Last reviewed: January 2025 · Verify rules with your county before starting any project.
Rutherford County, Tennessee is experiencing rapid growth centered around Murfreesboro, LaVergne, Smyrna, and Eagleville. The county's Codes Administration department handles permits for unincorporated areas. If you're inside a city, contact that city's building department.
The 200 sq ft shed threshold gives most homeowners room for standard pre-built sheds without needing a permit. A 12×16 shed (192 sq ft) doesn't require a permit; a 14×16 shed (224 sq ft) does. All decks attached to the house require a permit under Tennessee's residential code.
Rutherford County Codes Administration is at 319 N. Maple Street, Suite 200, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Phone: (615) 898-7730. Permit fees are relatively low — shed permits $40–$100, deck permits $75–$150. Review takes 5–7 business days for most residential permits.
What Requires a Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
- No. A 12×16 shed is 192 square feet, which is under Rutherford County's 200 sq ft threshold. No building permit is required. However, you must still meet setback requirements — typically 5 feet from rear and side property lines in residential zones. If you're inside Murfreesboro, LaVergne, or Smyrna city limits, contact your city's building department for their specific rules.
- Unincorporated Rutherford County generally does not require building permits for standard residential fences. Height limits and setback rules still apply in your zoning district. If you're inside a city, the city's rules apply. Murfreesboro, for example, has specific fence permit requirements for certain fence types and heights.