If you're buying a portable building in Waverly, McEwen, or anywhere in Humphreys County or Middle Tennessee, you're probably wondering what happens between ordering and the day your new shed or cabin shows up. The good news is that portable building delivery is straightforward—but it does require some preparation on your end. Here's what you need to know about site prep, access, and delivery so everything goes smoothly.
What kind of site preparation does a portable building need?
A portable building needs a level foundation to sit on. The site should be clear of brush, debris, and obstacles, and the foundation itself should extend 12 inches beyond the building footprint on all sides. That means if you're putting in a 12×24 shed, your foundation should be at least 14×26.
The most common foundation for portable buildings in Middle Tennessee is a gravel pad. A good gravel pad should be at least 4 inches deep, using crushed stone or gravel that drains well. The gravel protects the building from ground moisture, allows water to drain away, and keeps the floor joists off the soil.
The site must be within 6 inches of level. If your site slopes more than that, it needs to be graded before delivery. An unlevel foundation causes real problems—doors that won't latch, floors that sag, and walls that bow over time. It's worth the effort to get it right before the building arrives.
How much access does the delivery truck need?
Portable buildings are delivered on a standard tractor-trailer. That truck needs an outside turning radius of 50 to 60 feet to maneuver safely. If your property has a long, winding driveway with tight turns, overhanging branches, or narrow gates, the driver may not be able to get the building to your site.
The height of a portable building on the delivery truck is typically 13 feet 6 inches. Low-hanging power lines, tree branches, or covered entries can block delivery. Walk your driveway and look for obstructions before delivery day.
Once the truck is on site, the placement crew needs a 3-foot clear perimeter around where the building will sit. That gives them room to work safely and position the building precisely. The driver also needs clear sight lines and adequate space to avoid damage to landscaping, fences, or other structures.
| Access Requirement | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Turning radius | 50 to 60 feet for tractor-trailer |
| Overhead clearance | At least 14 feet (building height on truck is 13'6") |
| Work perimeter | 3 feet clear around building footprint |
| Driveway surface | Stable enough to support loaded truck |
If access is tight, let us know when you order. We can sometimes arrange a smaller truck or a mule delivery (a specialized small trailer), though that may add to the delivery cost. It's better to plan ahead than to have the truck turn around at your gate.
Get a free quote at pacbuildingpro.com or call (931) 296-2777.
Do I need a building permit for a portable building?
Permit requirements for portable buildings vary significantly by jurisdiction in Tennessee. Humphreys County does not have its own building codes in unincorporated areas, so most portable buildings outside city limits do not require a permit. However, if your property is inside the city limits of Waverly, New Johnsonville, or McEwen, you should check with your local municipal office to confirm current requirements.
Nearby counties and cities have their own rules. Some jurisdictions require permits for accessory structures above certain size thresholds, while others have adopted building codes with specific setback and height restrictions. Requirements vary—confirm with your local codes office before ordering.
Even in counties without building codes, zoning regulations may still apply. Setback rules—how far the building must sit from property lines—can restrict where you place your shed, even if no permit is required.
Property owners should check with their county clerk or local codes office before ordering. Tennessee law allows rural counties to opt out of state building codes, and that status can change every 180 days, so it's worth confirming current policy.
Are engineered or stamped plans required?
Whether engineered or PE-stamped plans are required depends entirely on your local jurisdiction. Many rural Middle Tennessee counties, including Humphreys County, do not require stamped plans for portable buildings. Some cities and counties do.
PAC Building Pro provides building drawings engineered for Middle Tennessee's snow and wind loads. If your county or city requires PE-stamped plans, we can provide them on request. Always confirm requirements with your local codes office—rules vary by location, and what applies in Dickson County may not apply in Benton or Perry County.
What sizes of portable buildings are common?
Portable buildings range from small 8×10 storage sheds (80 square feet) up to 12×24 workshops (288 square feet) or 12×32 utility buildings (384 square feet). Smaller buildings work well for lawn equipment, tools, and seasonal storage. Larger sizes give you room for a workbench, ATV storage, or a backyard office.
The size you need depends on what you're storing and how you plan to use the space. A 10×12 is plenty for a riding mower and garden tools. A 12×20 or 12×24 gives you workshop space with room to move around. If you're in Camden, Erin, Centerville, or anywhere in Benton, Houston, or Hickman County and need help sizing a building, we're happy to talk through your options.
How does delivery day work?
On delivery day, the driver will call ahead to confirm timing. When the truck arrives, the crew will back the building into position and set it on your prepared foundation. The process typically takes less than an hour, depending on site conditions.
You should be on site to confirm placement and answer any questions. Once the building is set, the crew will make sure it's level and secure, and then you're ready to use it.
PAC Building Pro offers free delivery within 30 miles of Waverly, covering most of Humphreys County and nearby areas like Dickson, Hurricane Mills, and Tennessee Ridge. For longer distances—if you're in Clarksville, Columbia, Paris, or Jackson—delivery is available for an additional charge based on mileage.
We also deliver prefab portable building packages to nearby western Kentucky, including Murray, Cadiz, and Hopkinsville. That's delivery-only—the building arrives fully built, and we set it in place—but we do not do on-site construction or pole barn builds across the state line.
What if my property is hilly or wooded?
Middle Tennessee is not flat, and plenty of properties in Perry County, Lewis County, and Wayne County have slopes, trees, and uneven terrain. If your site is challenging, you have options.
You can level a pad with gravel, have a contractor grade the site, or build up a low area with fill dirt and compacted stone. Some buyers pour a concrete slab, especially if they want a finished floor or plan to insulate and finish the building later.
If a full-size truck can't reach your site, we can discuss a mule delivery or other access solutions. The key is to talk through your property layout when you order so we can plan the best delivery method.
Can I move a portable building later?
Yes, portable buildings can be moved, though it's not as simple as hooking up a trailer. The building will need to be lifted and transported on a specialized trailer, and you'll need to prepare a new foundation at the destination. If you think you might move the building in the future—say, if you're renting land in Linden, Lobelville, or Hohenwald and plan to relocate later—let us know. We can make sure the building is built in a way that makes moving easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do portable buildings in Humphreys County require a building permit?
Humphreys County does not require building permits for portable buildings in unincorporated areas, but you should check with your municipal office if your property is inside city limits. Zoning setback rules may still apply even without a permit, so check with your county clerk or municipal office.
How deep does a gravel pad need to be for a portable building?
A gravel pad for a portable building should be at least 4 inches deep, using crushed stone or drainage gravel. The pad should extend 12 inches beyond the building footprint on all sides and be within 6 inches of level.
Can PAC deliver a portable building to Dickson, Camden, or Paris?
Yes, PAC Building Pro delivers portable buildings throughout Middle Tennessee, including Dickson County, Benton County, and Henry County. Delivery is free within 30 miles of Waverly, and available for a delivery charge beyond that distance.
Can I finance a portable building with no credit check?
Yes, PAC Building Pro offers rent-to-own financing on portable buildings with no credit check. You can also pay cash, and delivery is free within 30 miles of Waverly.
Get a free quote on a portable building
If you're ready to order a portable building in Waverly, Humphreys County, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, we'll walk you through site prep, delivery access, and local permit requirements. PAC Building Pro offers rent-to-own with no credit check and free delivery within 30 miles. Get a free quote at pacbuildingpro.com or call (931) 296-2777.