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
Johnson County’s official newcomer information and Assessor letter state that the county does not require building permits or inspections. The county’s public materials do not identify a locally enforced building-code edition. For an optional State Fire Marshal inspection, Tennessee uses the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments.
Inspection lane
For ordinary county construction, obtain the required septic approval through TDEC and electrical permit/inspection through Mountain Electric. Johnson County also says it issues Certificates of Occupancy despite not requiring building permits. Owners or contractors may optionally obtain a State Fire Marshal permit and request inspections through https://core.tn.gov/; state guidance says inspections may result in a Certificate of Occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings in opt-out/non-code jurisdictions.
Minor-work playbook
No county building permit is currently required for new structures or additions, and the county says it has no building-permit or zoning department. The county’s stated requirements are a septic permit through TDEC and an electrical permit/inspection through Mountain Electric. State guidance separately exempts detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached nonliving structures from a state residential permit and generally does not require a state permit for manufactured or modular installation unless custom site work is included.
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
For ordinary county construction, obtain the required septic approval through TDEC and electrical permit/inspection through Mountain Electric. Johnson County also says it issues Certificates of Occupancy despite not requiring building permits. Owners or contractors may optionally obtain a State Fire Marshal permit and request inspections through https://core.tn.gov/; state guidance says inspections may result in a Certificate of Occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings in opt-out/non-code jurisdictions.
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.
No verified planning reference link is listed; ask the agency for the parcel-specific source.
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 State 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 423-727-9696 (County Mayor’s Office); 423-727-7692 (Property Assessor); 615-741-7170 (State Fire Marshal residential information).
N/A; Johnson County publishes no county building-permit review timeline because it does not require county building permits.
For ordinary county construction, obtain the required septic approval through TDEC and electrical permit/inspection through Mountain Electric. Johnson County also says it issues Certificates of Occupancy despite not requiring building permits. Owners or contractors may optionally obtain a State Fire Marshal permit and request inspections through https://core.tn.gov/; state guidance says inspections may result in a Certificate of Occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings in opt-out/non-code jurisdictions.
Johnson County’s official newcomer information and Assessor letter state that the county does not require building permits or inspections. The county’s public materials do not identify a locally enforced building-code edition. For an optional State Fire Marshal inspection, Tennessee uses the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments. No county building permit is currently required for new structures or additions, and the county says it has no building-permit or zoning department. The county’s stated requirements are a septic permit through TDEC and an electrical permit/inspection through Mountain Electric. State guidance separately exempts detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached nonliving structures from a state residential permit and generally does not require a state permit for manufactured or modular installation unless custom site work is included.
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.