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
2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings, with Madison County amendments; the county construction guide also references applicable gas, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and electrical requirements.
Inspection lane
The permit holder or authorized representative may request inspections by phone at 731-423-6014, in person, or through the Citizen Portal. Requests must be submitted by 3:30 p.m. the day before. Required residential stages include footing, foundation, slab, floor joists/girders, framing, insulation, and final; commercial work also requires fire and final building inspections.
Minor-work playbook
Residential exemptions include one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 sq. ft.; fences up to 7 ft.; retaining walls up to 4 ft.; ground-supported water tanks up to 5,000 gallons meeting the stated ratio; sidewalks and driveways; interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops and similar finish work; playground equipment; qualifying awnings; qualifying detached decks up to 200 sq. ft. and 30 inches above grade; prefabricated pools up to 24 inches deep; nursery/agricultural shade-cloth structures; and certain movable fixtures. Electrical work remains regulated by Tennessee.
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
The permit holder or authorized representative may request inspections by phone at 731-423-6014, in person, or through the Citizen Portal. Requests must be submitted by 3:30 p.m. the day before. Required residential stages include footing, foundation, slab, floor joists/girders, framing, insulation, and final; commercial work also requires fire and final building inspections.
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
Madison County Building Department 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 731-423-6014 (Building Department); 731-265-6163 (commercial plan review).
Applications received by 2:30 p.m. are handled in the normal processing cycle; later applications move to the next business day. No general plan-review duration was published.
The permit holder or authorized representative may request inspections by phone at 731-423-6014, in person, or through the Citizen Portal. Requests must be submitted by 3:30 p.m. the day before. Required residential stages include footing, foundation, slab, floor joists/girders, framing, insulation, and final; commercial work also requires fire and final building inspections.
2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings, with Madison County amendments; the county construction guide also references applicable gas, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and electrical requirements. Residential exemptions include one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 sq. ft.; fences up to 7 ft.; retaining walls up to 4 ft.; ground-supported water tanks up to 5,000 gallons meeting the stated ratio; sidewalks and driveways; interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops and similar finish work; playground equipment; qualifying awnings; qualifying detached decks up to 200 sq. ft. and 30 inches above grade; prefabricated pools up to 24 inches deep; nursery/agricultural shade-cloth structures; and certain movable fixtures. Electrical work remains regulated by Tennessee.
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.