Show All Answers

1. When do I need a building permit?

Whenever a person wishes to construct, alter, repair, enlarge, move, renovate, demolish, or permanently place any building, or structure. 

2. Where do I obtain an electrical permit?

For properties inside the city limits, you can contact the City of Clarksville building and codes department at (931) 645-7426.  

3. What is the number for Tennessee One-Call?

Before you dig call Tennessee One Call at 1-800-351-1111

4. How do I know if I'm dealing with a reputable contractor?

• Are they licensed? Tennessee law requires that a general contractor or home improvement contractor be licensed. Ask to see a license certificate.
• Do they have insurance? In most cases, state law requires that they carry workers compensation insurance. Ask to see their certificate of insurance.
• Ask to see some identification. Be sure you know the correct name of the individual you are dealing with, their address, and telephone number(s).
• Make absolutely sure they obtain the required building permits-and call for and pass the required codes inspections. Make sure the building permit is in hand before the work begins, and be sure you are furnished with a certificate of occupancy issued by the Building and Codes Department, before making a final payment.

5. Where can I obtain a book that contains all building codes for City of Clarksville?

Contact the ICC (International Code Council) at 888-ICC-SAFE (888-422-7233) to obtain any or all of the 2018 International Code Books.

6. How do I get my property rezoned?

Contact the Regional Planning Commission at (931) 645-7448

7. What are the required inspections for new construction?

Required Inspections:  Building and Codes: (931) 645-7426

Building:   

• Footing inspection
• Foundation inspection
• Slab inspection
• Framing inspection
• Firewall inspection –  (Commercial projects)
• Final inspection

Plumbing:

• Rough in inspection (Slab, Wall)
• Water and Sewer inspection
• Backflow – (Commercial projects)
• Grease trap – (Commercial projects)
• Final inspection

Mechanical / Gas:

• Rough in inspection (Wall, Ceiling, Air Test)
• Hood and duct inspection –(Commercial projects)
• Final inspection

Electrical: 

• Ditch inspection
• Temporary power inspection
• Rough in inspection (Slab, Wall, Ceiling)
• Service release
• Final inspection

Landscape: (Commercial projects)

• Trees, Shrubs, Grass, Dumpster Pad and Fence

Sprinkler/Fire Marshall: (931) 645-7462 (Commercial projects) 

• Sprinkler system inspection
• Fire alarm system inspection
• Commercial hood system inspection
• Life safety inspection

Final Grade, Street Department: (931) 645-7464

• Grading and drainage

Certificate of Occupancy:

Certificates of Occupancy will be issued, once all inspections have been completed and approved.

Change of Occupancy: (Commercial Projects)

A Certificate of Occupancy is required for all existing buildings in which the occupancy changes.  A life safety inspection is required from the Fire Marshall prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

**PLEASE NOTE- THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY. IT DOES NOT LIST EVERY NECESSARY INSPECTION. IT IS THE DUTY OF THE CONTRACTOR TO CONFIRM IF AN INSPECTION IS REQUIRED.

8. How Long Is a Permit Valid?

Permits are valid for the duration of the project, provided construction begins within six months of obtaining the permit. If a project is abandoned for more than six continuous months, the permit is no longer valid.

9. Is it okay to remove the handrails from the steps?

No. Handrails are required for any platform that is 30 inches or higher and removal constitutes a violation of the code. Handrails are important to people’s safety and should not be removed.