Deck permit in Smyrna, TN
It depends — some deck work in Smyrna needs a permit, some doesn't.
A deck needs a permit if it is over 100 sq ft, more than 30 inches above grade, attached to the house, or serves a required exit door.
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 100 sq ft |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC R105.2 item 10 (§ 12-602) |
| Based on | IRC 2024 as amended |
Most building codes exempt a deck up to 200 sq ft. Smyrna is stricter — the cutoff here is just 100 sq ft.
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Smyrna 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 and punishable under the general penalty provision; 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smyrna | — | Depends | Over 100 sq ft |
| La Vergne | 4 mi | Depends | Over 120 sq ft |
| Nolensville | 8 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Murfreesboro | 10 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Brentwood | 14 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Mount Juliet | 16 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
Other work in Smyrna
- Fence Depends
- Deck Depends
- Shed Depends
- Swimming Pool Depends
- Roof Replacement Depends
- Water Heater Yes
- HVAC Replacement Yes
- Electrical Panel Yes
- Demolition Yes
- Driveway Depends
- Tree Removal —
- Sign —
- Short-Term Rental —
- ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Yes
- Garage Depends
- Basement Yes
- Above-Ground Pool Depends
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?
Smyrna 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.