Ramps in Tennessee: who issues the permit and what to ask

Families planning a ramp in Tennessee often hear two different answers about permits from two different neighbors, and both may be right. Whether you deal with a city or county building office or with the state depends on where the house sits, because Tennessee lets local governments run their own residential codes or leave that job to the state.

This guide explains the state program in the State Fire Marshal's own words, flags what it does not say about ramps, and covers the smaller fixes we sell for doorways and thresholds.

Tennessee's residential permit program, in the state's words

The State Fire Marshal's Office residential permits page sets out who is covered: "The State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in areas of the state that have not: 1) received an exemption from the State Fire Marshal's Office by having local building codes enforced by the local government, or 2) opted out of state residential building codes and enforcement by a 2/3 vote of the city or county's legislative body."

So there are three kinds of places in Tennessee:

• Local-code areas. The city or county enforces its own building codes. Your permit questions go to that building office.
• State-program areas. The state's program applies, permits are bought "online or at a local Issue Agent," and "Inspections are performed by state contracted inspectors."
• Opt-out areas. The local legislative body voted, by two-thirds, to opt out of state residential codes and enforcement. The Fire Marshal's page links a separate notice about construction inspections in opt-out or "non-code" jurisdictions.

The same page says "The state has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)" for its program, and that "additions over 30 square feet to existing homes will require a permit." For homeowners doing their own work, it says "A homeowner may build a home as long as the construction is to be the residence of the homeowner (not to be sold or leased) and the homeowner has not been issued a homeowner building permit for the 24 month period prior to the application."

One more line is worth noticing. Speaking of manufactured and modular homes, the page says a permit is needed "if there will be custom site work that is a part of exiting the home such as a deck, patio or stoop." A ramp at the door is part of how people leave the house, so it is fair to expect a building official to take an interest.

What the page does not say

The Fire Marshal's page does not mention ramps by name, and we found no state text saying whether a residential wheelchair ramp, by itself, needs a permit. We also did not find a Tennessee source on renters' rights to modify a unit that we could quote, so we have left that out. Before building, ask the office that issues permits where you live: the city or county building department in a local-code area, or the State Fire Marshal's residential permit section in a state-program area.

Smaller fixes that may need no carpentry at all

Not every entry needs a long ramp. A raised threshold, a single step or a heavy door can be the whole problem, and these products target exactly that.

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp. Modular rubber sections for thresholds up to 4 in high, with a 36 in usable width and an 850 lb weight capacity at every height. The pieces lock together with puzzle-like edges and need no tools, and Harmar says it suits indoor or outdoor use.
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener. Unlatches a locked door through an electric strike, then opens, pauses and closes it. It opens up to 120 degrees, holds for an adjustable 5 to 30 seconds, and an internal battery keeps it working in a power failure.
• Open Sesame Keyless Entry Pad (E). A wireless keypad outside the door; a 4-digit code operates the opener, so a home aide can come and go without a key.
• Open Sesame Wireless Wall Touch Pad (FT). A wall-mounted transmitter with no cable to run, placed at whatever height suits a seated or standing user.

Wet porches and icy mornings

NOAA's Tennessee climate summary puts the long-term average at 52.2 inches of precipitation a year and notes that total annual precipitation "has been mostly above average since 1990." It also records "occasional damaging snow and ice storms," including a February 2021 event with heavy snow and severe icing. For a ramp, that points to three habits: choose a surface with grip when wet, keep a plan for clearing ice before anyone uses the slope, and keep water from pooling at the bottom landing.

Power can go out in those storms as well. The Fire Marshal's page does not address door openers, but the Open Sesame residential unit's battery backup means the front door still opens for a while if the lights go out.

Tennessee help with home access equipment

The Tennessee Technology Access Program is the state's assistive technology program. Per the AT3 Center, it offers device loans, device demonstrations and device reutilization. TTAP says its reutilization program matches older but functional technology with people "who might not otherwise have the resources to purchase new technology," at no charge to the individual or family member.

Ordering and delivery to Tennessee

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Faith Mobility ships to the lower 48 states and DC. Shipping is free on orders over $500 ($15 under $500), we cover the sales tax on every order, and most products are processed in 2-5 business days, though some brands differ. Start a ramp quote and see our Tennessee shipping page.

Questions about ramps in Tennessee

Do I need a permit for a wheelchair ramp in Tennessee?

It depends on where you live, and we could not find a state text that answers it for ramps in particular. The State Fire Marshal's program covers one- and two-family homes only where the local government does not enforce its own codes and has not opted out. Ask the city or county building office, or the Fire Marshal's residential permit section, before you build.

Which building code applies to Tennessee homes under the state program?

The State Fire Marshal's Office says the state has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for its residential program. Cities and counties that enforce their own codes may use a different edition, so confirm with your local building department.

Can a Tennessee homeowner pull a permit for their own project?

For new homes under the state program, the Fire Marshal's page says a homeowner may build as long as the house will be the homeowner's residence, not sold or leased, and no homeowner building permit was issued in the prior 24 months. How that applies to a ramp is a question for the permit office.

Is a threshold ramp enough for a Tennessee front door?

For a raised threshold or one small step, often yes. Harmar's Rubber Threshold Ramp handles thresholds up to 4 in high with a 36 in usable width. Higher entries need a longer ramp, and the ramp fit check helps you measure the rise before choosing.

See everything in our ramps and door openers collection, price a ramp with the ramp quote, or take the full assessment for the whole home. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office: Residential Permits
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Tennessee (2022)
• Tennessee Technology Access Program: core programs
• AT3 Center: Tennessee
• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp product page, Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener product page, Open Sesame Keyless Entry Pad (E) product page, Open Sesame Wireless Wall Touch Pad (FT) product page