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State guides cover baseline rules only. Cities and counties within Tennessee may have significantly different permit requirements, setbacks, and restrictions. Always verify with your local building department and fire marshal.
TN Fire Prevention Code (IFC-based)
State fire code basis
TDEC (state) / no metro curtailment
Air quality authority
No regional program
Curtailment program
2018 IFC
Approx. IFC adoption year

Tennessee Fire Feature Rules Overview

Tennessee has no regional air quality curtailment program for residential wood burning. Fire feature rules are primarily local, with building permits issued by municipal and county building departments. Nashville (Metro Davidson County), Memphis (Shelby County), and Knoxville (Knox County) each have their own building departments and fee schedules.

Tennessee Fire Code

Tennessee adopts the IFC as the Tennessee Fire Prevention Code with state amendments. The State Fire Marshal's Office administers state fire safety. Local fire marshals and building inspectors handle residential code enforcement. Standard IFC recreational fire setbacks apply as the baseline.

Seasonal Considerations

Tennessee can experience drought-related fire risk in summer and fall. The Tennessee Division of Forestry monitors conditions and may issue county-level outdoor burning advisories during elevated drought conditions. These are generally less frequent and shorter in duration than western state curtailment programs, but worth monitoring during extended dry periods.

Permit Process

Larger cities (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga) have accessible online permitting. Many Tennessee counties have building departments with walk-in service. Portable fire features require no permit. Masonry and gas-connected features do. Gas work in Tennessee requires a licensed plumber or gas fitter under TN contractor licensing requirements.

City Guides in Tennessee

Nashville, TN
No curtailment · Davidson County
Memphis, TN
No curtailment · Shelby County
Knoxville, TN
No curtailment · Knox County
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Don't see your city? Use the permit wizard for a general permit summary, or call your local building department to confirm requirements.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only. Rules vary significantly by city and county within Tennessee. Always verify with local authorities before constructing or operating any fire feature. This is not legal advice.