Building inspection plan OK'd



MIKE WEST/ Courier Editor

Building or expanding a home in Cannon County?

If that's the case, you will soon have to have it inspected beginning March 1 by an authorized state building inspector.

The Cannon County Commission voted unanimously to approve the plan after hearing from Tim Planer, state building inspection supervisor. The Commission had previously voted not to opt out of the inspection process.

The vote came during the February 4 Commission meeting.

"Does this apply to remodeling or additions?" asked Commissioner Mark Barker.

"No for remodeling, yes for additions," Planer answered.

How much does an inspection cost?

The cost of the building permit is based on the estimated cost of construction, Planer said.

For example for a $125,000 house, the permit would be $450, he said.

Shops, sheds, barns and detacted garages and buildings of that sort do not have to be inspected.

"The Commission failed to opt out of the process," said County Executive Mike Gannon. "But we do need time to advertise the change and explain it to the public."

"We're in. We might as well go ahead," said Commissioner Jim Bush, who moved to have the County Clerk's Office to begin issuing the permits on March 1.

Bush's motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Richie Hunter did ask how much the building inspection process could save Cannon County residents on insurance.

"I can see nothing but growth coming out of this," Hunter said.

growth coming out of this," Hunter said.


The inspection program should eventually have a positive impact on Cannon County's ISO fire ratings.


"This will help, but not immediately," said Tim Bell, Cannon County Rescue Squad.


"You could buy all the fire trucks in the world and not have codes and it wouldn't lower it," Bell said.


The plan always online permitting on the state of Tennessee's website or in person at the Cannon County Clerk's office in the Courthouse.
Planer will be getting with Clerk Bobby Smith and staff for training on the program.


The clerk's office would retain the $15 process fee. The rest of the funds go to the state."We just have 20 new houses a year so it's not going to take a lot of time," added Commissioner Barker.


The inspections will be conducted by state trained inspectors. There will be a 24-hour turnaround on foundation inspections and a three-day turnaround on others, including electrical and plumbing.


"If the code doesn't require it, you don't do it," Planer explained.