Building Codes, Planning and Zoning

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Welcome to the Town of Ashland City Building and Codes Department

The mission of the Town of Ashland City Building and Codes Department is to ensure public safety; protect and enhance the quality of life, growth, and health for current and future Town of Ashland City residents and businesses through the adoption and enforcement of our municipal zoning, construction, and property maintenance codes. We will provide professional, friendly, and quality customer service to the community to protect a high standard of living for our citizens. 

 

For questions related to Building, Codes, Planning and Zoning please contact

the Building Codes and IT Administrative Assistant; Alicia Martin

Phone (615)792-6455 Email: amartin@ashlandcitytn.gov

 

Applicable codes adopted are the 2018 ICC Code Cycle, refer to Ordinance #551 - Updated Title 12.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live in a camper or tiny home?

Living in a camper permanently is only allowed at a motor home park or campground. Currently, Ashland City does not have any property developed for this use but this type of use could be allowed provided R-5 zoning is present and a special exception has been granted by the Zoning Appeals Board per Article V Sec. 5.060, and Article IV Sec. 4.080.

Accessory Structures may not be used for human habitation

The City doesn’t currently have specific provisions for “tiny homes”. The minimum size requirement for a single detached dwelling per the City Zoning Ordinance is 600 sq ft. All structures that are site built as a dwelling must meet the 2018 IRC for construction code compliance and must be inspected in stages as constructed. All dwellings that are prefabricated or modular must be placed on a permanently enclosed concrete or masonry foundation with sewer and water connections designed for permanent connections to municipal sanitary or on-site systems.

Category: Building and Codes
Can I put a carport in my driveway?

Carports are considered Accessory Structures and cannot be placed in the building setback line or in front of the building setback line. In some cases they could be placed on the side of the home if side setbacks can still be met and with approval by the city building inspector. Carports are considered Accessory Structures by definition in the city Zoning Ordinance, therefore they should be placed in the rear yard if possible.

Category: Building and Codes
Can I put a fence around my yard?

We do not require an application or issue permits for any fences under 7’ however there are certain requirements pertaining to where they are placed and height restrictions for a front yard fence.

(42” max per 2018 IZC)

Standards for Automobile wrecking, junk and salvage yards, or mini-storage /warehouse facilities can be found in the Zoning Ordinance under Sections 4.090 (C) and 4.120 (B -(3)) respectively.

Fences for pools must comply with Section 4.230 of the Zoning Ordinance or the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

Category: Building and Codes
Do I have to pull a permit for a deck or Accessory Structure?

Decks that do not exceed 200 sq ft, that do not serve the exit door or are not over 30” off of the ground and not attached to the dwelling are not required to be permitted.

One-story detached accessory structures where the floor area does not exceed 200 Sq ft are exempt from permit per R105.2 2018 IRC. Any building or accessory structure may not be placed in the building

setbacks for that district as it applies to each zoning classification in the zoning ordinance. All accessory structures shall be placed in the rear yard unless approved by the building official and cannot exceed the maximum lot coverages for that zoning class for the lot in which it is placed. Installing utilities to any accessory structure may require additional permitting and must meet the minimum codes for the installation or alteration to the existing system. Accessory Structures may not be used for human habitation.

Category: Building and Codes
Do I need to a contractor’s license to pull a permit?

A person who owns property is allowed one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use). If they hire a contractor, the contractor is considered a "prime" and required to be licensed, as well as, obtain the building permit for inspections. (TCA 62-6-103 and Rule 0680-1- .22) A homeowner should never obtain the permit on behalf of the contractor, as this could relieve the contractor from most liability and insurance requirements. In addition, the contracts should not be split into phases to circumvent the law. Anyone who is paid in excess of $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and required to be licensed.

Category: Building and Codes
How much is a permit?

Permit fee schedule for residential can be found here

Category: Building and Codes
Is a permit required to replace a water heater?

YES. Please visit the plumbing permit exemptions link here and select the permit exemptions file at the bottom of the page. 

Category: Building and Codes
What are the rules on signs?

The Sign Ordinance can be found under Code Enforcement. You will need to read the requirements for temporary or permanent signs and read the signs permitted and signs prohibited sections for general requirements.

Category: Building and Codes
What is the zoning of my property?

The zoning for your property can be found by using the Zoning Map and adding the Ashland City Zoning Layer to your property. If you are unable to determine this on your own or experience difficulty, you may fill out a Zoning Interpretation Application and submit it to the codes department for review.

Category: Building and Codes
Who do I talk to about septic?

(615) 792-4857 - Environmentalist. You must obtain a subsurface sewage disposal system permit (septic permit) which will enable you to know you have proper soils. You will receive a copy of your septic permit which must be presented to us prior to issuance of a building permit. The septic permit must match plans as far as bedrooms.

Category: Building and Codes
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