Bristol, TENNESSEE Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Bristol, Tennessee permit authority for the Tennessee side of Bristol. This does not cover Bristol, Virginia or unincorporated Sullivan County.

Department

City of Bristol Development Services Department, Code Enforcement Division

Address

Municipal Annex Building, 104 8th Street, Bristol, TN 37620

Phone

423-989-5709

Email

permits@bristoltn.org

Website

https://www.bristoltn.gov/148/Code-Enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the applicable permit form or combination permit form and save it locally before filling it out.
2. Complete the application, identify the work, state the valuation, and assemble required documents such as plot plan, plans, water and sewer receipt if applicable, floodplain certificate if applicable, and contractor or owner affidavit information.
3. Submit the application to Code Enforcement. Bristol accepts electronic plans, can email the application, and can set up an FTP account for larger plan files.
4. Code Enforcement reviews the submittal and coordinates any needed Planning or other agency approvals through a single office submission.
5. For commercial plans, Bristol targets plan review in 3 to 5 business days, subject to project size and workload.
6. Permit is issued only after contractor licensing and insurance verification is complete. Bristol states combination permits are issued only to properly licensed and insured contractors approved to do business in Tennessee and the City of Bristol.
7. The permit holder requests required inspections, posts the orange permit placard, and obtains final approval before occupancy or concealment of covered work.

Typical processing time: Commercial plan review is generally targeted at 3 to 5 business days; residential timing not specifically posted in the reviewed materials.

Source: City of Bristol Development Services Department, Code Enforcement Division

General Requirements

Bristol's residential FAQ says a permit is required before work begins whenever an owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, or erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

Required Documents

• Written permit application
• Work description
• Valuation
• Site or plot plan for new construction or additions
• One set of plans
• Floodplain elevation certificate if in Special Flood Hazard Area
• Water and sewer receipt if applicable
• Owner affidavit or contractor insurance and license information
• Contractor and subcontractor listing for combination permits

Permit validity

Not clearly stated in the reviewed Bristol public documents.

Building code

Bristol's adopted technical codes document lists 2012 IBC, 2012 IMC, 2012 IPC, 2012 IFGC, 2012 IPMC, 2012 IEBC, 2012 IFC, 2017 NEC, 2018 IECC for residential only, 2012 IECC for non-residential buildings only, and 2018 IRC.

Owner-builder

The property owner is responsible for the permit and must sign an affidavit stating whether the owner or a contractor will do the work. Bristol recommends requiring the contractor to obtain the permit if one is involved.

Contractor requirements

Tennessee building contractors do not need a state license until the job reaches $25,000. Electrician, plumber, and HVAC contractors need at least a limited state license up to $25,000, and a full state contractor license at $25,000 and above. Bristol also requires proof of liability and workers compensation insurance before permit issuance when a contractor is involved.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25.00 for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, gas piping, fire alarm system, fire suppression system, demolition, sign, modular, doublewide or greater, swimming pool, site utilities, and combination permits on jobs valued from $0.01 to $1,000

Plan check fee

Plan review fee is due when plans are submitted and equals 10 percent of the permit fee shown in the schedule. It is in addition to the permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based. $1,000.01 to $50,000 is $25 for the first $1,000 plus $5 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $50,000.01 to $100,000 is $270 for the first $50,000 plus $4 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $100,000.01 to $500,000 is $470 for the first $100,000 plus $3 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $500,000.01 and up is $1,670 for the first $500,000 plus $2 per additional $1,000 or fraction.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fee is $25 when the same inspection is rejected a second time.

Penalty (no permit)

Work started before permit issuance causes permit fees to be doubled.

Payment note

The reviewed materials do not clearly state online permit payment rules. Permit fees are due as part of application and issuance workflow; confirm accepted payment types with Code Enforcement.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, when floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
• Water tanks supported directly on grade not exceeding 5,000 gallons and with height-to-diameter or width ratio not over 2 to 1
• Sidewalks and driveways
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Swings and playground equipment
• Window awnings projecting not more than 54 inches and not requiring additional support
• Certain small detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not over 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
• Minor electrical repair work such as lamp replacement or connecting approved portable equipment to permanently installed receptacles
• Listed minor gas and mechanical exemptions in the residential FAQ, including portable appliances and minor part replacement not affecting approval or safety

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact Code Enforcement by phone (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit-specific, but every permit requires at least one inspection; work may not proceed past each required stage until that inspection is approved.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Bristol's adopted technical codes document lists 2012 IBC, 2012 IMC, 2012 IPC, 2012 IFGC, 2012 IPMC, 2012 IEBC, 2012 IFC, 2017 NEC, 2018 IECC for residential only, 2012 IECC for non-residential buildings only, and 2018 IRC.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Adopted Technical Codes
• Right-of-Way and Driveway Entrance Permitting
• License lookup guide: Tennessee Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Tennessee Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Tennessee hub: Tennessee Contractor License & Permit Hub

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