Tennessee permits
Do you need a permit in Tennessee?
Tennessee adopts the International Residential Code with local amendments; enforcement is by municipality or county. The state requires a contractor license for any single project of $25,000 or more through the Board for Licensing Contractors, and a "Home Improvement" license in certain counties for smaller jobs. Electrical and plumbing licensing is statewide.
Free calculator
These are statewide ranges. Get your exact Tennessee cost for your zip code and project size.
Can a homeowner pull the permit?
Yes, in most cases. Owner-occupied primary residence. Homeowner self-performing is exempt from the $25K contractor-license requirement; hiring a covered project requires a licensed contractor.
Where to file: City or county building/codes department. Nashville (Metro Codes), Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga have online portals. Rural counties vary, some with minimal permitting. Plan review 1-3 weeks.
Permits by trade in Tennessee
| Trade | When required | Citation | Typical fee | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing | In-wall work, fixture changes, water heater, gas | TN Board examiners; state plumbing code | $50-$200 | Conditional |
| Electrical | New circuits, panel work, service upgrades, EV charger | TN Electrical Code; NEC | $50-$200 | Conditional |
| Mechanical (HVAC) | AC change-out, furnace, ductwork, refrigerant | TN Mechanical Code | $75-$250 | No |
| Building (structural) | Additions, structural modifications, decks | IRC as adopted | $100-$600 | Yes |
| Roofing | Re-roofs (most jurisdictions), structural deck repair | Local jurisdiction | $50-$200 | Yes |
| Contractor license ($25K+) | Any single project of $25,000 or more | TCA Title 62 Ch 6 | N/A | Yes |
Hover a Conditional or No entry for the homeowner rule. Always confirm with your local building department, since requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Ready to build
Get the full plan for your project
A Project Blueprint gives you the materials list, tool inventory, Tennessee permit steps, and a step-by-step build sequence, calibrated to your zip. Human-reviewed before delivery.