County Offical Info
Danial Favor
270 Carlen Ave
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 526-2285
(931) 526-2257

Hours of Operation:

  • Mon-Thurs: 7:00am-3:30pm
  • Friday: 7:00am-3:00pm
  • Sat-Sun: Closed

The Putnam County Codes and Planning Department enforces the commercial and residential regulations of the 2024 edition of the International Code Council through the inspection processes. This department accepts applications for all construction permits, collects fees, issues permits, schedules inspections, maintains permit record files, and issues occupancy certificates.

Building codes play an integral role in maintaining the quality of construction in Putnam County, assisting builders and the general public with the building codes and other regulations to the mutual benefit of both. It is our mission to protect and serve the citizens of Putnam County through the fair and ethical enforcement of adopted construction codes, zoning regulations, and construction safety standards. An efficient administration, qualified professional staff, ongoing citizen and customer education efforts, and active enforcement on new and existing construction to include housing and property maintenance standards accomplish this.

 

Licensing

Special Plumbers License

Putnam County requires a Special Plumbers License for all plumbers and HVAC contractors. The fee is $50.00 and must be renewed yearly.

Licensed Contractor

For information on how to become a licensed contractor, please refer to the State of Tennessee's web site Here.

Steps in Obtaining a Building Permit
  1.     Obtain a new 911 address by calling 931-646-4357. (new construction only)
  2.     Purchase Septic Permit from Environmental Office at State of TN
  3.     Purchase Building Permit
  4.     Purchase Plumbing Permit
  5.     Purchase Mechanical Permit (HVAC)
  6.     Post house numbers on home 4" or Larger cannot be stickers must be visible from the road
  7.     All  inspections must be called into the office 931-526-2285 to be posted

Failure to comply to these regulations, any further inspection will be postponed, until required items are met:

  1.     Portable toilet must be on site and required within 300' of structure
  2.     A crushed stone ramp to the site to prevent mud from leaving site
  3.     Straw bales, silt fences or other erosion control devices in place
  4.     Post address to 911 specifications
  5.     Building permit must be ONSITE visible from the road or driveway

The following inspections are required for all structures:

  1.     Footer (before concrete is ordered)
  2.     Foundations, anchor bolts and drains around basements
  3.     Plumbing in slabs (if required)
  4.     Concrete slabs
  5.     Rough-in framing, plumbing, mechanical and sill plate all in one inspection
  6.     Energy (insulation values or trade offs)
  7.     Final before habitating a building

Additional Information:

  •     Environmental Office - 931-520-6688
  •     City of Cookeville Gas Department - 931-520-5230
FAQ

 

Putnam County has adopted the 2024 IBC and 2024 IRC as of 1/1/2026

 

Do I need a permit?

Permits are required for the following:

  • All new buildings, residential and commercial.
  • Any additions to existing buildings.
  • Decks or porches added to existing buildings.
  • Modular homes.
  • Garages or storage buildings that are over 200 Sq. Ft.
  • Plumbing and mechanical additions.

Updating Appliance/equipment of same type doesn’t require a permit.

Do I need a permit for a cell tower?

Yes. Putnam County does require permits for cell towers. Click on the links below for applicable forms and regulations.

No. No Permit is required for existing cell towers

Do I need a permit for a sign?

No, Putnam County does not issue permits for signs.

Does Putnam County have any zoning regulations?

Putnam County has no formal zoning code at this time.

I have a complaint about blasting in my area, who do I call?

The Department of Commerce and Insurance's State Fire Marchal's Office will conduct investigations into blasting complaints. If you have concerns regarding blasting in your area, contact the State Fire Marshal's Office at 615-741-7190.

How do I obtain an address?

The Putnam County 911 center assigns all new addresses in Putnam County, Algood, Baxter, and Monterey. To apply for a new address in any of the above locations call 931-646-4357. For additional information you may refer to their website at: https://putnamcountytn.gov/911-center

To apply for a new address within Cookeville city, please contact Linda Dillon at 931-520-5268.

You must have your construction stakes up showing where the house or trailer will set before you call for a new address. Addresses are usually assigned within 48 hours.

Helpful Links 
Becoming A Licensed Contractor
Assigning An Address
Applying For An Address within Cookeville City Limits
International Building Codes Link
Downloadables 
Building Permit
Mechanical Permit
Plumbing Permit
Permit Fee Schedule
Address Posting
Residential Inspection Sheet
Right of Way - Small Cell Guidelines
2017 Cell Tower Regulations
ROW Facility Agreement