Building & Zoning

Brent Beshires, Building & Zoning Official, Floodplain Manager, ADA Coordinator

About the Building & Zoning Department

The Building and Zoning Department is under the direction of the Building Official. Many responsibilities fall under the control of the department, including: enforcement of building and zoning regulations for both the city and the planning region, issues building permits, performs multiple inspections on all residential and commercial construction, performs inspections and takes actions concerning overgrown lawns and dilapidated buildings, attends and is the city staff liaison to the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals and enforcement of Municipal and Regional Subdivision Regulations. The Building and Zoning Department is located on the first floor of City Hall. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

» Planning Commission
» Board of Zoning Appeals
» ADA Notice & Grievance Procedure

Henderson City Hall
121 Crook Ave
P.O. Box 68
Henderson, TN 38340-0068
(731) 983-5011 Phone
(731) 983-5050 Fax

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a Building Permit?

Building Permits are required in the City of Henderson and in the Henderson Planning Region for any new construction, additions, renovations, major repairs, and manufactured or modular buildings with a construction value of $2,000 or more. Persons installing outbuildings or car covers that have a value less than $2,000 should contact the building official to ensure that the building is installed/constructed in an approved location. General Maintenance of existing buildings does not require a permit. Examples of this are painting, floor coverings, roof coverings, sidewalks, patios, and minor repairs to plumbing, fixtures, and repairs to mechanical or electrical fixtures or appliances. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, structural beam, load bearing support, or change of any required means of egress (exits).

How much do building permits cost?

Building permit fees are based on the value or cost of the improvement.

» Building Permit Fees
» Accessory Building & Uses Inside The City Of Henderson

What is the Planning Region?

The planning region is an area outside the city limits of Henderson in which the city has been granted building and zoning authority. The building inspector issues permits and performs services in this area. See the attached map to determine if your project is within the Planning Region.

» Planning Region Map

Who can get a Building Permit?

Residential (new construction, outbuildings and additions)

The property owner can obtain a building permit for their private residence. The owner assumes all legal responsibilities for liability and workman’s compensation insurance. State law limits new home construction to one personal residence every two years.
A workman can obtain a building permit for any job under $25,000. However, they must have workman’s compensation insurance or sign a waiver if worker’s compensation does not apply (example – no employees).
A licensed contractor can be the general contractor on any project with a cost up to their monetary limit set by the state. He/she must show proof of Workman’s Compensation and a current state contractor’s license number for their business.

Commercial – Industrial

A workman or owner can do work up to $25,000 provided they show proof of workman’s compensation insurance or sign a waiver.
A licensed contractor can work on any job where cost does not exceed their monetary limit set by the state. Must show proof of workman’s compensation and a current state contractor’s license number for their business.

What Building Codes are currently adopted by the City of Henderson?

2018 International Residential Code (with local exceptions)
2018 International Building Code
2018 International Plumbing Code
2018 International Mechanical Code
2018 International Property Maintenance Code
2018 International Fire Code and/or 2006 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
2018 International Fuel Gas Code (with local exceptions)
2018 International Energy Conversation Code
Any reference to Electrical or Accessibility Code shall use the current code adopted by the State of Tennessee.

What inspections are required?

Footing Inspection: This is done after footing has been formed and all steel is installed.
Foundation Wall Inspection (if needed): This is completed after foundation walls are formed and all steel is in place.
Flooring Inspection: This is done after floor framing is in place and before sub-flooring has been installed.
Rough-In Underground Plumbing: This is done after the (under slab) plumbing has been installed but prior to it being covered. Water must be pressurized to 60PSI, Sewer to 5 PSI, or a 10-foot head test.
Gas Plumbing Rough-In (if needed for natural gas): This is to be completed by the Henderson Utility Department and should be completed as soon as possible after gas piping is complete but prior to concealment. Call the Henderson Utility Department at (731)989-3503 for more information or to schedule an inspection.
Framing Inspection: This is done after rough framing is in place but before any concealment of the framing structure.
Insulation Inspection: This is done after all insulation has been installed but before concealment.
Sprinkler Hydro Test Inspection (if needed in commercial structures): Performed in conjunction with the Fire Department.
Gas Plumbing Final (if needed for natural gas): This is to be completed by the Henderson Utility Department and should be completed after all appliances have been installed with a pressure test on the gas line. Call the Henderson Utility Department at (731) 989-3503 to schedule an inspection.
Final Inspection/Certificate of Occupancy: This is after all work has been completed but prior to occupancy of the building.