COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department is the combination of the planning and the codes enforcement divisions.  Comprehensive services within both of these divisions are provided to citizens, businesses, builders and developers. An easy to use guide for developers and homeowners is available on the Town's website at www.townoffarragut.org.  The department evaluates issues relative to development occurring within the Town.  The planning staff is primarily responsible for maintaining the Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Tree Protection Ordinance, Aquatic Buffer and Sinkhole Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. The codes enforcement staff is primarily responsible for the enforcement of the adopted building, plumbing, gas/mechanical, housing, swimming pool and fire codes.  The Community Development staff also provides support to the Farragut Municipal Planning Commission, Farragut Board of Zoning Appeals, Visual Resources Review Board, Board of Plumbing and Gas/Mechanical Examiners and the Municipal Court.  Services provided by the department include the following:

Planning Division

Assistance to Citizens - Staff answers questions about the Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Tree Protection Ordinance, Aquatic Buffer and Sinkhole Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations and general land use issues. 

Review of Requests for Rezonings, Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments and Sign Ordinance Text Amendments - Requests are reviewed, background and supporting information is compiled and recommendations on the requests are made to the Municipal Planning Commission and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Review of Requests for the Subdivision of Property - Concept plans, preliminary plats, final plats, resubdivision plats and plats of correction are reviewed for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Tree Protection Ordinance, Aquatic Buffer and Sinkhole Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.  Staff then makes recommendations to the Municipal Planning Commission.

Review of Site Plans for all Non-Single Family or Two-Family Residential Uses Such as Commercial, Office, Public, Semi-Public, Other Non-Residential Uses and Multi-Family Developments - Site plans are reviewed to ensure they are in compliance with Town requirements such as setbacks, open space, maximum lot coverage, parking requirements, tree protection and other Town requirements.  Recommendations on submitted plans are made to the Municipal Planning Commission.

Review of Residential Site Plans - Site plans are reviewed to ensure they are in compliance with Town setback requirements, maximum lot coverage requirements and that easements are not violated.

Review of Sign Applications and Landscape Plans - Applications and plans are reviewed to ensure compliance with all Town requirements.  Recommendations are made on applications for ground signs and landscape plans to the Visual Resources Review Board.  The staff reviews and approves applications and plans for all wall signs.

Enforcement of Sign Ordinance - Staff enforces the Sign Ordinance throughout the Town.

Review of Requests for Special Exceptions, Variances, Zoning Ordinance Interpretations and Appeals - Requests are reviewed, background and supporting information is compiled and recommendations are made to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Preparation of Community Plans - Staff prepares special plans for the Municipal Planning Commission and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen such as a small area study, sidewalk plan, land use plan or a community facilities plan.

PLANNING STAFF

Codes Enforcement Division

Assistance to Citizens - Codes officers investigate citizen complaints about violations of Farragut=s Municipal Code and the Zoning Ordinance.  The staff also answers general questions about remodeling projects or new construction from Farragut residents.

Review of Construction Plans - All commercial, office and residential construction plans are reviewed to ensure they meet minimum code requirements.

Permits - Various permits are required for all new construction and the vast majority of remodeling, both commercial and residential.  Information about required permits and fees is available in the codes office along with a checklist to help builders and homeowners through the construction process. 

Inspections - Codes officers conduct the following inspections, by appointment, with a one-day turnaround:  footers, framing, preliminary gas/mechanical, plumbing, final gas/mechanical and final inspection for occupancy.  All permit fees must be paid before an inspection can be scheduled.  Call the codes office for an appointment.  Electrical inspections are performed by Lenoir City Utilities Board and must be scheduled by calling (865) 986-6591, extension 1738 or 1728 between 8 and 9 a.m.

Fire and Safety Inspections - Through a joint agreement between the Town and Rural/Metro Inc., a fire marshal has been hired to conduct annual inspections of commercial buildings for fire and safety codes.  These inspections occur on a scheduled basis or when there is a change in occupancy in a building.  New commercial plans are reviewed, and construction is inspected to ensure compliance with fire codes.

Licensing for Plumbing and Gas/Mechanical Contractors - The Town of Farragut requires all plumbing and gas/mechanical contractors performing work in the Town of Farragut to be licensed and to obtain permits for any work being done in Farragut. Application packets are available from the Farragut Codes Enforcement Division and require a review by the Board of Plumbing and Gas/Mechanical Examiners.

CODES STAFF