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
The county’s official permit-process document lists the 2018 International Residential Code with local exceptions; 2012 International Building Code; 2018 International Plumbing, Mechanical, Property Maintenance, Fire and Fuel Gas Codes; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code; and the current Tennessee-adopted electrical and accessibility codes. The county says its 2021 update adopted the 2018 residential code.
Inspection lane
Contact the Building & Zoning Department to arrange inspections; the county says field visits and inspections are normally scheduled or conducted 12:30 PM-3:30 PM, with morning inspections by exception. Published required stages include footing, foundation wall if needed, flooring, underground plumbing, framing, insulation, sprinkler hydro test when applicable, and final inspection/certificate of occupancy. The permit holder must obtain final approval before occupancy.
Minor-work playbook
A permit is generally required for construction valued at $2,000 or more, including structures, additions, decks, porches, carports, pools, accessory buildings, mobile/manufactured homes and prefabricated buildings. General maintenance normally does not require a permit, including painting, floor or roof coverings, sidewalks, patios, minor plumbing-fixture work and minor mechanical/electrical fixture or appliance repairs, provided the work does not cut walls, structural beams or load-bearing supports or change required egress. Outbuildings or car covers below $2,000 should still be cleared with the Building Official for location approval.
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
Contact the Building & Zoning Department to arrange inspections; the county says field visits and inspections are normally scheduled or conducted 12:30 PM-3:30 PM, with morning inspections by exception. Published required stages include footing, foundation wall if needed, flooring, underground plumbing, framing, insulation, sprinkler hydro test when applicable, and final inspection/certificate of occupancy. The permit holder must obtain final approval before occupancy.
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 731-983-0121.
N/A; no standard review timeline was published. Permits expire six months from the issue date, so applicants should confirm current processing expectations with the department.
Contact the Building & Zoning Department to arrange inspections; the county says field visits and inspections are normally scheduled or conducted 12:30 PM-3:30 PM, with morning inspections by exception. Published required stages include footing, foundation wall if needed, flooring, underground plumbing, framing, insulation, sprinkler hydro test when applicable, and final inspection/certificate of occupancy. The permit holder must obtain final approval before occupancy.
The county’s official permit-process document lists the 2018 International Residential Code with local exceptions; 2012 International Building Code; 2018 International Plumbing, Mechanical, Property Maintenance, Fire and Fuel Gas Codes; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code; and the current Tennessee-adopted electrical and accessibility codes. The county says its 2021 update adopted the 2018 residential code. A permit is generally required for construction valued at $2,000 or more, including structures, additions, decks, porches, carports, pools, accessory buildings, mobile/manufactured homes and prefabricated buildings. General maintenance normally does not require a permit, including painting, floor or roof coverings, sidewalks, patios, minor plumbing-fixture work and minor mechanical/electrical fixture or appliance repairs, provided the work does not cut walls, structural beams or load-bearing supports or change required egress. Outbuildings or car covers below $2,000 should still be cleared with the Building Official for location approval.
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.