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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Chattanooga
Building permit review and inspections are handled by the LDO for building permits, retaining walls, and related work; trade permits and licensing are handled separately by the same office. The city permit pages do not provide one consolidated exemption list, so applicants should confirm scope with LDO before relying on any code exemption.
Note: No consolidated Chattanooga-specific exemption list was located on the public permit pages reviewed. Applicants should confirm any claimed exemption directly with the LDO before proceeding.
- Building plans and specifications
- Commercial pages require properly split and titled plan sets
- Additional zoning, site, historic, floodplain, or trade documents may apply by project type
- Building code
- 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IFC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IFGC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IECC with state amendments, 2017 NEC, and ANSI A117.1 2009
- Permit validity
- Not clearly posted on the public permit pages reviewed.
- Owner-builder
- No city owner-builder summary located on the public pages reviewed.
- Contractor requirements
- Trade permits and licensing are handled by LDO; the building codes page links to the DET certified contractor list and city code resources.
Application process
Typical processing: No firm turnaround posted on the current permit pages; the city states it uses a digital review process.
- 01 Confirm permit type and code path with the Land Development Office.
- 02 Open the Chattanooga OpenGov portal and choose the residential or commercial permit record.
- 03 Log in or create a free account.
- 04 Upload plan sets and required supporting documents; commercial pages state plans must be split and titled correctly or they will be rejected.
- 05 Respond to any review comments from zoning, plans review, or related trade reviewers.
- 06 Pay permit fees and obtain issuance before starting work.
Typical processing time: No firm turnaround posted on the current permit pages; the city states it uses a digital review process.
Fee schedule
Chattanooga building permit fees
LDO accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards; cash is not accepted. Permits are not accepted for processing after 3:30 p.m.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Permit portal (portal)
- LDO staff by division (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Time windows
- Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Depends on permit type; building permit inspections are coordinated by Building Permits, Plans Review and Inspections, with separate trade permit functions for licensing and permit payments.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Chattanooga permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Chattanooga, TN? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Chattanooga, TN? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Chattanooga, TN? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Chattanooga, TN? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Chattanooga, TN? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Chattanooga Land Development Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.