Tennessee Building Codes

Tennessee three-tier system: Exempt jurisdictions (Nashville 2024, Memphis 2021, Knoxville 2024), Non-Exempt (state SFMO enforced: IRC 2018/IBC 2021), Opt-Out (no residential code via T.C.A. § 68-120-101 two-thirds vote). Residential sprinkler prohibition statewide. IECC 2018 or IRC Ch. 11 for energy. April 2025 update: IBC→2021, grace period to Aug 15, 2025. Contractor licensing ≥$25K (prime), ≥$3K home improvement in 9 counties. New Madrid Seismic Zone (West TN SDC D0-D2). Karst terrain Central Basin. WUI in Sevier County (IWUIC).; Updated 2026-03: IRC 2021 adopted effective May 2025 (120-day grace ended Aug 2025)