Which Projects Skip the Permit? Middle Tennessee Compared

"Do I need a permit for that?" has a different answer depending on which side of a city line you're on. The model residential code gives every city the same starting list of exempt work, but each one amends it, and some publish their own plain-language lists. Below is what several Middle Tennessee building departments say about the projects homeowners ask about most, in their own terms.

This is a starting point, not a ruling. Codes change, and the building official decides close calls. Before you start, call the department or check its page. Each area hub links to it.

The quick comparison

"Check" means the city's published material doesn't answer it directly. Ask. Where a list is silent on HVAC, assume a mechanical permit until the city tells you otherwise.

Roofs: the biggest split

• Metro Nashville lists installing roofing among the work that requires a permit, and exempts repairs to an existing roof that don't exceed 33 percent of the roof area.
• Springfield requires a permit to replace roof shingles or any other roof covering.
• Nolensville, in its 2025 code adoption, added roof covering replacement that doesn't involve replacing structural components to the list of work exempt from a permit.

So the same re-roof is a permitted, inspected job in Nashville and Springfield, but usually isn't in Nolensville. More in our Nolensville roofing page and the roofing guide.

Windows: exempt in Spring Hill, permitted in Springfield

Spring Hill's FAQ lists installing replacement windows or doors among work that doesn't need a permit, along with painting, papering, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work. Springfield's list goes the other way: replace windows, HVAC system or gas-fired appliances is on its permit-required list. Window replacement also gets design review in historic districts: in a Metro Historic Preservation overlay, for instance, or with Lebanon's window evaluation sheet. See windows.

Fences and retaining walls

• Mt. Juliet and Springfield both exempt fences not over 7 feet and retaining walls not over 4 feet. In Mt. Juliet, the 4 feet is measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and walls supporting a surcharge need a permit.
• Columbia says fences don't require permits (it points you to its fence requirements page), but retaining walls supporting more than 4 feet of earth do.
• Spring Hill names fences as an example of work that needs a permit.

Even where a fence is exempt, zoning rules on height and placement still apply, and so do HOA covenants. A fence in a drainage easement can be a problem anywhere.

Sheds and accessory buildings

Springfield exempts one-story detached sheds and playhouses up to 200 square feet. Columbia requires a small accessory permit under 200 sq ft and a full accessory building permit at 200 sq ft and up. Spring Hill lists outdoor sheds among projects that need permits. Setbacks apply to sheds everywhere.

Decks

Metro Nashville requires a permit for a new or replacement deck, for replacing more than 100 square feet of deck boards, and for any footing or framing replacement. Springfield requires one for a deck more than 30 inches above ground. Hendersonville requires plan review for any deck attached to the house. See decks and porches and our Hendersonville deck page.

Cosmetic work

Painting, wallpaper, flooring, cabinets and countertops are exempt in nearly every list. Metro's exempt list includes exterior and interior painting, papering, glazing of windows and doors, floor finishing, and minor repairs. Springfield sums it up: "Cosmetic items do not require a permit," but permits are needed whenever structural elements change. The catch is that a "cosmetic" kitchen often involves moving a sink or adding a circuit, and those need trade permits.

HVAC and water heaters

Gallatin's project list shows an HVAC changeout needs a mechanical permit and an electrical permit, each with a final inspection, and a water heater needs plumbing and electrical permits. Springfield lists HVAC replacement as permit-required. Spring Hill's FAQ also says replacing any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system needs a permit. Have the contractor pull it. See HVAC.