Barndominiums are widely accepted across most counties.
Tennessee delegates building code adoption to local jurisdictions. Most counties have adopted some version of the IBC/IRC. Some rural counties have limited enforcement.
Primary Code
IBC / IRC (locally adopted)
Code Version
Varies by jurisdiction (2012–2018 IBC)
Adoption Level
Local Only
Statewide Enforcement
No
Most counties enforce building codes. Rural east and west TN counties have faster processing.
Residential
Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Not Required
Size threshold: structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt.
Agricultural buildings on farms are generally exempt from building permits in most Tennessee counties.
Small structures under 200 sq ft typically exempt.
Western TN near the New Madrid seismic zone has higher seismic requirements (SDC D). Smoky Mountain region has higher snow loads. Tornado risk statewide.
Wind Load
90–115 mph
moderate zone
Snow Load
5–20 psf
Seismic
A–D
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
IECC (locally adopted)
Version
Varies
Energy code enforcement varies by jurisdiction.
License Type
TN Board for Licensing Contractors
Project Threshold
$25,000
Tennessee requires contractor licensing for projects valued at $25,000 or more.
Front
25–35 ft
Side
5–15 ft
Rear
15–25 ft
Varies by county and zone.
Clay soils in middle TN. Rocky soils in east TN mountains. Sandy soils in west TN.
Popular statewide. Standard permitting.
Agricultural exemptions available.
Well-accepted, especially in rural areas. Increasingly popular. Lender awareness growing.
Standard permit requirements.
Full IBC compliance where adopted.
HOAs common in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville suburbs. Rural land in east and west TN is generally unrestricted.
Flood zones along the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Mississippi rivers.
Key counties with specific permit information for Tennessee.
Full IBC/IRC enforcement. Thorough plan review.
Typical fees: $500 – $3,000
Full enforcement.
Typical fees: $400 – $2,500
Full enforcement.
Typical fees: $400 – $2,500
Cumberland Plateau. More practical enforcement. Good for barndominiums.
Typical fees: $250 – $1,500
Ag Exemption AvailableRural. Streamlined process. Very barndo-friendly.
Typical fees: $150 – $1,000
Ag Exemption AvailableVerify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
