The City of Kingsport Building Department has adopted and enforces the following codes:

• 2018 International Building Code
• 2018 International Mechanical Code
• 2018 International Plumbing Code
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2018 International Residential Code
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2017 National Electric Code
• Accessibility Code: Chapter 11 2018 IBC and 2009 A117.1
• City of Kingsport Zoning Ordinance

All general contractors must have a City of Kingsport business license and proof of workman’s compensation insurance to purchase permits.  All electrical, gas installation, and plumbing contractors must also post a $10,000 performance bond.  The licenses and bonds are handled by the Finance Department, located at 415 Broad St, (423) 229-9418.

Effective July 1, 2012, we will be no longer be offering trade’s testing.  All tradesmen wishing to obtain a business license must first show proof of a Tennessee State License, or that they have passed the Tennessee State contractor’s exam for the appropriate trade.

Testing is available at:
PSI Testing Centers
904 Sunset Drive Suite 7A
Johnson City, TN 37604
PSIonline.com

LLE & LLP Applicants

Tradesmen who have a Tennessee state Limited License Electrician (LLE) or Limited License Plumber (LLP) must submit this application along with a copy of their exam test score to KristenHodgson@KingsportTN.gov to be approved for a city license.

Any project over $25,000 requires a Tennessee State Contractor’s License.