State Building Permits

Tennessee Building Permit Guides

Permit authority, application process, fees, and requirements for counties and cities across Tennessee. Select your county to find your local permit guide.

15 Counties 67 Jurisdictions Updated March 2026

How Tennessee Permitting Works

Tennessee enforces the Tennessee State Minimum Standard Building Code, which adopts the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with state amendments. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) administers the state building code and provides oversight of local enforcement.

Building permits are issued at the local level — by the county or municipality. Counties with active building departments issue permits for unincorporated areas. Incorporated cities and towns maintain their own permit offices. Some smaller jurisdictions contract with the county or a third-party inspection agency for enforcement.

Nashville and Davidson County operate as a consolidated metropolitan government — Metro Nashville-Davidson County handles all permitting for the entire county. Select your county below, then choose your municipality for specific permit office contacts, fees, and requirements.

Tennessee Counties

Blount County 4 jurisdictions → Bradley County 3 jurisdictions → Davidson County 4 jurisdictions → Hamilton County 7 jurisdictions → Knox County 3 jurisdictions → Maury County 4 jurisdictions → Montgomery County 2 jurisdictions → Rutherford County 5 jurisdictions → Sevier County 4 jurisdictions → Shelby County 8 jurisdictions → Sullivan County 4 jurisdictions → Sumner County 6 jurisdictions → Washington County 3 jurisdictions → Williamson County 6 jurisdictions → Wilson County 4 jurisdictions →

Coverage includes major metro and regional counties. Additional counties being added.

Related Tennessee Resources

Contract Template Free Tennessee homeowner-contractor agreement → License Requirements Verify your contractor's TN license →

Statewide Resources

  • Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) — Fire Prevention Division: Administers the state building and fire codes; provides code adoption and amendment updates.
  • Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors: Issues contractor licenses for general contractors, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trades operating in Tennessee.
  • Tennessee Home Improvement: Home improvement contractors performing work over $3,000 must be licensed with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with your local building department before applying.

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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 your local permit authority. 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.