Do you need a permit to build a house in Tennessee?
When is a building permit needed in Tennessee? Building permits in Tennessee are normally needed whenever you construct, alter, enlarge, repair, move, or demolish a structure. This includes interior remodeling and the construction of small accessory structures such as decks and detached garages.
What counties in Tennessee have no building codes?
One pleasant surprise about Tennessee is that many areas don’t require building permits. For example, Morgan County doesn’t require building permits for any structure (you always need a permit in TN for septic and grid-tied electric). Chester County also doesn’t require building permits outside of cities.
How much does a building permit cost in Tennessee?

Residential Building Permit Fees
Cost of Construction* | Fee | Additional Fee for Plumbing and HVAC Inspection** |
---|---|---|
$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 |
$5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 |
$100,001 to $150,000 | $400 | $100 |
$151,001 to $200,000 | $450 | $100 |
Can you build your own house in Tennessee?
Can a homeowner build his/her own house? Yes. Pursuant to TCA § 62-6-103, an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use, as long as it is not for resale, lease or rent without being a licensed contractor.
Is it possible that you can construct a structure without building permit?
No person, firm or corporation, including any agency or instrumentality of the government shall erect, construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building or structure or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a building permit therefor from the Building Official assigned in the place where the …
What can you build without a permit in TN?

A state residential building permit is not required for detached garages, sheds, barns or other detached structures that are not used for living purposes. A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent. The cost of the building permit is based on the estimated cost of construction.
Can you live in a tiny house in Tennessee?
If you want a tiny home on your in your backyard, it has to be zoned for it. In Nashville, that means your home cannot be zoned as single-family. Properties zoned for duplexes or as “multi-family” are able to have a tiny home in the backyard of a full-sized home.
Can I build a cabin on my land in Tennessee?
Question: Do you need a building permit to build a ‘tiny house’ in the state of Tennessee? You are going to need a building permit to construct ANY permanent residential dwelling in any state.
How do you get a building permit in Tennessee?
A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent. The cost of the building permit is based on the estimated cost of construction.
How long does it take to build a house in Tennessee?
approximately 120 to 180 days
The final phase is the construction of your new home and, depending on the size of the home that you choose, will take approximately 120 to 180 days.
How much work can you do without a contractor license in Tennessee?
Even if someone engages in work that would make them a “contractor” under Tennessee law, so long as the total cost of the work does not equal or exceed $25,000.00, they do not need to have a license (for “masonry contractors” that threshold jumps to $100,000.00).