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

Robin Potter
Account Clerk
robinp@hamiltontn.gov


GROUNDWATER FEES

Groundwater Fee Change Resolution 423-28

  1. New Permit $440.00
  2. Modification $440.00
  3. Repair Permit $40.00
  4. Existing Permit $205.00
  5. STVR Inspection $205.00
  6. Lot Review $150/lot + $5.00 Application Fee
  7. Inspection Letter $105.00
  8. Water Testing $105.00
  9. Recertification Letter $180.00
  10. Re-inspection (Starting for a 3rd Visit) $150.00


LICENSE FEES

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


INSTALLER LICENSE GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. Installers are required to have a County Septic Installer License.
  2. 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.
  3. If installers do not have a State Installer Permit, installers are required to take and pass the Hamilton County Septic Installer License.
  4. 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:

  1. New conventional septic system for commercial, house, shop, barn, etc. New Septic Permit
  2. Modify an existing system to add bedrooms, or add fieldlines Modification
  3. Repair an existing system Repair
  4. Preliminary Plat Approval for septic Lot Review
  5. New alternative septic system (LPP, Mound, etc.) New Septic Permit
  6. Addition of pool or ban (no plumbing) Existing Permit
  7. 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


TANK INFORMATION SHEETS

Tank Buoyancy Control Guidance
Approved Fiberglass & Polyethylene Septic Tanks in Tennessee
Rotoplas Installation Guide
Update of Approved Chamber Systems


GROUNDWATER/SUBDIVISION RULES AND REGULATIONS

Groundwater Regulations (PDF Format)
Resolution 724-11




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:

  1. $250.00 Initial application fee if pre-existing with RPA
  2. $500.00 Initial application fee if new
  3. $250.00 Annual renewal fee
  4. $250.00 Re-inspection fee – Building
  5. $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)




SUBDIVISION REVIEW/INSPECTION


Staff:

Tyler Mowery
Supervisor
tylerm@hamiltontn.gov
423-290-1937

Tom Cassell
Project Inspector
tcassell@hamiltontn.gov
423-710-6889

Kenneth Scott
Project Inspector
KennethS@hamiltontn.gov
423-209-5077


Subdivision Review/Land Disturbance Permit Application


ROW Permit


Subdivision Road & ROW Bonding Application and Process


STANDARDS/CHECKLISTS

  1. Subdivision Regulations (PDF)
  2. Subdivision Review Checklist (PDF)
  3. Hamilton County Standard Details (PDF)
  4. Hamilton County Preliminary Checklist (PDF)
  5. Hamilton County Land Disturbance Checklist (PDF)
  6. Hamilton County Final Checklist (PDF)
  7. Hamilton County Driveway Tile Specifications (PDF)
  8. Hamilton County Road Book (PDF)
  9. Hamilton County ROW Restoration Specifications (PDF)


Address & Contact Information

Google MapsMap to Development Services


Address: 1250 Market Street, Suite 3046, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Except for these holidays

Phone number: 423-209-7970

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