City of Oak Ridge Permit Information

A. City Permits and Approvals

(1) Grading Permits

A grading permit application may be obtained at the Municipal Building in the Community Development Department. See Section 4.00, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control for further details.

(2)Residential Driveway Approval A curb cut permit including a site plan must be submitted to the City for approval. A permit application may be obtained at the Municipal Building in the Community Development Department. A minimum of five working days should be allowed for approval/disapproval except for arterial street curb cuts. Access to an arterial street must be reviewed by the Traffic Safety Advisory Board and approved by City Council, which will take approximately one month.

(3) Burning Permit

A burning permit shall be obtained the day of burning prior to any burning. This permit is obtained from the Fire Department.

(4) Blasting Permit

A written permit for blasting is required any time there is to be transportation, use or storage of explosive materials. This permit is required a minimum of 24 hours before bringing such materials into the City and can be obtained from the Fire Department. Proof of insurance (original policy in the amount of $1,000,000 public liability) and a State of Tennessee Explosive Users Identification card are required.


>B. State Permits After approval by the City, plans for sanitary sewer/water extensions and State highway entrances shall be submitted to the appropriate State agency as required. It is the responsibility of the owner/developer to ensure that all submittals of plans, permit applications and fees are made.

(1) Sanitary Sewer and Water System Extension

For any proposed extension of the public sewer or water system, approval from the TDEC is required. Privately maintained sewer or water systems may require approval by the TDEC as directed by the City. Fee schedules and application forms may be obtained from the TDEC.

(2) Storm Water Permitting

Owners/developers must obtain permission from the TDEC to discharge storm water from any construction or grading activity that disturbs five acres or more of land. Application for permission can be obtained by submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) on a State NOI form to the TDEC with a copy provided to the City.

Owners/developers may be required to obtain permits from the TDEC and/or US Army Corps of Engineers and/or Tennessee Valley Authority for work in or around "Waters of the State", wetlands or other watercourses.

(3) Highway Entrance Permit

A permit from TDOT is required for any proposed entrance onto a State highway. The State highways include State Routes 58, 61, 62, 95, and 170. Contact TDOT, Region 1 Traffic Division office in Knoxville.

For additional information see Oak Ridge Standard Construction Requirements.