Permitting Work

The projects most likely to require a permit are those that change the structure or use of a building or have the potential to create unsafe working conditions. For example, you will likely need a building permit to:

• add or remove walls
• change the use of a room (such as by converting a garage to a living room)
• change the piping in your house
• re-roof your house, or
• demolish a portion of your house.

Projects that usually won't require a permit include:

• repainting your house
• adding kitchen cabinets
• replacing certain kitchen appliances

installing floor coverings

Timeframe for receiving a trade permit is often a few business days, construction related permits will vary depending on the complexity of the project. Our new online services are helping speed up this process but we live in a busy and ever growing city so the demand for permits is high. Please be patient when applying for permits. Please remember to monitor the email provided during the application phase as pertinent information and links will often be communicated through that email. 

The project scope and valuation will determine who can pull a permit. There are licensing laws from the state level, and guidelines from the City of Knoxville, which have been put in place in an attempt to help to protect property owners and the general public by ensuring that only qualified individuals are performing work on property in our community. Permits must be pulled by an individual who has been issued a valid license for the type of work they want to perform.

Temporary structures and uses are regulated by the Zoning ordinance and require, at minimum, some oversight to ensure compliance with local codes and ordinances. Examples of temporary structures and uses include a carnival or circus, christmas tree lot, tent or canopy, seasonal sale of farm produce, temporary construction lots or trailers, and portable storage containers. These uses are permitted using the Code Compliance Certification permit type. All requests will have supplemental information which must be uploaded and reviewed prior to release of permit. Requirements for permitting will vary depending on the structure or use being requested; the application process will provide additional details on these requirements.

Work should not begin until a permit has been issued. Application of a permit does not allow work to be started. If work is started without obtaining a permit additional fees may be added or a stop work order can be issued.

Work should not be started with the intent that a permit will be obtained later. Only in rare emergency repair occurrences outlined in IBC and IRC chapter 1 can work take place and a permit be issued after work is completed. 

Your permit fees cover the initial required inspections and one reinspection for code compliance. Multiple reinspection attempts on same violation will result in reinspection fees. Reinspection fees must be paid before the permit will accept new inspection requests.

Permits are valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. Permits must be closed or renewed prior to their expiration to prevent the issuance of a NOV (Notice of Violation) against the property. Having a NOV open on the property can create issues when you want the sell a property, apply for permits for property improvements, seek financing/refinancing with a lending institution, or have an insurance claim at the property.

The following fees are required for the permitting of projects for either commercial buildings or IBC residential buildings. These fees help off-set the time and travel for field inspectors who are working to ensure the contractor and/or owner has clear direction on how to meet the requirements of the code and that the project does not experience delays or additional costs because of preventable issues during the construction process.

Work beginning prior to issuance of a permit will occur a penalty of an additional 100% of the calculated permit fee (double fees). Trade work performed without permit may result in the building project permit being locked until the appropriate permits are issued.

The following fees are required for the permitting of projects for 1-and 2-family residential buildings, townhouses, and associated accessory buildings. These fees help off-set the time and travel for field inspectors who are working to ensure the contractor and/or owner has clear direction on how to meet the requirements of the code and that the project does not experience delays or additional costs because of preventable issues during the construction process.

Work beginning prior to issuance of a permit will occur a penalty of an additional 100% of the calculated permit fee (double fees). Trade work performed without permit may result in the building project permit being locked until the appropriate permits are issued.

The following fees are required for the permitting of mechanical work associated with both IBC commercial and IRC residential mechanical installations. These fees help off-set the time and travel for field inspectors who are working to ensure the contractor and/or owner has clear direction on how to meet the requirements of the code and that the project does not experience delays or additional costs because of preventable issues during the construction process.

Work beginning prior to issuance of a permit will occur a penalty of an additional 100% of the calculated permit fee (double fees).

The following fees are required for the permitting of electrical work associated with both IBC commercial and IRC residential electrical installations. These fees help off-set the time and travel for field inspectors who are working to ensure the contractor and/or owner has clear direction on how to meet the requirements of the code and that the project does not experience delays or additional costs because of preventable issues during the construction process.

Work beginning prior to issuance of a permit will occur a penalty of an additional 100% of the calculated permit fee (double fees).

The following fees are required for the permitting of mechanical work associated with both IBC commercial and IRC residential mechanical installations. These fees help off-set the time and travel for field inspectors who are working to ensure the contractor and/or owner has clear direction on how to meet the requirements of the code and that the project does not experience delays or additional costs because of preventable issues during the construction process.

Work beginning prior to issuance of a permit will occur a penalty of an additional 100% of the calculated permit fee (double fees).