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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

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 code baseline for Humphreys County.

Tennessee’s official Residential Jurisdictions list identifies Humphreys County as OPT OUT of statewide residential building-code enforcement. The optional state inspection path uses Tennessee’s 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments. The county publishes subdivision regulations, but no separate county building-code edition. The state list identifies Waverly and McEwen as EXEMPT and New Johnsonville as OPT OUT, so municipal requirements differ inside those cities.

Inspection lane

For the optional State Fire Marshal path, purchase/service a permit and request inspections through https://core.tn.gov/ or email SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the full permit number and ready date. State inspections generally cover foundation before pouring, framing/rough-in, and final construction, with plumbing/mechanical checks at rough-in and final. Ronnie Galloway is the state-listed Humphreys County inspector at 931-201-3844. For Waverly projects, the official city FAQ directs inspection requests to Building and Codes at 931-296-2101 ext. 359.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Because Humphreys County is OPT OUT, the county does not require a state residential building permit for ordinary unincorporated residential construction under the state program; homeowners may still request state inspection through CORE. State guidance says detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached non-living structures do not require a state residential permit, while additions over 30 square feet generally do where the state program applies. Manufactured or modular installation itself generally does not require a state residential permit, but custom site work may. Municipal exemptions and permits vary by Waverly, McEwen, and New Johnsonville.

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

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    For the optional State Fire Marshal path, purchase/service a permit and request inspections through https://core.tn.gov/ or email SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the full permit number and ready date. State inspections generally cover foundation before pouring, framing/rough-in, and final construction, with plumbing/mechanical checks at rough-in and final. Ronnie Galloway is the state-listed Humphreys County inspector at 931-201-3844. For Waverly projects, the official city FAQ directs inspection requests to Building and Codes at 931-296-2101 ext. 359.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

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.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

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

Official sources for this profile

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Humphreys County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

This record is marked State Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 931-296-7795 (Humphreys County Government); 615-741-7170 (State Fire Marshal residential/electrical section); 931-201-3844 (state-listed inspector Ronnie Galloway).

How long might review take?

N/A; Humphreys County and the State Fire Marshal’s public materials do not publish a county-specific review timeline. County subdivision regulations provide a 60-day planning-commission period for final subdivision-plat decisions, which is separate from building permits.

How are inspections scheduled?

For the optional State Fire Marshal path, purchase/service a permit and request inspections through https://core.tn.gov/ or email SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the full permit number and ready date. State inspections generally cover foundation before pouring, framing/rough-in, and final construction, with plumbing/mechanical checks at rough-in and final. Ronnie Galloway is the state-listed Humphreys County inspector at 931-201-3844. For Waverly projects, the official city FAQ directs inspection requests to Building and Codes at 931-296-2101 ext. 359.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Tennessee’s official Residential Jurisdictions list identifies Humphreys County as OPT OUT of statewide residential building-code enforcement. The optional state inspection path uses Tennessee’s 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments. The county publishes subdivision regulations, but no separate county building-code edition. The state list identifies Waverly and McEwen as EXEMPT and New Johnsonville as OPT OUT, so municipal requirements differ inside those cities. Because Humphreys County is OPT OUT, the county does not require a state residential building permit for ordinary unincorporated residential construction under the state program; homeowners may still request state inspection through CORE. State guidance says detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached non-living structures do not require a state residential permit, while additions over 30 square feet generally do where the state program applies. Manufactured or modular installation itself generally does not require a state residential permit, but custom site work may. Municipal exemptions and permits vary by Waverly, McEwen, and New Johnsonville.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

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.