Shed Permit Requirements in Smithville, TN

City of Smithville is the AHJ: listed EXEMPT on the TN State Fire Marshal residential jurisdictions list, meaning it enforces its own local building codes (not the state, not DeKalb County). Building and Zoning at City Hall, 104 E. Main St Ste 103, 615-597-4745 ext. 2. TN statewide residential minimum is the 2018 IRC (with 2018 IECC); the city does not publish its own specific adopted edition or a fee schedule online and directs fee questions to ext. 2. DeKalb County is separately exempt for unincorporated areas (inspector Lewis Bryant, 931-644-3935). County seat of DeKalb County.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified May 31, 2026 · How we research →

Population: 5,000 Code: 2018 IRC (Tennessee statewide residential minimum; Smithville is a State Fire Marshal exempt jurisdiction enforcing a code at least equivalent) Verified: 2026-05-31 1 local rules

When you don’t need a Shed permit

Exempt·Rule 1

The 2018 IRC exempts a detached one-story accessory structure of 200 square feet or less without plumbing or mechanical from a building permit (IRC R105.2). Larger sheds require a building permit from the City of Smithville (City Hall, Building and Zoning). City zoning setbacks apply, and adding electrical triggers an electrical permit. Confirm with City Hall, 615-597-4745 ext. 2.

SourceCity of Smithville (Building and Zoning), a Tennessee State Fire Marshal exempt jurisdiction enforcing the 2018 IRC · view source

Shed Permit Costs: Smithville vs. Nearby

CityEstimated Fee
Smithville N/A
Nashville $50 – $300
Memphis $50 – $300
Knoxville $50 – $300

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

Zoning Considerations

Zoning

Sheds may be subject to zoning setback requirements and lot coverage limits. Placement near property lines or in front yards may require zoning approval.

Estimated Project Timeline

Here's a typical timeline for a shed project:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings.
Week 2
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Smithville's building department.
Week 3-4
Plan review & approval
Processing time varies, contact Smithville's building department for current turnaround times.
Week 5+
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.

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Building Department Contact

NameCity of Smithville City Hall (Building and Zoning)
Address104 East Main Street, Ste 103, Smithville, TN 37166
HoursMon-Fri 8am-5pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the building department for current Shed permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Shed 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 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.

Contact the building department for current processing times. Timelines vary based on project complexity and whether plan review is required.

Learn More About Shed Permits

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

Read Shed Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-05-31. 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.