Permits and licenses are compulsory in Tennessee to regulate building construction to meet set standards and requirements for safety. Tennessee building codes adopt the IBC, but local adaptations are needed to meet some of the state’s requirements. As per the type of work, permits may include building construction permits for residential and/or commercial constructions, electrical permits, plumbing permits and renovation permits.
Tennessee Building Codes, Permit and License information
Contractors need to have a license from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance with particular trade specialties. You need to check first before engaging in any construction activity. But before erecting any building, the plans need approval from the city or county building department and fall under Tennessee building codes.
What Tennessee Building Code Editions Are Adopted:
- 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2012 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2012 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC)
- 2012 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
- 2012 ICC Performance Code for Building and Facilities (ICCPC)
- 2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2012 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2012 International Green Construction Code (IGCC)
- 2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- 2012 International Fire Code (IFC)
- 2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2012 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
- 2009 International Zoning Code (IZC)
- 2017 National Electric Code (NEC) – Effective date October 1, 2018
- State Energy Code 2012 IECC and 90.1-2010
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code 2021
Applicability (statewide, local, limited): LIMITED
See a Statewide List of Building Codes here.
| State Website | https://www.tn.gov/ |
| State Licensing | Contractor licensing is required by the State of Tennessee. |
| State Licensing Division | https://www.tn.gov/commerce/licensing-regulations.html |
| State Fire Marshall | https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire-prevention.html |
| State Environmental Permit | https://www.tn.gov/environment.html |
Additional Building Codes by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming