Addition/Remodel to a Single Family Dwelling

An addition to a house is when the foundation and/or roof line is extended. If you are not extending the foundation and/or roof line, your project is probably a remodel. Common remodel projects include converting an existing garage or attic space into finished living space, knocking down walls, building new walls, etc. Because the building permit steps are different for each type of project, it is important that you know the difference. If you are unsure whether your project is an addition or remodel please contact our office at 615-898-7734. 

Documents needed for an addition:

• Zoning Compliance Certificate¹

• TDEC Septic Records^2,3,4
• Building Permit Application
• School Facilities Tax Application⁵
• Floor Plans⁶
• Plot Plan/Diagram⁷
• Other documents may be required depending on the project⁸

*Notes:

1. The zoning compliance certificate (ZCC) is provided by the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Department.
2. This does not apply to homes connected to a C.U.D. STEP system or Murfreesboro City Sewer. See note 4.
3. Even if your project is nowhere near your septic, we still need your septic records.
4. If you are creating/adding a new bedroom(s), the number of bedrooms in the house will need to match the number of bedrooms listed on your septic records. If you would like to increase the number of bedrooms on your septic records, please contact TDEC. If you are connected to a C.U.D. STEP system or Murfreesboro City Sewer, we generally do not require any documentation, but we highly recommend you check with those entities before starting your project.  
5. The School Facilities Tax (SFT) only applies if you are adding on finished living space or changing the use of an area. Please contact the office at 615-898-7734 to verify if the SFT will apply to your project.
6. In most cases, the floor plans can be hand drawn, but dimensions should be accurate.
7. The plot plan/diagram is to show where the addition will be located on the house. We need to know distances from property lines, the septic system, other structures, etc. Here is an example. This can be hand drawn as long as the dimensions are accurate.
8. Other documents may include, but not limited to: Elevation Certificates, Engineer Stamped Floor Plans, Engineer Reports, Compaction Letters, etc.

Documents needed for a remodel:

• Building Permit Application
• Floor Plans¹
• TDEC Septic Records²
• School Facilities Tax Application³
• Other documents may be required depending on the project⁴

** In most cases, a zoning compliance certificate, from the Rutherford County Planning & Engineering Dept., is not required for a remodel.

*Notes:

1. In most cases, the floor plans can be hand drawn, but dimensions should be accurate.
2. We usually only need septic records if you are creating/adding a new bedroom(s). The number of bedrooms in the house should match the number of bedrooms listed on your septic records. If you would like to increase the number of bedrooms on your septic records, please contact TDEC. If you are connected to a C.U.D. STEP system or Murfreesboro City Sewer, we generally do not require any documentation, but we highly recommend you check with those entities before starting your project.
3. The School Facilities Tax (SFT) does not usually apply to remodel projects, but sometimes it does. Please contact the office at 615-898-7734 to verify if the SFT will apply to your project.
4. Other documents may include, but not limited to: Elevation Certificates, Engineer Stamped Floor Plans, Engineer Reports, Compaction Letters, etc.