Building Codes Division

The Building Codes Division ensures the health and safety of Tullahoma residents through the consistent application of adopted building codes, inspections of new and renovated structures, and property maintenance standards.  The division oversees all residential and commercial construction beginning with the review of plans through on-site inspections, and to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the safe use and habitation of the structure.

What are Building Codes?

Building codes play an important role in maintaining safe communities. Each community adopts a building code to protect the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants. Architects refer to the code for guidance when designing buildings. Structures within the community that conform to the locally adopted building code are safer, healthier, and better for the buildings’ occupants and the wider community.

Communities adopt Building Code regulations to maintain a safe and healthy built environment. Codes set the standard for structures within the community for construction, maintenance, and occupancy.  Building codes are minimum requirements that help safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of all building occupants. The codes govern the design, construction, remodeling, and maintenance of structures.

Buildings within a community must conform to the rules stated in the adopted building code. Codes apply to all structures, including homes, multi-family buildings, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. Sometimes, structures like public schools are covered under separate code requirements.

Adopted Codes

The City of Tullahoma has adopted the 2015 International Building Code.  All permit applications or plans submitted to the Building Codes Division on or after January 1, 2018, must comply with these codes.

2015 International Building Code (IBC)

2015 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family (IRC)

2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)

2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC)

2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

2015 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)

2015 International Performance for Buildings and Facilities Code (IPCBFC)

2009 Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities Code (ICC A117.1)

2015 International Fire Code (IFC)

2003 National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code (NFPA 101)

Permit Applications

The purpose of the permitting process is to ensure minimum standards to protect the public welfare by regulating and controlling Construction, Design, Installation, Location, Maintenance or use of plumbing and mechanical equipment and systems, Operation, and Quality of materials.

Permit applications can be submitted online using the Citizen Portal, by printing the Applications and emailing them to nabbott@tullahomatn.gov or in person at the Tullahoma Building Codes office located in the Tullahoma Annex Building at 321 North Collins Street.

Once the completed application is submitted with any required documentation, please allow 3-5 business days for processing.  Once the application is approved, we will notify you of the permit fee and payment options.  Please make sure to include your email address so that we may notify you.

State Electrical Permits

State electrical permits may be purchased online at core.tn.gov or in person at any issuing agent within the state.  To schedule electrical inspections or if you have any electrical permit questions, please call 615-741-7170.