TN
Tennessee permits & licenses
Last verified October 15, 2026
General information, not legal advice.
License thresholds and permit rules change, and your city or county enforces the permit. Local rules vary. Anything this research could not confirm is shown as “Check with your local building department,” not as a rule you can rely on.
Contractor license
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance)
Contractor license at $25,000+ (contracting with owner). Home Improvement license for residential remodeling of $3,000-$24,999, but only in Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, and Shelby counties.
Licensing board
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.htmlLicense lookup
https://verify.tn.gov/Homeowner exemption
Summary
Owner may build on own property for own use without a contractor license if not for resale, lease, rent, or public use.
Electrical
Homeowner may do own electrical in occupied residence with state/local electrical permit and inspection (TN State Fire Marshal FAQ).
Plumbing
Local: e.g., Nashville allows homeowner plumbing permits; Clarksville does not.
HVAC
Local: Clarksville doesn't allow homeowner mechanical/gas; others vary.
Permit notes for common projects
Permit triggers are set and enforced locally (county/city building department), under the state code listed. Always confirm with the local building department.
Governing code
TN adopts the IRC statewide via the State Fire Marshal; local governments can opt out of residential code enforcement, but the state electrical permit program still applies
Water heater
Check with your local building department
Toilet
Check with your local building department
Ceiling fan, outlet, or GFCI
Electrical permit required statewide through the state or local program even where building codes are opted out - verify scope for like-for-like.
Fence
Check with your local building department
Deck
Check with your local building department
Shed
Check with your local building department
What this page does not confirm
- Plumbing and HVAC rules vary by city.
- Building permit triggers are unverified.
Sources
- https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/home-improvement.html
- https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/licenses.html
- https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractor/exemptions-from-the-license-requirement.html
- https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/permit/electrical/faq.html
- https://clarksvilletn.gov/1453/FAQs
Projects that hit these rules
Published by Fixit Express. Last verified October 15, 2026. Full disclaimer