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
Greene County states that it has adopted the 2018 International Building Code and the 2018 International Residential Code with Appendix J. The Building and Zoning Office enforces these adopted construction codes together with county zoning, subdivision, floodplain, and construction-safety requirements.
Inspection lane
Apply through the Greene County iWorQ portal or contact Building Official Tim Tweed at 423-798-1724. Required inspections include zoning/setback, footer, slab, rough-in, energy, final building inspection, and certificate of occupancy; other inspections may be required by structure type. The applicant must stake property lines and structure locations as required, and the office conducts an initial site investigation after the application is complete.
Minor-work playbook
A building permit is required before excavation, construction, moving, or alteration of buildings and accessory buildings. The zoning resolution says no building permit or county zoning regulation is required for erection, construction, or reconstruction of a building or structure on land devoted to agricultural use; verify other state, environmental, septic, floodplain, or municipal requirements. The county publishes no broad cosmetic-repair exemption list.
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
Apply through the Greene County iWorQ portal or contact Building Official Tim Tweed at 423-798-1724. Required inspections include zoning/setback, footer, slab, rough-in, energy, final building inspection, and certificate of occupancy; other inspections may be required by structure type. The applicant must stake property lines and structure locations as required, and the office conducts an initial site investigation after the application is complete.
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
Greene County Building Commissioner / Building and Zoning Office is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area 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 423-798-1724.
The zoning resolution requires the initial onsite investigation within three days after the applicant demonstrates compliance with applicable zoning, subdivision, and floodplain requirements. The permit is issued after the application is approved and the initial inspection is completed; a final zoning-compliance inspection is due within three business days after application.
Apply through the Greene County iWorQ portal or contact Building Official Tim Tweed at 423-798-1724. Required inspections include zoning/setback, footer, slab, rough-in, energy, final building inspection, and certificate of occupancy; other inspections may be required by structure type. The applicant must stake property lines and structure locations as required, and the office conducts an initial site investigation after the application is complete.
Greene County states that it has adopted the 2018 International Building Code and the 2018 International Residential Code with Appendix J. The Building and Zoning Office enforces these adopted construction codes together with county zoning, subdivision, floodplain, and construction-safety requirements. A building permit is required before excavation, construction, moving, or alteration of buildings and accessory buildings. The zoning resolution says no building permit or county zoning regulation is required for erection, construction, or reconstruction of a building or structure on land devoted to agricultural use; verify other state, environmental, septic, floodplain, or municipal requirements. The county publishes no broad cosmetic-repair exemption list.
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.