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Frequently Asked
Questions |
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Codes Enforcement- FAQs |
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When is a
Building Permit not required?
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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.
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How much will a Permit cost me?
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Permit costs vary according to type, size
of project, and zoning. Contact your Codes Department to
assist you in determining these fees.
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Where / When can I get a
permit?
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Permits, except for Electrical Permits,
may be obtained from Smyrna City Hall in the Codes
Department, Monday through Friday between the hours of
8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Electrical Permits, which are
required by the State, may be obtained in Murfreesboro, on
the square at One South Public Square. Call 896-6117 for
all Electrical Permit questions.
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What
about my neighborhood restrictive covenants?
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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.
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What does the
Codes Department Do?
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The Codes Department enforces Building
Codes, and certain Municipal Codes regarding Zoning,
Property Maintenance, Safety, and General Appearance of
the Town.
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What
constitutes a “trashy lot“, and “junk cars”?
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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.
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What can
the Town do about them?
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When a complaint is received by the Codes
Department, an inspection is made of the property, and the
owner is contacted. The owner will be given a time limit,
depending on the violation, to correct the problem. In
most cases, the property is cleaned up. If the violation
is not corrected, or the owner not found, the case may be
handed over to the city court for judgment. In some cases
this may be a lengthy process.
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Where can
I put up yard sale signs?
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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.
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Where can I put up
a Fence?
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You can put up a fence on your own
property, however the fence must not encroach on the front
setback of your lot. If there is a Drainage or Utility
Easement on your property, Fences are only allowed in
those Easements by special exception and written
permission from the Director of Utilities or the City
Engineer. |
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Are Sign
Permits required?
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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 on this
web site. Please contact the Codes Department with
questions for fees, size and location requirements.
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What are
Drainage and Utility Easements?
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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.
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Town of Smyrna - Codes Enforcement - Building and Municipal
315 South Lowry Street
Smyrna, TN 37167
615. 355.5706
615. 355.5781 (FAX)
Hours of Operation
8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.
Monday - Friday |
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