Scott County, Tennessee Building Permit Guide

Scott County does not require building permits: its own website says so plainly, and the county has opted out of the state residential building program. Oneida, the largest town, requires a permit for new construction from its building inspector (423-569-9742), and electrical work anywhere in the county needs a state electrical permit, sold locally by Plateau Electric Cooperative.

What needs a permit in Scott County?

Who handles permits in Scott County?

The county’s department directory lists no building, codes, planning or zoning office. The State Fire Marshal’s table of August 21, 2026 records the county and all three towns as having opted out of the state residential building program.

Electrical, gas and septic

Electrical: Scott County is outside every exempt local electrical program, so the State Fire Marshal’s Office permits and inspects wiring. Buy the permit online through CORE or from Plateau Electric Cooperative in Oneida, the state’s issuing agent in the county, which also takes permit requests by phone at (423) 569-8591. The county also lists Plateau Electric as its electric utility.

Gas and plumbing: the county issues no trade permits. Inside Oneida, the town’s single application form covers building, plumbing, gas and mobile home permits. The county lists Citizens Gas Utility District, (423) 569-4457, among its utilities.

Septic: TDEC’s Knoxville field office at 3711 Middlebrook Pike serves Scott County; septic questions go to (865) 594-6035. Oneida Water & Wastewater ((423) 569-6311) and Huntsville Utility District ((423) 663-3550) provide utility service in their areas.

Permit costs in Scott County

Unincorporated county: no county building permit, so no county permit fee.

Oneida: the town’s application records the estimated cost and the fee paid, but the town does not publish its fee amounts online; ask the Building Inspector.

Optional or required state residential permit: the state fee depends on construction cost (at least $60.57 per heated sq ft): $350 for $5,001–$100,000, $400 to $150,000, $450 to $200,000 and $500 to $250,000, plus $50 per further $50,000. A new house also pays $100 for the plumbing and HVAC inspection. For a 1,600 sq ft house valued at the minimum of $96,912, the total is $450. State fee table.

Inspections in Scott County

County: Scott County has no building inspections. Because the county has opted out, an owner or contractor may still buy a state residential permit for a new house or addition; the State Fire Marshal’s inspectors then check the foundation, the framing and rough-ins and the final, and a house that meets the state standards receives a certificate of occupancy, which some lenders require.

Oneida: the town’s permit is signed by the recorder-treasurer and the Building Inspector and expires 6 months from its date. Call the inspector at (423) 569-9742 about inspections and code questions.

Electrical: state deputy inspectors are booked in CORE or at 615-741-7170 with the permit number.

Local details for Scott County

Oneida application: the one-page form asks for the owner, builder and any architect, the building’s use, construction type, foundation, roof, walls, plumbing, heating and lighting, the number of stories and rooms, and a sketch placing the building between the front, back and side lot lines.

County government: the Board of Commissioners meets on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Scott County Office Building, with a work session on the first Monday at 5 p.m.

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

Official Scott County permitting resources

County, town and state pages used for this guide:

• Tennessee state residential-permit instructions
• Tennessee residential jurisdictions and inspectors
• Scott County official government meeting agendas
• Scott County department directory
• Scott County: building permits not required
• Town of Oneida building permits
• Oneida building, plumbing, gas or mobile home permit application
• State inspections in opt-out areas
• State electrical permit issuing agents
• TDEC Knoxville field office (septic)

Scott County permit FAQs

Do I need a building permit in Scott County, TN?

Not from the county. Scott County states that it does not require building permits. Electrical and septic work still need state permits, and Oneida requires its own permit inside town limits.

Does Oneida require a building permit?

Yes, for new construction. Download the town’s application, complete it and return it to the Oneida Municipal Services Building; the Building Inspector is at (423) 569-9742.

Where do I get an electrical permit in Scott County?

From the State of Tennessee, online through CORE or through Plateau Electric Cooperative in Oneida, (423) 569-8591.

Can I get a new house inspected in Scott County?

Yes. Buying a state residential building permit brings State Fire Marshal inspections and, if the house passes, a certificate of occupancy.

Do I need a permit to build in Winfield?

The state’s sources disagree: its jurisdiction table lists Winfield as opted out, while its application page lists Winfield among cities needing a state residential permit. Ask the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 615-741-7170.

Simplify Scott County permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Tennessee. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Scott County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.