Building Inspector FAQs

Building Inspector Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Does my building project require a permit?

PERMITS ARE REQUIRED for new dwellings, commercial structures, remodels and additions to existing dwellings, accessory structures over 200 sq. ft., remodels and additions to accessory structures over 200 sq. ft., decks, and pools.  See Projects that Require a Building Permit under Forms on the previous page for specific permit requirements and permit exemptions.

• How much do permits cost?

See Permit Fees under Forms on the previous page

• Do permits expire?

Permits EXPIRE one year from the date of issuance.  Permit renewal fee is $40.

• What is the permitting process for building a new home in Shelby County?

New dwellings require site plan approval prior to application for permits.  See Single-Family Residence & Commercial Site Plan Application Packet & New Home Development Process under Forms on the previous page.

• What is the permitting process for commercial construction Shelby County?

Most commercial construction requires site plan approval and a State Design Release prior to application for permits.  See Single-Family Residence & Commercial Site Plan Application Packet under Forms on the previous page.

• Can I build in a Flood Zone?

All construction in Flood Hazard Areas requires a Floodplain Development Permit.  See the Plan Commission webpage for more information.

• How far in advance to I need to schedule an inspection?

24 HOUR NOTICE IS REQUIED FOR ALL INSPECTIONS

• How deep do I have to dig my footers?

In Shelby County the depth is 30 inches from “FINAL GRADE” not “EXISTING GRADE” to the bottom of the footer.

• How thick should my footer concrete be?

Absolute minimum of 6 inches.

• How wide should my footers be?

The width is determined by the following:

1. How many stories is the structure?
   1. Does the structure have a basement?
   2. Does the structure have brick veneer?
   3. Is the structure a slab-on-grade?

The width can be anywhere between 12 inches wide to 27 inches wide.

• How high off the floor should I put my breaker panel?

6 foot 6 inches from floor to top of the panel. You must have at least 36 inches of “clear working room” on all sides; this includes the top to allow for future maintenance.  ***NOTE***

Breaker panels cannot be located in the following locations: (1) Clothes closet (2) Bathroom (3) Cabinet (4) Any high moisture area.

• How high off the floor should I mount my meter base?

Shelby County Electrical suppliers Duke Energy and Rush-Shelby Energy prefer that the meter base be located 6 ft 6 inches from the final grade to the center of the meter socket.

• How far does my structure need to be from my property lines?

The table below includes the setback requirements for accessory structures in the most common zoning districts.  Article 2 of the Shelby County Unified Development Ordinance includes setback requirements for all zoning districts.  Note that the Minimum Front Yard Setback is measured from the right-of-way line of the road (typically 25-feet from the center of the road).