💥 Demolition / Teardown permit in Tennessee
Demolishing all or part of a structure — full teardown, interior strip-out, or selective demolition. Here is the Tennessee-specific rule: who issues it, typical fees, timeline, go / no-go, and the official source to verify.
Demolition / Teardown permit in Tennessee
The Tennessee rule for a demolition / teardown, with fee range, timeline, go / no-go, and the official source.
Tennessee
💥 Demolition / Teardown
Exact permit fees are set by the local building department. WikEst shows the published or code-based range where one exists, linked to its official source — verify the final amount at the source before budgeting.
💥 Demolition / Teardown permit fee in Tennessee
Permit requiredGenerally allowedcity authority
Permit fee range
Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally.
Typical timeline
Varies
Setback
—
Exempt if
Not size-exempt
Exempt criteria: None for full or partial structural demolition of a dwelling; interior non-structural cosmetic strip-out may be exempt.
A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a demolition (building) permit from the local building department under the Tennessee Residential Code. Structures built before 1978 may require an asbestos/lead-paint survey and abatement, and utility disconnects are typically required before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt.
Official sources: Metro Nashville — Residential Building Permit Procedures · TN State Fire Marshal — Residential Permits (2018 IRC)
Representative cities for Tennessee: Nashville, Memphis.
All 20 project fee ranges in Tennessee
Official-source ranges where published; “By local jurisdiction” means no flat fee is published and the amount is set case by case.
| Project | Permit? | Authority | Fee range | Go / no-go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | yes | city | Valuation-based; Nashville residential fee is $5.00 per $1,000 of valuation. | allowed |
| 🪵 Deck / Porch | conditional | city | Valuation-based; set by the issuing city/county. | allowed |
| 🧱 Fence / Wall | conditional | city | Often no building permit below local thresholds; historic-overlay lots differ. | allowed |
| 🛖 Shed / Outbuilding | conditional | city | Valuation-based when over the size threshold. | allowed |
| 🪜 Basement Finish | yes | city | Valuation-based; includes trade permits. | allowed |
| 🚗 Garage / Carport | conditional | city | Valuation-based when a permit is required. | allowed |
| ☀️ Rooftop Solar PV | yes | city | Building + electrical permits; fee set by city. | allowed |
| 🌡️ HVAC Replacement | yes | city | Mechanical permit; fee set by city. | allowed |
| 🍳 Kitchen Remodel | conditional | city | Valuation-based when structural/plumbing/electrical work is included. | allowed |
| 🛁 Bathroom Remodel | conditional | city | Valuation-based when plumbing is relocated. | allowed |
| 🏗️ Room Addition | yes | city | Valuation-based; includes trade permits. | allowed |
| 🪟 Window / Door Replacement | conditional | city | Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged or under stricter local codes. | allowed |
| 🏘️ Roof Replacement | conditional | city | Often over-the-counter or exempt for same-decking re-roof. | allowed |
| 🅿️ Driveway / Parking Pad | conditional | city | Building permit often not required; curb-cut/right-of-way work is separate. | allowed |
| 🏊 Swimming Pool / Spa | yes | city | Valuation-based; includes barrier/fencing and electrical bonding review. | allowed |
| 🧱 Retaining Wall | conditional | city | Valuation-based when over the height threshold. | allowed |
| 💥 Demolition / Teardown | yes | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally. | allowed |
| 🚰 Septic System | yes | county | Septic permit fees set by the local county health department; verify locally. | allowed |
| 🔌 EV Charger | conditional | city | Electrical permit fee set by the city; verify locally. | allowed |
| ⚡ Standby Generator | yes | city | Electrical (and often mechanical/gas) permit fee set by the city; verify locally. | allowed |
Tennessee rule at a glance
Needs permit
yes
Issuing authority
city
Typical fee
Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally.
Typical timeline
Varies
Setback
—
Exempt if
Not size-exempt
A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a demolition (building) permit from the local building department under the Tennessee Residential Code. Structures built before 1978 may require an asbestos/lead-paint survey and abatement, and utility disconnects are typically required before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt.
Official sources for this rule: Metro Nashville — Residential Building Permit Procedures · TN State Fire Marshal — Residential Permits (2018 IRC)
Frequently asked questions
Does a demolition / teardown need a permit in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a demolition / teardown is generally required to have a permit. Issuance is at the city level. Confirm the exact threshold with the local building department using the sources on this page.
Who issues the demolition / teardown permit in Tennessee?
Tennessee permits for this project are handled at the city level — usually the city or county building department. Use the county permit authority lookup to find the exact office for your property.
How much does a demolition / teardown permit cost in Tennessee?
Fees are set locally in Tennessee and are not a single statewide number. Open the official authority link on this page for the current schedule.
What exemptions apply to a demolition / teardown in Tennessee?
Baseline exemptions (e.g. small detached structures, low decks) may apply but Tennessee or your city can amend them. Verify with the local building department.
🗺️ All projects in Tennessee
The full Tennessee permit guide across 20 home projects.
📊 Demolition / Teardown in every state
Compare the demolition / teardown rule across all U.S. states.
Demolition / Teardown in other states
| State | Permit? | Authority | Typical fee | Timeline | Go / No-Go | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the city or county building department. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for older homes before work begins. Unincorporated areas are permitted by the county. |
| Texas | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city/county; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Texas is home-rule: cities issue the permit under their locally adopted code, while unincorporated areas are permitted by the county. Demolition permits often require utility disconnects and, for older homes, asbestos/lead clearance before work begins. |
| Florida | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the city or county building department under the Florida Building Code. Demolition permits commonly require utility disconnects and, for older homes, asbestos/lead clearance before work begins. |
| New York | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the city or county building department under the Uniform Code / Residential Code of NY State. Demolition permits commonly require utility disconnects and, for older homes, asbestos/lead clearance. NYC files demolition through DOB NOW. |
| Pennsylvania | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the municipality; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the municipality under the PA UCC. Demolition permits commonly require utility disconnects and, for older homes, asbestos/lead clearance before work begins. Philadelphia files through L&I. |
| Illinois | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the municipality; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the municipality. Illinois has no statewide building code, so Chicago and other cities issue the permit under their locally adopted code; unincorporated areas are permitted by the county. Demolition permits often require utility disconnects and, for older homes, asbestos/lead clearance. |
| Ohio | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the city or county building department under the Ohio Residential Code. Demolition permits commonly require utility disconnects and, for older homes, asbestos/lead clearance before work begins. Columbus processes through Building & Zoning Services. |
| Georgia | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the city or county building department under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes. Demolition permits commonly require utility disconnects and, for older homes, asbestos/lead clearance before work begins. Atlanta processes through the Office of Buildings. |
| North Carolina | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the city or county building department under the NC State Building Code. Demolition permits commonly require utility disconnects and, for older homes, asbestos/lead clearance before work begins. Charlotte (Mecklenburg) and Raleigh issue through their permitting offices. |
| Michigan | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city/county building department; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the city or county building department under the Michigan Residential Code. Demolition permits commonly require utility disconnects and, for older homes, asbestos/lead clearance before work begins. Detroit issues through its permits office. |
| New Jersey | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the municipality; verify with the local Construction Code Official. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a demolition (construction) permit from the local Construction Code Official under New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Structures built before 1978 may require an asbestos/lead-paint survey and abatement, and utility disconnects are typically required before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt. |
| Virginia | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a demolition (building) permit from the local building inspections department under the Uniform Statewide Building Code. Structures built before 1978 may require an asbestos/lead-paint survey and abatement, and utility disconnects are typically required before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt. |
| Washington | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a demolition (building) permit from the city under the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-51). Structures built before 1978 may require an asbestos/lead-paint survey and abatement, and utility disconnects are typically required before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt. |
| Arizona | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing city. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a building/demolition permit from the city or county building department (Phoenix and Tucson issue them). Permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects and, for structures built before 1978, an asbestos/lead-paint survey before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt. |
| Massachusetts | Permit required | city | Valuation-based; set by the issuing city. | — | Generally allowed | A full or partial structural demolition (house, garage) requires a building permit from the local building department, plus utility disconnects, asbestos/lead-paint clearance for older homes, and an erosion/sediment or noise/dust plan as applicable. Verify with your city (Boston ISD or Worcester Building & Zoning). |
| Indiana | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the local building department. | — | Generally allowed | A full or partial structural demolition (including tearing down a house or detached garage) requires a demolition permit from the local building department, with utility disconnects, asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes, and erosion/sediment controls as applicable. Verify locally (e.g., Indianapolis BNS). |
| Missouri | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set locally by the municipality; verify with the city building department. | Varies by municipality — typically 1–3 weeks for review and utility disconnect. | Generally allowed | Full or structural demolition requires a building permit from the local building department. A pre-demolition asbestos and lead-paint survey is generally required, and all utilities must be disconnected. Interior non-structural demolition may be exempt where it does not affect structure or egress — verify with your city. |
| Maryland | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city. | — | Generally allowed | A full or partial structural demolition (house, garage) requires a demolition permit from the local building department, with utility disconnects, asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes, and erosion/sediment controls as applicable. Verify with Baltimore DHCD or Annapolis. |
| Wisconsin | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the municipality; verify with the local building inspection department. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a demolition (building) permit from the municipal building inspection department under the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. Structures built before 1978 may require an asbestos/lead-paint survey and abatement, and utility disconnects are typically required before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt. |
| Alaska | Permit required | city | Valuation-based; set by the municipality. | — | Generally allowed | A demolition permit is required before tearing down a house or attached structure. Municipalities require utility disconnects (electric, gas, water, sewer) and an asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before demolition; Anchorage issues demolition permits through Development Services. |
| Alabama | Permit required | city | Valuation-based; set by the issuing city or county. | — | Generally allowed | A demolition permit is required before tearing down a house or attached structure. Local building departments require utility disconnects (electric, gas, water, sewer) and an asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before demolition. |
| Arkansas | Permit required | city | Valuation-based; Little Rock minimum building-permit fee $50 (work over $5,000 or requiring inspection). | — | Generally allowed | A demolition permit is required before tearing down a house or attached structure. Local building departments require utility disconnects (electric, gas, water, sewer) and an asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before demolition. |
| Colorado | Permit required | city | Valuation-based; set by the issuing city/county. | — | Generally allowed | A demolition permit is required before tearing down a house or attached structure. Local building departments require utility disconnects (electric, gas, water, sewer) and an asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before demolition. Mountain/WUI communities may add fire-safety rules for demolition debris. |
| Connecticut | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit from the city/town building department. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority (city/town building department) for your specific property. |
| Delaware | Permit required | county | Demolition permit fee set by the county (unincorporated) or city. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a building/demolition permit from the county (unincorporated areas) or city building department. Permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects and, for structures built before 1978, an asbestos/lead-paint survey before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt. |
| Hawaii | Permit required | county | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Iowa | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Idaho | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Kansas | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Kentucky | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Louisiana | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Maine | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the municipality (valuation- or flat-based); verify with the Code Enforcement Officer. | Varies by municipality — typically 1–3 weeks for review and utility-disconnect coordination. | Generally allowed | Full or structural demolition of a building requires a permit from the local Code Enforcement Officer. A pre-demolition asbestos and lead-paint survey is generally required, and all utilities (electric, water, gas, sewer) must be disconnected by the serving utility before work begins. Interior non-structural demolition (e.g., removing non-load-bearing walls inside) may be exempt where it does not affect structure, egress, or MUBEC compliance — verify with the CEO. |
| Minnesota | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the municipality; verify with the local building department. | Varies by municipality — typically 1–3 weeks for review and utility disconnect. | Generally allowed | Full or structural demolition requires a building permit from the local building department. A pre-demolition asbestos and lead-paint survey is generally required, and all utilities must be disconnected before work. Interior non-structural demolition (removing non-load-bearing partitions) may be exempt where it does not affect structure, egress, or code compliance — verify locally. |
| Mississippi | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Municipalities require utility disconnects (electric, gas, water, sewer) and, for pre-1978 homes, an asbestos/lead-paint clearance before demolition. |
| Montana | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Municipalities require utility disconnects (electric, gas, water, sewer) and, for pre-1978 homes, an asbestos/lead-paint clearance before demolition. |
| North Dakota | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Municipalities require utility disconnects (electric, gas, water, sewer) and, for pre-1978 homes, an asbestos/lead-paint clearance before demolition. |
| Nebraska | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Municipalities require utility disconnects (electric, gas, water, sewer) and, for pre-1978 homes, an asbestos/lead-paint clearance before demolition. |
| New Hampshire | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| New Mexico | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Nevada | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property (Clark County, City of Reno, or your city/county). |
| Oklahoma | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Oregon | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Rhode Island | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| South Carolina | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| South Dakota | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects (water, gas, electric, sewer) and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes before work begins. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| Utah | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a demolition (building) permit from the city under the Utah Construction Code. Structures built before 1978 may require an asbestos/lead-paint survey and abatement, and utility disconnects are typically required before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt. |
| Vermont | Conditional | city | Demolition permit fee set by the issuing authority where a building department enforces; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major strip-out requires a demolition (building) permit where the town enforces a building code (e.g., Burlington). In opt-out towns a demolition may not require a state/local building permit, but utility disconnects and zoning still apply. Demolition permits commonly require proof of utility disconnects and may require asbestos/lead-paint clearance for pre-1978 homes. Verify the issuing authority for your specific property. |
| West Virginia | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a demolition (building) permit from the city under the West Virginia State Building Code. Structures built before 1978 may require an asbestos/lead-paint survey and abatement, and utility disconnects are typically required before teardown. Interior non-structural strip-out may be exempt. |
| Wyoming | Permit required | city | Demolition permit fee set by the city where a building department enforces; verify locally. | — | Generally allowed | A full teardown or major structural demolition requires a demolition (building) permit where the city enforces a building code (e.g., Cheyenne). Structures built before 1978 may require an asbestos/lead-paint survey and abatement, and utility disconnects are typically required before teardown. Much unincorporated county land has no building permit at all. |