Rutherford County, TN Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

A requires a zoning compliance form before any building or structure is "erected, moved, added to or structurally altered," issued only after the Planning Director confirms the project complies with the ordinance; any form issued in conflict with the ordinance is void. For a one- or two-family residence or a residential accessory structure, the applicant submits a concept plan showing the lot's shape and dimensions, the size and location of every building on it, the existing and intended use including dwelling unit count, and any other information needed to confirm compliance.

B separately requires a building permit from the Director of Building Codes for the same range of work, again voidable if issued in conflict with the ordinance or the adopted building code. C adds that any building permit application other than a one- or two-family dwelling or residential accessory structure must come with a site plan, prepared and stamped by Tennessee-licensed engineers, surveyors, or landscape architects as applicable. Nonresidential accessory buildings or additions under 3,000 square feet and parking lot additions with no new construction can be approved administratively by staff; everything larger must go before the Rutherford County Regional Planning Commission, which must approve, approve with conditions, or deny within 90 days of a complete application unless the applicant agrees to extend.

A site plan approval lapses after 18 months if no building permit has been issued, requiring a full resubmission under any ordinance amendments adopted since.