Collierville, TN Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 151.306(B)(1) of the Collierville Code of Ordinances makes a building permit mandatory before work begins. The prohibition covers site excavation, site grading or other land disturbing activity, public improvements, the excavation for construction of any building or other structure, and the moving or alteration of any building or other structure. Accessory buildings and structures are named expressly, so a detached garage or shed needs the same permit. The land disturbance part of the requirement does not apply to agricultural farming operations, commercial nursery operations or residential landscaping or gardening activities.

The Building Official issues all building permits and use and occupancy permits and keeps the records under § 151.306(A). No other Town officer, department or employee can issue a permit for the use of land or buildings unless the Building Official has examined the application and attached a certificate that the building or structure complies with the zoning chapter. A permit issued in conflict with the chapter is null and void under (B)(2). The Building Official cannot change the chapter or vary its terms, and cannot refuse a permit to an applicant who meets its conditions just because the work might violate private restrictive covenants.

When the Building Official deems it necessary, the application must carry plans and specifications, including a plot plan in triplicate drawn to a scale of no less than one inch equals 100 feet. For a residential building with two units or less on one parcel, the plot plan shows the parcel shape, location and dimensions, every existing and proposed structure, and any fence, with its location and height. Other buildings and activities need a fuller plot plan listing topography at no greater than five foot contour intervals, driveways, parking and loading areas, drainage, easements, floodplains and utilities.

A certificate of occupancy follows under (D) through (H): every new building permit application counts as a certificate application, and a temporary or partial certificate cannot run longer than six months. Projects other than detached single-family homes also need Development Director or Design Review Commission approval before a permit issues under § 151.243.