County Building Permits

Wilson County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wilson County, Tennessee. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Tennessee Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

County department covers unincorporated Wilson County building permits. Zoning approvals for unincorporated property run through the Wilson County Zoning Division before building permit issuance.

Department
Wilson County Government Building Codes Department
Address
233 E Gay Street, Courthouse Annex, Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone
615-444-3025
Website
https://www.wilsoncountytn.gov/160/Building-Codes-Division

Online Permit Portal

Open MGO Connect

Platform: MGO Connect • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  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.

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

General Requirements

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.

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
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.
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.
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.

Fees

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.
Plan check fee
No separate residential plan review fee was publicly posted in the county materials reviewed.
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.
Reinspection fee
First failed inspection $75, second $150, third $300 with stop work order
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.
Payment note
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. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • 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

Inspections

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 inspection 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.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Wilson County Government Building Codes Department before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Wilson County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
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 the permit authority listed above. 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.
← Back to Wilson County permit guides