For land outside the towns, Claiborne County building permits are issued by the County Mayor’s Office in the old courthouse on Main Street, Tazewell (423-626-5236). The fee is a percentage of a Building Structure Value of $200 per square foot, so a 1,000 sq ft home pays 0.15% of $200,000, or $300, and a septic permit must be issued first.
Who issues building permits in Claiborne County?
The county’s building permit page names the County Mayor’s Office as the issuing office for Claiborne County and says permits inside the city limits of New Tazewell, Tazewell and Harrogate come from those cities. To get a county permit you give the property owner’s name, the address and the square footage of living space. Campers parked on mobile home lots or private property also need a county building permit.
On the State Fire Marshal’s residential table (August 21, 2026) the county is opted out of the state residential building program, while all four incorporated towns are exempt, meaning they run their own programs. Who to contact:
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →| Town | Building permits |
|---|---|
| Unincorporated county | County Mayor’s Office, old courthouse, Main Street, Tazewell; 423-626-5236 |
| Tazewell | City office, 1754 N Broad St, 423-626-5104; the MTAS directory lists a city Building Official |
| New Tazewell | City office, 413 1st Avenue, 423-626-5242; the MTAS directory lists a city Building Inspector |
| Harrogate | City office, 138 Harrogate Crossing, 423-869-0211 (weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.); the MTAS directory lists a Building Inspector and Codes Official |
| Cumberland Gap | Town building inspector, after Planning and Zoning Commission review; Town Hall 423-869-3860 |
Electrical and septic permits in Claiborne County
- Septic first. The county will not issue a building permit until a septic permit has been issued. Septic permits are handled by TDEC’s Knoxville Environmental Field Office, 3711 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville; the county gives 865-594-6035 for septic questions.
- Electrical. None of the Claiborne towns runs its own electrical inspection program, so wiring anywhere in the county is permitted and inspected by the State of Tennessee. Permits can be bought online in CORE or through the state’s issuing agent in New Tazewell, Powell Valley Electric Cooperative (423-626-5204), which accepts phone requests.
- Mobile homes. The county permit for a mobile home is based on its purchase price rather than square footage.
How Claiborne County prices a building permit
The county first works out a Building Structure Value (BSV): total square footage multiplied by $200. The permit fee is then a percentage of the BSV:
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →| Building Structure Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Under $250,000 | 0.15% of BSV |
| $250,000 to $500,000 | 0.25% of BSV |
| $500,000 to $1,000,000 | 0.50% of BSV |
| Over $1,000,000 | 1% of BSV |
| Mobile home | Based on purchase price |
A 1,000 sq ft house has a BSV of $200,000 and pays $300. The towns set their own fees.
Building in Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap’s code makes it unlawful to dig for or build any structure, including accessory structures, to move or alter one, or to fill land until the town’s building inspector has issued a permit. All new construction, structural changes and major plumbing or wiring projects need one. The application must include a scaled plan or plat showing the lot’s shape and dimensions, the size and location of new and existing buildings, their uses, and any off-street parking and loading.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Submit the documents at least one week before the meeting, held the first Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall.
Inside the Historic District, any exterior work that changes the look of a building needs a Certificate of Appropriateness; the commission meets the Tuesday after the first Monday at 7:00 p.m., with documents due a week ahead.
The inspector gives the final review and issues the permit, which lapses after six months unless substantial progress has been made.
Inspections in Claiborne County
Because the county has opted out of the state residential program, the State Fire Marshal does not inspect one- and two-family homes in the unincorporated county. Electrical work is the exception: every state electrical permit is inspected by a state deputy electrical inspector, booked through CORE. In the four towns, inspections are carried out by each town’s own building inspector or official.
Tennessee statewide rules
Tennessee licenses contractors through the Board for Licensing Contractors for jobs of $25,000 or more; a Home Improvement licence applies below that only in the nine counties that opted in. Tennessee rules
Rather not deal with the Claiborne County building department?
Get a free quote →Official Claiborne County permitting resources
- Tennessee state residential-permit instructions
- Tennessee residential jurisdictions and inspectors
- Claiborne County building permits and fees
- Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office
- Tennessee electrical permit issuing agents
- TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office (septic)
- Cumberland Gap building permit information sheet (PDF)
- Tazewell city contacts (MTAS)
- New Tazewell city contacts (MTAS)
- Harrogate city contacts (MTAS)
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Claiborne County permit FAQs
Who issues building permits in Claiborne County, TN?
The County Mayor’s Office in the old courthouse in Tazewell, for property outside the towns. Harrogate, New Tazewell, Tazewell and Cumberland Gap issue permits inside their limits.
How much is a Claiborne County building permit?
The square footage times $200 gives the Building Structure Value; the fee is 0.15% of that value under $250,000, rising to 0.25%, 0.50% and 1% in higher bands.
Do I need a septic permit first?
Yes. The county issues the building permit only after the septic permit; call 865-594-6035 about septic.
Do I need a permit to put a camper on my land?
Yes. The county requires a building permit for campers on mobile home lots or private property.
Who handles electrical permits?
The State of Tennessee, online in CORE or through Powell Valley Electric Cooperative in New Tazewell (423-626-5204).
What extra steps apply in Cumberland Gap?
Plans go to the town Planning and Zoning Commission first and, in the Historic District, to the Historic Zoning Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness before the building inspector issues the permit.
Inspections are where schedules slip.
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More Tennessee permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Claiborne County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.