Spring Hill, TN Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit expiration
- 180 days after issuance
- Maximum extension
- Up to 180 days, on written request
- Exempt deck
- Not over 9 square feet and not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt work
- HVAC unit replacement, roof covering replacement
- Commercial code
- International Building Code, 2018 edition
- Residential code
- International Residential Code, 2018 edition
Summary
In the City of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Residential Code § 12-402 exempts HVAC unit replacement, decks not exceeding 9 square feet and not more than 30 inches above grade, and roof covering replacement from permits. A building permit expires 180 days after issuance, with one extension of up to 180 days.
5. Sidewalks and Driveways is deleted. (2) Section R 105.2 on mechanical work exempted from the permit requirement is amended by deleting text and adding the following: 9. Replacement of an HVAC unit where unit heating and cooling capacity and fuel source are not changed. 10. Decks not exceeding 9 square feet in area that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point. 11. Roof covering replacement that does not involve the replacement of the roof deck or framing. (C) R105.3.2 “Time limitation of application” is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: Building permits shall expire 180 days after issuance unless voided for suspension, abandonment or failure to commence the work. The Building Official may extend the expiration date for a period not to exceed 180 days upon written request by the applicant showing circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the applicant ... In the event a building permit expires, a new building permit application shall be required.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 1 of Title 12 adopts the International Building Code, 2018 edition, for commercial buildings, and § 12-401 adopts the 2018 International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings, with the single-family sprinkler provision of R313.2 removed under the state's exemption. Section 12-402(B) rewrites the R105.2 list of work exempt from the permit requirement. Among the changes, the amendment states that the sidewalks and driveways exemption is deleted. Its mechanical-work list exempts replacement of an HVAC unit where heating and cooling capacity and fuel source are not changed, decks not exceeding 9 square feet in area that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, and roof covering replacement that does not involve the replacement of the roof deck or framing.
Sheds up to 32 square feet and fences not over 32 inches high are also exempt. Section 12-402(C) replaces R105.3.2: building permits expire 180 days after issuance unless voided for suspension, abandonment or failure to commence the work. The Building Official can extend the date by up to 180 days on written request showing circumstances beyond the applicant's reasonable control, and extensions are reported to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen monthly. After expiration, a new application is required. A permit issued under the old 365-day limit stays valid for its stated term, but extending it requires paying any fee or tax increases adopted since issuance. Under § 12-102, the Building Inspector of the City of Spring Hill administers the Building Code.
Violations & Fines
Section 12-104 and § 12-404 make it unlawful for any person to violate or fail to comply with the adopted Building Code or Residential Code. The chapters print no separate fine. A second re-inspection on a permit costs $25 and each third or later one costs $50 under § 12-801, and the city performs no further inspections and issues no certificate of occupancy until those fees are paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a Spring Hill building permit expire?
Do I need a permit to replace a roof covering in Spring Hill?
Is replacing an HVAC unit exempt from a permit?
Which building codes does Spring Hill enforce?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spring Hill
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