Tennessee, Campbell County Remodeler Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Campbell County, Tennessee Remodeling and Renovation Permit Requirements

In Campbell County, Tennessee, building permits are required for most construction, renovation, and installation projects that impact a building's safety, structure, or utility systems. The authority for issuing these permits generally lies with the local jurisdiction, which in unincorporated areas of Campbell County, would be the County Clerk's office. For properties within city limits, the respective city offices handle permitting.

1. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

The Campbell County Clerk's Office is responsible for issuing county building permits for construction, enlargement, or remodeling within Campbell County. However, for projects within incorporated city limits, the individual city building departments are the AHJ.

2. Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties located in unincorporated areas of Campbell County, the County Clerk's Office handles building permit applications. It's important to note that before a building permit can be issued, a septic permit must be obtained from the TDEC Knoxville Office.

The State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program also applies to unincorporated areas of certain counties, including Campbell County, unless these areas have opted out of state codes.

3. Specific Permit Triggers for Demolition Work During a Remodel

Demolition work during a remodel generally requires a permit. In Tennessee, any building to be demolished or removed, in whole or in part, where the demolition area is 1000 square feet or greater, requires a demolition permit.

Additionally, demolition projects in Tennessee may require an asbestos letter from the State of Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation.

4. Permit Requirements for Altering or Converting Non-Living Spaces

Converting non-living spaces such as garages, attics, or unfinished basements into habitable living areas typically requires a building permit.

Garages: If a garage is converted into an office, man cave, or any space requiring electrical work, a permit is necessary. In many Tennessee counties, garages over a certain size (e.g., 100-120 sq ft) require a permit, especially if intended for living space. A slab inspection is not required for garages.
Attics and Unfinished Basements: While a slab inspection is not required for unfinished basements, converting these spaces into habitable areas will likely necessitate a building permit.

The permit application process for such conversions usually involves submitting construction plans, site plans, and potentially contractor information. The cost of permits is generally based on the estimated cost of construction.

Resources to Learn More

Campbell County Clerk's Office:
TDEC Knoxville Office: (865)-594-6035
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation - Asbestos Program:
State Fire Marshal's Office:
Calculate a Bathroom Remodeling Project in Campbell County, Tennessee
Calculate a Kitchen Remodeling Project in Campbell County, Tennessee
Calculate a Basement Finishing Project in Campbell County, Tennessee
Calculate a Attic Conversion Project in Campbell County, Tennessee
Find Remodeler Contractors in Tennessee

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Tennessee, including Campbell County.

Tennessee Remodeler Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Tennessee State Building Codes and Legislation for Remodelers and Residential Renovations

Tennessee has a comprehensive framework for regulating building and remodeling work, primarily overseen by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. The state has adopted various editions of the International Codes (I-Codes) as its baseline building standards, with local governments having the option to adopt and enforce their own codes, provided they are equivalent to or stricter than state standards.

1. Specific State Statutes and Codes Adopted

Tennessee has adopted the following key building codes:

2018 International Residential Code (IRC): This code applies to one- and two-family homes and townhouses up to three stories.
2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC): This code governs insulation, HVAC efficiency, lighting, and sealing.
2021 International Building Code (IBC): This code is adopted for commercial and multi-family construction.
2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC): This code is adopted for alterations, repairs, additions, and changes of occupancy for existing buildings.

It's important to note that some of these codes have been adopted with amendments. Local governments may also adopt newer versions of these codes. For instance, as of August 17, 2025, Tennessee adopted the 2021 editions of several International Codes, including the IBC, IFC, IFGC, IMC, IPC, IPMC, IECC, and IEBC.

2. Primary State Board or Agencies

The primary state agencies and boards responsible for setting and enforcing these standards are:

Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI): This department administers contractor licensing and oversees the state's building code enforcement.
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors: This board establishes the framework for contractor licensing, including requirements for general contractors, home improvement contractors, and specialty trades.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office: This office is involved in the adoption and enforcement of building codes, particularly concerning fire safety.

3. Classification of Remodels and Demolition Guidelines

Cosmetic vs. Structural Alterations:

Generally, minor cosmetic changes that do not affect the building's structure, safety, or utility systems may not require permits, but this can vary by local jurisdiction.
Structural alterations, such as converting attics or basements to habitable living spaces, adding or removing walls, or making significant changes to electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems, will almost always require a building permit and must comply with the adopted building codes.

Demolition Guidelines:

The demolition of any structure generally requires a permit from the local building department.
For demolitions where the area is 1,000 square feet or greater, a demolition permit is mandatory.
Notification to the Tennessee Division of Air Pollution Control (APC) is required for any demolition or renovation involving asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or even if no asbestos is present, at least 10 working days before the work begins.
A demolition plan, detailing dismantling methods, debris disposal, and utility disconnection, is typically required with the permit application.
Some local governments, like Wilson County, may not require local demolition permits but still mandate state notification.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Campbell County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

Help Us Improve This Guide

Did you find a dead link, or do you have the direct link to the Campbell County permit application portal? Help us keep this information accurate by submitting an update.