Smyrna, TN Code Violation Reporting: Response Times (2026)

Smyrna's response clock for property nuisances runs through Title 11, Chapter 9, Public Nuisances, enforced by the town building official. Section 11-901 declares a public nuisance, and also a misdemeanor, the accumulation of debris, rubbish, trash, tin cans, bottles, papers, or stagnant water, a dense growth of trees, vines, grass, and underbrush, and property left filthy or deteriorated by fire, natural deterioration, or abandonment, where the condition is a menace to life, property, public health, or public welfare.

Step one is notice. Under § 11-902 the building official notifies the recorded owner in writing at the last known mailing address and demands that the condition be remedied immediately. A copy is served by a town police officer on the occupant or the owner's agent, if one is available. The mailing of the notice is sufficient proof of it, and delivery is equivalent to mailing. If the owner's address is unknown, the property is unoccupied, and the owner has no agent in the town, the notice is posted on the property.

Step two is the ten-day window. Section 11-903 gives the owner ten days after mailing or service to request a hearing, in writing to the building official, before the Town Judge. Section 11-904(1) uses the same ten days as the deadline for remedying the condition, or, when a hearing was held, ten days after notice of the Town Judge's decision.

Step three is abatement and the lien. The building official has the town remedy the condition at the owner's expense and certifies the cost to the Town Clerk. The expense becomes a lien payable with interest at 10% per annum from the date of certification, collectable when real property taxes come due, and it ranks as a first and prior lien behind only the tax lien of Rutherford County. The owner has 90 days after the lien is imposed to request a hearing before the Town Judge on whether the charge should be a lien and whether it was reasonable. Under § 11-905 the Town Clerk keeps the lien files. Graffiti runs on its own clock: under § 11-1106 the Chief of Police or a designee orders removal within 15 days.