Frequently Asked Questions

To determine if property is located within the City Limits or to obtain an address for a new building or existing structure or lot, call city hall at 931-526-9591.

The keeping of farm animals is permitted where sufficient land is available and a nuisance is not created.  Stray dogs should be reported to the Animal Control Officer at the Cookeville Police Department, 931-526-2125.  Other animals which are creating a nuisance should be reported to the Cookeville Police Department, 931-526-2125.

You must have a minimum of five (5) acres and it must be securely fenced.  The closest point of any proposed pasture area to any existing residence is 100 feet, unless said residence is owned or leased by the person keeping the animal.  The closest point of any barn, corral, pen or enclosed area where animals or fowl may be confined for any length of time shall be 200 feet from any existing residence, unless said residence is owned or leased by the person keeping the animals or fowl.  Lastly, the maximum number of animals permitted is limited to one per 1.5 acres.

Link to Code - See Title 10 Chapter 1

Annexation is the legal mechanism through which municipalities expand their boundaries. An annexation can be initiated by the city or it may be in response to a request or petition. A city may annex properties within its Urban Growth Boundary through the passage of an Ordinance by the City Council. If an area is outside a city’s Urban Growth Boundary a referendum (an election in which a majority of the affected residents must vote in favor of annexation) is required before it can be annexed. email the City Planner or call 931-520-5271.

The Board of Zoning Appeals hears appeals to the decisions of the Building Official as they pertain to the Zoning Code. This Board is empowered to grant a variance when the requirements of the Zoning Code create a hardship; grant special exceptions when so permitted by the Zoning Code; and hear and decide appeals when is alleged that the Building Official is in error. email the City Planner or call 931-520-5238 for questions and dates for deadlines.

The City requires the following inspections for all structures:

• Setbacks and Footings (before concrete is ordered)
• Framing
• Heating and air rough-in
• Plumbing rough-in
• Electrical rough-in
• Final
• Certificate of Occupancy

Before any inspections will be made, the following must be in place:

• Access to a portable toilet for worker’s use
• A crushed stone ramp to the site to prevent mud being tracked onto city streets
• Straw bales, silt fences or other erosion control devices in order to keep soil and other debris from leaving the site

email Building Inspectors or call 931-520-5268. Call the Electrical Inspector at 931-520-5209 for Electrical Inspections.

The City requires a building permit for the construction of any new building or the alteration of an existing building; a permit is also required for the installation of signs, patio covers, garages and other building modifications. email the Building Official or call 931-520-5268.

Alteration of natural drainage ways and constructed drainage ways is prohibited without a Drainage Alteration Permit. Drainage Alteration Permits are issued by the City Engineer in Public Works, email the Engineer or call 931-520-5282.

The City enforces regulations dealing with property maintenance, housing standards, disabled vehicles, signs and billboards, trash, weeds and other community standards. The allowing or permitting a dense growth of trees, vines, grass and underbrush to develop or occur on any lot, parcel of land within the corporate limits of the City of Cookeville constitutes a threat or menace to life, property, public health, or public welfare and/or creates a fire hazard is hereby specifically prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance. email the Codes Enforcement Officer or call 931-520-5233.

Yes, new construction or expansions requiring earthwork must comply with the City of Cookeville Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations.  This is under the Public Works Department.  email Public Works or call 931-520-5249.

To report problems of flooding or maintenance of stormwater management systems on public and private property, contact Public Works at 931-520-5249 or email Public Works.

A permit is required to hold a garage/yard sale within the City Limits. No more than 3 permits may be issued per household or residential location during any calendar year and there must be 30 days between sales at any one location. *Members of more than one residence may join in requesting a permit for a sale to be conducted at the residence of one of them;  however, that permit shall be considered as having been issued for each and all such residences.  Sales are limited between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. for no more than 3 consecutive days. Permits are issued by the Codes Department and must be picked up in person. A processing fee of $2 is required for all permits.  

The City does not provide signage.  If you use your own signage, it is allowed on personal property ONLY.  Do not place yard sale signs on utility poles.

Any person found guilty of violating the terms of this ordinance shall be subject to a penalty of up to $50 plus court costs for each offense. For information please call 931-520-5209.

Maps

• City Street Map: Call the Chamber of Commerce at 931-526-2211.
• Flood Insurance Rate Maps: email the Planning Department or call 931-520-5271.
• Tax Maps: Call Putnam County Assessor’s Office at 931-528-8428.
• Topographic Maps, Aerial Photos, or Specialized Maps: email the GIS Manager or call 931-520-5371.

Special licenses and permits are required for a variety of activities within City Limits. For information regarding fees and application procedures, call the number indicated below:

• Building Permit - Building Official
  Phone:  931-520-5268
  email Building Official
• Building Contractors License - Building Official
  Phone: 931-520-5268
  email Building Official
• Demolition - Building Official
  Phone: 931-520-5268
  email Building Official
• Electric work - Electrical Inspector
  Phone:  931-520-5305
• Electrical Construction - Electric Warehouse
  Phone: 931-526-7411
• Fence - Building Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5368
• Fireworks - Fire Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5269
• Gas Hook-Up and Storage - Gas Department
  Phone: 931-520-5230
• Grading - Public Works
  Phone: 931-520-5249
• Mechanical Construction - Mechanical Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5270
  email Mechanical Inspector
• Patio Cover - Building Official
  Phone: 931-520-5268
  email Building Official
• Plumbing Construction - Building Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5368
  email Building Inspector
• Sewer Tap Construction - Water/Sewer Dept Engineer
  Phone:  931-520-5258
• Sign Permit - Sign Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5233
  email Sign Inspector
• Street Construction - Public Works Dept City Engineer
  Phone: 931-520-5282
  email City Engineer
• Tent Permit - Fire Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5269
  email Fire Inspector

The Planning Commission is responsible for the long range planning for the community. In addition, it reviews rezoning requests, annexations; and the opening and closing of streets. Through the review and approval of plats, the Planning Commission regulates the subdivision of land and the construction of public improvements. The Planning Commission is also responsible for the naming of streets and the administration of property numbering. email the Planning Department or call 931-520-5271.

A sign permit must be obtained prior to the erection of any sign within the City. All signs must comply with the sign regulations in the Cookeville Zoning Code. email the Sign Inspector or call 931-520-5233.

Requests for the closure or abandonment of city streets must first be approved by the Planning Commission before being submitted to the City Council. There is a $50 fee for a street closure and abandonment. email the Planning Department or call 931-520-5271.

The naming or renaming of city streets must be approved by the Planning Commission. email the Planning Department or call 931-520-5271.

The subdivision of property in the City of Cookeville must comply with the Cookeville Subdivision Regulations. email the Planning Department or call them at 931-520-5275.

Requests for declaring city property as surplus must be reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to being considered for approval by the City Council. If a city property is declared as surplus a minimum acceptable bid is established and the property is sold to the highest bidder. email the Planning Department or call them at 931-520-5271.

Zoning

Land use is regulated through the City of Cookeville Zoning Code. You can also email the Planning Department or call them at 931-520-5271.

Variances

A zoning variance may be requested of the Cookeville Board of Zoning and Appeals for a parcel of land that does not meet current zoning or development standards. An application shall be filed with the Planning Department. There is a $200 fee. Call the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

Special Exceptions

A special exception is a use specified in the Zoning Code that may be appropriate in a particular zone if approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. An application shall be filed with the Planning Department. There is a $50 fee. Call the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

Rezoning

A rezoning is an amendment to the Zoning Map (Under Revision). An application shall be filed with the Planning Department. There is a $200 fee. Call the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

Historic Zoning

Development proposals within established Historic Zoning Districts and requests for the creation of Historic Districts must be approved by the Historic Zoning Commission. Call the Planning Department at 931-520-5275.

Please contact the Planning Department at 931-520-5271 with questions regarding billboards.

You may look at the zoning map or call the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

Link to City Map

Short term rentals like Airbnb and Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO) are only allowed in the following zones:  RM8, RM14, PRD, CBD, CN, CL, CG, MS and UNV. To find out what your property is zoned, contact the Planning Department at 931.520.5271 or check our website under business and then click on zoning map.  If you are in the correct zone, see our short term rental check list.

Short Term Rental Check List

• Make sure your property is zoned for this use
• Fill out a Short Term Rental Permit
• Schedule a fire inspection
• Obtain a city and county business license
• Obtain the necessary insurance
• Submit your STRP to the Codes Department
• Pay permit fees
• Permit issued