Administrative overview · FIPS 47089
Jefferson County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Jefferson County Building Department
For a project in or near Jefferson County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
865-397-0640 (Building Department); 865-397-4414 (Zoning Department); 865-397-2155 (Highway Department driveway permit)
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Jefferson County Courthouse, 202 W. Main Street, Dandridge, TN 37725
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Review expectation
At least two days for plan review; the county says some plans may require additional time.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →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.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Jefferson County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Jefferson County Building Department is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area 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 865-397-0640 (Building Department); 865-397-4414 (Zoning Department); 865-397-2155 (Highway Department driveway permit).
How long might review take?
At least two days for plan review; the county says some plans may require additional time.
How are inspections scheduled?
Submit two copies of plans, blueprints, or drawings to the Building Department; plan review has a required two-day waiting period, although complex plans may take longer. The county procedure also requires the deed, plat/survey, septic approval, and a driveway permit from the Highway Department. The Building Department handles review and inspection questions at 865-397-0640.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Jefferson County states that it has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code. The county Building Department reviews residential plans for compliance with adopted construction codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards; a separate current commercial-code edition was not identified in the county’s published materials. A permit is required for garages, new buildings, and additions, including any new nonportable structure or addition to an existing structure. Structures used strictly for agricultural purposes and portable structures are excluded from that stated requirement. Ordinary maintenance or repair and agricultural buildings are also described as exempt in the county zoning resolution; confirm borderline projects with Building or Zoning.