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How to Obtain a Commercial Building Permit in Paris, TN

Based on the 2018 International Building Code & International Residential Code

• Prepare Your Building Plans (All to Scale) be sure to include:
• Develop Supporting Site and Environmental Plans:
  • Site Plan – Must comply with the City of Paris Zoning Ordinance
  • Erosion Control Plan – Include grading and sediment control measures
  • Storm Water Plan – Engineered plan if in a critical drainage or no increase zone; SWPPP required for sites over 1 acre
  • Landscape Plan – Must follow the City’s Zoning Ordinance
• Complete the City of Paris Building Permit Application
  • Be sure to include the total project cost.
• Provide Contractor Information
  • Submit the Contractor Information Form
  • Include a valid Tennessee Contractor’s License Number (if required for the project)
• Submit Additional Required Applications
  • Utility Request Application – for new or upgraded utility service
  • Sign Permit Application – for any new or modified exterior signage
  • Curb Cut/Driveway Connection Application – required for new construction or new entrances
• Submit building permit application, plans, and all supporting documents to the City Hall
  • Phone: (731) 641-1405
  • Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
  • Address: 100 N Caldwell Street, Paris, TN 38242

Steps to Operate a Business from a Residence in Paris, TN

• Review the City of Paris Municipal Code to ensure that your business model and resident style are permitted and comply with all applicable zoning and regulatory requirements.
• Complete the City of Paris Home Occupation Permit
• Complete the City of Paris Business Application
• Submit documents to City Hall for review
  • Phone: (731) 641-1405
  • Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
  • Address: 100 N Caldwell Street, Paris, TN 38242

• Fill Out the Mobile Food Vendor Application.
• Obtain Tennessee Business Licenses
  • You must obtain a license either through the City of Paris or through your home-based county.
• Make Copies of the Following Documents:
  • Driver’s License
  • Vehicle Registration
• Print Color Photos of the Vehicle:
  • Include photos of the interior, front, back, and both sides of the food truck.
• Obtain a Copy of Your Automobile Insurance.
• Obtain a TN Department of Health Inspection Report
  • This can be completed at any Tennessee Department of Health location.
• Schedule and Obtain a Fire Safety Inspection through the City of Paris Fire Marshal’s Office.
  • To schedule an appointment:
    • Phone: (731) 641-1418
    • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Fire Safety Inspections are by appointment only.
• Consult with the Business Office
  • Review the Mobile Food Vendor Paris Municipal Code.
  • Obtain the required signature on your application form.
• Submit All Required Items
  • Turn in your completed application, all supporting documents, and the permit fee to the Business Office.
• City Business Office Contact Information:
  • Phone: (731) 641-1405
  • Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
  • Address: 100 N Caldwell Street, Paris, TN 38242

• Review the City of Paris Municipal Code Regarding Taxicabs
  • Ensure your vehicle and business operations meet all state and city requirements governing public conveyance and for-hire vehicles.
• Determine If You’re Applying for a New License or Renewal
  • First-Time Application: For new businesses or new vehicles entering service
  • Renewal Application: For renewing previously permitted vehicles
• Complete the Taxicab Application Form
• Attach Required Supporting Documents
  • Driver’s Licenses of all individuals who will operate the taxicab
  • Color photos of the vehicle (front, both sides, and back)
  • Vehicle registration (list state if not registered in Tennessee)
• Pay the Required Application Fee
  • New or Renewal Permit: $100 + $20 per vehicle
  • Payment Methods Accepted:
    • Check (payable to City of Paris)
    • Cash
    • Credit Card
    • Money Order
• Submit Your Application to the City of Paris Business Office
  • Applications must be submitted in person or by mail to City Hall.
    • Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
    • Mailing Address:
      City of Paris
      P.O. Box 970
      Paris, TN 38242
  • The City has up to 14 days to review and approve or deny the application.
• Wait for Approval Before Operating
  • No taxicab may operate in the City of Paris without an approved permit.

• Review the City of Paris Municipal Code Regarding Beer
• Gather the Required Documents
  • Completed and notarized Beer Permit Application
  • Copy of valid City of Paris Business License
  • Copy of Tennessee Department of Revenue Sales & Use Tax Certificate, or proof of application
  • Government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Social Security Card, or similar)
  • Building must meet code and have an approved Certificate of Occupancy before permit issuance
• Pay the $250 Application Fee (Non-Refundable)
  • Accepted payment methods: Check (payable to City of Paris), cash, credit card, or money order
• Undergo a Background Check
  • A background check will be completed by the Paris Police Department
• Submit your application to City Hall
  • Applications must be submitted at least 14 days before the Beer Control Board meeting to be reviewed
  • The Beer Control Board meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at Noon (as needed)
  • Late applications will be considered at the next month’s meeting

• Review the City of Paris Municipal Code Regarding Peddlers and Transient Merchants
• Determine the Type of Permit You Need
  • Transient Merchant Permit – For short-term vendors, such as pop-up stands or temporary sellers at events.
  • Peddler Permit – For ongoing or door-to-door vendors, such as those selling throughout the year in neighborhoods or businesses.
• Complete the Application for a Peddler or Transient Merchant Permit
  • Applications must be fully filled out and submitted for review.
• Provide a $1,000 Surety Bond
  • Required for Transient Merchant applications.
  • Must be made payable to the City of Paris.
• Allow Time for Background Check (If Applicable)
  • A 24-hour waiting period may apply for background checks conducted by the Paris Police Department.
• Pay the Applicable Permit Fee
  • Transient Merchant Permit: $55
    • Valid for 14 days from the issue date
  • Peddler Permit: $50
    • Valid for 14 days from the issue date
  • Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, check, cashier’s check, or money order only.
• Obtain Written Permission from the Property Owner
  • You must have written approval to operate on private property.
  • Sales on public streets, sidewalks, or rights-of-way are prohibited.
• Provide Proof of Tax Status
  • Submit either:
    • Tennessee Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
    • Proof of nontaxable status
• Submit documents to City Hall for review
  • Phone: (731) 641-1405
  • Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
  • Address: 100 N Caldwell Street, Paris, TN 38242