Rutherford County issues 414 building permits in October; staff outlines code-adoption timeline

Building Codes Director Tanya Veil told the Rutherford County Public Works and Planning Committee on Nov. 4 that the county issued 414 building permits in October, including 64 single-family dwellings, generating $241,210 in permit revenue for the month.

Veil said the county collected $1,164,607.42 in development and school facilities taxes for October, bringing the fiscal year-to-date total to just over $3 million. She also reported 148 zoning enforcement inspections for the month.

Veil told commissioners the county currently follows the 2018 model codes and must update to remain within the state-mandated timeframe. She said the next edition of the model code is scheduled for publication in 2027 and that the county aims to coordinate adoption with several nearby municipalities; staff plan to present an adoption package in January, send it to the full commission for consideration in February–March, and pursue an April 1 effective date.

During questions from Vice Chair Phil Dodd and other commissioners, Veil said monthly permit volumes have been erratic but that the year-long trend is roughly similar to previous years. Commissioners pressed for context on available lots and plats; Planning Director Doug DeMasi was invited to weigh in on lot inventory ahead of next year’s spring and summer building season.

A motion and second to approve Veil’s report passed by voice vote.