Requirements
What Are The Requirements?
We require a State of Tennessee Contractors License (BC, BC-A, or BC-A/r note that BC-A/r can only go up to 125K), Workman's Comp on a COI or an Exemption from the state, and a business license (We will request a City of Chattanooga business license when the estimated project value is above 100K) are required from a contractor to pull a permit.
A property owner can pull their own permit if they would like to act as their own contractor, however there are specific requirements by the state as follows: Any person that owns property and constructs on the property single residences, farm buildings, or other buildings for individual use, and not for resale, lease, or rent can pull a permit as long as they have not been issued a property owners permit in the last 24 months.
Transition to New Zoning Code: Grace Period Information
As the new zoning code took effect on December 18, 2024, the City Council established by resolution a six-month grace period. During this period, building permit applicants may choose to develop under either the new or former zoning code. The grace period will end on June 18, 2025.
- Building Permits
Applications submitted between December 18, 2024, and June 18, 2025, may follow the former zoning code. Building permits submitted during this grace period, but not issued by June 18, 2025, will continue to be reviewed and inspected under the former zoning ordinance until the permit process is completed.- Please Note - This deadline is for ALL building permits. If you are phasing a project and/or completing a subdivision under the former zoning code, you must submit all building permits with the necessary information by June 18, 2025.
- Land Disturbing Permits (LDPs)
All LDP plans submitted on or after December 18, 2024, must follow the new zoning ordinance, as no grace period applies (per City Council Resolutions 32246 and 32315). LDP applications submitted before December 18, 2024, will continue to be reviewed and inspected under the former zoning ordinance until the process is completed.
We understand that this transition may raise questions or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help!
How Do I Apply?
Go to Open Gov Portal.
Click on "Apply Online".
Log in using your credentials.
If you don't have an account, sign up. It's free.
Follow the instructions on Open Gov Portal.
What is the cost?
| Total Valuation | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1,000.00 and less | No fee, unless inspection is required, in which case a $40.00 fee for each inspection shall be charged. |
| $1,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $25.00 for the first $1,000.00 plus $5.75 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 |
| $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 | $306.75 for the first $50,000.00 plus $4.75 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 |
| $100,000.00 to $500,000.00 | $544.25 for the first $100,000.00 plus $3.75 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 |
| $500,001.00 and up | $2,044.25 for the first $500,000.00 plus $2.75 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof |