Building Codes
Building Codes
The City of Union City has adopted for residential building, design, and construction the 2018 ICC International Residential Code. Insulation requirements are taken from the 2009 Energy Code charts.
The City of Union City has adopted for building, design, and construction of structures the following 2021 ICC Codes:
- International Building Code
- International Fire Code
- International Plumbing Code
- International Mechanical Code
- International Fuel Gas Code
- International Property Maintenance Code
Other codes adopted:
- ICC A117.1-2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
- 1985 Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code
- 2018 ICC Energy Conservation Code (with amendments)
Who Can Get A Building Permit?
Residential (new construction, addition, repairs, demolition).
1. The property owner can obtain a building permit for their private residence. The owner assumes all legal responsibilities for liability and workmen’s compensation. State law limits new home construction to one personal residence every two years.
2. A workman can obtain a building permit for any job under $25,000. He must have workers’ compensation insurance or sign a waiver of workers’ compensation that does not apply. (ex – no employees)
3. A licensed contractor can be the general contractor on any project with a cost up to their monetary limit set by the state. Must show proof of workmen’s’ compensation and a current state contractors’ license number for their business.
Commercial – Industrial
1. A workman or owner can do work up to $25,000 provided they show proof of workers’ compensation or sign a waiver.
2. A licensed contractor can work on any job where the cost does not exceed their monetary set by the state. Must show proof of workmen’s’ compensation and a current state contractors’ license number for their business.
How do I get an electrical permit?
Residential (new construction, addition, repairs, demolition).
Electrical permits & inspections are regulated and controlled by the state. A link to their website is below.
State Electrical Permits
When State Submittal is Required?
A building plans submittal is required to the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) sealed by a Tennessee registered architect or engineer based on a building’s occupancy type, location, and whether the project scope meets the definition of Construction. [Rule 0780-02-03-.02 Submission of Plans]
State Submittal Requirements
State Codes Enforcement Website
What if I live in the county?
Message from the Assessor’s Office Below:
This is a reminder that Building Permits are Required for construction within Obion County.
If your city does not issue permits, please remember that a permit must be obtained from the Obion County Assessor’s Office before any construction can begin. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Pools
- Shops and barns
- Portable Buildings
- Portable carports
- Remodeling projects
- Roof Work
- Decks and Porches
- Any other type of construction
FEMA regulations have become more strict, and any property located in a FEMA-designated flood zone requires additional permitting. All cities in our county-with only one exception-contain areas marked as flood zones, but remember this can always change. Because of this, extra permitting and steps are required for construction in these areas.
At this time, there is no cost for permits issued through the county; however, this could change in the future.
We are also seeing mortgage companies routinely checking whether permits are on file. Our goal is to ensure all records are accurate and fully documented in case FEMA reviews permits within our county.
For properties located in flood zones, we will issue a special permit, and the property owner will then be referred to the County EMA Director Danny Carr, who will take over the next steps in the process.
If you have any questions, please contact:
- Assessor’s Office – 731-507-0999 Option 4
Permits may be emailed to our office, and cities currently submitting to Carol should continue doing so otherwise all permits need to be sent to me at this email address. If no permits were issued just let us know at the end of each month no permit was issued for the month.
We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to continuing to work together. It takes all of us to keep this process running smoothly.
Thank you,
Allison Witzel
Obion County Chief Deputy
Building Permit & Utility
Permit Information, Applications & Forms
Building Requirements & Procedures
Required Commercial Inspections
Required Residential Inspections
Land Disturbance
All land disturbance activities must acquire a Land Disturbance Permit before a building permit can be issued. This permit allows us to track any land disturbance activities within city limits per our MS4 permit with TDEC. Projects disturbing 1 acre or more (or are part of a larger development) must acquire a Stormwater Permit through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. See our Stormwater Management page for more information.
Planning & Review Fees
Follow the link below to see all of the planning & review fees required by the City of Union City. All applicable fees are due at the time of submittal. Plans will not be reviewed until fees are paid.