Building Codes and Construction

The purpose of the permitting process is to ensure minimum standards to protect the public welfare by regulating and controlling the following:

  • Construction
  • Design
  • Installation
  • Location
  • Maintenance or use of plumbing equipment and systems are upheld
  • Operation
  • Quality of materials

Certain projects in the State of Tennessee require a design professional to seal the design and drawings. For a list please see the following link.  

Projects requiring a Design Professional in the State of Tennessee.


Adopted Codes

The following is a list of codes adopted by the City of Columbia and/or the State of Tennessee, which are enforced by the City of Columbia Building Inspections office:

  • Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities (2009 ICC A117.1)
  • International Building Code (2018)
  • International Energy Conservation Code (2018)
  • International Fire Code (2018)
  • International Fuel Gas Code (2018)
  • International Mechanical Code (2018)
  • International Plumbing Code (2018)
  • International Residential Code (2018)
  • National Electric Code (Contact Columbia Power and Water System)