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.