Sequatchie County, Tennessee Building Permit Guide

Sequatchie County issues no building permits, and it has opted out of the state residential building program. The City of Dunlap, the only town, does require building, fence and sign permits from City Hall (423-949-2115). Countywide, septic systems need the County Environmentalist’s permit, electrical work needs a state permit, and building in a flood zone must be cleared with the Assessor of Property.

What needs a permit in Sequatchie County?

Who handles permits in Sequatchie County?

The State Fire Marshal’s list of August 21, 2026 shows both Sequatchie County and Dunlap as having opted out of the state residential program, so no state residential permit is required in either. Dunlap nonetheless issues its own permits: its applications are reviewed by the City’s building inspector and checked against the Dunlap Zoning Ordinance. County offices are open Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday mornings until 11:30.

Electrical, septic and utilities

Electrical: Sequatchie County is in the state electrical program, and the state lists no permit-selling agent in the county, so buy the permit online through CORE. Book the state inspection in CORE or at 615-741-7170 with the permit number. The Assessor notes that some utility providers in the county require electrical and septic permits; electricity comes from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative (423-949-2198).

Septic: the County Environmentalist issues septic permits and keeps the records. Septic files can be searched online, and the 24-hour septic line is (423) 634-5745, the number of TDEC’s Chattanooga field office. In Dunlap, if city water or sewer is not available, the Environmentalist must approve the site before the City will issue a building permit.

Water, sewer and gas in Dunlap: the City provides water and wastewater (423-949-2115), and the Dunlap Natural Gas System (423-949-4119) serves parts of Sequatchie, Marion and Bledsoe Counties. The City’s permit form also records whether backflow prevention or a grease trap is required.

Permit fees in Sequatchie County

County: there is no county building permit and so no county permit fee.

Dunlap: the City’s building and fence applications record the amount paid, but the City does not publish its fee amounts online; ask City Hall.

Optional state permit: because the county has opted out, an owner or contractor who wants a state inspection and certificate of occupancy can buy a state residential permit, priced by construction cost on the State Fire Marshal’s fee table (for example $350 for a project of $5,001 to $100,000, plus $100 for the plumbing and HVAC inspection on new construction).

Inspections in Sequatchie County

Unincorporated county: there are no county building inspections. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will inspect a new home or addition bought under a state residential permit and, if it meets the state standards, release a certificate of occupancy, which some lenders and loan programs require (615-741-7170).

Dunlap: the City’s field superintendent checks water, sewer and septic on the building application, the building inspector keeps a copy, and fence permits are approved or denied by the Dunlap Building Inspector. Questions go to City Hall at (423) 949-2115.

Local details for Sequatchie County

Flood zones: the county takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program and adopted a new floodplain resolution (Resolution 806) after the state required every county to update its rules in November 2025. Where a base flood elevation exists, the top of the lowest floor must be at least 1 foot above it, with no wood below that level; for manufactured homes the metal frame counts as the wood. In an A zone with no base flood elevation, build 3 feet above the highest ground. If any part of a lot is in the flood zone, the whole lot is treated as in it, and a building must be shown to be outside any floodway that crosses the property.

Dunlap building applications: the form asks for tax map and parcel numbers, lot dimensions, zone, setbacks and estimated cost, the first-floor elevation for lots in a flood hazard area, and a site or sketch plan if other buildings stand on the lot.

Dunlap fences: the fence application records height, material, length and any easements or pool, asks whether you have called 811, and lets you skip a survey if every neighbor on that property line agrees to the location in a letter to the Building Official and signs the application.

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 Sequatchie County government resources

County, city and state pages behind this guide:

• Tennessee state residential permit instructions
• Tennessee residential jurisdictions and inspectors
• Sequatchie County government information
• Sequatchie County Assessor
• Sequatchie County floodplain rules (Assessor of Property)
• City of Dunlap permits and ordinances
• Dunlap building permit application
• Dunlap fence application and ordinance
• State inspections in opt-out counties
• State electrical permits

Sequatchie County permit FAQs

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

Not from the county, which does not require building permits. Inside Dunlap city limits, you need a permit from City Hall.

Who issues septic permits in Sequatchie County?

The County Environmentalist, (423) 693-4878. The 24-hour septic line is (423) 634-5745.

Do I need a permit for a fence in Dunlap?

Yes. Dunlap has a fence permit application; a survey can be skipped if all adjoining owners on that line agree in writing and sign it.

Where do I get an electrical permit?

From the State of Tennessee through its CORE online system; there is no local electrical permit office.

What if my land is in a flood zone?

Contact the Assessor of Property at (423) 949-3534 (or Dunlap City Hall inside the city). The lowest floor must be at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation.

Simplify Sequatchie 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 Sequatchie County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.