Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Forest Hills?
Yes. In Tennessee, shed or accessory structure generally requires a permit, and Forest Hills is no exception.
Forest Hills lists sheds, storage buildings, and other accessory buildings as projects that require a City permit, so unlike many jurisdictions there is no small-shed square footage exemption here; confirm the specifics with the City before building. The structure is reviewed against the City Zoning Ordinance bulk standards for setbacks and lot coverage, and the City Building Inspector completes the inspections and does not accept third party verifications. Tennessee requires a state contractor license for residential building work of roughly 25,000 dollars and up, so verify licensing if a contractor builds a larger accessory structure. A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured. Tennessee does not set one statewide shed threshold, and the 200 square foot figure from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Who enforces residential construction depends on your address: where a city or county has neither taken on residential code enforcement itself nor opted out by a two-thirds vote of its legislative body, the State Fire Marshal's Office runs the residential permit and inspection programme using state-contracted inspectors. So the first question is not the size of the shed but which authority covers you. Confirm whether your city or county enforces its own code, has opted out, or falls under the State Fire Marshal programme, then ask that office for the size threshold. Zoning setbacks apply regardless, and a separate permit is needed for any electrical service run to the shed.
Documents you may need
- City of Forest Hills building permit application through the City Permit Database for a shed, storage building, or other accessory buildingrequired
- Applicable Application Guide Sheet and a site plan showing the structure location and distance to property linesrequired
- Details for any slab, foundation, or electrical service to the accessory buildingSometimes required
- Permit applicationLikely required
- Site plan showing setbacks and structure sizerequired
- Foundation/anchoring and construction details for larger structuresSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Footing, slab, or foundation inspection by the City of Forest Hills Building Inspector where a permanent base is used
- Framing and final inspections
- Any electrical trade inspection conducted by Metro Nashville where power is run to the structure
- Setback / footing inspection where a permit is issued
- Final inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Forest Hills?
- Yes. In Tennessee, shed or accessory structure generally requires a permit, and Forest Hills is no exception. Forest Hills lists sheds, storage buildings, and other accessory buildings as projects that require a City permit, so unlike many jurisdictions there is no small-shed square footage exemption here; confirm the specifics with the City before building. The structure is reviewed against the City Zoning Ordinance bulk standards for setbacks and lot coverage, and the City Building Inspector completes the inspections and does not accept third party verifications. Tennessee requires a state contractor license for residential building work of roughly 25,000 dollars and up, so verify licensing if a contractor builds a larger accessory structure. A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured. Tennessee does not set one statewide shed threshold, and the 200 square foot figure from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Who enforces residential construction depends on your address: where a city or county has neither taken on residential code enforcement itself nor opted out by a two-thirds vote of its legislative body, the State Fire Marshal's Office runs the residential permit and inspection programme using state-contracted inspectors. So the first question is not the size of the shed but which authority covers you. Confirm whether your city or county enforces its own code, has opted out, or falls under the State Fire Marshal programme, then ask that office for the size threshold. Zoning setbacks apply regardless, and a separate permit is needed for any electrical service run to the shed.
- Who issues the permit in Forest Hills?
- The local building department for Forest Hills handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.