Deck permit in Murfreesboro, TN
It depends — some deck work in Murfreesboro needs a permit, some doesn't.
A deck needs a permit if it is over 200 sq ft, more than 30 inches above grade, or attached to the house.
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 200 sq ft |
| Fee | Permit fees are set by the City Council; no amount is listed in the code. |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC R105.2 |
| Based on | IRC 2018 as adopted (Sec. 7-11) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Murfreesboro 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.
Either of you can pull it. When a contractor does the work, it is normally their job.
If you skip it
Building without a required permit costs two times the permit fee, plus a fine up to $50 per day.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murfreesboro | — | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Smyrna | 10 mi | Depends | Over 100 sq ft |
| La Vergne | 14 mi | Depends | Over 120 sq ft |
| Nolensville | 16 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Brentwood | 22 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Mount Juliet | 24 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
Other work in Murfreesboro
Questions people ask
My deck is right at the limit. Does that count?
The exemption has to fit exactly — if the code says a size or height, being at or under it keeps you exempt, and going a single inch over doesn't. When you're close to the line, measure before you buy materials, and call the department if the number is borderline.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Murfreesboro 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.