BUILDING CODES

Residential Permits

Permit Issuance

The Rutherford County Building Codes Department issues permits for the County Jurisdiction only – (area located outside of any city jurisdictions) Click here to check your jurisdiction.

Prior to permit issuance, a site plan review or other approvals may also be required, such as evidence of water availability or a proper sewage disposal method. For a full list of steps required for issuance of a single family dwelling permit click here. For a full list of steps required for issuance of accessory structures and additions to single family dwellings click here.

Permits are issued from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. – Monday through Friday – with the exception of major holidays

Permits must be issued to property owner or licensed contractor. Permits must be paid in full by check, cash, or major credit card with a small nominal fee at the time of issuance. To see a fee schedule for Rutherford County click here. We advise that you contact a member of our staff to confirm permit fees before arriving at our office.

At the time of permit issuance each applicant is provided a checklist indicating the required inspections and instruction on how to request an inspection. You must have your building permit number and full address to request an inspection.

Plans Review

A Plans Review is required for any home with a basement, a single family dwelling greater than 5,000 sf, and town house units in the county jurisdiction. To complete a plans review we will require a full set of architectural plans, septic or step letter, land disturbance permit, a zoning compliance form and a full set of structural plans if it is determined by the Plans Reviewer that they are necessary. A minimum of three (3) working days should be allowed for this review.

Building Inspections

The adopted codes require that all work must be inspected at specific intervals during the construction process by certified building inspectors. It is the Building Permit Holder’s responsibility to request inspections and receive proper approvals from the Codes Department prior to moving to the next phase of construction. At the completion of the project, after all final inspections have been made and approved, the electrical service will be released to the power company. The permit holder will receive a Certificate of Occupancy or notice of final inspection to authorize Use and Occupancy of the improvements. With the exception of plumbing, gas and electrical, the cost of all inspections is included in the building permit fee. To see a list of building inspections, click here to find who inspects your area, click here.

Accessory and Swimming Pool Diagram

Building Inspection Checklist

International Code Council Benefits of Building Permits