Brentwood (Williamson portion), TENNESSEE Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Research here is for the Brentwood territory located in Williamson County, not Davidson County areas outside the requested scope.

Department

City of Brentwood Planning and Codes Department

Address

5211 Maryland Way, Brentwood, TN 37027

Phone

615-371-2204; inspection request line 615-661-7077

Email

planning-codes@brentwoodtn.gov

Website

https://www.brentwoodtn.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Codes

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Register or log in at Brentwood's Onlama portal.
2. Review the city Process and Procedure Manual and applicable codes guidance before submittal.
3. Submit the permit request and upload supporting plans and documents through the portal.
4. Staff reviews for zoning, codes, and related approvals; commercial sealed-plan work triggers plan review fees.
5. Pay assessed permit and plan review fees.
6. Permit is issued and inspections are scheduled through the city inspection request line.

Typical processing time: No general posted turnaround found on the main permit page; public-facing details are thinner than Franklin and Nolensville.

Source: City of Brentwood Planning and Codes Department

General Requirements

Brentwood requires permits for new homes, additions, remodels, basement build-outs, accessory structures, pools, decks, covered porches, garages, demolition, grading, moving structures, windows and doors, and commercial work subject to code review.

Required Documents

• Portal submission
• Supporting plans
• Valuation backup when requested
• Contractor licensing and insurance items

Permit validity

Not clearly posted on the main public pages reviewed.

Building code

Brentwood Codes Section states residential IRC 2018, commercial IBC 2018, IMC 2018, IPC 2018, IFGC 2018, IPMC 2018, ISPSC 2018, IECC 2012, NEC 2017 by the State Fire Marshal, and NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 2018.

Owner-builder

City guidance states owner-builders acting as general contractors are responsible for Tennessee licensing compliance and workers compensation exemption when applicable.

Contractor requirements

City guidance requires proper Tennessee contractor license, liability insurance, and where applicable workers compensation coverage or state exemption; business tax license may also be required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

No fee at $2,000 and less unless inspection is required, in which case $25

Plan check fee

50 percent of building permit fee for commercial or service institution work when a sealed plan is required and valuation exceeds $1,000

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based BBPF table; new single-family construction valuation uses ICC table methodology with stated Brentwood square foot valuation assumptions

Reinspection fee

Starts at $50 and increases by $50 for each additional reinspection under the same permit

Penalty (no permit)

Work started without permit is charged at double fees with $100 minimum

Payment note

Foundation permits, grading permits, demolition, and moving permits have separate flat fees stated in the ordinance

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Permit exemptions under IRC Section R105

Important: Brentwood specifically states window replacement is not exempt. Because Brentwood has specific local interpretations, applicants should confirm claimed exemptions with Planning and Codes before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 615-661-7077 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Available anytime

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by permit type; city publishes residential inspection process pamphlets and final inspection checklists

Additional Resources

• Building code: Brentwood Codes Section states residential IRC 2018, commercial IBC 2018, IMC 2018, IPC 2018, IFGC 2018, IPMC 2018, ISPSC 2018, IECC 2012, NEC 2017 by the State Fire Marshal, and NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 2018.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Codes Section
• Admin Manual
• License lookup guide: Tennessee Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Tennessee Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Tennessee hub: Tennessee Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Williamson County