Do
I need a building permit?
Yes, you need to have a permit to build a new home in Kingston Springs.
Under the recently adopted International Building Code, you are also required
to get a permit for most renovations, deck and porch additions, storage
units over 200 sq. ft, new driveways, roof replacement, all pools, fences
over 6 feet, etc. Please call the building official for your jurisdiction
to find out if your project needs a permit and how much the cost will be.
Remember that if you start construction BEFORE acquiring a permit, then
the cost of the permit will double. Avoid that by calling first.
Phil Buma, Kingston Springs Building Official 615.952.2110
extension 24.
R.D. Huffines, Cheatham County Building Official 615.792.7915
(for areas outside of the city limits.)
Can
I burn things in my backyard?
Yes and no. You may burn leaves and sticks and other natural materials in
your yard. However, from October 15th through May 15th every year, you need
a BURN PERMIT from the State Forestry Department to burn this material.
The permit is FREE and is obtained by calling 800.367.3507. Even if you
are burning in a barrel, you need a permit.
No, you may not burn household trash in the city limits of Kingston Springs.
Will
the city pick up brush and debris if I put it out at the road?
No. The city is unable to provide this service. Do not put this debris in
the drainage ditches as you will then be in violation of several ordinances.
Why
do I have a septic tank if I am on the sewer system?
This is part of the biological STEG system that services the Town of Kingston
Springs. Every house that is on the sewer also has a septic tank, but the
city’s sewer department services it at no expense to the property
owner for regular maintenance. The solids are treated in the tank, the “grey
water” is carried by pipe to the sewer plant for treatment and then
is returned to the river. There are no “field lines” attached
to these septic tanks. Call 615.952.2110 if you have sewer problems. The
sewer department does not service regular septic systems. Approximately
25% of homes in the city limits of Kingston Springs still have septic systems
instead of sewer service.
Are
there any laws regarding animals in the city limits?
Yes. State law prohibits any dog running “at-large” at any time.
Dogs must be leashed or fenced. There is also a city ordinance against dogs-at-large.
You may be cited to General Sessions Court or to Municipal Court for this
offense.
Excessive barking is also prohibited and citations to Municipal Court may
be issued.
Horses, cows and chickens may be kept in the city limits but must be penned.
Some neighborhoods have “deed restrictions” that prohibit animals.
These restrictions are not enforceable by the city and must be enforced
by the neighbors through civil court.
There are no restrictive laws regarding cats.
What
can I expect when it snows?
The Town salts the main streets within the city when it snows. The trucks
may start as early as 4 a.m. in an effort to keep bridges and hills manageable.
Hills, such as Merrylog Lane, West Kingston Springs Road in front of the
grocery, and Luyben Hill (above the Petro Truck Stop) are salted first.
It will take a couple of hours AFTER the sun comes up to get an effective
melt going on the roads. Roads will not necessarily be CLEAR, but they will
be more manageable for those who MUST go out. Do not travel unless it is
necessary. Use a 4-wheel drive vehicle if possible. If ice and extremely
cold temperatures are involved, the salt will not be as effective. Temperatures
must be above 17 degrees for the salt to melt the snow.
