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
Union County's official Assessor page directs applicants to Tennessee State Building Codes and confirms the county sells building permits. For the state residential program, Tennessee identifies the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code; electrical permits and inspections are handled through the state system. Confirm any municipal code requirements inside Luttrell, Maynardville, or Plainview.
Inspection lane
Purchase the applicable permit in person at the Union County Assessor's office. When the state residential program applies, request inspections through https://core.tn.gov or email SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the complete permit number and requested inspection date. Septic permits are handled through TDEC; the county directs applicants to the Knoxville Field Office at 865-594-6035 or TDEC's online septic service.
Minor-work playbook
Under Tennessee's state residential program, additions over 30 square feet to existing homes require a permit; detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living generally do not require a state residential building permit; manufactured or modular-home installation itself generally does not require one, but custom site work such as a deck, patio, or stoop may. Union County's in-person permit requirement still applies to covered new construction; confirm exemptions with the Assessor or state program before work begins.
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
Purchase the applicable permit in person at the Union County Assessor's office. When the state residential program applies, request inspections through https://core.tn.gov or email SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the complete permit number and requested inspection date. Septic permits are handled through TDEC; the county directs applicants to the Knoxville Field Office at 865-594-6035 or TDEC's online septic service.
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
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 Union County Assessor 865-992-3211; Tennessee State Residential Building Code Enforcement 615-741-7170.
N/A; no county review timeline was published.
Purchase the applicable permit in person at the Union County Assessor's office. When the state residential program applies, request inspections through https://core.tn.gov or email SFMO.permits-licensing@tn.gov with the complete permit number and requested inspection date. Septic permits are handled through TDEC; the county directs applicants to the Knoxville Field Office at 865-594-6035 or TDEC's online septic service.
Union County's official Assessor page directs applicants to Tennessee State Building Codes and confirms the county sells building permits. For the state residential program, Tennessee identifies the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code; electrical permits and inspections are handled through the state system. Confirm any municipal code requirements inside Luttrell, Maynardville, or Plainview. Under Tennessee's state residential program, additions over 30 square feet to existing homes require a permit; detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living generally do not require a state residential building permit; manufactured or modular-home installation itself generally does not require one, but custom site work such as a deck, patio, or stoop may. Union County's in-person permit requirement still applies to covered new construction; confirm exemptions with the Assessor or state program before work begins.
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.