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

The minimum permit fee is Not clearly posted for general building permits. Fees are calculated as: Not clearly posted for general building permits in the reviewed public text. Plan check fee: Not clearly posted.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Thin public data. The reviewed county sources do not publish a concise exempt-work list for general building permits.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov customer portal or county staff.

County Building Permits

Roane County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Roane County. The county department enforces county zoning ordinances and the county building code for areas outside incorporated city and town limits.

Department: Roane County Building Codes and Zoning Department
Address: 308 N. 3rd Street, Kingston, TN 37763
Phone: 865-717-4230
Email: reggie.hucks@roanecountytn.gov
Website: https://roanecountytn.gov/building-codes-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: SmartGov Community • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm the property is in unincorporated Roane County, not inside Kingston, Harriman, Rockwood, or Oliver Springs town limits.
Submit the building permit application through the county office or the SmartGov customer portal.
Include supporting documents requested by the county office.
Wait for county review under the building codes and zoning process.
Request inspections through the county portal or staff.
Obtain final approval before occupancy or completion as applicable.

Typical processing time: Applications and inspection requests must be submitted by 4:00pm; submittals between 3:30pm and 4:00pm may roll to the next business day. A general permit review time estimate is not posted.

Source: Roane County Building Codes and Zoning Department

General Requirements

The county department enforces the county zoning regulations and building code. The county page states it enforces the 2024 International Building Codes together with Roane County zoning ordinances.

Required Documents

The reviewed county page does not publish a single universal checklist in the text captured here. The county portal and STR packet show that county workflows can require applications, plans, and other supporting documents depending on permit type.

Permit validity: Not clearly posted for general building permits on the county page reviewed
Building code: Roane County states it enforces the 2024 International Building Codes. The county page also references the 2024 International Residential Code and 2024 International Building Code as replacements for the 2018 code
Owner-builder: Not clearly posted in the reviewed materials
Contractor requirements: Not clearly summarized on the county permit page reviewed; Tennessee contractor licensing rules still apply where required

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Not clearly posted for general building permits
Plan check fee: Not clearly posted
Permit fee formula: Not clearly posted for general building permits in the reviewed public text
Reinspection fee: Not clearly posted for general building permits
Payment note: The county portal supports permit payment, but the reviewed public text does not publish a general permit payment policy

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Roane County Building Codes and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

SmartGov customer portal or county staff (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm; permit applications and inspection requests must be submitted by 4:00pm
Time windows: Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm; permit applications and inspection requests must be submitted by 4:00pm

Typical inspection sequence: Application review, inspections as required, then final approval for completion or occupancy

The county short-term rental packet references one possible re-inspection when needed for that permit type; the general building permit reinspection schedule was not clearly posted

Additional Resources

Building code: Roane County states it enforces the 2024 International Building Codes. The county page also references the 2024 International Residential Code and 2024 International Building Code as replacements for the 2018 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 Roane County Building Codes and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roane County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Roane County, TN?: The county department enforces the county zoning regulations and building code. The county page states it enforces the 2024 International Building Codes together with Roane County zoning ordinances.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Roane County, TN?: The minimum permit fee is Not clearly posted for general building permits. Fees are calculated as: Not clearly posted for general building permits in the reviewed public text. Plan check fee: Not clearly posted.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Roane County, TN?: 1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Roane County, not inside Kingston, Harriman, Rockwood, or Oliver Springs town limits. 2. Submit the building permit application through the county office or the SmartGov customer portal. 3. Include supporting documents requested by the county office. 4. Wait for county review under the building codes and zoning process. 5. Request inspections through the county portal or staff. 6. Obtain final approval before occupancy or completion as applicable.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Roane County, TN?: Typical processing time is Applications and inspection requests must be submitted by 4:00pm; submittals between 3:30pm and 4:00pm may roll to the next business day. A general permit review time estimate is not posted..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Roane County, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Thin public data. The reviewed county sources do not publish a concise exempt-work list for general building permits.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Roane County, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov customer portal or county staff.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Roane County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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