Deck Permits in Rutherford County, TN
TL:DR - Deck Permits in Rutherford County, TN
- Jurisdiction Check: The Rutherford County Building Codes Department only issues permits for unincorporated areas. If you live in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, or LaVergne, you must apply with your city's building department.
- Permit is Mandatory: A building permit is absolutely required for all decks, regardless of size, based on the 2018 International Residential Code.
- Who Can Apply: Permits can only be pulled by a Licensed Contractor or a Homeowner who lives on the property and signs a notarized Homeowner Affidavit.
- Key Documentation: Essential documents include the Building Permit Application, Zoning Compliance Certificate, Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Verification, and a legible, dimensioned plot plan.
- Penalties for Skipping: Commencing work without a permit will result in a penalty equal to the original permit fee, potential legal action, and significant safety risks.
You've got a plan for your new outdoor living space. You’ve looked up gril reviews and browsed through dozens of string lights online. You've already drawn up deck plans and picked out the furniture. But here's the thing—if you don't have a permit, your new deck is a no-go.
Having to deal with permits can just suck the fun out of building a deck. But the truth is, permits aren’t there to make you miserable. Permits are there to ensure that your deck has been vetted to ensure that it’s built safely and doesn’t inconvenience your neighbors.
Fortunately, Keystone Custom Decks has built decks all over Rutherford County, and we know this process inside and out. This guide will help you navigate the permit requirements so you can get to the fun part—enjoying your dream deck.
Are You in County Jurisdiction or City Limits?
It’s an important question. Rutherford County has both unincorporated areas and incorporated cities. The Rutherford County Building Codes Department only issues permits for unincorporated Rutherford County. If you live in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, LaVergne, or another incorporated city, you'll need to check with that city's building department instead.
The good news? It's easy to figure out which one applies to you. Just head to the Rutherford County interactive GIS map, enter your address, and you'll know exactly which jurisdiction you're in. Takes two minutes, max.
Do You Need a Permit To Build a Deck?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Absolutely yes.
According to Section R105.1 of the 2018 International Residential Code—which Rutherford County has adopted—you need a permit to "construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure".
Interestingly, some counties in Tennessee allow exemptions for decks under specific sizes, but Rutherford County is crystal clear: no permit, no deck.
The Rutherford County Zoning Resolution backs this up. Section 22.02 states it's "unlawful to commence the excavation for the construction of any building, including accessory buildings... until the Building Commission has issued a building permit for such work."
Why does this matter?
It matters because permits are in place to ensure your safety and that of others. They ensure your deck is built to code, adequately supported, and won't become a liability down the road.
Who Can Actually Pull the Permit?
Not everyone can walk into the Building Codes Department and request a permit. Typically, permits can only be pulled by:
- Licensed Contractors: If you're hiring a pro (which we recommend), they'll have either a TN State-issued Contractors License (with a valuation that covers your project) or a TN State-issued Home Remodeling License (for projects valued up to $25,000).
- Homeowners: If you're the legal property owner and you currently live on the property (or plan to), you can pull the permit yourself. But here's the catch—if you're building to flip the property or remodel for resale or lease, a licensed contractor must obtain the permit.
If you're pulling the permit yourself, you'll need to sign, notarize, and record a Homeowner Affidavit. This document acknowledges that you're taking on the responsibilities of the "contractor" for the project. It's a formal commitment, but totally doable with the right guidance.
What Documentation Do You Need?
Here's the checklist. Don't skip anything—the county will send you back if it's incomplete:
- Completed Building Permit Application for Remodel, Accessory Structure, or Addition. This is the official form you need to get everything kicked off.
- Zoning Compliance Certificate from Planning and Engineering. Sometimes this isn't required if the area already exists under an existing roof, but call ahead to confirm. You can download the form here.
- Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Verification and Layout. Some counties require a sewage or septic permit because the county doesn’t want you to end up building your deck over your septic system, which would prevent accessing it for service, or worse, damage the system in the process of building your deck—because that would stink. Everything you need to get the SSDS permit is located here.
- A Legible, Accurately Dimensioned Plot Plan. Your plot plan needs to show:
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- Exactly where your deck will be located
- How close is it to existing structures on your property
- Where your septic system is
- Your property lines
- All dimensions are clearly marked
Make this plan clear and precise. If it's sloppy or hard to read, they'll ask you to redo it. And that means more time waiting. You could reach out to your city or county planning department to see if they can get you a copy; otherwise, you could find a land surveyor, or if you like to learn to do something new, draw it yourself and have an engineer vet and stamp it. The county even provides an example of what’s expected in your plan.
What's the Timeline and Cost?
Timeline: After you submit your complete application package, expect a 24 to 48-hour review period. You'll receive a call or message when your permit is ready for pickup. Some projects require a Plans Review, which adds an extra 3-5 days, so plan accordingly. Just don’t start anything.
Cost: As of July 1, 2023, the fee for a new or replacement deck is $20.00 per square foot.
Here's how the math works:
- Multiply your deck's square footage by $20.00
- Round up to the nearest thousand dollars
- Apply the tiered fee structure based on that valuation
The Fee Schedule:
Here’s how the fee schedule breaks down, based on the valuation of the deck:
- $0 - $20,000 valuation: $110 minimum fee
- $20,001 - $50,000 valuation: $110 for the first $20,000 + $5 per additional $1,000
- $50,001 - $100,000 valuation: $260 for the first $50,000 + $4 per additional $1,000
- $100,001 - $500,000 valuation: $460 for the first $100,000 + $3 per additional $1,000
- $500,001 and above: $1,660 for the first $500,000 + $2 per additional $1,000
For example, you're building a 200-square-foot deck. That's 200 SF × $20/SF = $4,000 valuation. Your permit fee? The $110 minimum fee.
You can look into the fee schedule in more detail here.
Where Do You Apply? (And When?)
While initial submittal of the application and supporting documents can be done via email, you’ll need to complete your application in person. Download the forms from the Building Codes website and submit the initial application with supporting documents to [email protected]. But remember, you still need to come into the office to sign for and pay for your application.
Additionally, if you are pulling a permit as a homeowner, you will need to fill out the homeowner affidavit. Submit the affidavit when you come in to sign the permit, as the county office can notarize the form for you.
You can apply in person or submit your form at:
It’s at the corner of South Church Street and the South Side of the Public Square.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (closed on major holidays)
Tip: They close promptly at 4:15 p.m. and cannot accept payments after that time. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your transaction if you need to visit the Planning Department for approvals; factor that in as well. Free parking is available at the Civic Plaza Parking Garage across the street.
What Happens If You Skip the Permit?
We (as in your friends at Keystone Custom Decks, as well as your local planning office) prefer that you don’t.
But let’s assume you do. The result:
- Double the Fees: The 2018 International Residential Code, Section R108.6, states that if you commence work without a permit, you'll face a penalty equal to the original permit fee. You're paying twice the fees.
- Legal Trouble: Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 14, Section 1404B, is very clear: no structure shall be erected or altered without a permit. Violations result in a separate offense for each day the violation exists. The homeowner, tenant, architect, builder, and contractor—everyone involved—can be found liable.
- Safety Risks: Most importantly, permits and inspections are there to keep your family safe. Building without them may mean your deck does not meet critical safety standards. It’s not worth the risk just to save time.
Best-case scenario? The county slaps you on the wrist. Worst case? People lose their licenses and livelihoods. What’s likely to happen is you’ll be asked to demolish or remediate the unpermitted work. Either way, it’s gonna cost you. Not just money, but "money-money".
It’s worth the wait.
Additional Things You Should Know
- Inspection Requirements Are a Thing: Once your permit is issued and construction begins, inspections are mandatory. All work must be inspected at specified intervals by certified building inspectors (e.g., concrete footings) to ensure compliance with safety and code standards. Use this form to schedule.
- Permit Validity: Your permit becomes invalid if work doesn't start within 180 days of issuance, or if more than 180 days pass between inspections. You can request extensions of 180 days in writing if you have justifiable cause.
Ready to Build?
You've got the knowledge. You've got the plan. Now get that permit. And when you're ready to build, give us a call. We'll make sure your new deck is everything you've been dreaming about.
But if you’d rather not deal with permitting at all? That's where we come in.
At Keystone Custom Decks, we've navigated Rutherford County's requirements for years. We handle everything from complimentary 3D rendering and quoting to permitting, installation, and follow-up. Our team knows the local regulations inside and out, and we can ensure your project sails smoothly through the approval process.
Let us focus on building your deck so you can focus on the fun part—like picking your lighting, or imagining your first cookout.
Contact us today if you’re thinking about a new deck building in Rutherford County. A quick conversation can help you understand the smartest path forward—before you spend money or break ground.