FAQs • Columbia, TN • CivicEngage

Do I need a permit for a shed or accessory structure?: Accessory structures over a certain size do require a building permit. All accessory structures require completing and filing the accessory structure questionnaire so we can determine the placement and location is compliant with City Ordinances and does not obstruct easements. Please visit our webpage about accessory structures to learn more about the requirements.

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Development Services

1. Can I add a pipe along the ditch in the front of my yard?: The City does not allow converting ditches to piped conveyances in most situations as the ditch needs to remain open to take on water from the surrounding yard and roadway system.

2. Can I have a Short Term Rental (STR) in my home?: Short term rentals, or one room hotel operations, are only allowed in commercial zoning districts that allow transient hotel business. The zoning district map for Columbia can be found on our GIS Mapping webpage.

3. Can I install another driveway access point at my house?: Residential lots are allowed one driveway access per lot. Any additional access points would require an exception to the Access Management Ordinance to be heard and approved by the CMPC.

4. How can I see what is being constructed or proposed developments in an area?: All submitted requests for development and construction related projects are public records that can be viewed at City Hall. The Building Permit Portal can also be used to search through building permit data and information. We also publish an Online GIS Map of approved developments and their estimate current build-out.

5. Do I need a permit for a temporary ad banner in front of my business?: There is no permit required for a temporary banner in front of your business as long as the advertisement is no more than 16 square feet in total size; represents the business in which it is displayed in front of, and it is displayed for no more than 14 days.

6. Do I need a permit for a shed or accessory structure?: Accessory structures over a certain size do require a building permit. All accessory structures require completing and filing the accessory structure questionnaire so we can determine the placement and location is compliant with City Ordinances and does not obstruct easements. Please visit our webpage about accessory structures to learn more about the requirements.

7. Do I need a permit to install a fence?: Fences do not require permits, but please visit our webpage about fences to learn more about the requirements.

8. Do retaining walls require a building permit?: Retaining walls supporting over 4 feet of earth do require a building permit. Please visit our webpage about retaining walls to learn more about the requirements.

9. How do I know if I need a permit?: Development Services works to safeguard public health, safety, and property through the plan check, permit, and inspection processes. To find out if a permit is needed for your building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical project, go to the Building Codes page or contact us at 931-560-1560

10. How do I know if my permit is still valid?: A permit is valid as long as work towards completion is continuing. Permits shall expire when the City’s Building Official determines the work authorized by any permit has been suspended, discontinued or abandoned for a continuous period of 180 days.

11. Can I check the status of my permit?: Yes, permit statuses are displayed and updated on our Online Permitting System. You will be notified by email if the status of the permit changes.

12. Where can I locate my property lines?: Your property lines may have pins from when the property was last surveyed. These pins can be located with a metal detector and are usually capped with a bright plastic cap identifying the surveyor. The lines located on our mapping software are not accurate for determining property boundaries and should only be used as a reference.

13. Who approves building modifications if I live in a Historic District?: The City has five historic districts that have specific guidelines and processes which can be found on the Historic Zoning Commission webpage. The Historic Zoning Commission (HZC) reviews any exterior modifications or replacement of components to a structure. In certain instances, city staff has the authority to review maintenance related work and issue a Certificate of Appropriateness on the HZC's behalf.

14. Who maintains the stormwater ditches?: Day to day maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. Repair or maintenance activities that require special or heavy equipment are typically handled by Public Works.

15. Where can I obtain copies of building permits for my property?: The building permit may be downloaded from our Online Permitting System