Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-110

Any county legislative body may provide for the enforcement of its zoning regulations by means of the withholding of building permits and, for such purpose, may establish the position of county building commissioner and may fix the compensation attached to such position. The county building commissioner shall be appointed by the county mayor, subject to the confirmation of the county legislative body. From and after the establishment of such position and the filling of same, it is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter or use any building or other structure within the territory covered by such zoning regulations without obtaining a building permit from such county building commissioner, and such building commissioner shall not issue any permit unless the plans for the proposed erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration or use fully conform to all zoning regulations then in effect.