Chattanooga, TN Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Chattanooga City Code § 10-3(m), amending IBC § 101.4.7.1, allows alterations, repairs or rehabilitation to an existing building, or its electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, without bringing the whole structure up to current new-construction standards: as long as the renovation work itself meets the technical codes for new construction. The Building Official tracks a 30 percent threshold: if alterations or repairs within any twelve-month period cost more than 30% of the building's replacement value (per R.S. Means data), or if fire or other damage exceeds 30% of replacement value before repair, the entire building must then conform to new-building code requirements. A renovation permit follows the same valuation-based fee schedule as new construction under § 10-3(i).