Permit Exemptions

EXEMPT IMAGE

Residential permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
  • Fences not over 7 feet high.
  • Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height.
  • Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
  • Oil derricks.
  • Sidewalks and driveways.
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
  • Swings and other playground equipment.
  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
  • Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.
  • Swimming pools (prefabricated) that are not more than 24 inches deep.
  • Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
  • Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
  • Nonfixed and moveable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.

ELECTRICAL: Are permitted and inspected by the State of Tennessee. 

GAS:

  • Portable heating appliances.
  • Replacement of any part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
  • Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

MECHANICAL/HVAC:

  • Portable heating appliances.
  • Portable ventilation appliances.
  • Portable cooling units.
  • Steam, hot- or chilled- water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the 2012 IRC or IBC.
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
  • Portable evaporative coolers.
  • Self contained refrigeration systems containing 10 or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 hp or less
  • Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

PLUMBING:

  • The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain-pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in the code.
  • The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.