Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
Cannon County’s current building-permits bulletin states that the county adopted the 2025 International Building Code, including the 2025 International Residential Code and 2025 International Energy Conservation Code. The county administers residential, commercial, industrial and multifamily permits throughout Cannon County, including Woodbury, but excluding Auburntown; Tennessee State Fire Marshal electrical permitting remains separate.
Inspection lane
Use the official iWorQ portal’s Search Permits section to request inspections and access inspection reports. The permit holder, not a subcontractor, is responsible for requesting inspections. Cannon County’s FAQ states that inspections must occur within three working days of request, or within one working day for footer inspections. Typical required inspections include foundation, rough-in/framing, plumbing/mechanical and final; a separate non-monolithic slab inspection may be required.
Minor-work playbook
The county FAQ says renovations are not covered by the county’s adopted building-code regulation, while additions over 30 square feet are regulated. Manufactured and modular homes do not require a Cannon County residential building permit because they are factory-inspected, but licensed installation and the required installation decal apply and residential impact fees still apply. The county permit is not a substitute for grading/fill, floodplain, septic/sewer, electrical or zoning approvals.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Use the official iWorQ portal’s Search Permits section to request inspections and access inspection reports. The permit holder, not a subcontractor, is responsible for requesting inspections. Cannon County’s FAQ states that inspections must occur within three working days of request, or within one working day for footer inspections. Typical required inspections include foundation, rough-in/framing, plumbing/mechanical and final; a separate non-monolithic slab inspection may be required.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 615-563-5263.
For residential applications, the iWorQ system creates the permit and impact-fee invoice within three workdays after submission; the permit is issued after the invoice is paid. No separate published plan-review timeline was located for commercial, industrial or multifamily projects.
Use the official iWorQ portal’s Search Permits section to request inspections and access inspection reports. The permit holder, not a subcontractor, is responsible for requesting inspections. Cannon County’s FAQ states that inspections must occur within three working days of request, or within one working day for footer inspections. Typical required inspections include foundation, rough-in/framing, plumbing/mechanical and final; a separate non-monolithic slab inspection may be required.
Cannon County’s current building-permits bulletin states that the county adopted the 2025 International Building Code, including the 2025 International Residential Code and 2025 International Energy Conservation Code. The county administers residential, commercial, industrial and multifamily permits throughout Cannon County, including Woodbury, but excluding Auburntown; Tennessee State Fire Marshal electrical permitting remains separate. The county FAQ says renovations are not covered by the county’s adopted building-code regulation, while additions over 30 square feet are regulated. Manufactured and modular homes do not require a Cannon County residential building permit because they are factory-inspected, but licensed installation and the required installation decal apply and residential impact fees still apply. The county permit is not a substitute for grading/fill, floodplain, septic/sewer, electrical or zoning approvals.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.