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Sevier County Building and Trade Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Whether you’re breaking ground on a commercial build or upgrading systems in a single-family home, pulling permits in Sevier County, Tennessee can be more complex than it looks. With varying fee structures, documentation requirements, and code considerations, it’s important to understand what’s required before your project gets underway.
This guide lays out everything you need to know about Sevier County building permits, including permit types, fees and application steps so you can get approved and stay on schedule.
Simplify permitting in Sevier County with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Sevier County?
The Building Inspections Department oversees Sevier County construction permits and checks if all work complies with the Tennessee Building Code.
You’ll need a permit for most construction-related projects, including:
- New construction & additions: Any new building, including homes, cabins, garages, decks, and accessory structures
- Plumbing, mechanical & electrical installations: Plumbing, gas, electrical, or hvac work requires permits and inspections
- Foundations & structural work: Excavation, foundation pouring, and structural framing work
- Pools & spas: All in-ground and above-ground pools
- Tiny homes under residential program: Included under building permit requirements via the county’s Tiny-home inspection program
To get more information, check out the Residential Permits and Building Inspections pages.
Sevier County building permit fees
Sevier County building permit fees vary depending on the type and the overall value of your project.
Residential fees
| Category |
Fee |
| New One & Two-Family Dwellings / Townhouses (≤ 3 stories) |
$375.00 for up to 1,500 sq ft enclosed |
| Residential Other (Remodels, Accessory, etc.) |
$150.00 per trade (max $300.00 total) |
| Re-Inspection (after 2nd inspection) |
$50.00 |
| Code Appeal (up to 4 code sections) |
$100.00 |
| Building Without a Permit – 1st Offense |
$200.00 + Regular Fee |
| Building Without a Permit – 2nd Offense |
$350.00 + Regular Fee |
Learn more on the city’s Residential fee schedule page.
Commercial fees
| Total valuation |
Permit fee |
| Up to $2,000 |
$30 |
| $2,001 – $50,000 |
$30 + $5 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) |
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$270 + $4 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) |
| $100,001 – $500,000 |
$470 + $3 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) |
| Over $500,000 |
$1,670 + $2 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) |
Plan review fees
| Project valuation |
Fee |
| Up to $250,000 |
$50 |
| $250,000 – $500,000 |
$75 |
| $500,000 – $1,000,000 |
$150 |
| Over $1,000,000 |
$250 |
Pro tip: Use the Building Permit Calculator to estimate your final fee.
Sevier County trade permits
In addition to general building permits, most specialized systems — like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing — require their own trade permits. These permits ensure code compliance and safety standards are met, and inspections are typically required before final sign-off.
Trade permit fees in Sevier County
Sevier County has limited information available on its website about trade permits and associated fees. According to the county’s residential building permit fee schedule, residential trade permits appear to cost $150 per trade, but are not to exceed $300.
Plumbing permits
Any installation, replacement, or modification of water, drainage, or gas piping systems in Sevier County requires a plumbing permit. Only licensed plumbers are authorized to pull these permits.
Electrical permits
If your project includes new circuits, service upgrades, generator installs, or any form of rewiring, you’ll need an electrical permit. Work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Roofing permits
Roofing projects may require a permit if they involve structural decking, large-scale replacement, or if the work triggers code upgrades. Always confirm with the county if a permit is needed for your scope of work.
HVAC permits
Most HVAC work — including installation or replacement of furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and duct systems — requires a mechanical permit. Energy code compliance is reviewed during permitting and inspection.
How long do building permits last in Sevier County?
A Sevier County building permit remains valid if work begins within 180 days of permit issuance.
Take the stress out of permitting with PermitFlow.
Our platform streamlines every step of your permitting journey across Sevier County. Chat with us today to learn how.
How to get a building permit in Sevier County
Step 1: Determine jurisdiction
First, verify whether your project falls under:
- Sevier County
- City of Sevierville
- City of Gatlinburg
- City of Pigeon Forge
Each has its own application process and forms.
Step 2: Prepare required documents
You will need to provide the following documents:
- Finished building permit application
- Site and floor plans
- Construction drawings
- Contractor license number
- Energy code compliance documentation (if applicable)
- Scope of work and valuation
Step 3: Submit your application
All applications now must be submitted online. To do that, use the Sevier County permit search and application page.
Step 4: Wait for plan review
Projects are reviewed for code compliance, zoning alignment, and floodplain impacts. Residential projects are generally faster than commercial ones.
Step 5: Pay fees and receive permit
After review approval, you’ll receive an invoice. Payment is required before the permit is issued.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
You'll need to schedule inspections at different stages of development. Inspectors will verify compliance before granting occupancy or closure.
Sevier County permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Sevier County with PermitFlow
Permitting in Sevier County can quickly become a time sink — especially if you're not familiar with the county’s specific rules, forms, and approval workflows. Instead of navigating red tape and juggling submissions across departments, let PermitFlow take it off your plate.
Our platform handles every step of the permitting process — from preparation to submission to tracking — so you can focus on building, not bureaucracy. Whether you're working solely in Sevier County or managing projects across multiple jurisdictions, PermitFlow keeps everything organized and moving forward.
Contractors and builders choose PermitFlow for:
- Local knowledge: Our team understands Sevier County's specific permitting requirements and works hard so your applications are complete and compliant
- Streamlined management: Track and manage all your Sevier County permits alongside your other projects from one centralized dashboard
- Faster processing: We submit accurate applications the first time, reducing rejections and accelerating your permit approvals
Don't let permit delays slow your team down. Contact PermitFlow today.
Whether you’re breaking ground on a commercial build or upgrading systems in a single-family home, pulling permits in Sevier County, Tennessee can be more complex than it looks. With varying fee structures, documentation requirements, and code considerations, it’s important to understand what’s required before your project gets underway.
This guide lays out everything you need to know about Sevier County building permits, including permit types, fees and application steps so you can get approved and stay on schedule.
Simplify permitting in Sevier County with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Sevier County?
The Building Inspections Department oversees Sevier County construction permits and checks if all work complies with the Tennessee Building Code.
You’ll need a permit for most construction-related projects, including:
- New construction & additions: Any new building, including homes, cabins, garages, decks, and accessory structures
- Plumbing, mechanical & electrical installations: Plumbing, gas, electrical, or hvac work requires permits and inspections
- Foundations & structural work: Excavation, foundation pouring, and structural framing work
- Pools & spas: All in-ground and above-ground pools
- Tiny homes under residential program: Included under building permit requirements via the county’s Tiny-home inspection program
To get more information, check out the Residential Permits and Building Inspections pages.
Sevier County building permit fees
Sevier County building permit fees vary depending on the type and the overall value of your project.
Residential fees
| Category |
Fee |
| New One & Two-Family Dwellings / Townhouses (≤ 3 stories) |
$375.00 for up to 1,500 sq ft enclosed |
| Residential Other (Remodels, Accessory, etc.) |
$150.00 per trade (max $300.00 total) |
| Re-Inspection (after 2nd inspection) |
$50.00 |
| Code Appeal (up to 4 code sections) |
$100.00 |
| Building Without a Permit – 1st Offense |
$200.00 + Regular Fee |
| Building Without a Permit – 2nd Offense |
$350.00 + Regular Fee |
Learn more on the city’s Residential fee schedule page.
Commercial fees
| Total valuation |
Permit fee |
| Up to $2,000 |
$30 |
| $2,001 – $50,000 |
$30 + $5 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) |
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$270 + $4 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) |
| $100,001 – $500,000 |
$470 + $3 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) |
| Over $500,000 |
$1,670 + $2 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) |
Plan review fees
| Project valuation |
Fee |
| Up to $250,000 |
$50 |
| $250,000 – $500,000 |
$75 |
| $500,000 – $1,000,000 |
$150 |
| Over $1,000,000 |
$250 |
Pro tip: Use the Building Permit Calculator to estimate your final fee.
Sevier County trade permits
In addition to general building permits, most specialized systems — like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing — require their own trade permits. These permits ensure code compliance and safety standards are met, and inspections are typically required before final sign-off.
Trade permit fees in Sevier County
Sevier County has limited information available on its website about trade permits and associated fees. According to the county’s residential building permit fee schedule, residential trade permits appear to cost $150 per trade, but are not to exceed $300.
Plumbing permits
Any installation, replacement, or modification of water, drainage, or gas piping systems in Sevier County requires a plumbing permit. Only licensed plumbers are authorized to pull these permits.
Electrical permits
If your project includes new circuits, service upgrades, generator installs, or any form of rewiring, you’ll need an electrical permit. Work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Roofing permits
Roofing projects may require a permit if they involve structural decking, large-scale replacement, or if the work triggers code upgrades. Always confirm with the county if a permit is needed for your scope of work.
HVAC permits
Most HVAC work — including installation or replacement of furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and duct systems — requires a mechanical permit. Energy code compliance is reviewed during permitting and inspection.
How long do building permits last in Sevier County?
A Sevier County building permit remains valid if work begins within 180 days of permit issuance.
Take the stress out of permitting with PermitFlow.
Our platform streamlines every step of your permitting journey across Sevier County. Chat with us today to learn how.
How to get a building permit in Sevier County
Step 1: Determine jurisdiction
First, verify whether your project falls under:
- Sevier County
- City of Sevierville
- City of Gatlinburg
- City of Pigeon Forge
Each has its own application process and forms.
Step 2: Prepare required documents
You will need to provide the following documents:
- Finished building permit application
- Site and floor plans
- Construction drawings
- Contractor license number
- Energy code compliance documentation (if applicable)
- Scope of work and valuation
Step 3: Submit your application
All applications now must be submitted online. To do that, use the Sevier County permit search and application page.
Step 4: Wait for plan review
Projects are reviewed for code compliance, zoning alignment, and floodplain impacts. Residential projects are generally faster than commercial ones.
Step 5: Pay fees and receive permit
After review approval, you’ll receive an invoice. Payment is required before the permit is issued.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
You'll need to schedule inspections at different stages of development. Inspectors will verify compliance before granting occupancy or closure.
Sevier County permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Sevier County with PermitFlow
Permitting in Sevier County can quickly become a time sink — especially if you're not familiar with the county’s specific rules, forms, and approval workflows. Instead of navigating red tape and juggling submissions across departments, let PermitFlow take it off your plate.
Our platform handles every step of the permitting process — from preparation to submission to tracking — so you can focus on building, not bureaucracy. Whether you're working solely in Sevier County or managing projects across multiple jurisdictions, PermitFlow keeps everything organized and moving forward.
Contractors and builders choose PermitFlow for:
- Local knowledge: Our team understands Sevier County's specific permitting requirements and works hard so your applications are complete and compliant
- Streamlined management: Track and manage all your Sevier County permits alongside your other projects from one centralized dashboard
- Faster processing: We submit accurate applications the first time, reducing rejections and accelerating your permit approvals
Don't let permit delays slow your team down. Contact PermitFlow today.
