On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Putnam County
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.
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.
- Exempt Sign work is explicitly exempt from county building permit issuance because the county says it does not issue permits for signs.
- Exempt 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.
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.
- Building code
- 2018 edition of the International Code Council codes. The page specifically says Putnam County has adopted the 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly published on the public webpage reviewed.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: The county page says new addresses are usually assigned within 48 hours, but no permit issuance turnaround time was published.
- 01 Obtain a new 911 address for new construction by calling 931-528-1555.
- 02 Purchase the septic permit from the State of Tennessee environmental office.
- 03 Purchase the building permit from Putnam County Codes.
- 04 Purchase plumbing and mechanical permits as needed.
- 05 Post house numbers and the permit on site.
- 06 Call for inspections in the required sequence.
- 07 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Putnam County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed.
02
Plan check fee
Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed.
03
Permit fee formula
Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed, though the county publishes a permit fee schedule PDF.
04
Reinspection fee
Not clearly readable from the HTML page reviewed.
Not clearly published in the HTML page reviewed.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Footer, foundations, plumbing in slabs if required, concrete slabs, rough-in framing/plumbing/mechanical together, energy/insulation, final before habitating.
Not clearly published.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Putnam County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Putnam County, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Putnam County, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, TN, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Putnam County, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Putnam County, TN typically run The county page says new addresses are usually assigned within 48 hours, but no permit issuance turnaround time was published.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Putnam County, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Putnam County, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Putnam County, TN via: Call for inspections in the proper order..
last verified April 2026
source Putnam County Codes and Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/putnam/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Putnam County Codes and Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.