ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit in Springfield, TN
Yes — you need a permit for adu (accessory dwelling unit) work in Springfield.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | No size threshold in the code |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | Sec. 12-102 / IRC R105.2 |
| Based on | IRC 2021 as adopted (Ord. 25-15) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Springfield 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
$50.00 за каждое нарушение; каждый день — отдельное нарушение (Sec. 12-104(6), R113.4)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | — | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Goodlettsville | 15 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Hendersonville | 20 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Nashville | 23 mi | Yes | Building a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) is con… |
| Gallatin | 24 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Clarksville | 27 mi | Yes | A new accessory dwelling unit is new residential construc… |
See every Tennessee city on adu (accessory dwelling unit) work
Other work in Springfield
Questions people ask
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Springfield 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.