Shed permit in Franklin, TN
Yes — you need a permit for shed work in Franklin.
A shed 200 sq ft or smaller is exempt from a building permit, but a zoning permit is required for any accessory structure; a building permit is required over 200 sq ft.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 200 sq ft |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC R105.2(1), as amended by Sec. 12-1002 |
| Based on | IRC 2024 as amended |
Most building codes exempt a shed up to 200 sq ft. Franklin is stricter — a permit applies at any size.
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Franklin building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
Building without a required permit is unlawful; the fine is set in Appendix A (comprehensive fees and penalties) and each day is a separate offense.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | — | Yes | Over 200 sq ft |
| Brentwood | 7 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Nolensville | 11 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| La Vergne | 18 mi | Depends | Over 120 sq ft |
| Nashville | 18 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Smyrna | 18 mi | Depends | Over 100 sq ft |
Other work in Franklin
Questions people ask
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Franklin can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.