Ground Water Water Quality Department Short Term Vacation Rentals Subdivision Review/Inspection

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide prompt, seamless service and planning expertise to the development community and citizens of Hamilton County while protecting quality of life and the environment.

FUNCTION

Development Services provides the public facing function for all new development in Hamilton County. The department facilitates coordination among other departments in Hamilton County Government, elected officials, the Regional Planning Agency, other jurisdictions, State Government, Federal Government, and the general public. Coordination efforts include grant applications, future planning, zoning, platting, subdivision requests, and dissemination of vision from the Mayor’s office and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners. The department follows all applicable laws and regulations in maintaining environmental and infrastructure standards for the wellbeing of Hamilton County. Groundwater Protection complies with all TDEC standards to ensure environmentally sound disposal of septic waste where necessary and issues permits for new systems or changes to existing systems. The Road Inspection team inspects new roads for acceptance into the County owned road network. New roads are evaluated in accordance with Hamilton County road standards to ensure longevity and quality.

Development Resources Staff

Nathan Janeway
Director Development Services
nathanj@hamiltontn.gov

Autumn Friday, P.E.
Deputy Director Development Services
autumnf@hamiltontn.gov
423-834-6841

Brenda Wallin
Office Supervisor
brendaw@hamiltontn.gov

Kelly Stephens
Senior Account Clerk
kellys@hamiltontn.gov

Robin Potter
Account Clerk
robinp@hamiltontn.gov

Frequently asked Questions:

Question: Where do I apply for a Building Permit?
Answer: Building Permit (Online Application)

Question: Where do I apply for a Short Term Vacation Rental Permit?
Answer: Short Term Vacation Rentals (Online Application)

Question: Where do I apply for a Land Disturbance Permit?
Answer: Land Disturbance (Online Application)

Question: For design guidelines and submittal requirements:
Answer: Design Guidelines and Submittal Requirements

Question: Where do I apply for a septic permit?
Answer: Septic Permit

Question: Where do I submit for Preliminary Plat Approval?
Answer: https://chcrpa.org/

Question: Where can I find existing permits (STVR, Land Disturbing, ROW permits, Illicit Discharges)?
Answer: https://hamiltontn.portal.opengov.com/search

Groundwater

Apply Here

Note: All Groundwater permits will need to be submitted on-line starting March 11, 2024.

Location:

1250 Market Street, Suite 3046 Chattanooga, TN 37402 423-209-7876
GWP@hamiltontn.gov
Hours: 8 - 4:00 PM (Note: Please arrive by 3:30 PM if you are applying in person for permit or taking an installer test.)

Staff:

Bobby Stott
Manager
BobbyS@hamiltontn.gov

Amy Young
Senior Inspector
AmyY@hamiltontn.gov

Krista Ray
Groundwater Protection Inspector
kristr@hamiltontn.gov

Robin Potter
Account Clerk
robinp@hamiltontn.gov

GROUNDWATER FEES

Groundwater Fee Change Resolution 423-28

New Permit $440.00
Modification $440.00
Repair Permit $40.00
Existing Permit $205.00
STVR Inspection $205.00
Lot Review $150/lot + $5.00 Application Fee
Inspection Letter $105.00
Water Testing $105.00
Recertification Letter $180.00
Re-inspection (Starting for a 3rd Visit) $150.00

LICENSE FEES

Category 1 (Standard) Installer License $200.00
Additional License (Alternative, Experimental) $100.00 for each additional

INSTALLER LICENSE GENERAL INFORMATION

Installers are required to have a County Septic Installer License.
If installers have a State Installer Permit, installers are required to fill out an application an pay the fee but are not required to take the test.
If installers do not have a State Installer Permit, installers are required to take and pass the Hamilton County Septic Installer License.
Hamilton County Installer Permit is good for 1 year.

GROUNDWATER COMPLAINTS

Groundwater Complaints (Online Form)

CONSULTANTS

List of Licensed Septic Installer and Pumpers (PDF Format)
List of Soil Consultants

IF YOU NEED THIS: APPLY FOR THIS:

New conventional septic system for commercial, house, shop, barn, etc. New Septic Permit
Modify an existing system to add bedrooms, or add fieldlines Modification
Repair an existing system Repair
Preliminary Plat Approval for septic Lot Review
New alternative septic system (LPP, Mound, etc.) New Septic Permit
Addition of pool or ban (no plumbing) Existing Permit
Have water tested for bacteria (total or fecal coliform) Water Sample

DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL SITE

Hamilton County Permit Applications and Document Retrieval
Note: If the address you are searching for is not listed, please email Ground Water for further assistance at GWP@hamiltontn.gov
**** Existing permits (Septic and Building) and existing septic information

GROUNDWATER/SUBDIVISION RULES AND REGULATIONS

Groundwater Regulations (PDF Format)

SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL (STVR)

Resolution for Short Term Vacation Rental

*The total fee for new applications will be $750. This includes both the application and first annual permit fee.

Fees:

$250.00 Initial application fee if pre-existing with RPA
$500.00 Initial application fee if new
$250.00 Annual renewal fee
$250.00 Re-inspection fee – Building
$205 for Septic Inspection (one-time fee)

Apply for STVR permit

Permits are good for one year

Permit must be hung in home

Permittee must have business license

Proof of ownership is required

This is not a zoning issue. STVR’s are allowed in all zones except M zones. A letter is issued to the property owner stating they cannot operate an STVR without the certificate. If the owner doesn’t comply with 30 days, this information is turned over to the County Attorney’s office.

Contact Development Services with any questions 423-209-7970.

Short Term Vacation Rental Checklist (PDF)

SHORT TERM VACATION RENTALS COMPLAINTS
Short Term Vacation Rentals Complaints (Online Form)