Local building department guide · Updated 2026-07-30
Knoxville Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact
Use this guide to find the official City of Knoxville Plans Review and Inspections, start a permit application, search permit records, schedule an inspection, and locate the correct zoning or plan review contact.
Start here
Quick actions
Apply for a building permit
Review the typical application path and prepare your project details.
See permit stepsTrack or search permits
Find Knoxville permit search resources and application status links.
Search permitsSchedule a building inspection
Learn what to have ready before requesting your next inspection.
Schedule inspectionOther portal login
Open the department's official online services and permit portal.
Open portalThe City of Knoxville Plans Review and Inspections Department is the building-permitting authority within Knoxville city limits. A property elsewhere in Knox County may fall under a different local authority, so confirm that the site is inside the city before using Knoxville’s portal or applying under the city’s zoning ordinance.
Knoxville building permits and Citizen Access
Knoxville’s online permitting system uses a project record that carries the plans-review and inspection phases together. Create or sign in to the official Citizen Access account, start the appropriate project or permit application, upload plans and supporting documents, and monitor the record for comments, invoices, and approvals. The city also provides KnoxPlans and plans-review inquiry resources for digital submissions and status checks.
The city describes its department as responsible for plans review, permits, building inspections, and related regulatory activity. Check the department’s current code and permit instructions before filing because required documents and review paths can vary by project type, occupancy, trade, and site conditions.
Knoxville inspections and occupancy
Request inspections through the city’s official inspection page or through the project record in Citizen Access. The city explains that inspections verify work against approved plans and applicable regulations; after the required inspections pass, the project can move toward completion and occupancy. Fire Marshal review may also be involved for applicable projects, and the City of Knoxville has published current fire-code transition guidance.
Knoxville lists (865) 215-4311 for Plans Review and Inspections. The department’s public inspection page allows applicants to request an inspection and check the day’s inspection list. Keep the project number available when calling about a plan-review or inspection record.
Knoxville zoning and plan review
The City of Knoxville directs applicants to its zoning ordinance and zoning inquiries as part of development review. Confirm the proposed use, site constraints, and zoning requirements before preparing the construction submittal. Large or complex projects may need additional site, stormwater, fire, trade, or other reviews in addition to the building plans review.
Official contact information
City Plans Review and Inspections is located at 400 Main Street, Suite 475, Knoxville, TN 37902. The public contact number is (865) 215-4311. Office hours listed by the city are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; front-counter hours are more limited, so check before visiting.
Permit process
How to Apply for a Knoxville Building Permit
Confirm the project scope
Identify the work, property address, project valuation, and whether plans are required.
Prepare your documents
Gather plans, owner and contractor details, site information, and any zoning approvals.
Submit and monitor
Submit through the department’s stated process, pay fees, and watch for review comments.
Field work & closeout
Building Inspections & Code Compliance in Knoxville
Most permitted work must remain accessible for inspection at defined stages. Before scheduling, check your permit record for the required inspection sequence and make sure the site is safe and ready. Final inspections can be especially important for code compliance and a certificate of occupancy.
Helpful preparation
Keep the permit card or approval number available, confirm the property address, and ask the official office about lead times or reinspection fees.
Planning & review
Zoning and Plan Review Requirements
A building permit is not always the only approval your project needs. Zoning guidelines may affect use, setbacks, height, parking, signage, or lot coverage. Residential and commercial building permits can also follow different plan review tracks, so confirm the correct path before investing in a full plan set.
For a project in Knoxville, start with the official department below and ask which zoning, planning, conservation, or fire review approvals apply to your address.
Keep this handy
Official Contact Information
| Department | City of Knoxville Plans Review and Inspections |
|---|---|
| Phone | (865) 215-4311 |
| Address | 400 Main Street, Suite 475, Knoxville, TN 37902 |
| Official website | https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/plans_review_inspections |
| Last verified | 2026-07-30 |
Official source pages used for this guide
These links were checked on 2026-07-30. Requirements, fees, office hours, and portal addresses can change; use the official source as the final authority.
- https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/plans_review_inspections
- https://permits.knoxvilletn.gov/Home/Introduction
- https://permits.knoxvilletn.gov/Plans-Review-Permits
- https://permits.knoxvilletn.gov/Inspections
- https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/plans_review_inspections/contact_us