Permit for the Total Demolition of a Commercial Building

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Demolition is the process of dismantling a building by pre-planned or controlled methods. Demolition permits are issued for the complete demolition of an existing building or structure. This permit does not allow any reconstruction, addition, or alteration of the existing structure. 

Once a building or structure is demolished all parts, debris, and elements of the building or structure are expected to be removed and disposed of in a proper manner. 

To apply for a demolition permit please follow these steps:

Online

Step 1.Process Overview

Please follow the detailed steps below to submit your permit application. After the application is processed, you will receive an email with the website where you will upload the site plans and any supporting documentation for the demolition application. Plans review is required for a permit to demolish one or more commercial structures and, depending on the scope and/or location of the structure, additional information may be required beyond the site plan identifying the structures to be removed. A review fee will be assessed for the plans review and covers the initial review by all offices except Engineering; additional review fees may be assessed by the Engineering office during the review process. If you would like to review the currently adopted fee schedules, please visit the ‘Fees’ section of the FAQ page.

Plans Review: After the plan review fee is paid, the applicant will receive an email invitation to upload plans to the KnoxPlans portal for electronic review. The uploaded plans and documentation will be made available to all groups that need to be involved in the permit approval process (building, zoning, engineering, utilities, fire, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing). After plans are approved, a permit fee will be assessed and, following payment, the permit will be issued to the contractor associated with the project. 

Step 2.Collect Documents

The type of plans and/or documentation required for the total demolition of one or more commercial structures will very depending on the size of the building(s), the proximity of the building(s) to adjacent lot lines or the public way, and the amount of earthwork required/proposed as part of the demolition process. The following, at minimum, will need to be upload into the KnoxPlans review portal for review/release of all demolition permits:

  1. A site plan locating all structures to be removed and setbacks from the structures to adjacent lot lines,
  2. A plan of action detailing the methods of disposal for demolished building materials,
  3. Details for site stabilization.

For demolition of structures located within 5' of an adjacent property line or the public way, in addition to the above, you will also need to submit:

  1. A plan of action for protection of the public during the demolition process complying with IBC Chapter 33.
    • Note: A protection plan may be required for ANY project, regardless of proximity to lot lines or the public way, based on variables found during the plans review process.

Additional details that may be requested during the plans review process, depending on the age or location of the structures to be demolished, could include:

  1. Grading and erosion control plan.

Note: Plans will not be submitted in this application – an invitation to submit plans to the electronic review portal will be sent to the applicant following application processing. Having your plans prepared at the time of application will help avoid project delays. 

Step 3.Have License/Registration Number and Account Information

To submit an application, a Citizens Access account is required. This account will be used to manage the project through permitting and inspections. If you do not have a Citizens Access account, follow the link below to register. It is recommended that companies or firms apply for a single account, under a common company email address, that all applicants at the company or firm can use to submit applications.

Apply for Citizens Access Account

Note: This process must be completed prior to beginning the application process.

To issue a permit and unlock inspection requests, the registration number for the permit holder is required to be associated with the application. For a Commercial Demolition Permit, providing the permit holder information can be deferred until the plans review process is complete but this information must be provided prior to permit issuance. If you know who the permit holder will be now, have the registration number available so it can be associated during the application process. The permit holder information must comply with licensing requirements set forth by the State of TN.

Application for Permit Holder

NoteFailure to associate an appropriate license number to any application, other than for plans review, will result in extensive processing delays.

Step 4.Submit Online Application

Complete the online form below.  After completing the basic information section you will log into your Citizens Access account to review your selections and finalize the application for submittal.  One of our staff members will contact you regarding the next steps for processing of your application.

Step 5.Application Review

A member of the administrative staff will review the application and be in contact with the applicant within 1-2 business days if additional information is required.

Step 6.Pay Fees

Once the submitted application is approved for processing, you will receive an email that an invoice has been generated which you will pay using the Citizens Access portal.  We can accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for payments not exceeding $5,000. Checks may be delivered to the office for payments greater than $5,000. Please email bldginspections@knoxvilletn.gov with any questions or concerns regarding your online experience.

Step 7.Await Results

Project reviews are processed in the order received. Current staffing levels and the higher than normal demand for services mean that comments for the first review cycle for demolition applications be returned after approximately 4 to 10 business days from the date plans are accepted by intake staff. Subsequent review cycles after often prioritized since these evaluations are generally verification of requested details and comments associated with these reviews can frequently be returned in 3 to 5 business days. You can check the status of your review using the Project Status Inquiry page. Staffing levels, project volume, and review complexity may contribute to deviations in estimated turn-around times.  When the review cycle is completed you will receive a request via email for additional information or directions for completing the permit process. 

Step 9.Required Inspections

Once the permit has been issued, the following inspections are required to be completed before the permit can be closed - 800 Building On-Site Inspection once all required pedestrian protection devices are installed (if required during review) and 960 Building Final Inspection once all debris is removed and site stabilization is in place. Inspections can be scheduled here.

 

In Person

Our Department is working to create a quick and effective path to schedule in person reviews and permit aid. Thank you for your patience. Please contact our Development Services Department for any further questions. 865-215-4311

For information on Pre Submittal Conferences with our entire review staff or for information on Project Discussion Meetings with select members of our review staff please contact our Development Services Department. 865-215-4311