Commercial Low Voltage Permit

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Commercial Low-Voltage and Power-Limited installations include audio visual wiring, antenna and cable systems, IT wiring, burglar alarm systems, and other wiring or systems that do not utilize standard 120v or greater line voltage. Low-Voltage and Power-Limited inspections cover the method of installation and materials only. Systems will not be tested for circuit integrity or proper operation. 

To apply for a Low-Voltage and Power-Limited 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, the applicant will receive emails with the next steps. Plans review is occasionally required for installation, alteration, or extension of a commercial LV-PL system. This review may be performed during the review for the building permit, depending on the system, but may be required if the necessary plans were not provided during the building review process or for systems reviewed independently by the Fire Inspections office. If it is determined that plans are required, the applicant may be directed to another department or a review fee will be assessed for this portion of the process which 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.

Over-The-Counter Permit: If the application is released for permit issuance without plans review by the appropriate departments, a permit fee will be assessed and, following payment, the permit will be issued to the permit holder associated with the project.

Step 2.Collect Documents

If requested, plans are required for the installation, alteration or extension of a commercial LV-PL system; specific requirements for submittal will vary by project. 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. Questions concerning submittal requirements should be directed to the electrical office plans examiner.

Step 3.Have License / Registration Number and Citizen Access 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, a license or registration for the individual responsible for the permit is required to be associated with the application. For a Commercial Low-Voltage Permit, the license or registration for a qualified permit holder must be associated during the application process.

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 will generally be returned after approximately 3 to 4 weeks 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 1 to 2 weeks. 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. 

If approved for release as an over-the-counter permit, permit invoicing will generally occur within 1-2 business days. The permit is automatically released by the permitting system when permitting fees are paid.

Step 8.Begin Application Process

Application for Commercial Low Voltage Permit

Step 9.Required Inspections

Once the permit has been issued, inspections are required to be completed before the permit can be closed. If unsure about the inspection needed, schedule an On-Site Inspection to discuss the project with a field inspector. At minimum, a 906 Electrical Final is required.

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