Deck Permit Requirements in Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro is a city of 152,769 residents in Tennessee that follows the 2018 IRC. Murfreesboro's building department is stricter than the standard IRC on deck work, expect fewer exemptions and more situations that require a permit. You're looking at roughly $85 – $300 in permit fees, and plan on about 2 weeks for approval.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified March 29, 2026 · How we research →

Population: 152,769 Code: 2018 Verified: 2026-03-29 4 local rules

When you don’t need a Deck permit in Murfreesboro

Exempt·Rule 1

Freestanding decks not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt from a building permit per IRC R105.2.

SourceCity of Murfreesboro Code / 2018 IRC

When you need a Deck permit in Murfreesboro

Required·Rule 1

Attached decks require a building permit even if under 30 inches, as the ledger board attachment affects the dwelling structure.

Estimated Fee$85 – $300
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceCity of Murfreesboro Code / 2018 IRC
Required·Rule 2

Decks more than 30 inches above grade require a building permit with plans showing footings, structural connections, and guardrails.

Estimated Fee$130 – $425
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceCity of Murfreesboro Code / 2018 IRC
Required·Rule 3

Covered decks or those over 300 sq ft require a building permit and may trigger additional zoning review.

Estimated Fee$170 – $510
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceCity of Murfreesboro Code / 2018 IRC

Deck Permit Costs: Murfreesboro vs. Nearby

Murfreesboro comes in on the low side for Tennessee. You're looking at $85 – $510 here, compared to the state average of $124 – $407.

CityEstimated Fee
Murfreesboro $85 – $510
Nashville $100 – $600
Memphis $100 – $600
Knoxville $100 – $600

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Murfreesboro permit costs →

Zoning & HOA Considerations

Zoning

Decks may be subject to zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Check with your local planning department before building near property lines.

HOA Communities

If you live in an HOA community: many HOAs restrict deck materials, colors, size, and placement. Review your CC&Rs and submit an architectural review request before applying for a building permit. HOA approval can take 1–6 weeks.

Estimated Project Timeline in Murfreesboro

Here's a typical timeline for a deck project in Murfreesboro, TN:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings (plan drawings required).
Week 2
Prepare permit documents
Contractor prepares site plan, construction drawings, and permit application. Gather required documents per your city's checklist.
Week 3
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Murfreesboro's building department.
Week 4-6
Plan review & approval
Typical processing time in Murfreesboro: about 2 weeks. Plan review examiner checks drawings for code compliance.
Week 7+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

Timeline is based on Murfreesboro's typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.

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Building Department Contact

NameBuilding & Codes Department
Address111 W Vine St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
HoursMon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimated permit fees for Deck projects in Murfreesboro, TN range from $85 – $510. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Deck projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.

Working without a required permit in Murfreesboro can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.

Typical approval time for Deck permits in Murfreesboro is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.

If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.

Learn More About Deck Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read Deck Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-03-29. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.