Garage Permits in TN: The Ultimate Guide

Planning to build a garage in Tennessee comes with more than just design decisions; permit requirements and local rules can vary significantly depending on where you live. This guide walks you through what to expect, including when a permit is needed and the key regulations to keep in mind so you can move forward without surprises.

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Garage in TN?

Yes, in Tennessee, you need a permit to build a garage, especially within city limits like Nashville, where local codes require permits for new residential structures and additions before construction begins. Because permit rules are set by each city or county, requirements can vary. The process ensures your garage meets safety, zoning, and inspection standards, and separate permits may be needed for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. It is important to check with your local building department before starting.

Do I Need a Permit to Run Electricity to My Garage in TN?

Yes, in Tennessee, you will typically need a permit to run electricity to a garage. This applies to installing new wiring, circuits, or electrical service to a structure. The permit process ensures the work meets National Electrical Code standards and includes inspections to verify it is completed safely.

Do I Need to Submit Plans When Applying for a Garage Permit?

Yes, most jurisdictions require a site plan showing property lines and placement, and often construction drawings or floor plans as part of the application. You can usually obtain these plans from your building provider or designer, and they typically include details like shed or garage dimensions, layout, foundation type, and exact location on your property.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Garage Permit Approved in Tennessee?

Garage permit approval in Tennessee usually takes about 5 to 10 business days for most standard projects. However, timelines can vary by location, with some counties approving permits in as little as 48 hours, while busier areas like Murfreesboro may take 2 weeks or more. Projects that are more complex or require a detailed zoning review can take up to four weeks or longer.

Garage Permit Requirements For Cities in Tennessee

Take a look at the table below to find garage permit requirements for cities and counties across Tennessee. It will point you to the right local office to contact before you start your project.

Bartlett	Code Enforcement
Brentwood	Planning & Codes
Chattanooga	Land Development
Clarksville	Building Codes
Cleveland	Building
Collierville	Building Codes
Columbia	Building Codes & Construction
Franklin	Building & Neighborhood Services
Gallatin	Building Codes
Hendersonville	Permitting
Jackson	Building & Codes
Johnson City	Building
Kingsport	Building
Knoxville	Plans Review & Inspections
Lebanon	Building Inspection
Memphis	Buildings & Zoning
Murfreesboro	Building & Codes
Nashville	Building Permits
Smyrna	Building Safety
Spring Hill	Applications & Permits

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Bartlett, TN?

Yes, in Bartlett, TN, you must obtain a building permit to construct a detached garage of any size, along with separate permits for any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. The garage cannot be placed in a front or side yard, must be at least 5 feet from your home or other structures, and cannot sit on a utility easement. In most residential zones, it is limited to one story and a maximum height of 20 feet, with wall height at the setback not exceeding 8 feet, and the roof pitch cannot be steeper than your main home. 

You are allowed up to two accessory buildings, with their combined size limited to 20% of the maximum lot coverage, though at least 600 square feet is permitted. The city does not enforce HOA rules, so you must check those separately, and it is recommended to confirm all requirements with the Bartlett Code Enforcement office before starting your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Brentwood, TN?

Yes, in Brentwood, Tennessee, you need a building permit to construct a garage, whether it is detached or attached to your home, and separate trade permits are typically required for any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. Specific rules for setbacks and height limits depend on your zoning district, so those details must be confirmed locally. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you will also need written approval before building to avoid potential fines or removal. Skipping the permit process can lead to stop work orders, fines, or even being required to tear down the structure. To get accurate requirements for your property, you can apply online, visit the city office, or contact the Planning and Codes Department directly before starting your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Chattanooga, TN?

Yes, in Chattanooga, a building permit is required for all attached garages, all carports, and any detached garage larger than 120 square feet, while smaller detached garages may be exempt but must still follow zoning rules. Detached garages can often be placed as close as 3 feet to side or rear property lines, depending on zoning, and your permit application must include a site plan showing these distances. Since zoning rules can vary, it is recommended to confirm details with the Chattanooga Land Development Office before starting your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Clarksville, TN?

Yes, in Clarksville, TN, a building permit is required for all garages, whether attached or detached, with no minimum size exemption that would allow you to avoid the permit requirement.

• Setbacks vary by zoning district: Your garage must meet front yard setbacks of either 30 or 40 feet from your front property line, but side and rear setback distances depend on your specific zoning classification.
• A site plan is required: You’ll need to submit a detailed drawing showing your property lines, utility lines, and where the proposed garage will be located on your lot.
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work: Each system requires its own permit in addition to the main building permit.
• Inspections are part of the process: Plan for inspections at the foundation, framing, and final completion stages, and a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued once everything passes.
• If you’re acting as your own contractor: You’ll need to submit a notarized Homeowner Affidavit, and if your property is in an HOA community, you’ll also want to get written HOA approval before you build, since the city doesn’t enforce HOA rules.

Since zoning rules and requirements can change, it’s always a good idea to confirm the details directly with the City of Clarksville Building and Codes Department at (931) 645-7426 before you start building.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Cleveland, TN?

Yes, in Cleveland, TN, a building permit is required for all attached garages, any detached garage over 120 square feet, and all carports, while smaller detached garages may be exempt from the permit but must still follow zoning rules. Separate permits are required for any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, and attached garages must include proper fire-rated separation from the home. 

Your garage must also meet local setback and height limits based on zoning, and a contractor must be on file before the permit is issued. Confirm current requirements with the Cleveland Building Division before starting your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Collierville, TN?

Yes, in Collierville, TN, a building permit is required to build a detached garage, and separate trade permits are also required if you plan to add electricity, plumbing, or HVAC.

• Setbacks: Your garage must stay out of the front yard and required side yards, must be at least as far from any property line as it is tall, and can never be closer than 5 feet to a property line. For example, a 12-foot-tall garage must sit at least 12 feet from the property line.
• Architectural compatibility: If your garage is larger than 150 square feet, it must match your home’s architectural style, roof style, and building materials.
• Lot limits: Residential lots under two acres are allowed a maximum of two accessory structures total, so any existing sheds or outbuildings count toward that limit.

Since zoning rules and permit requirements can change, it’s always a good idea to confirm the details with Collierville’s Building & Codes Division directly at (901) 457-2320 or [email protected] before you start your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Columbia, TN?

Yes, in Columbia, TN, you need a building permit and a zoning compliance review to build a garage. A full permit is required for structures larger than 200 square feet, and all garages must submit an accessory structure questionnaire to confirm proper placement and avoid easements. Any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work requires separate permits. If your property is in a historic district, you must also obtain a certificate of appropriateness before building. Permits expire if work stops for 180 days, and since setback and height rules vary, it is best to confirm those details directly with the city before starting your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Franklin, TN?

Yes, in Franklin, TN, a local building permit is required to build a garage of any size, while Tennessee state law exempts detached garages from state-level permits, the City of Franklin enforces its own rules and requires a permit for all accessory structures, including garages.

• Setbacks: Your garage must be placed at least 5 feet behind your home and at least 5 feet from any property line (setbacks for your main home vary by zoning district, so check your specific zone).
• Height: A detached garage can be up to 2 stories tall, but it cannot exceed the height of your primary home.
• Contractor & cost rules: You can pull your own permit, but if your project costs more than $25,000, a licensed Tennessee contractor must pull it, and separate permits are required for any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work.
• Fees & timeline: Permit fees run about $0.77 per square foot, applications must be submitted online in PDF format, and residential permits are typically reviewed within 7 business days.

Since zoning rules, easements, and local requirements can vary by property and are updated over time, it’s always best to confirm your specific project details directly with the City of Franklin’s Building and Neighborhood Services Department at (615) 794-7012 or [email protected] before you start building.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Gallatin, TN?

Yes, in Gallatin, TN, a building permit is required for all garages, regardless of size. There is no minimum square footage threshold that lets you skip the permit process.

• Setbacks vary by zoning district: For example, R6 requires a 20-foot front yard and 5-foot side yard, while R40 requires a 50-foot front yard and 20-foot side yard, so you’ll need to know your zone before planning your garage’s placement.
• Lot coverage limits apply: Your garage counts toward the total percentage of your lot that can be covered by structures, ranging from 10% in agricultural zones up to 40% in R10 zones.
• Electrical work: If you plan to add lighting, outlets, or any wiring to your garage, you’ll need to pull an additional electrical permit.

Since zoning rules and requirements can change, it’s always a good idea to call the City of Gallatin Building Codes Department directly at (615) 451-5968 to confirm the details that apply to your specific property before you start planning.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Hendersonville, TN?

Yes, Hendersonville, TN, you’ll need both a building permit and a Zoning Application Accessory Building to build a garage, and this applies to detached garages or storage buildings over 200 square feet.

• Size limits: The total square footage of all accessory buildings on your lot is capped based on your lot size. For example, lots under 15,000 sq. ft. are limited to 800 sq. ft., while lots of 3 acres or more can have up to 2,500 sq. ft., and no accessory building can exceed 50% of your home’s footprint, whichever limit is smaller.
• Setbacks: Your garage must sit at least 10 feet from side property lines (8 feet in SR-2 zones), 20 feet from the rear property line, and cannot be placed in the front yard, though structures 400 sq. ft. or smaller that are at least 10 feet from the house may qualify for a reduced 5-foot side and rear setback.
• Height limits: Your garage cannot be taller than your existing house or 35 feet, whichever is less. If your home is a single story, the garage height is capped at 1.5 times the height of your house.
• Materials and placement: If your garage is larger than 120 sq. ft. and located anywhere other than the rear yard, it must match the building materials and architectural style of your existing home.

Since permitting rules can change, it’s always a good idea to confirm the latest requirements directly with the City of Hendersonville’s Building & Codes Department at [email protected] or by calling 615-822-3802 before you start your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Jackson, TN?

Yes, in Jackson, TN, and unincorporated Madison County, a building permit is required for most garages, including any over 200 square feet or any permanent stick-built structure, while smaller prefabricated garages may be exempt but must still meet zoning rules. Setback requirements apply, including distance from lot lines and limits on rear yard use, and garages cannot be built in floodplains. Separate permits are needed for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, and it is best to confirm details with the local building department before starting.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Johnson City, TN?

Yes, in Johnson City, TN, a building permit is required for any garage or accessory structure that is 200 square feet or larger. Since most garages exceed that size, you’ll almost certainly need one before you start building.

• Setbacks: Your garage must sit at least 7.5 feet from the side and rear property lines; if your garage door faces the street, a 25-foot front setback applies.
• Size limits: The combined square footage of all accessory structures on your lot cannot exceed 700 square feet or 50% of your home’s floor area.
• Height: Your garage cannot be taller than your primary home.
• Home must come first: You cannot build a garage on a vacant lot, your primary home must be substantially complete before a garage permit will be approved.
• Extra permits may apply: If your garage will have electricity or plumbing, you’ll need separate trade permits in addition to the main building permit.

When you’re ready to move forward, it’s always best to confirm the details directly with Johnson City’s Building Division by calling 423-434-6047 or emailing [email protected] before starting your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Kingsport, TN?

Yes, in Kingsport, TN, a building permit is required for all garages, including attached, detached, and carports, with no size exemptions. Your garage must be placed at least 5 feet behind the main house and at least 3 feet from the rear and side property lines. Separate permits are required for any electrical, plumbing, or gas work, which must be done by a licensed contractor. Homeowners doing their own work must complete a Homeowner’s Affidavit, and properties in historic districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness. For projects over $25,000, contractors must be state-licensed and provide proof of insurance, so it is best to confirm details with the city before starting.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Knoxville, TN?

Yes, in Knoxville, TN, both a building permit and a zoning review are required for detached garages over 200 square feet. Garages 200 square feet or smaller are exempt from the building permit requirement, though zoning rules still apply.

• Setbacks: Your garage must sit at least 5 feet from any side or rear property line and cannot be placed in your front yard.
• Height: Your garage cannot exceed 18 feet in height and must be shorter than your main home.
• Trade permits: If you plan to add electricity or plumbing, those require separate permits in addition to the building permit.
• Building coverage: Your garage must comply with the maximum lot coverage limits for your zoning district, which vary by district.
• HOA and flood zone: Check whether your property has HOA covenants or deed restrictions, and verify whether you’re in a flood zone before you start building.

When in doubt, reach out directly to the City of Knoxville’s Plans Review and Inspections office at 865-215-4311 to confirm the latest requirements for your specific property.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Lebanon, TN?

Yes, a local building permit is required in Lebanon if you’re inside city limits, or through Wilson County if you’re outside city limits.

• Setbacks (RS9 zone): Your detached garage must sit at least 40 ft from the front property line, 10 ft from interior side property lines, 15 ft from a corner side property line, and 15 ft from the rear property line.
• Size limits: In the RS9 zoning district, each detached garage is capped at 700 sq ft and cannot be larger in area or height than your main home.
• Height limit: Detached garages in the RS9 zone may not exceed 2 stories.
• Materials match rule: If your detached garage or outbuilding is over 250 sq ft, it must be built with the same materials as your main house.
• Plot plan first: Before applying for a building permit, you’ll need to get a plot plan or critical lot plan approved through the city’s online portal. This step must happen before anything else.

Since zoning rules vary by district and regulations can change, always confirm the specific requirements for your property directly with the City of Lebanon Building Inspection Department at 717-639-2800 or Wilson County Building Codes Division before starting your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Memphis, TN?

Yes, in Memphis, both a building permit and zoning compliance are required to build a garage, and unlike most Tennessee cities, this applies to every garage, regardless of size, even a small 8×10 structure.

• Setbacks: Your garage must be at least 5 feet from the rear and side property lines; if it faces an alley, it must be at least 5 feet or at least 20 feet from the alley.
• Height: Your garage must be shorter than your main home, and any part taller than 20 feet must be at least 20 feet from the rear property line.
• Utilities: Electricity, plumbing, or HVAC each require their own separate permits. Electrical work specifically requires a state-level permit through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.

To make sure you have the most current requirements for your specific property, give the Memphis & Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement a call at (901) 222-8300.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Murfreesboro, TN?

Yes, if you live within Murfreesboro city limits, a building permit is required for any garage or accessory structure with no size exemption. Your garage must meet zoning setback requirements, cannot be placed in easements, and must pay permit fees based on the total project value. Homeowners can pull their own permit for a primary residence, but rental properties require a licensed contractor, and homes in historic districts need additional approval. HOA rules may also apply, so it is best to confirm all requirements with the city before starting.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Nashville, TN?

Yes, in Nashville, a building permit is required before you can construct a detached garage or any accessory structure larger than 10’x10′ (100 square feet), and this local requirement applies even though Tennessee state law does not require a permit for detached garages.

• Setbacks: Garages 700 sq ft or less located behind your main home need a minimum 3-foot side and rear setback. Garages over 700 sq ft must meet the full setbacks of your zoning district.
• Height & size limits: On lots under 40,000 sq ft, your garage cannot exceed one story or 16 feet tall, and the total footprint is capped at 700 sq ft or 50% of your home’s footprint (whichever is greater), up to a maximum of 2,500 sq ft.

Since permit rules can change, it’s always a good idea to confirm the latest requirements directly with the Metro Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety by emailing [email protected] or calling 615-862-6500 before starting your project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Smyrna, TN?

Yes, in Smyrna, TN, both a building permit and a zoning compliance permit are required before you can build a garage. There are no size thresholds that exempt you from this requirement.

• Setbacks: Your garage must be placed in the side or rear yard only (not the front yard), must be at least 8 feet from any property line, and cannot be placed in a drainage or utility easement.
• Size limits: The maximum size for all your detached accessory structures combined depends on your lot size. For example, lots up to 15,000 sq ft are limited to 600 sq ft, while lots over 5 acres can go up to 2,400 sq ft.
• Lot coverage: All buildings on your property combined, including your new garage, cannot exceed 35% of your total lot area (or 40% in R-4 and R-6 zones).
• Site plan required: You’ll need to submit a site plan showing where the garage will sit in relation to your property lines, existing structures, and any easements before your permit can be approved.

Since permitting rules can change, it’s always a good idea to confirm the latest requirements directly with the Town of Smyrna Building Safety Department at 615-355-5704 or [email protected].

Do I Need A Garage Permit in Spring Hill, TN?

Yes, you need a building permit for attached garages.

• Setbacks: Your garage must be at least 5 feet from all sides and the rear property line, and at least 10 feet from a front or corner lot line.
• Height limit: Detached accessory structures are limited to a maximum height of 12 feet, measured from the ground to the highest point of the structure.
• Plans required: You must submit a plot plan and building plans or construction drawings showing where the garage will sit on your property relative to existing structures and property lines.
• Permit fees: $30 for a 1-car attached garage, $50 for a 2-car, and $75 for a 3-car, but if you start construction before getting your permit, that fee is automatically doubled.
• Separate permits needed: Any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work inside the garage requires a separate permit, in addition to the building permit.

When you’re ready to move forward, it’s always best to confirm your specific requirements directly with the Spring Hill Building Department by calling (931) 451-0904 or emailing [email protected] before breaking ground.

Garage Permit Requirements For Counties in Tennessee

To find the correct office for your project, check the table below for garage permit requirements by county across Tennessee. It will help you quickly identify which county office to contact for accurate and up-to-date information.

Anderson County	Planning
Bedford County	Building Codes
Benton County	County Website
Bledsoe County	County Website
Blount County	Permits
Bradley County	Building Inspections
Campbell County	County Website
Cannon County	Planning
Carroll County	County Website
Carter County	Planning & Zoning
Cheatham County	Building & Codes
Chester County	Building & Zoning
Claiborne County	Building Permits
Clay County	County Website
Cocke County	Zoning
Coffee County	Codes Compliance
Cumberland County	Codes
Davidson County	Building Permits
Decatur County	County Website
DeKalb County	Building
Dickson County	County Website
Dyer County	Building & Zoning
Fayette County	Planning & Development
Fentress County	Zoning & Permitting
Franklin County	Planning & Zoning
Giles County	County Website
Grainger County	Planning
Greene County	Planning
Grundy County	County Website
Hamblen County	Building Inspections
Hamilton County	Building Permits
Hancock County	County Website
Hardeman County	Zoning
Hardin County	County Website
Hawkins County	County Website
Haywood County	Code Enforcement & Building Inspector
Henderson County	Building & Zoning
Henry County	Property Subdivision & Code Enforcement
Hickman County	County Website
Houston County	County Website
Humphreys County	County Website
Jackson County	Building & Codes
Jefferson County	Building
Johnson County	County Website
Knox County	Codes Administration
Lake County	Planning & Zoning
Lauderdale County	County Website
Lawrence County	Licenses & Permits
Lewis County	Zoning
Lincoln County	Building Permits
Loudon County	Planning & Codes
McMinn County	County Website
McNairy County	County Website
Macon County	Building Codes Enforcement
Madison County	Permits & Inspections
Marion County	Building & Planning
Marshall County	Building Inspector
Maury County	Building & Zoning
Meigs County	Planning & Zoning
Monroe County	Planning
Montgomery County	Building & Codes
Moore County	Building Permits
Morgan County	Building Codes & Zoning
Overton County	Permits & Zoning
Perry County	County Website
Pickett County	County Website
Polk County	County Website
Putnam County	Building Codes
Rhea County	County Website
Roane County	Building Codes & Zoning
Robertson County	Planning
Rutherford County	Building Codes
Scott County	Building
Sequatchie County	County Website
Sevier County	Building Inspections
Shelby County	Building Code
Smith County	Planning
Stewart County	County Website
Sullivan County	Planning & Codes
Sumner County	Building & Codes
Tipton County	Planning & Development
Trousdale County	Building, Codes, & Zoning
Unicoi County	Planning & Development
Union County	Assessor of Property
Van Buren County	County Website
Warren County	Building & Environmental Codes
Washington County	Zoning, Planning & Building Codes
Wayne County	County Website
Weakley County	Building Permits
White County	Building Inspector
Williamson County	Building Permits
Wilson County	Building Codes

Explore Our Garage Options Available in Tennessee

Once you’re ready to move forward, finding the right garage is just as important as getting the permit. We offer a wide range of custom and prefab garages for sale in Tennessee, including single-car, two-car, and even four-car options designed for storage, workshops, or multi-use space. With multiple styles, sizes, and customization options available, you can design a garage that fits your property and needs, and many models are even available for quick delivery or built to order with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.