Robertson County, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

This is the county authority for unincorporated Robertson County and for county-covered areas outside incorporated cities that require county permits. Tennessee local permitting is not statewide, so incorporated cities in Robertson County may use their own permit systems instead.

Department

Robertson County Development Office / Robertson County Building Commissioner

Address

Robertson County Office Building, 527 South Brown Street, Springfield, TN 37172

Phone

615-384-3666

Email

hmantooth@robcotn.org

Website

https://cms7files.revize.com/robertsoncountytn/departments/planning/Building%20Permit%20Form.pdf

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Discuss the project with the county office before starting.
2. Complete the permit request form and assemble supporting documents.
3. Submit the package to the Robertson County Development Office.
4. Provide plans, deed, survey or plat, driveway permit, and septic or sewer documentation if required.
5. County staff reviews the application and either approves or denies it.
6. Pay the permit fee before work proceeds.

Typical processing time: Not identified on the public pages reviewed.

Source: Robertson County Development Office / Robertson County Building Commissioner

General Requirements

The county zoning regulations state that applications for building permits must be submitted by the owner or authorized agent. The county form indicates permits are needed for houses, additions, porches, mobile homes, pole barns, garages, pools, and other structures, with required supporting documents depending on project type.

Required Documents

• Legible detailed construction plans, Tennessee stamped truss plans when applicable, driveway permit, septic permit or sewer tap receipt, deed recorded in the owner name, survey if not mapped on the tax map or a subdivision plat, and a site plan showing the proposed building location and setbacks. The county site plan application also requires proof of ownership and a PDF copy emailed to the county planner.

Permit validity

Any county building permit becomes invalid if work does not start within 6 months or if work is suspended or discontinued for 1 year.

Building code

The county zoning regulations and related permit materials require compliance with county resolutions and adopted zoning rules. The specific building code edition was not clearly stated in the public sources reviewed, so this should be confirmed with the Development Office for the current code edition before filing.

Owner-builder

County zoning regulations state permit applications are submitted by the property owner or authorized agent unless otherwise specified.

Contractor requirements

County forms ask for contractor name and contractor license number. The Springfield city page also requires a state contractor license on city permits, and county applicants should expect state licensing to apply where required by the project.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

For county commercial and industrial permits, $50 for valuation of $1,000 or less. Residential fees are mostly square-foot based, with new residential construction at $0.70 per square foot and residential remodeling at $0.50 per square foot.

Plan check fee

The county fee schedule separately lists subdivision plat review and related planning fees such as $250 for minor final plats, $100 preliminary plats when required, $500 construction plans, and $1,000 traffic study review.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Residential fees are square-foot based. Commercial and industrial fees are valuation based. Additions and some other items are also fee-based by category.

Reinspection fee

$50 for first reinspection and $100 for second or more reinspections, both to be paid in advance. Construction begun before obtaining a zoning compliance permit is charged double the normal fee.

Payment note

County regulations say no action is taken until the fee is paid in full. The county also has a $5 documents and records fee.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Robertson County Development Office / Robertson County Building Commissioner to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Not clearly published on the reviewed county pages. (phone)

Inspection hours

Not identified on the public pages reviewed.

Time windows

Not identified on the public pages reviewed.

Typical inspection sequence: File application with all supporting documents, county reviews, permit issued if compliant, then required inspections during construction and at closeout.

Reinspection fees apply as listed in the county fee schedule.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The county zoning regulations and related permit materials require compliance with county resolutions and adopted zoning rules. The specific building code edition was not clearly stated in the public sources reviewed, so this should be confirmed with the Development Office for the current code edition before filing.
• 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

Robertson County Building Permit FAQ

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

The county zoning regulations state that applications for building permits must be submitted by the owner or authorized agent. The county form indicates permits are needed for houses, additions, porches, mobile homes, pole barns, garages, pools, and other structures, with required supporting documents depending on project type.

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

The minimum permit fee is For county commercial and industrial permits, $50 for valuation of $1,000 or less. Residential fees are mostly square-foot based, with new residential construction at $0.70 per square foot and residential remodeling at $0.50 per square foot.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential fees are square-foot based. Commercial and industrial fees are valuation based. Additions and some other items are also fee-based by category.. Plan check fee: The county fee schedule separately lists subdivision plat review and related planning fees such as $250 for minor final plats, $100 preliminary plats when required, $500 construction plans, and $1,000 traffic study review..

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

1. Discuss the project with the county office before starting. 2. Complete the permit request form and assemble supporting documents. 3. Submit the package to the Robertson County Development Office. 4. Provide plans, deed, survey or plat, driveway permit, and septic or sewer documentation if required. 5. County staff reviews the application and either approves or denies it. 6. Pay the permit fee before work proceeds.

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

Typical processing time is Not identified on the public pages reviewed..

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

The following work is generally exempt: The reviewed county form does not provide a clean exemption list.; Thin-data area: verify with the Development Office before assuming an item is exempt..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Not clearly published on the reviewed county pages..