Tennessee

Tennessee Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

Do you need a permit for a carport in Tennessee? It depends a lot on where you live. Many counties and cities run their own codes office, some areas use the State Fire Marshal's residential program, and some counties have opted out of statewide residential codes altogether. The state's own residential permit does not cover detached garages, sheds or barns, but your county or city may still want a building or zoning permit. Start with your county or city codes office before you order.

Building code in effect

For one- and two-family homes, the State Fire Marshal's Office has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with a few amendments, along with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. Counties and cities that run their own program can adopt their own code, as long as it stays current within seven years of the latest edition. So the edition your local office uses may not match the state's. Ask your local office which code and edition they enforce.

Who issues permits

In most of the bigger counties and cities, the local building or codes department issues permits under its own program. In areas that take part in the state program, the State Fire Marshal's Office sells residential permits online through its CORE portal or through local issuing agents, and you can reach the residential program at 615-741-7170. Some counties have opted out of statewide residential codes by a two-thirds vote of their local legislative body. Zoning is a separate approval, and the state permit does not cover zoning, grading, flood plain, septic or electrical work. The state publishes a list showing whether each county and city is in the state program, exempt (runs its own program) or opted out.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

Detached buildings and the state permit: The State Fire Marshal's Office says a state residential building permit is not required for detached garages, sheds, barns or other detached structures that are not used for living purposes.
Local programs set their own rules: If your county or city runs its own codes program, it decides whether a detached carport, garage or barn needs a permit. Do not assume the state exemption applies there.
Additions to your home: In state-program areas, additions over 30 square feet to an existing home need a state residential permit. If you plan to attach a carport or garage to your house, ask whether it counts as an addition.
Living space changes everything: The state exemption is only for buildings not used for living. A building with an apartment, bedroom or living quarters is treated very differently.
Commercial property: Non-residential buildings follow separate State Fire Marshal plan review rules in areas without an approved local program. Call before building on business property.

Farm buildings

Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114, county zoning rules cannot be used to require building permits for buildings on agricultural land, as long as the building is incidental to the farming operation. This applies to county zoning, not to rules inside a city, and it does not apply to farm land next to or near state federal-aid highways, public airports or public parks. A Tennessee Attorney General opinion (No. 13-80) reads farm use broadly. The state residential permit also does not cover barns. Electrical work is not covered by the state residential building permit, so ask about electrical requirements if you are running power to the building.

Wind and snow

Tennessee gets strong storms and tornadoes across the state, and the mountains of East Tennessee see more snow than the west. Ask your county or city codes office what wind speed and snow load your building should be designed for, especially if you are in a higher elevation area. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Call your county or city codes office before you order. Ask if you need a building permit, a zoning permit or both, what setbacks apply and what wind and snow ratings they want.
Check the State Fire Marshal's jurisdiction list to see if your area runs its own program, uses the state program or has opted out. It tells you who to call.
Check your HOA rules and deed restrictions. They can limit size, color or placement even where no permit is needed.
Have a level site ready, whether that is a concrete slab, a gravel pad or graded ground. If your office asks for engineered drawings for a certified building, we can help you get them.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Tennessee?
The state residential permit does not cover detached structures that are not used for living. But many counties and cities run their own codes programs and set their own rules. Call your local codes office to find out for sure.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Tennessee?
A detached garage does not need a state residential building permit. Your county or city may still require a building or zoning permit, and an attached garage may be treated as an addition to your home. Check with your local office before you order.

Are farm buildings exempt?
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-114, counties cannot use zoning to require building permits for buildings on farm land that are incidental to the farming operation. It does not apply inside cities or near state federal-aid highways, public airports or public parks. Ask your county how it handles farm buildings.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.

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