When is a building permit required?
Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building & Codes Division and obtain the required permit.(Note: Fences and Signs have their own permit process)
Common Inquiries
Concrete Patio – No Accessory Structure – Yes
Widen Driveway – NoCurb Cut (Apron or Drainage) – Yes
Yard Irrigation System – YesMechanical Change out – Yes
Windows – Yes(Unless Sash Only)Swimming Pool/Spa – Yes
Siding – No (Unless in Historic District)Fence – Yes
What work is exempt from a building permit?
Normal maintenance and repairs of an existing building or structures and their associated systems as well as finish work similar to painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets and counters. Contact the Building & Codes Division at (901) 457-2310 if you have a specific question about exempt work.
Can I obtain my own permits?
Yes, depending on the scope of work. Homeowners may obtain their own building permits. However, a state or county licensed contractor is required for all mechanical, plumbing and electrical work.
Where do I apply for a building permit?
Apply, in person, at the Building & Codes Division, located on the East side of the Town Hall building, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Contractors may also apply for most permits through the contractor portal -
What methods of payment do you accept?
Accepted payment methods include cash, check payable to the Town of Collierville and credit cards. Credit cards accepted include Visa, MasterCard & Discover. Credit cards payments are assessed a 4% convenience fee.
How long is a building permit valid?
A building permit does not become invalid unless the work authorized by it has not commenced within six months of its issuance, or if the work is suspended or abandoned for a period of six months after the time the work commenced. A six month extension can be granted provided the applicant fills out an extension request form (link).
How do I schedule an inspection?
Inspection request can be called into (901) 457-2310, emailed to submitted through our contractor portal - Please be ready to provide Permit Number, Site Address, Inspection Type and Date you are requesting. All inspections must be scheduled by the person who obtained the permit (i.e. plumbing inspection requested by plumbing contractor).
What time will my inspection be made?
Currently,97% of inspections are performed on the day they were arranged for. We make next day inspections unless there is an open ditch or pouring of concrete, in which we will make every effort to execute a same day inspection, but cannot guarantee. We are unable to schedule specific times due to workload & location of sites as inspectors set their routes based on efficiency.
How do I get my power/gas turned on if it has been off for over 90 days?
You will need to come into the Building & Codes Division office at 500 Poplar View Parkway and apply for a Meter Put-back permit. The permit cost is $67.00. At this time an inspection will be scheduled for our Mechanical & Electrical Inspector. Once the inspections are approved, we will notify MLG&W and they will have your utilities (Electric/Gas) restored.