What To Know About Building in Tennessee

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Summary – What to Know About Building in Tennessee
3. Permitting
4. How to find and choose a builder in your area.
5. Winter seasons can affect material delivery and timelines.
6. Appendix
   • Helpful Websites
   • Detailed list of potential land assessments and reports
   • Detailed list of professional services that may be required to conduct assessments and reports on your land.
   • Tennessee Structure Galleries

Introduction

Tennessee is a state of remarkable natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, expansive valleys, and winding rivers. Since we began delivering barn packages across the Volunteer State in the early 1990s, we’ve come to understand how Tennessee’s unique geography and climate influence construction projects throughout the region.

Varied landscapes from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River in the west play a crucial role in shaping the state’s building codes, permitting requirements, and overall design considerations. In this article, we’ll share insights from our experiences to help you anticipate what’s needed and ensure your project runs smoothly.

As with all things construction related, every project cost and timeline are unique no matter where you are building. The below details are trends we have gathered by engineering and shipping structure packages to Tennessee throughout recent decades.

Summary: What Are the Main Things to Know About Building in Tennessee.

1. Permitting requirements are determined on the local level, either by county or city.
2. Leverage your network with word-of-mouth referrals and social media to find reputable builders in your area.
3. Winter weather can impact your material delivery schedule and project timelines.

Permitting: What to know.

Where to find permitting information for your area.

Your county or city building department will be your best resource for all information pertaining to permitting and site planning needs.

Some jurisdictions offer pre-application meetings and permit expediting services. These are great resources to navigate the planning process and learn exactly what kind of assessments and details your project will require. Ask your county building department if services like these are available to you.

How to apply for your building permits.

1. Review zoning and land use regulations for your location.
2. Speak with your local building department to confirm the project details and information needed to apply for building permits.
3. Conduct any necessary surveys or assessments of your land.
4. Prepare your site plan.
5. Submit building permit application with site plan details and all necessary project information.
6. Review, address comments and make revisions as needed.

Definition of a site plan

Once you have contacted your building department and confirmed your land can support your desired structure, the next step is to work with the necessary professional services to gather any required land assessments and reports and create a site plan. At this time Barn Pros will work with you to confirm the layout, size and details of your structure and prepare to engineer your blueprints.

When your site plan contains all the needed land assessments and reports, Barn Pros will account for these details in your blueprints and you’re ready to submit your building permit application. 

See the appendix for example site plan details and professional services that you may need to pursue.

Types of assessments and reports that may be required in your site plan.

No two site plans will be the same thanks to Tennessee’s varied terrain. With this in mind, common assessments and reports for your site plan may include the following:

• Property information including lot size and shape, property lines and boundaries.
• Existing topography, vegetation, structures, utilities, and bodies of water.
• Proposed structure information such as footprint, dimensions, and setbacks, building height, floor plans and elevations.
• Necessary site improvements including driveways and access, landscaping, grading, drainage, fences, and walls.
• Utility and services connections, septic systems, and stormwater management.
• Regulatory compliance of zoning and easements.
• Environmental considerations around wetland mitigation, erosion control, environmental impact assessments and critical area reports.

Reference the appendix for more details around potential land assessments and reports and contact your local building department to confirm which are needed for your specific site plan.

Professional services that you may need to work with to gather required land assessments and reports.

• Land surveyor
• Civil engineer
• Landscape architect
• Environmental consultant
• Geotechnical engineer
• Septic System designer/ installation
• Traffic engineer
• Utility consultant
• Land use attorney
• Permit specialist

Reference the appendix for more details on what these professional services do and how they apply to your site plan.

How to find and choose a builder.

Word-of-mouth referrals or local social media groups are a good place to search for qualified contractors in your area. Online websites such as Home Advisor, Porch, Angi and Houzz are great online resources to leverage. You can learn more about things to think about and what to ask when searching for a builder for your project in our resource article here: How to Find & Choose a Barn Builder.

Winter can bring delays to material deliveries and timelines.

Some counties, cities or HOAs may implement seasonal moratoriums on road access for large trucks and construction activities. Check with these groups as you begin creating your project schedule to avoid unexpected delays.

Appendix

Helpful Websites

1. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI)

• Website: TDCI – Licensing and Permits
• Purpose: Provides information on licensing requirements for contractors, home improvement contractors, and specialty trades. You can also verify contractor licenses and find information on building codes and regulations.
• Resources: Contractor licensing requirements, application forms, license verification, consumer resources.

2. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

• Website: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
• Purpose: Offers detailed information on contractor licensing, including applications, renewal processes, classifications, and examination details.
• Resources: Licensing requirements, forms, licensing FAQs, contractor license search.

3. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)

• Website: TDEC
• Purpose: Oversees environmental permits, including those related to stormwater management, septic systems, and environmental impact assessments.
• Resources: Permits and forms, environmental regulations, septic system information, erosion and sediment control guidance.

4. Local County and Municipal Planning and Building Departments

• Purpose: Each county or city in Tennessee may have its own building codes, zoning regulations, and permit requirements. Visiting the local planning and building department’s website will provide specific information related to your project location.
• Resources: Permit applications, zoning maps, building codes, planning commission information, local ordinances.
• Examples:
  • Davidson County Codes and Building Safety
  • Shelby County Code Enforcement
  • Knox County Codes Administration

5. Tennessee Property Data (Assessment and Records)

• Website: Tennessee Property Data
• Purpose: Offers access to property assessment and tax information, useful for verifying property boundaries, ownership, and tax records.
• Resources: Property assessments, parcel maps, tax history.

6. Tennessee Home Builders Association (HBAT)

• Website: Home Builders Association of Tennessee
• Purpose: Offers resources for homeowners and builders, including best practices, builder directories, and advocacy information.
• Resources: Builder and contractor directories, industry news, educational resources.

7. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Map Service Center

• Website: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Purpose: Provides flood maps and floodplain information, which is essential for planning construction in areas prone to flooding.
• Resources: Flood maps, flood risk reports, Letters of Map Change (LOMC).

8. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

• Website: TVA Environmental Permits
• Purpose: For properties near TVA-controlled waters, the TVA oversees permitting related to docks, shoreline construction, and water use.
• Resources: Permits for shoreline development, environmental stewardship resources.

9. Local Utility Providers

• Purpose: For information on connecting to water, sewer, electricity, gas, and other utilities, visit the websites of local utility providers.
• Resources: Utility connection applications, service maps, and guidelines.

Potential Details That May Be Required in Your Site Plan

Creating a site plan for new construction in Tennessee requires detailed and accurate documentation to meet local regulations and ensure the project is approved. Here are common elements that may need to be included in your site plan:

1. Property Information

• Property Boundaries: Accurate depiction of property lines, with dimensions and bearings.
• Lot Size and Shape: Detailed measurements and shape of the lot.

2. Existing Conditions

• Topography: Contour lines to show the slope and elevation of the land.
• Vegetation: Existing trees, shrubs, and other significant vegetation.
• Structures: Existing buildings, fences, and other structures on the property.
• Utilities: Location of existing utilities such as water, sewer, gas, and electric lines.
• Water Bodies and Wetlands: Streams, rivers, ponds, and wetland areas.

3. Proposed Construction

• Building Footprint: Outline of the proposed buildings and structures.
• Dimensions and Setbacks: Distance of the proposed structures from property lines, roads, and other structures.
• Building Height: Proposed height of the new buildings.
• Floor Plans and Elevations: Detailed floor plans and elevation views of the proposed structures.

4. Site Improvements

• Driveways and Access: Location and dimensions of driveways, access roads, and parking areas.
• Landscaping: Proposed landscaping plans, including trees, shrubs, lawns, and other plantings.
• Grading and Drainage: Proposed grading changes and drainage systems to manage runoff.
• Fences and Walls: Location and type of any proposed fences or retaining walls.

5. Utilities and Services

• New Utility Connections: Location of proposed connections to water, sewer, gas, electric, and communication lines.
• Septic Systems: If applicable, design and location of septic systems.
• Stormwater Management: Plans for managing stormwater runoff, including detention/retention ponds, swales, and other features.

6. Regulatory Compliance

• Zoning Information: Zoning classification of the property and compliance with zoning regulations.
• Easements and Rights-of-Way: Location of any easements, rights-of-way, or other encumbrances.
• Permits and Approvals: List of required permits and approvals from local, state, and federal agencies.

7. Environmental Considerations

• Wetland Mitigation: Plans for mitigating any impact on wetlands.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: If required, a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the project.
• Erosion Control: Measures to prevent erosion during and after construction.

8. Additional Documentation

• Survey: A professional land survey showing existing conditions.
• Architectural and Engineering Plans: Detailed architectural and engineering plans for the proposed structures.
• Title Report: Current title report for the property.
• Neighbor Notifications: Evidence of notification to adjacent property owners, if required.

Process for Approval

1. Consultation: Meet with the local planning department to understand specific requirements.
2. Preparation: Hire professionals such as land surveyors, architects, and engineers and prepare the site plan.
3. Submission: Submit the site plan along with any required applications and fees to the local planning department.
4. Review: The planning department and other relevant agencies review the plan for compliance with regulations.
5. Revisions: Make any necessary revisions based on feedback from the review.
6. Approval: Obtain all necessary permits and approvals before beginning construction.

Potential Professional Services You May Need to Work With

1. Land Surveyor

• Role: Conducts detailed surveys of the property to establish precise property boundaries, topography, and existing conditions.
• Why Needed: Accurate surveys are essential for creating a reliable site plan and ensuring compliance with zoning and setback requirements.

2. Civil Engineer

• Role: Designs site infrastructure, including grading, drainage, stormwater management, and utility connections.
• Why Needed: Ensures the site is properly prepared and that infrastructure meets local regulations and environmental standards.

3. Architect

• Role: Develops the building design, including floor plans, elevations, and architectural details.
• Why Needed: Creates the visual and functional aspects of the structures, ensuring they meet building codes and aesthetic requirements.

4. Landscape Architect

• Role: Designs landscaping elements, including vegetation, hardscapes, and outdoor amenities.
• Why Needed: Enhances the site’s appearance, provides environmental benefits, and ensures compliance with local landscaping regulations.

5. Environmental Consultant

• Role: Assesses environmental impacts, identifies wetlands, and advises on mitigation measures.
• Why Needed: Ensures compliance with environmental regulations and minimizes the project’s ecological footprint.

6. Geotechnical Engineer

• Role: Evaluates soil conditions and provides recommendations for foundations and earthwork.
• Why Needed: Ensures the site can support the proposed structures and that earthwork is done safely and effectively.

7. Traffic Engineer

• Role: Analyzes traffic flow and designs access points, driveways, and parking areas.
• Why Needed: Ensures safe and efficient access to the site and compliance with local traffic regulations.

8. Utility Consultant

• Role: Plans the connections to water, sewer, gas, electric, and communication services.
• Why Needed: Ensures all utility services are properly integrated into the site plan.

9. Land Use Attorney

• Role: Provides legal advice on zoning, land use regulations, and permitting processes.
• Why Needed: Helps navigate legal requirements and addresses any legal challenges or disputes.

10. Permit Expediter

• Role: Assists in preparing and submitting permit applications and coordinates with regulatory agencies.
• Why Needed: Streamlines the permitting process and helps ensure timely approvals.

Tennessee Structure Galleries

Exploring existing project galleries is a great way to begin the design of our structure. Look for different siding options, stall packages and layouts in these galleries and take notes of which you prefer. You can share these with your project specialist and they can provide you with options that fit your style.

Tennessee Barns

Tennessee Barn Apartments