city · Knox County · Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

5.2

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

35 days

5 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$9,050

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$6,800

per lot

Permit Fee

$1,650

residential

Plan Review Fee

$600

per application

Delay Risk

25%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application
✓ Site plan with grading
✓ Stormwater management plan
✓ Erosion & sediment control plan
✓ Fire department review
✓ Utility permits (KUB)
✓ Historic overlay review (if applicable)
✓ Hillside/slope review (if >15% grade)
✓ Traffic impact study (if applicable)

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

Knoxville-Knox County Planning handles zoning; City of Knoxville Plans Review handles permits. Two-tier process. Online submissions accepted. Pre-development meetings recommended for subdivisions.

Recent Changes

January 2026: Updated infill development standards in established neighborhoods. November 2025: New stormwater BMP requirements for developments near Tennessee River watershed.

Rezone Probability

70%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(865) 215-2110

Official Website

https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/plans_review_and_inspections

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