Caleb Potter

The Building Inspector, Caleb Potter, was born and raised in the City of Brownsville, Tennessee. Mr. Potter was a graduate of Haywood High School in the year of 2013, and furthered his education at Jackson State Community College and Middle Tennessee State University. Caleb was a proud member of the Haywood High School Baseball Team, Beta Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Throughout his high school and college years, Caleb received 3+ years of construction experience working under different contractors in the State of Tennessee. Mr. Potter was hired by the City of Brownsville on June 28th, 2021 as a Code Enforcement Officer, but he has risen to the task of becoming the Inspector for the City of Brownsville on March 27th, 2023. He is devoted to the City’s Ordinances and Building Codes, and he has received his Inspectors Certification through the International Code Council. Mr. Potter is the Storm Water Director for the City of Brownsville and a member of the Tennessee Storm Water Association. He plans to use the extensive knowledge of this association for the good of Brownsville’s natural water resources. Currently, Caleb Potter is an Exchange Club Member, a Graduate of Leadership Haywood 2022, and a Board Member on the Brownsville Bicentennial Board. Mr. Potter has plans to join more clubs and associations as his time with the City of Brownsville continues to grow.

Dillion Lyons

Dillon Lyons, Code Enforcement Officer, was born in Memphis TN and raised in Fayette County where he has resided for the majority of his life. He attended and graduated from Fayette Academy in Somerville TN in 2004. After high school, Dillon worked for himself and for various companies before deciding to go back to school and get his degree. He attended UT Martin from 2010 until 2013 and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. Upon not finding a position in his chosen profession, Dillon applied for job openings with surrounding municipalities. He has been in this field now for almost 10 years. He started out in Public Works and remained in that position until he was hired by the City of Brownsville in July of 2023 to be the Code Enforcement Officer. Dillon is devoted to his role as Code Enforcement Officer for Brownsville and plans to grow his knowledge and experience as needed to benefit the city.

Building and Code Enforcement

The mission of the building and code enforcement department is to ensure that any building done in the city limits is up to current local, state and federal zoning and building codes.

We also strive to ensure that property in our city is maintained by enforcing our care of premises codes. This includes enforcing the city’s ordinances regarding grass, junk vehicles, abandoned houses, signage, and unsightly property. This is to protect the public welfare, health and safety of our citizens.

Contact

Caleb Potter
[email protected]

Current Adopted Codes

  • 2018 International Residential Code
  • 2018 International Building Code
  • 2018 International Plumbing Code
  • 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
  • 2018 International Fire Code
  • 2018 International Mechanical Code

Contractor Registration Program

The City of Brownsville requires that all contractors be registered with the city building department prior to purchasing a building permit. To register, you present a copy of your license – Home Improvement, Contractor, Spec Builder, or Limited Licensed Plumber, a current business license, and a copy of your current certificate of liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

Information to Protect Homeowners

The State of Tennessee requires that work done in the state be done by licensed professionals. As a homeowner hiring a contractor you should always ask to see a license. For your own protection, anyone doing work on your home should have at a minimum a Home Improvement License.

The different types of accepted licenses are:

  • Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) To perform plumbing work, you must at a minimum be a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP). This license is good for work up to $25,000.00. For work done above $25,000.00 you must possess a contractor’s license with MC (full mechanical), CMCA, or MCS (plumbing) classification.
  • Home Improvement License Home Improvement Projects valued at $3,000.00 to under $25,000.00 require a Home Improvement License.
  • Contractor License Home Improvement or New construction projects valued at $25,000.00 and over require a Contractors License.

Building Permits

To purchase a building permit in the City of Brownsville, you must be the homeowner, with the address as your place of residence, or have a state license for plumbing, home improvement or contractor. Building permits must be purchased for any work, except purely cosmetic, done on residential or commercial property. This includes plumbing, gas, roofing, remodeling, additions and new construction. Sign permits must also be purchased. Plans for the addition, new construction, and signs must be brought in to the building department for approval by the city building inspector.

  • Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) To perform plumbing work, you must at a minimum be a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP). This license is good for work up to $25,000.00. For work done above $25,000.00 you must possess a contractor’s license with MC (full mechanical), CMCA, or MCS (plumbing) classification.
  • Home Improvement License Home Improvement Projects valued at $3,000.00 to under $25,000.00 require a Home Improvement License.
  • Contractor License Home Improvement or New construction projects valued at $25,000.00 and over require a Contractors License.

Licensed Gas Installers

The City of Brownsville requires that anyone doing gas work must be registered with our office and have a Gas Installer Permit.

You must complete a permit form; pay a $30.00 fee, have a current business license and a bond for $25,000.00 or certificate of liability for $100,000.00

Required Inspections

  • Insulation
  • Plumbing Fixtures
  • Final
  • Certificate of Occupancy
  • Footing- consisting of Trench, Reinforcing, Floor joists, and Groundwork Plumbing
  • *Plumbing and gas inspections require air or water pressure tests
  • Slab
  • Conventional Flooring
  • Foundation Wall
  • Framing
  • Rough In Plumbing*
  • Gas Piping*
  • Heating and Ventilation

Definition of Subdivision

The division of a tract or parcel of land into two (2) or more lots, sites, or other divisions requiring new street or utility construction, or any division of less than five (5) acres for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or building development, and includes resubdivision and when appropriate to the context, relates to the process of resubdividing or to the land or area subdivided. (See Section 13-3-401 and 13-4-301, Tennessee Code Annotated.

State of Tennessee Code

Ordinance 852/08/05 – 2006 International Building Code Adoption