Building codes are the rules, regulations and specifications that Jefferson County uses to help ensure quality construction and a safe, finished structure.

Jefferson County has adopted the 2018 International Residential Codes.

A building permit is a license required by County codes granting legal permission to construct, enlarge, or remodel a building.

A permit is required for garages, new buildings, and additions. You need to purchase a building permit for any new structure or addition to an existing structure that is not portable, other than a structure that is used strictly for agricultural use only.   For questions about when a permit is needed, please contact the Building Department at 865-397-0640 or the Zoning Department at 865-397-4414.

A building permit for a house: Warranty Deed, Copy of Survey or Plat of the property, Copy of Septic permit approval from the Health Department, and the square footage of the home and garage. 

A building permit for a mobile home: Warranty Deed, Copy of the Survey or Plat of the property, Copy of the Septic permit approval from the Health Department, and a Copy of the Bill of Sale for the Home.

Building Permit Fee Schedule

House  $151/sq. ft. Base $300

Deck / Addition $151/sq. ft. Base $25

Shed  $60/sq. ft. Base $25

Garage  $77/sq. ft. Base 25

CML Storage  $76/sq. ft. Base $25

Business  $164/sq. ft. Base $25

Industrial $87/sq. ft. Base $25

Used S/W Mobile Home

60L  $354         76L  $369

66L  $360         80L  $372

70     $363

Setbacks

A-1                    30-10-10

Accessory          5-5

R-1/R-2            30-12-12

Accessory          7-7

I-1                     50-25-25

I-2                     100-50-50

1. The Contractor or Homeowner needs to submit 2 copies of plans, blueprints or drawings. (A two-day waiting period for the reviewing of plans is required; however, some plans may require additional time.)

2. If you have a Contract, the requirements are:
         a. State License
         b. County License
         c. Liability Insurance
         d. Workers Comp Insurance
         e. Driver’s License

Please bring a copy of each item. Thank you.

If you, the Homeowner, obtain the permit, state law requires you to act as the General Contractor and supervise all phases of the job. You must hire and supervise all subcontractors, who shall be licensed.

If you have the permit in your name and hire a General Contractor to do the work, then your permit must be reissued in the name of your General Contractor who must follow state requirements.  

The County has passed the 2012 International Residential Code and before any residential construction is permitted all plans must be reviewed and approved by the Building Department. 

Yes. Homeowners are allowed one permit every two years to build their own house and act as their own contractor. If a homeowner hires a contractor, the contractor is required to be licensed and obtain the permit.
 
A homeowner should never obtain the permit on behalf of the contractor, as this alleviates the contractor from most liability and insurance requirements. In addition, the contracts should not be split into phases to circumvent the law. Anyone who is paid in excess of $25,000.00 is required to be licensed.

You can replace a nonconforming mobile home with another one as long as you do it within 6 months. You will need to receive health department approval, along with a building permit for the structure.

Tenn. Code Ann. 68-126-311(b) states: No ready-removable shall be modified for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in this state.

68-126-303(9) defines a ready-removable as: a structure without any foundation, footings, or other support mechanisms that allow a structure to be easily relocated but which may include electrical wiring. Ready removable structures include, but are not limited to, stadium press boxes, guard shelters, or structures that contain only electrical, electronic, or mechanical equipment that are solely occupied for service or maintenance of such equipment.

68-126-311(a) Ready-removables with electrical wiring must still meet applicable state and local electrical permitting requirements, local building permitting requirements, and have hardwired smoke alarms installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

ANY STRUCTURE INTENDED FOR RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY MUST MEET THE APPLICABLE RESIDENTIAL CODES ADOPTED IN THAT JURISDICTION.

For questions on ready-removable structures or residential codes in Tennessee, contact Tim Planer, Residential Building Inspection Supervisor at 615-532-8361.

Download the Jefferson County Guidelines for  Tiny Home Construction

State Fire Marshall Laws: Ready-Removables