Building Permit/Address Certification Procedure

Before a building permit can be issued in the City of Knoxville Knox County, the Addressing Department must certify the address where the work will occur.

Application Deadlines + Fees


When you're issued a building permit...
  • New construction
    New addresses will be created
  • Renovations / Alteration of Existing Structures
    A review of the address(es) currently in use will take place

All activities requiring a building permit need a certified address before a permit will be issued.

  • Inspectors from the City of Knoxville and Knox County use these addresses to locate structures requesting inspection.
  • Request a certified address by completing the Address Request Form below.
    Download Form
Address Assignment Forms
  • The applicant will be provided an address assignment form with the property address and Knoxville-Knox County Planning certified address stamp. This form can be submitted to the City or County office where the building permit application will be filed.
What things get addressed?
  • Every residence and place of business in Knox County is systematically assigned a valid and unique address.
  • This includes a requirement that each store or business within a shopping center or business park must have an individual address; each separate residence (or apartment) within an apartment complex, condominium community, or mobile home park must have a unique address. Note: A fee is charged for assigning 5 or more addresses.

Many types of addresses are issued to help inspectors and emergency responders.

These include...
  • ATM Machines
  • Billboards
  • Boat Docks
  • Cell Towers & Antenna Collocation
  • Construction Trailers
  • Security Gate access
  • Sewer Pumps
  • Subdivision Signs
  • Utility easements