Documents needed to build a new house:

• Zoning Compliance Certificate^1,3
• Land Disturbance Permit^2,3

• TDEC Septic Permit or a C.U.D. STEP Permit
• Building Permit Application
• School Facilities Tax Application
• Erosion Prevention Form 
• Floor Plans⁴
• Plot Plan
• Other documents may be required depending on the project⁵

**Manufactured/Mobile Homes: We will need a copy of your contract/receipt, showing the cost of the home, in addition to everything listed above.

**Some house plans may be required to have a residential plans review. Please view the "Residential Plans Review" tab to see if this applies to your project.

*Notes:

1. The zoning compliance certificate (ZCC) is provided by the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Department.
2. The land disturbance permit (LDP) is provided by the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Department.
3. If a lot is located within a recorded subdivision, in most cases, the ZCC & LDP has already been approved. If this applies to you, please contact RCBC at 615-898-7734 for more information.
4. Floor plans should be an architectural rendering. No hand drawn floor plans.
5. Other documents may include, but not limited to: Elevation Certificates, Engineer Stamped Floor Plans, Engineer Reports, Compaction Letters, etc. 

An addition to a house is when the foundation and/or roof line is extended. If you are not extending the foundation and/or roof line, your project is probably a remodel. Common remodel projects include converting an existing garage or attic space into finished living space, knocking down walls, building new walls, etc. Because the building permit steps are different for each type of project, it is important that you know the difference. If you are unsure whether your project is an addition or remodel please contact our office at 615-898-7734. 

Documents needed for an addition:

• Zoning Compliance Certificate¹

• TDEC Septic Records^2,3,4
• Building Permit Application
• School Facilities Tax Application⁵
• Floor Plans⁶
• Plot Plan/Diagram⁷
• Other documents may be required depending on the project⁸

*Notes:

1. The zoning compliance certificate (ZCC) is provided by the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Department.
2. This does not apply to homes connected to a C.U.D. STEP system or Murfreesboro City Sewer. See note 4.
3. Even if your project is nowhere near your septic, we still need your septic records.
4. If you are creating/adding a new bedroom(s), the number of bedrooms in the house will need to match the number of bedrooms listed on your septic records. If you would like to increase the number of bedrooms on your septic records, please contact TDEC. If you are connected to a C.U.D. STEP system or Murfreesboro City Sewer, we generally do not require any documentation, but we highly recommend you check with those entities before starting your project.  
5. The School Facilities Tax (SFT) only applies if you are adding on finished living space or changing the use of an area. Please contact the office at 615-898-7734 to verify if the SFT will apply to your project.
6. In most cases, the floor plans can be hand drawn, but dimensions should be accurate.
7. The plot plan/diagram is to show where the addition will be located on the house. We need to know distances from property lines, the septic system, other structures, etc. Here is an example. This can be hand drawn as long as the dimensions are accurate.
8. Other documents may include, but not limited to: Elevation Certificates, Engineer Stamped Floor Plans, Engineer Reports, Compaction Letters, etc.

Documents needed for a remodel:

• Building Permit Application
• Floor Plans¹
• TDEC Septic Records²
• School Facilities Tax Application³
• Other documents may be required depending on the project⁴

** In most cases, a zoning compliance certificate, from the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Dept., is not required for a remodel.

*Notes:

1. In most cases, the floor plans can be hand drawn, but dimensions should be accurate.
2. We usually only need septic records if you are creating/adding a new bedroom(s). The number of bedrooms in the house should match the number of bedrooms listed on your septic records. If you would like to increase the number of bedrooms on your septic records, please contact TDEC. If you are connected to a C.U.D. STEP system or Murfreesboro City Sewer, we generally do not require any documentation, but we highly recommend you check with those entities before starting your project.
3. The School Facilities Tax (SFT) does not usually apply to remodel projects, but sometimes it does. Please contact the office at 615-898-7734 to verify if the SFT will apply to your project.
4. Other documents may include, but not limited to: Elevation Certificates, Engineer Stamped Floor Plans, Engineer Reports, Compaction Letters, etc.

What is an accessory structure?

An accessory structure is any structure on a property that is not apart of the primary home. Some examples of an accessory structure are detached garages, detached barns, detached gazebos, detached pool houses, detached sheds, etc.

When do you need a permit for an accessory structure? 

A permit is required for any structure with a permanent foundation or any structure that is 120 square feet or larger, on a portable foundation.

Fun Fact:

According to the Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance, if a detached structure is 3 feet or closer to a home, it is no longer an accessory structure; it becomes an addition. Why this matters: primary homes and accessory structures have different property line setbacks. In most cases, an accessory structure only needs to be 5 feet from the side and rear property lines, but a primary home needs to be 10 feet from the side property lines and 20 feet from the rear property lines. However, not all properties follow this rule, so please contact the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Department to confirm your property's setbacks. 

Documents needed for an accessory structure:

• Zoning Compliance Certificate¹

• TDEC Septic Records^2,3
• Building Permit Application
• School Facilities Tax Application⁴
• Floor Plans⁵
• Plot Plan/Diagram⁶
• Other documents may be required depending on the project⁷

*Notes:

1. The zoning compliance certificate (ZCC) is provided by the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Department.
2. This does not apply to homes connected to a C.U.D. STEP system or Murfreesboro City Sewer.
3. Even if your project is nowhere near your septic, we still need your septic records.
4. The School Facilities Tax (SFT) only applies if you are adding/creating finished living space or changing the use of an area. Please contact the office at 615-898-7734 to verify if the SFT will apply to your project.
5. In most cases, the floor plans can be hand drawn, but dimensions should be accurate.
6. The plot plan/diagram is to show where the structure will be located on the property. We need to know distances from property lines, the septic system, other structures, etc. Here is an example. This can be hand drawn as long as the dimensions are accurate.
7. Other documents may include, but not limited to: Elevation Certificates, Engineer Stamped Floor Plans, Engineer Reports, Compaction Letters, etc.

Why do we permit swimming pools?

We want to ensure that proper safety measures are in place for your family, your neighbors, and even for our furry friends. We will check for a proper barrier, make sure alarms are installed per state regulations, and the state will ensure that the electrical work is done correctly. Furthermore, we will verify that the proposed location of the swimming pool meets the standards outlined in the Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance and that the proposed location does not encroach upon septic systems, easements, etc.

When do you need a permit for a swimming pool?

If you are installing and in-ground or an above-ground swimming pool, that holds at least 36 inches of water, then you need a building permit.

Will you you need an electrical permit?

In most cases, an electrical permit will be required. Because the state performs Rutherford County's electrical inspections, we recommend reaching out to a state electrical inspector for clarification.

Documents needed for a swimming pool permit:

• Zoning Compliance Certificate¹
• TDEC Septic Records^2,3
• Plot Plan/Diagram⁴
• Contract/Receipt (showing the cost of the pool)
• Barrier & Alarm Agreement^5,6,7

**Notes:

1. The zoning compliance certificate (ZCC) is provided by the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Department.
2. This does not apply to homes connected to a C.U.D. STEP system or Murfreesboro City Sewer.
3. Even if the proposed location is nowhere near your septic, we still need the septic records.
4. The plot plan/diagram is to show where the pool will be located on the property. We need to know distances from property lines, the septic system, other structures, etc. Here is an example. This can be hand drawn as long as the dimensions are accurate.
5. This must be signed by the property owner, and it must be notarized. 
6. If a property owner is getting their own permit, then they can fill out this form while picking up the permit.
7. If a contractor is getting the permit, then the completed barrier & alarm agreement must be provided prior to permit issuance. The property owner may come to our office to complete the form, and we will hold it until the contractor is able to pick up the permit.

 More information regarding swimming pool safety & swimming pool inspections can be found below:

What is a 'Tiny Home'?

A 'tiny house', as defined by Section BB102- Definitions of the 2024 International Residential Code, is a dwelling "400 square feet or less in floor area excluding lofts". Tiny houses regulated by the International Residential Code and NOT fabricated in a different location and relocated to a lot within Rutherford County. 

Types of Tiny Homes Permitted in Rutherford County:

A pre-manufactured 'Tiny House' is any unit built off-site and regulated under the Tennessee Modular Buildings Act. This program is under authority of T.C.A. 68-126-301. It includes housing that is produced in factories and transported to building sites to be installed. The manufacturers of such 'tiny' modular homes are/shall be licensed by the State of Tennessee, regulated under the supervision of the state program, and are required to have a permanently affixed Tennessee Modular Building label. The label is required to be attached by means of four (4) pop rivets or drive screws on a permanent, non-removable building component as evidence of compliance of the program. 

A site-built 'Tiny House' is any structure constructed from start to finish on the site it is intended to be placed. A site-built unit is permitted and inspected through the Rutherford County Building Codes where compliance is regulated through the 2024 International Residential Code, Appendix BB, Tiny Houses.  This structure must be constructed upon a permanent foundation and is required to be connected to an approved Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS).

Construction Requirements

**Before purchasing a 'Tiny Home' please be advised that approval to place a tiny home (as defined in this section) on property located in Rutherford County is NOT automatic and is only permitted when the required criteria has been reviewed and approved by the Rutherford County Planning Department. Before purchasing or placing a unit on your property, approval and a building permit must first be obtained. 

Documents needed to build a tiny home:

• Zoning Compliance Certificate^1,3
• Land Disturbance Permit^2,3

• TDEC Septic Permit or a C.U.D. STEP Permit
• Building Permit Application
• School Facilities Tax Application
• Erosion Prevention Form
• Floor Plans⁴
• Plot Plan
• Other documents may be required depending on the project⁵

*Notes:

1. The zoning compliance certificate (ZCC) is provided by the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Department.
2. The land disturbance permit (LDP) is provided by the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Department.
3. If a lot is located within a recorded subdivision, in most cases, the ZCC & LDP has already been approved. If this applies to you, please contact RCBC at 615-898-7734 for more information.
4. Floor plans should be an architectural rendering. No hand drawn floor plans.
5. Other documents may include, but not limited to: Elevation Certificates, Engineer Stamped Floor Plans, Engineer Reports, Compaction Letters, etc. 

residential construction plans review

Where it applies to Residential Development, a Plans Review will be required in the following scenarios:

1. A Single-Family Dwelling with basement of any type or size
2. A Single-Family Dwelling with at least 5000 square feet of finished living space
3. Townhomes
4. Pole barn type structures with living space regardless of square footage*
5. Any structures constructed using unconventional building methods such as 'container houses', houses with excessive glazing, etc.

With the exception of a pole barn type structure, the plans are not required to be a certified architectural drawing as they are reviewed for life safety items only, construction of the structure shall meet the minimum standards in the 2024 International Residential Code.  

*Drawings for "Pole Barns" or pre-manufactured steel structures intended for the use of occupation, shall be design drawings prepared and sealed by a Tennessee Registered Architect or Engineer. Drawings must be labeled that they have been designed to meet, and comply with the minimum design standards in the 2024 International Residential Code.

A minimum of three (3) working days should be allowed for this review. NOTE: Prior to permit issuance, other approvals such as approvals from State Fire Marshal’s Office, Planning Department and/or Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) may be required.

What Inspections are Needed?

The adopted codes require that all work must be inspected, at specific intervals during the construction process, by a certified building inspector.

The inspections required, but not limited to, can be found in the handout below:

Building Inspection Checklist

Who Should Request the Inspections?

The building permit applicant is responsible for requesting all inspections and ensuring the proper approvals have been granted before continuing to the next phase of construction.

Any Fees?

The building inspections are included with the purchase of your building permit.

The only exception is re-inspections. A re-inspection fee will apply to the 3rd re-inspection or any subsequent re-inspection.

*The building permit fee does not cover the costs of any plumbing, gas, electrical, mechanical, etc. inspections*

When are Inspections Done?

Building inspections are completed during normal business days, typically between 8:30am to 2:30pm.

*Special timing requests can be made with the building inspector*

When to Request an Inspection?

Currently, inspections are 24-48 hours out.

If you request an inspection by 3:00pm, we will try to be out the following day. If your inspection request is received after 3:00pm, your inspection will be done two days following the request.

*Inspection requests are up to the building inspector's discretion*

How to Request an Inspection?

1. Call: 615-898-7734
2. Email: [email protected]
3. Online: Click Here

What Happens After the Final Inspection?

• Electrical service will be released to the power company, if applicable.
• The permit applicant will receive a certificate of occupancy or notice of final inspection.

What Happens if an Inspection is Skipped?

• The permit applicant will be responsible for removing work performed until an inspection can be comlpeted
• The permit applicant will be responsible for submitting verification of code compliance from an applicable licensed engineer

**PROPERTY OWNER ACTING AS THEIR OWN CONTRACTOR**

Please note, property owners who wish to obtain their own building permit for minor construction projects completed on their property may do so.  However, if this is the scenario, it is understood that they then become the permit holder, their own contractor and therefore solely responsible for ensuring that all inspections are requested and completed per the checklist above. Rutherford County Building Codes will not be responsible for pursuing any legal, or other actions against your contractor on your behalf should an inspection not be completed.  Any action, legal or otherwise, would be the responsibility of the permit holder.