On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Wilson County
County page says permits are required for residential new construction, additions, remodels with major load, use, or dwelling-type changes, pools, and accessory structures including pavilions, pergolas, sheds, carports, barns, detached garages, shops, shipping containers, and decks. Commercial permits are required for new construction, additions, pools, internal buildouts or renovations, and accessory structures.
Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet do not require a building permit
Commercial accessory structures under 120 square feet do not require a building permit
- Exempt Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet do not require a building permit
- Exempt Commercial accessory structures under 120 square feet do not require a building permit
Required documents
- Plot plan
- Zoning compliance certificate
- Flood plain review affidavit if applicable
- Stormwater permit where applicable
- Septic permit or records or TDEC septic inspection letter
- STEP approval if applicable
- Address assignment if needed
- Tennessee contractor license
- Workers compensation certificate of liability or exemption
- Floor plan
- Estimated cost of construction
- Energy affidavit if insulating
- Miscellaneous notarized affidavits required by the checklists
- Building code
- County page lists 2021 IRC with adopted appendices, 2018 IECC with state-approved amendments, 2021 IBC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IEBC, and 2021 ISPSC.
- Permit validity
- County FAQ states substantial progress is measured by subsequent required inspections. An active residential building permit may not last longer than 24 months without a certificate of occupancy or other final approval. Relief beyond that requires action through the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Owner-builder
- Permits must be applied for by a licensed contractor or the property owner themselves. If serving as your own contractor, county forms are completed in office.
- Contractor requirements
- Property owner of record or state-licensed contractor are the only individuals who may apply. County checklists require Tennessee contractor license and workers compensation certificate of liability or exemption.
Source: Wilson County Government Building Codes Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No permit issuance turnaround was publicly posted. County inspection document says inspectors have 72 business hours to conduct inspections.
- 01 Prepare a detailed and accurate plot plan. County checklists require one for all permits.
- 02 Obtain zoning compliance certificate from the Wilson County Zoning Office. The zoning page states a zoning compliance certificate is required for all building permits and must be approved before applying with Building Codes.
- 03 Obtain flood plain review affidavit from Planning if applicable, by emailing required property and project details to floodaff@wilsoncountytn.gov.
- 04 Obtain stormwater permit where required. For new homes, mobile homes, and on-site ADUs, county checklist states stormwater permit is required; additions may require consultation. Accessory structures also require a stormwater permit under the accessory checklist.
- 05 Gather utility and wastewater approvals: septic permit or septic records or TDEC septic inspection letter, or STEP approval with Wilson County Water and Wastewater Authority coordination as applicable.
- 06 Assemble contractor and supporting documents: Tennessee contractor license, workers compensation certificate or exemption, floor plan, estimated cost of construction, and energy affidavit if insulating. Owner-as-contractor forms are completed in office.
- 07 Submit complete application package and pay fees in full at the county office or confirm portal intake for the specific permit type. County checklists say applications are processed Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM.
- 08 Complete required inspections throughout construction and obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy or completion.
Typical processing time: No permit issuance turnaround was publicly posted. County inspection document says inspectors have 72 business hours to conduct inspections.
Source: Wilson County Government Building Codes Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Wilson County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100 for accessory structures requiring a permit up to 1,000 square feet, and $100 for swimming pools with or without decking or concrete up to 1,000 square feet.
02
Plan check fee
No separate residential plan review fee was publicly posted in the county materials reviewed.
03
Permit fee formula
Single-family home, addition, mobile home, or accessory dwelling unit is $0.70 per square foot. Accessory structures are $100 up to 1,000 square feet and $0.10 per square foot at 1,001 square feet or more. Pools are $100 up to 1,000 square feet and $0.10 per square foot above that. County FAQ adds that residential permits for new construction also include a $5,000 adequate facilities tax, paid on a separate check.
04
Reinspection fee
First failed inspection $75, second $150, third $300 with stop work order
05
Penalty (no permit)
Premature move-in before final inspection is $500. Letting a temporary certificate of occupancy or completion expire before permanent final inspection triggers a $300 fee.
County checklists say only checks, cashier checks, and money orders are accepted, payable to Wilson County Building Codes. Permit applications are not processed after 3:30 PM. Building permit fee and adequate facilities tax must be on separate checks.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 615-444-3025 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; permit processing cuts off at 3:30 PM
- Time windows
- Inspectors have up to 72 business hours to conduct inspections
Typical sequence: Setback if needed, plumbing in slab, foundation, block or basement wall, framing and plumbing and mechanical rough-in after passed state electrical rough-in, insulation, final.
Reinspection fees must be paid in office before reinspection is requested. Additional documentation may be required before framing rough or final inspection, including state electrical rough approval and flood midpoint documentation where applicable.
Source: Wilson County Government Building Codes Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Wilson County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Wilson County, TN? ▸
County page says permits are required for residential new construction, additions, remodels with major load, use, or dwelling-type changes, pools, and accessory structures including pavilions, pergolas, sheds, carports, barns, detached garages, shops, shipping containers, and decks. Commercial permits are required for new construction, additions, pools, internal buildouts or renovations, and accessory structures.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Wilson County, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Wilson County, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100 for accessory structures requiring a permit up to 1,000 square feet, and $100 for swimming pools with or without decking or concrete up to 1,000 square feet.. Fees are calculated as: Single-family home, addition, mobile home, or accessory dwelling unit is $0.70 per square foot. Accessory structures are $100 up to 1,000 square feet and $0.10 per square foot at 1,001 square feet or more. Pools are $100 up to 1,000 square feet and $0.10 per square foot above that. County FAQ adds that residential permits for new construction also include a $5,000 adequate facilities tax, paid on a separate check.. Plan check fee: No separate residential plan review fee was publicly posted in the county materials reviewed..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wilson County, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wilson County, TN, follow these steps: 1. Prepare a detailed and accurate plot plan. County checklists require one for all permits. 2. Obtain zoning compliance certificate from the Wilson County Zoning Office. The zoning page states a zoning compliance certificate is required for all building permits and must be approved before applying with Building Codes. 3. Obtain flood plain review affidavit from Planning if applicable, by emailing required property and project details to floodaff@wilsoncountytn.gov. 4. Obtain stormwater permit where required. For new homes, mobile homes, and on-site ADUs, county checklist states stormwater permit is required; additions may require consultation. Accessory structures also require a stormwater permit under the accessory checklist. 5. Gather utility and wastewater approvals: septic permit or septic records or TDEC septic inspection letter, or STEP approval with Wilson County Water and Wastewater Authority coordination as applicable. 6. Assemble contractor and supporting documents: Tennessee contractor license, workers compensation certificate or exemption, floor plan, estimated cost of construction, and energy affidavit if insulating. Owner-as-contractor forms are completed in office. 7. Submit complete application package and pay fees in full at the county office or confirm portal intake for the specific permit type. County checklists say applications are processed Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM. 8. Complete required inspections throughout construction and obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy or completion.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Wilson County, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Wilson County, TN typically run No permit issuance turnaround was publicly posted. County inspection document says inspectors have 72 business hours to conduct inspections.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Wilson County, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Wilson County, TN. The following work is generally exempt: Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet do not require a building permit; Commercial accessory structures under 120 square feet do not require a building permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wilson County, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wilson County, TN via: 615-444-3025.
last verified April 2026
source Wilson County Government Building Codes Department ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/wilson/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Wilson County Government Building Codes Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.