN?

Putnam County requires permits for all new residential and commercial buildings, additions, decks or porches, modular homes, garages or storage buildings over 200 square feet, and plumbing and mechanical additions. The county does not issue sign permits.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Putnam County, TN?

The minimum permit fee is Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed.. Fees are calculated as: Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed, though the county publishes a permit fee schedule PDF.. Plan check fee: Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, TN?

1. Obtain a new 911 address for new construction by calling 931-528-1555. 2. Purchase the septic permit from the State of Tennessee environmental office. 3. Purchase the building permit from Putnam County Codes. 4. Purchase plumbing and mechanical permits as needed. 5. Post house numbers and the permit on site. 6. Call for inspections in the required sequence. 7. Receive final approval before occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, TN?

Typical processing time is The county page says new addresses are usually assigned within 48 hours, but no permit issuance turnaround time was published..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Putnam County, TN?

The following work is generally exempt: Sign work is explicitly exempt from county building permit issuance because the county says it does not issue permits for signs.; Thin-data note: The county webpage reviewed does not publish a full exemption list in HTML. Check the fee schedule and permit forms for any additional exemptions..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Putnam County, TN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call for inspections in the proper order..