On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gallatin
Permits are required for decks, garages, carports, patio covers, additions, remodels, new residential dwellings, pools and spas, solar and electrical work, water heaters, HVAC changeouts, demolition, and other listed project types.
Note: No public consolidated exemption list was located on the reviewed pages.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Project plans
- Contractor documents
- Permit bond or homeowner affidavit where applicable
- Demolition asbestos letter from the state for demolition permits
- Project-specific trade or fire forms as needed
- Building code
- For permits pulled on or after November 20, 2024: 2024 IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IFC, IEBC, ISPSC, IFGC, IPMC; 2018 IECC; 2023 NEC; and 2010 ADA Standards. Prior 2018 code set is posted for older permits.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly posted on the reviewed pages.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner Building Permit Affidavit is posted. The owner must certify the address is the primary residence, that the work is not for resale, rent, or lease, that the owner is acting as the general contractor, and that hired plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical subcontractors must be properly permitted and licensed as required.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor documentation, permit bond forms, and homeowner affidavit forms are posted on the permit resources page. Separate trade permits are required for sub-trades.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential building permits require a minimum turnaround of three to five days.
- 01 Determine whether the project requires a permit by checking the city permit matrix and project-specific inspection lists.
- 02 Prepare the correct application package from the permit applications page, including building, trade, gas, pool, demolition, or fire forms as needed.
- 03 Upload or submit the application through CSS, or use city forms if directed.
- 04 Provide contractor documentation, permit bond, or homeowner affidavit where applicable.
- 05 Department staff complete plan review, zoning review, and engineering review as applicable.
- 06 Pay the permit fees, plan review fees, and administrative charges.
- 07 Keep approved construction documents, permit cards, and inspector signature cards on site.
- 08 Request inspections through the hotline or portal and complete final inspections to obtain certificate of occupancy when required.
Typical processing time: Residential building permits require a minimum turnaround of three to five days.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50 minimum building permit fee
02
Plan check fee
Residential plan review is $0.07 per square foot under beam. Commercial building permits also incur structural plan review at 50 percent of the building permit fee, fire plan review at 25 percent, and ADA plan review at 12 percent.
03
Permit fee formula
Residential building permits are mostly square-foot based; remodels are valuation based; commercial permits are valuation based by tier; trade permits are square-foot or per-inspection based depending on scope.
04
Reinspection fee
$85 per occurrence after the first reinspection for most listed building and trade permits; life safety reinspection is $150 for additional reinspection under commercial fire review.
Fees can be paid at the Building Codes Department, online through the portal account, or by phone at 615-451-5968 option 2. Most major credit cards and checks are accepted.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Inspection scheduling page (online)
- Inspection hotline 615-451-5970 (phone)
- CSS portal access account (online)
- Inspection hours
- Permitting hours are 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Most inspections are performed on the next workday if requested before 2:00 PM, or can be scheduled for a later date.
Typical sequence: New residential work typically runs footing, foundation or slab, anchor bolt and braced wall, framing, insulation, then finals, with parallel electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and low-voltage inspections as applicable.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Gallatin permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Gallatin, TN? ▸
Permits are required for decks, garages, carports, patio covers, additions, remodels, new residential dwellings, pools and spas, solar and electrical work, water heaters, HVAC changeouts, demolition, and other listed project types.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Gallatin, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in Gallatin, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50 minimum building permit fee. Fees are calculated as: Residential building permits are mostly square-foot based; remodels are valuation based; commercial permits are valuation based by tier; trade permits are square-foot or per-inspection based depending on scope.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review is $0.07 per square foot under beam. Commercial building permits also incur structural plan review at 50 percent of the building permit fee, fire plan review at 25 percent, and ADA plan review at 12 percent..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Gallatin, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Gallatin, TN, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether the project requires a permit by checking the city permit matrix and project-specific inspection lists. 2. Prepare the correct application package from the permit applications page, including building, trade, gas, pool, demolition, or fire forms as needed. 3. Upload or submit the application through CSS, or use city forms if directed. 4. Provide contractor documentation, permit bond, or homeowner affidavit where applicable. 5. Department staff complete plan review, zoning review, and engineering review as applicable. 6. Pay the permit fees, plan review fees, and administrative charges. 7. Keep approved construction documents, permit cards, and inspector signature cards on site. 8. Request inspections through the hotline or portal and complete final inspections to obtain certificate of occupancy when required.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Gallatin, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Gallatin, TN typically run Residential building permits require a minimum turnaround of three to five days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Gallatin, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Gallatin, TN via: Inspection scheduling page, Inspection hotline 615-451-5970, CSS portal access account.
last verified April 2026
source City of Gallatin Building Codes Department ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/sumner/gallatin
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Gallatin Building Codes Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.