315 South Lowry St | Smyrna, TN 37167 |
(615) 459-2553
How Do I
Building Safety / Codes
No - but please take care not to encroach upon your neighbor's property. If your home is served by a septic tank and overflow system, by all means, take care not to encroach over the top of any part of the existing system (or areas reserved for future expansion, or replacement, of the system). If you have questions concerning the location of your septic tank and overflow, contact the Rutherford County Environmental Department at (615) 898-7891.
Sign Permits are required for any commercial or home business signs, development signs or temporary signs and banners. Yard Sale, political and real estate signs do not require a permit, but they must meet code requirements regarding location, size, and zoning district. The entire Sign Ordinance is available here. Please contact Mitchell Wensman (615) 355-5706 or send him an e-mail with questions about fees, size and location requirements.
Parking on the grass is a violation of the Town of Smyrna Municipal Code. Parking on grass is enforced by the Codes Department. Any issues with vehicles parking on streets and/or blocking a driveway are enforced by Smyrna Police Department. They can be reached at (615) 459-6644
Building and electric permits are required when an in-ground or above-ground pool is installed. A Site Plan is required to be submitted for approval. State of Tennessee Law also requires that a barrier be in place prior to usage of pool.
The Smyrna Fire Department is responsible for issuing open burn permits for all areas within the Town of Smyrna. To request a burn permit call (615) 459-6644.
Number one - are they licensed? Tennessee law requires that a general contractor be licensed. Ask to see proof! Do they have insurance? In most cases, State law requires that they carry workers compensation insurance. Ask to see a Certificate of Insurance. Ask to see some identification. Be sure you know the correct name of the individual with whom you are dealing as well as his/her address and telephone number(s). Ask for at least two references - and check them out! Make sure all agreements are in writing! Be sure to reduce all change orders, or contract amendments to writing. Do not pay a front end deposit of more than one third (1/3) of the contract amount. Make absolutely sure they obtain the required building permits - and call for and pass the required codes inspections. IMPORTANT: Be sure you are furnished with a Use & Occupancy Certificate issued by the Codes Department before making final payment of the contract amount.
Section 7.030 of the Smyrna Zoning Ordinance provides that "Any Building Permit issued becomes invalid if work authorized by it is not commenced within six (6) months of the date of issuance, or if the work authorized by the permit is suspended or discontinued for a period of six (6) months."
Permit costs vary according to type, size of project, and zoning. Contact Smyrna Codes Department at 615-355-5704 to assist you in determining these fees.
In most cases a business license is required. Contact Tammy Thaw in our Treasury Department to discuss your requirements. (615) 459-2553 ext. 2506. A business license is not required for homeowners who obtain their own permit.
You will need to contact the Public Works Department at (615) 459-9766 if there is a cut curb or drainage culvert involved. Please take care not to encroach upon your neighbor's property. If your home has a septic tank and overflow system, take care not to encroach over the top of any part of the existing system (or areas reserved for future expansion or replacement of the system). If you have questions concerning the location of your septic tank and overflow, contact the Rutherford County Environmental Department at (615) 898-7891.
The Town can only enforce the laws of the Government. Restrictive Covenants are the legally recorded agreement between property owners in a subdivision usually made when the subdivision was recorded. Sometimes buildings, pools or fences are a violation of those agreements. Contact your developer or realtor to find out about these rules. Violations of those covenants may result in civil action but not Town or Municipal Action.
A drainage or utility easement gives the right for the Town to enter certain parts of your property for maintenance or repairs regarding the drainage of the area or for any utilities that may be there or are needed in the future. If you have an easement on your property the property is still yours to use and maintain, however no buildings, pools or fences are allowed in the easement. In the rare case that the Town needed access to this property, the Town is not responsible for repairs or replacement of any of these items that are in the easement.
When trash, junk, or debris have accumulated, overgrown vines, brush or grass is over 12” high, the lot is in violation to the Town of Smyrna Municipal Ordinance. Also, any vehicle which is wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, inoperative, abandoned, or without current tags is deemed a "junk" vehicle and is also a violation of the ordinance unless it is kept in a completely enclosed garage.
The Codes Department enforces Building, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical and Gas Codes; as well as certain Municipal Codes regarding zoning, property maintenance, safety and general appearance of the Town.
A Site Plan is required to be submitted prior to the issuance of the permit. The drawing does not have to be to scale, but the dimensions, etc. must be accurate. You are required to submit a site plan for any alteration to your property including a new addition, pool, deck or any accessory structures such as a garage, storage shed or carport.
In addition to any other penalty imposed for failure to obtain a permit, where construction of any work, for which a permit is required, is commenced before a permit is issued, the permit fees shall be doubled. (Refer to Smyrna Zoning Ordinance, Sect. 7.030)
The Smyrna Zoning Ordinance (Section 7.030) requires a building permit to construct any building or other structure, including accessory structures, to commence the moving, alteration, or repair of any structure, or to commence the filling of land.
You may make normal maintenance and repairs, such as roof replacement, painting, etc., to an existing building as long as they do not violate any provisions of the code.
Building, Gas, Plumbing, and Electrical permits may be obtained from the Smyrna Department of Building Safety, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm.
First, determine "which" code book, or books. You can click here to view a list of all model codes that have been adopted by the Town of Smyrna. From the list, be sure to note the correct "edition" that applies to your building project.
You can order copies of most code books directly from the Publications Department of the International Code Council, Inc.. Headquarters telephone (703) 931-4533 - The Birmingham Office (800) 877-2224.
You can order copies of most code books directly from the Publications Department of the International Code Council, Inc.. Headquarters telephone (703) 931-4533 - The Birmingham Office (800) 877-2224.
Before you install a fence on your property, you must complete an Agreement for Fence/Structure application. The Smyrna Zoning Ordinance does place restrictions on where fences can be erected. The Smyrna Planning office has a copy of most subdivision plats which illustrate any easements, property line dimensions, locations where property pins should be, etc. The Town does not survey property. (Full Zoning Ordinance).
Under NO circumstances can your fence enclose any utility meters.
Please contact the Public Works Department at (615) 459-9766 for any questions about fence location approval.
Under NO circumstances can your fence enclose any utility meters.
Please contact the Public Works Department at (615) 459-9766 for any questions about fence location approval.
The Sign Ordinance in Smyrna only allows you to put up yard sale signs only in the yard where the sale is being conducted. In no case are signs allowed to be placed on utility poles, street signs or in public right of ways.
In a word safety - your safety, and that of your family, visitors, and guests. It is our goal to provide the present and future residents/tenants with buildings that meet a nationally recognized minimum standard.
Events
If you or your organization would like to enter in this year's parade, complete the entry form and view the entry guidelines
Entry deadline is Friday, November 11th. No Late Entries will be accepted.
If you have any questions about the parade, please email: Casey.conard@townofsmyrna.org or call 615-267-5005
Entry deadline is Friday, November 11th. No Late Entries will be accepted.
If you have any questions about the parade, please email: Casey.conard@townofsmyrna.org or call 615-267-5005
Finance
These payments are collected by the Rutherford County Trustee.
To obtain a payoff statement contact 615-898-7705 or ssummers@rutherfordcountytn.gov
You can find more information here:
https://rctrustee.com/Payment-Information
https://trustee.pay.rutherfordcountytn.gov/#/
Once the lien has been paid in full, please contact Melissa Scott at melissa.scott@townofsmyrna.org / 615-267-5004 to coordinate the release of the lien.
Failure to contact Melissa after satisfying the lien amount may result in the lien not being timely and properly released.
To obtain a payoff statement contact 615-898-7705 or ssummers@rutherfordcountytn.gov
You can find more information here:
https://rctrustee.com/Payment-Information
https://trustee.pay.rutherfordcountytn.gov/#/
Once the lien has been paid in full, please contact Melissa Scott at melissa.scott@townofsmyrna.org / 615-267-5004 to coordinate the release of the lien.
Failure to contact Melissa after satisfying the lien amount may result in the lien not being timely and properly released.
Handling Solicitors
No. Certain organizations and religious affiliated groups do not have to obtain permits to sell and/or raise money in Smyrna. Not all organizations know about this policy.
The rules depend on whether the solicitor is a commercial or charitable organization. The Town of Smyrna handles the Peddler/Solicitor/Charitable Solicitor/Barker Permit as well as the Transient Vendor’s License which require the applicant to go through a validation process. These permits allow door-to-door solicitation. There is a provision in the law that prohibits solicitors from coming on the property of a residence that has “No Trespassing” signs. Ask to see their permit, and if they do not have one, call the Smyrna Police Department at (615) 459-6644 to report it. Anyone soliciting must have a copy of the permit. Each person must be carrying their own copy of the permit with the expiration date of their solicitation listed. The excuse that a supervisor or the headquarters office has it is not acceptable. Distributors of free printed matter and newspapers are not subject to the permit rule. They may distribute their material without permits because they do not ask for donations. If they do, the permit requirement applies.
If you have a “No Trespassing” sign posted and solicitors still come to your door, call Smyrna Police at (615) 459-6644 because it is illegal. Do not be afraid to call the Police about it. Whether you answer the door or not is a judgment call only you can make. If you do not feel safe doing so, do not answer the door. If they are behaving in a disruptive manner, do not answer the door and immediately call (615) 459-6644 or 911!
The Town of Smyrna issues all permits. If complaints are received from the public indicating abuse of the privilege, it is unlikely the permit would be renewed. Smyrna Police Officers enforce the law by asking solicitors to see the permits and citing and/or shutting them down when they do not have the proper permits. In all cases, calls from the citizens are helpful in locating people who are soliciting without permits.
Planning
The Town can only enforce the laws of the Government. Restrictive Covenants are the legally recorded agreement between property owners in a subdivision usually made when the subdivision was recorded. Sometimes buildings, pools or fences are a violation of those agreements. Contact your developer or realtor to find out about these rules. Violations of those covenants may result in civil action but not Town or Municipal Action.
Storm Water
No. The storm water user fee is a utility fee and not a tax. For residential properties, driveways have been included as part of the impervious surface that has been averaged into the calculation to determine the storm water user fee. For non-residential properties, driveways will be included in determining the amount of impervious surface on which the storm water user fee is based. Public roads and rights-of-way are exempt from the storm water user fee.
The only credit available to residential properties is the Small Homes Credit. Other credits are available to non-residential properties. The Town of Smyrna has adopted a Storm Water Utility Credit and Adjustment Policy Manual to provide an avenue and process for determining and administering credits and necessary adjustments.
All public rights of way, public streets and public roads, public alleys, public sidewalks and public greenways, public “park and ride” facilities and bus stops, and railroad right of way properties within the Town of Smyrna are considered exempt, and thus, no storm water user fee is assessed for those properties.
Yes. If a detention pond is not properly maintained and holds water longer than seventy-two hours there is a possibility that the pond will cause mosquitoes to breed. These ponds are to be inspected regularly by the Town under federal and state laws.
Money from the Town’s General Fund, which is revenue derived from property and sales taxes collected by the Town, currently pays for the limited amount of storm water services the Town can currently afford. Storm water must compete for these funds with other Town services such as parks, roads, libraries, and police and fire protection. These funds are not always available, and we must develop a dedicated revenue stream. The storm water user fee provides a reliable and fair method for collecting monies in order to allow the Town to provide increased and improved storm water management services.
It is anticipated that the fee will generate approximately 1.35 million dollars per year. An exact figure cannot yet be provided as there may be credits and adjustments made along the way.
The fee will be set from time to time by ordinance in the fee schedule as adopted by the Town Council. The budget for the storm water utility fund, its revenues and expenditures, will be examined on a yearly basis in accordance with the budget process for the Town of Smyrna. The basis for the fee will be examined no less than every five years.
Each parcel within the town limits shall be charged a storm water user fee based on the classifications in the ordinance. Residential properties will see a storm water user fee included on their regular water and/or sewer utility bill. If a property does not have either water or sewer provided by the Town of Smyrna or Consolidated Utility District, then the property owner will receive a separate storm water user fee bill from the Town of Smyrna. Non-residential properties will be billed in the same manner. Multi-tenant non-residential units may be billed individually if the unit is individually metered for water and/or sewer service. If the multi-tenant non-residential unit is part of a property that is master metered, then the customer of record for the master meter will receive a storm water user fee billing for the entire property.
The Public Works Department, with the input of the Town Council, will prioritize storm water management projects based on need, recommendations, and the requirements for compliance with the mandate from the federal and state government. Storm water management projects will also have to be prioritized based on the ability of the Town to pay for the cost of the project.
Multi-tenant residential properties will be billed the minimum charge, the same as the single family residential fee, if the apartment unit is individually metered. If the apartment complex is master metered, then the customer of record for the master meter will be billed a storm water user fee for the entire property.
Individuals or businesses which rent property will receive billing for the storm water user fee if the water and/or sewer meter is in the renter’s name. Property owners are obligated to pay storm water user fees. It will be up to the individual property owner and the renter to decide how to handle the assessed fee.
Individuals or businesses which rent property will receive billing for the storm water user fee if the water and/or sewer meter is in the renter’s name. Property owners are obligated to pay storm water user fees. It will be up to the individual property owner and the renter to decide how to handle the assessed fee.
No. The Town of Smyrna has adopted a Dry Detention Basin Policy, and at this time, maintenance remains the responsibility of the property owner on which the detention pond is located.
Wastewater, such as is treated by the septic tank, is not the same as storm water. Septic tanks do not process and handle storm water. The storm water utility fee is used specifically to address town wide storm water issues. A septic tank is used to treat wastewater at a specific location. This wastewater is water that comes out of individual households or businesses. Properties that use septic tanks are not charged for sanitary sewer service; however, having a septic tank does not address the necessity of storm water management. It should be noted that properties that are connected to the sanitary sewer system do pay for the sanitary sewer service as well as the storm water utility fee.
Some drainage complaints that the Town receives are for problems on private property that the Town has no authority to address. The existence of a Storm Water Utility will not change that. There are, however, historical problems located on public property or which impact private property within public drainage easements, which problems can be addressed as a result of the Storm Water Utility.
An appeal process is provided in the Storm Water Utility Ordinance under section 14-713. Although there is a fee to file the appeal, the appeal fee will be refunded as a credit to future storm water user fee billings if your appeal is successful.
Such units shall be charged as non-residential. Multi-tenant non-residential units may be billed individually if the unit is individually metered for water and/or sewer service. If the multi-tenant nonresidential unit is part of a property that is master metered, then the customer of record for the master meter will receive a storm water user fee billing for the entire property the storm water user fee will be included. Again, property owners are obligated to pay storm water user fees. It will be up to the individual property owner and the renter to decide how to handle the assessed fee.
No, the storm water utility fee is not a tax. It is a utility fee generated to maintain the storm water utility system and fund the compliance with the federal mandate. It is user based, and the fee is based on contribution to the storm sewer system.
Yes, storm water utility fees are legal. Although storm water utility fees have been challenged in the past, state and federal courts have ruled that storm water utility fees are necessary to maintain the public storm water system and represent an equitable way for the community to share the cost of a public service. They are becoming more and more common throughout the United States.
While it is true that you are now paying a fee that you didn’t have to pay in the past, the storm water user fee is a UTILITY fee, not a tax. The storm water user fee is not much different from sanitary sewer, water, or other utilities fees. Because the Town is being forced to spend more money on storm water management than we have in the past, the additional cost had to be passed along to citizens. This new cost is technically a user fee rather than a tax. Had the Town opted to simply pay the additional costs by raising property taxes, the increased cost to the average homeowner would have been more than what you’re paying now through the new utility fee. This is because a user fee can be charged to tax-exempt properties, thereby spreading the cost out over a larger number of people and businesses.
Should the Town choose not to comply with the mandate, penalties for willful non-compliance can reach up to $25,000 per day each day a separate offense or imprisonment, or both. Penalties assessed for violation of the mandate would inevitably be passed on to the citizens in the form of higher tax rates.
A storm water utility fee is similar to a water or sewer utility fee. In essence, customers pay a fee to convey storm water from their properties. The Town of Smyrna’s storm water user fee is the result of an unfunded mandate from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Tennessee Department of Environmental and Conservation (TDEC) on storm water discharges. This fee is used to finance annual compliance with the mandate.
The storm water drainage system is the system that collects, conveys, stores or otherwise treats or affects storm water or surface water. It can include a network of underground pipes and open channels designed for flood or drainage control which discharge straight to a receiving water body.
The storm water user fee is based on a property’s impervious surface area. Impervious areas include rooftops, driveways, parking lots, patios, sidewalks, out buildings and other surfaces which impede the infiltration of storm water. Using the Town’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and aerial photography, all impervious surfaces in the Town were measured. Based on a study of the residential properties, the average square feet of impervious surface was determined to be 3,543, also referred to as the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU).
Every parcel owner in the Town is responsible for paying a storm water utility fee including City, State and Federal government parcels and public institutions, and commercial and industrial parcel owners. Only exempt properties, such as public roads, are not charged. Other municipalities across the United States and in Tennessee, including the cities of Murfreesboro, Franklin, LaVergne, Johnson City, Dyersburg, Maryville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Memphis, to name a few, have implemented a storm water utility fee. Metro Nashville/Davidson County is currently considering the implementation of a storm water utility fee.
Churches and schools, just like government and other non-profit agency buildings, impact storm water utility systems just like commercial and industrial sites. Providing for and addressing storm water is a public service provided for by the Town of Smyrna. All buildings contain impervious surfaces (a surface which prevents water from being infiltrated). Impervious surfaces on the parcels of churches and schools also place a demand on the storm water system. Storm water runoff generated by any property must be controlled and conveyed once it leaves the property so that it does not create problems for others. Both the quantity of storm water and the quality of storm water, i.e. making sure pollutants are limited, impact the entire storm water system for the Town of Smyrna. The storm water user fee is a utility fee, similar to water and sewer. Schools and churches have water, sewer and other utility fees; the storm water fee should be handled similarly.
Unlike wastewater, which is treated before it is released back into the environment, storm water goes directly into a community's ponds, streams and lakes. Because storm water comes in large amounts at unpredictable times, treating it as wastewater would be very expensive.
Historically, the allocation of funds has not been sufficient to address all of the Town’s storm water service needs. Although the Town has done a good job providing storm water services on a limited budget, the backlog of storm water projects has grown and additional maintenance activities are required. Local, state and federal laws also require that municipalities address the environmental impacts of storm water pollution, but do not provide the funds to do it. Consequently, the Town must investigate alternative means for raising revenue.
No. Historically, only a small amount of general fund revenues have been allocated to storm water management activities. These limited dollars will simply be absorbed into other expanding programs such as our Fire and Police Departments.
Federal and state regulations require the Town of Smyrna to address the amount of runoff and the pollution carried by the water that is deposited, untreated, into our creeks, streams, and rivers. Storm water quality management programs are responses to regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) connected to the federal Clean Water Act. These regulations require cities with more than 100,000 (Phase I) people to obtain a permit under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and to create a comprehensive program to seek out and eliminate, to the maximum extent practical, pollutants carried by storm water.
In addition to meeting the city’s current storm water needs, Smyrna’s new storm water revenue will provide the Town with the funding and tools necessary to meet the federal and state regulatory requirements.
You are not paying a fee for rain falling on your property. You are being charged a utility service fee for the cost and privilege of discharging storm water into the public storm water system, which the Town is obligated under law to maintain. With a storm water rate, users are charged a fee for runoff discharged from their property to the Town’s storm water management system, not by the amount of rain falling on their property. Property owners control the level of development on their properties, which directly impacts the runoff characteristics of the parcel.
