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You are here: Home1 / City Services2 / Building3 / Building FAQ

Building FAQ

What codes are enforced in the City of Kingsport?

2018 International Building Code
2018 International Mechanical Code
2018 International Plumbing Code
2018 International Property Maintenance Code
2018 International Residential Code
2017 National Electric Code
2018 International Energy Conservation Code
Accessibility Code: Chapter 11 2018 IBC and 2009 A117.1
City of Kingsport Zoning Ordinance

Do I need a permit?

You will need a permit for any new construction or renovations except cosmetic repairs such new paint, cabinets, and floor coverings. Fences do not require a permit.
Projects requiring permits include:

  • Accessory structures: Garages, Carports, Storage Buildings, Swimming Pools (over 2 feet deep), Pool Houses, Pergolas, Outdoor Kitchens
  • Enclosing an existing deck, porch, or carport
  • Decks, Porches, Sunrooms
  • Finishing a basement or attic
  • Additions to any existing structures
  • Roofs: including reroofing and adding roofs over existing decks or patios
  • Demolition of any structure
  • Grading
  • Electrical: re-wiring, adding or relocating receptacles, service upgrades, resetting electric meters, installing solar panels
  • Plumbing: sewer line installations and repairs, adding or relocating fixtures, installing or replacing hot water heaters
  • Gas/Mechanical: installing gas piping for any appliance, installing or replacing a furnace or heat pump

What are the guidelines for fences?

No barbed wire may be installed in residential zones. The maximum height is 6 feet in the front yard and 8 feet in any other yard.

You do NOT need a permit for a fence.

What are the guidelines for storage buildings?

Storage buildings do require permits. As a general rule, they must be at least 5 feet behind the house and can be within 3 feet of the rear and side property lines.

Can the homeowner purchase permits?

If you own and occupy the home, you may purchase the permits if you are doing the work. However, if you hire a contractor they are required to purchase the permits. A Homeowner’s Affidavit must be completed before the homeowner can purchase permits.

What about rental property?

The property owner is allowed to do cosmetic repairs. Any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits will require a properly licensed contractor.

What is required for a permit to build a new house?

The first step is obtaining an Erosion & Sediment Control permit from the Traffic Department. This will also serve as your driveway permit. Please contact Traffic at 423-229-9487 to schedule a site visit.
Next, determine how your lot is zoned. If you are building on a lot in a Planned Development, you must get plat approval from the Planning Department. For more information, please contact Ken Weems at 423-229-9368.
Finally, complete a permit application and bring your residential plan to 415 Broad St to be approved by a plans reviewer. The sewer tap fee is due when the building permit is issued.
Per state law, homeowners are allowed to build one new house every two years.

What is the process for commercial plans submittal?

Please submit 1 set of stamped plans and a PDF with the permit application. The plans review fee is based on estimated construction cost and MUST be submitted with the plans.

What are the licensing requirements for contractors and trades?

All contractors, whether general or trade, must pull permits. Please contact the Building Division at 423-229-9393 for the requirements.
Construction projects valued under $25,000 require only the city business license. If the project is valued over $25,000, the contractor MUST have a State of TN contractor’s license.
All contractors must provide proof of workman’s compensation and general liability insurance.
Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanical and Gas Installers must also have a city business license and a performance bond. In order to obtain a city trade’s license, the applicant must be a state certified contractor, for example, have a CE for certified electrician.
Testing for state contractor certifications is offered by PSIonline.com in Johnson City.

Can I pay for permits online or over the phone?

You can pay them online via the Community Development & Online Services portal. We accept cash, check, debit and credit cards, except American Express. We do not accept payment over the phone.

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Garbage routes are delayed this morning, February 20. There will be no trash/yardwaste routes run today.
Once road conditions improve, service will run. If your garbage cart does not get picked up today, please leave it at the road and it will get picked up tomorrow. Thank you for your patience.
Pay Your Bills Online

Paying your utility, miscellaneous receivables bill or building permits payment has never been easier! Click the link below to be directed to Click2Gov, the online payment system that allows users to view their account and pay with a credit or debit card through the secure website.

Pay your red light citation bill online by clicking the button below. You will be redirected to the payment page.

 

Pay Water (Utility) Bill
Pay Red Light Citation
Pay City Court Citation
Pay Other Receivables
Online Tax Payments
Building Permit Payments

Report Non-Emergency

To report a non-emergency, please use the new ConnectKingsport app.


 
ConnectKingsport is the app for everything Kingsport! From potholes and damaged street signs to other local issues that need attention, ConnectKingsport makes reporting an issue easier than ever. This app uses GPS to recognize your location and gives you a menu of common quality-of-life conditions to select from. The app also allows you to upload pictures or videos to accompany your request. Residents can track the status of reports they or other members of the community have submitted until the issue is resolved.

You can also use the app to find information about the City of Kingsport with links to the city website, animal services, ongoing events and more. Download the free app today to be a part of making Kingsport a great place to live, work and play!

To download the free app, please search for it on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. You can also use the online portal below.


Please note that the use of ConnectKingsport is intended for the reporting of non-emergency issues only. If you need immediate Police or Fire response, please call 911.

 

Download on the Apple App Store
Download on the Google Play Store
Online Portal