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Codes Enforcement

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1. I live in a subdivision with a homeowner association, will the Code Enforcement Division enforce the association’s bylaws, subdivision restrictions, or deed restrictions?

No. If someone in the subdivision is violating a provision of the association’s bylaws, it is the responsibility of the association to initiate legal action. The only regulations the Codes Enforcement Division can enforce are state and city laws.

2. How does code enforcement work?

Codes Enforcement officers routinely patrol their respective areas of the city for violations of municipal codes. In most cases, the problem exists simply because the owner is unaware of the provisions of the code. Codes Enforcement officers work on a complaint and proactive basis. When you submit a complaint the officer will begin a case file and confirm the violation. After confirmation the officer will issue a citation or warning until the party has corrected the violation.

3. Are there issues that code enforcement cannot address?

Yes. These items are not actually code violations.

• Vehicles or RVs that are legally parked
  
• Too many vehicles at one home
  
• Four or fewer unrelated people living in one dwelling unit
  
• House needing paint / landscape maintenance
  
• Vehicles that are tagged and licensed being parked in the owner's yard

4. Can I make an anonymous complaint?

Yes. The City of Cleveland routinely accepts anonymous complaints, and investigates and resolves such complaints in the same manner as concerns raised by identified complainants. Officers respond to code enforcement complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority, others are pursued in the order in which they are received.

A report will be taken if the complaint is confirmed by the code officer. In most cases, your complaint is a public record and may be released upon request to persons who request a copy. You may also contact your city council representative if you wish to remain anonymous.

5. I phoned in a complaint weeks ago. Why has nothing been done to the property?

In all cases, the responsible party must be provided notice that there is a problem. They must be provided with a reasonable time period in which to correct the violation(s). This notice may be as simple as a visit from a code enforcement officer or the issuance of a citation to municipal or state court. Regardless of the type of service for the respondent(s) in your particular case, please rest assured that your complaint is important and is being handled in the most expeditious and appropriate manner.

6. How do I notify the city about a possible code violation?

You may file a complaint about a possible code violation by phone to (423) 476-1121, by email, or in person / writing to:
100 Church Street NE
Cleveland, TN 37311.

Please be prepared with specific information, such as:

• Identify the specific complaint or problem.
  Give your name, address, and telephone number.
  
• Give the location of the problem, street name, and house number. If address is unknown, give location of property, (i.e. northwest corner of 25th St and Keith St).
  
• Give specific description of complaint (i.e. description of vehicle, license plate number, type of trash or debris.

7. What are some of the things that would be considered a violation?

• Overgrown vegetation such as weeds, grass, vines, growth to a height of 12 inches or more.
  
• Accumulation of trash, litter, debris, garbage, concrete, scrap lumber or other building debris or other refuse of any nature.
  
• Any building or other structure which is in such a dilapidated condition that it is unfit for human habitation.
  
• To accumulate or store one or more inoperable or wrecked motor vehicle.

8. Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

No, but the placement of the signs is regulated. Signs should be on private property and only with the owner’s permission. Signs that are mounted on street signs, utility poles or free standing in the street right-of-way are subject to removal. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and city holidays are the only authorized days for garage sales.

Garage sale hours are to be conducted from 8:00 am and 6:00 pm For more detailed information regarding garage sales and what you need to know please reference the Cleveland Municipal Code Section 9, Chapter 4.

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Development & Engineering Services - Building Department

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1. How do I apply for a building permit?

You can apply for a permit online, through our Permit Applications page.

2. Who can apply for a building permit?

You can find the requirements on our Contractor Licensing Requirements page.

3. How much will my permit cost?

A fee schedule is available on our website.

4. What are the current building codes adopted by the City of Cleveland?

You can view current building codes on our building department page.

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Finance

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1. Where can I pay my property taxes?

County property taxes are paid at the Bradley County Courthouse. City property taxes are paid at the Cleveland Municipal Building:
190 Church St. NE
Cleveland, TN 37311

2. Where can I get new tags or renew registration for my car, truck, or boat?

Contact Bradley County Trustee Donnie Simpson at (423) 728-7226.

3. How do I apply for a marriage license?

Contact Bradley County Trustee Donna Simpson at (423) 728-7226.

4. Where can I get a copy of my divorce papers?

Call the Bradley County Circuit Court Clerk, Gayla Miller, at (423) 728-7214.

5. How do I learn about voting and poll locations?

Please call the Election Commission of Bradley County Government at (423) 728-7115 for election information and voting locations.

6. How can I get city garbage service for my household items?

Find information on garbage collection on the garbage and solid waste page within our public works page, or call (423) 472-2851.

7. How do I get a dumpster for my home remodeling debris?

Visit the bulk trash collection webpage for more information, or call (423) 472-2851.

8. How do I contact my district's council person?

The City of Cleveland provides a contact list for citizen's to reach out to their district council person.

9. How can I get information regarding the meeting dates of the city council?

Call the City of Cleveland at (423) 472-4551 and please ask for Shawn McKay (City Clerk / Finance Director), Christy Bryant (Finance Administrative Assistant), or Sue Zius (Mayor Rowland’s Administrative Assistant).

10. Where do I get in information regarding local area airports?

The City of Cleveland presently has the Crystal Air Airport at Hardwick Field, call them at (423) 790-1599.

The city is also in the process of developing our new Cleveland Regional Jetport. Please contact Mark Fidler, Director of Marketing and Operations at (423) 472-2851.

Also, another area airport is the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, contact them at (423) 855-2202.

11. Where can I find out when my court date is for my citation / ticket?

For county citations, which are pink in color, or state citations, which are cream in color; call General Sessions at the Bradley County Judicial Center at (423) 728-7048.

For city citations which are white in color and envelope size, call Karen Stovall (Court Clerk) at (423) 472-4551.

12. How do I book a pavilion / shed at a city or county park?

• For a city park pavilion or shed, contact Emily Smith, Secretary, at (423) 472-4551.
  
• For a county pavilion or shed, call (423) 728-7035.

13. How can I get help for the homeless or the indigent?

For emergency housing, contact the Bradley / Cleveland Emergency Shelter, located on Wildwood Avenue at (423) 478-1458.

For chronic health related problems, contact the Good Samaritan Clinic which is located at 8th and Walker Streets at (423) 478-7448.

For other needs contact:

• Bradley / Cleveland Community Services Agency, (423) 479-4111
  
• Tennessee Department of Human Services, (423) 478-0300
  
• United Way of Bradley County, (423) 472-9876
  
• United Way Food Bank, (423) 479-8575
  
• Refuge Community Centre, (423) 584-5211
  
• The Caring Place, (423) 472-4414

14. How can I apply for food stamp assistance, Medicaid or Tennessee Care?

Call the Tennessee Department of Human Services (615) 313-4700.

15. How do I get help with child support cases?

Contact the Child Custody Court Clerk, Penny Houck, at (423) 728-7219.

16. How can I get help regarding child abuse / neglect?

To report child abuse or neglect, please contact the Department of Children Services at (423) 478-0351.

17. How do I get garnishments removed?

Please contact Bradley County General Sessions Court at (423) 728-7214.

18. How do I, as a city resident, get a tree problem resolved or a vacant lot cleaned up?

For tree problems call Dan Hartman, tree arborist for the City of Cleveland, at (423) 472-4551.

For vacant lot clean up, contact Lt. Robert Harbison of the Cleveland Police Department at (423) 476-1121.

19. How can I get a problem resolved with my landlord?

For civil matters, contact General Sessions Court at (423) 728-7214.

If a landlord is not keeping the building / dwelling up to city code ordinances, contact Lt. Robert Harbison of the Cleveland Police Department at (423) 476-1121.

20. How do I get help with flooding at my home?

Please contact Brian Beck, engineer of city’s Development and Engineering Services Department at (423) 479-1913.

21. Who can I contact regarding jury duty?

For any questions regarding jury duty, call Bradley County General Sessions Court at (423) 728-7214.

22. How do I change my address for property tax purposes or to verify if a land parcel / property is in the city of the county?

Please contact Bradley County Tax Assessor of Property, Stanley Thompson, at (423) 728-7126.

23. How do I contact the Better Business Bureau?

Call the Chattanooga Better Business Bureau at (423) 266-6144.

24. How can I get free legal assistance?

For information on legal assistance, call Legal Aid of East Tennessee, in Chattanooga at (423) 756-4013.

25. How do I get a burn permit?

The City of Cleveland does not issue burn permits, but residents must contact the Cleveland Fire Department at (423) 476-6713 to get an Approval to Burn.

For county residents, please call the Tennessee Division of Forestry at (423) 478-0337 for a burn permit.

26. How do I get a building permit?

For the city, call Development and Engineering Services Department at (423) 479-1913.

For county residents, please call Tina Bishop of the Bradley County Planning / Engineering, Building and Water Quality Department, at (423) 728-7106.

27. Who do I call about an animal problem?

Please call Animal Control / Shelter for animal problems at (423) 559-3333.

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Finance - Taxes

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1. What if I do not receive a tax bill?

Property tax notices are not required by state law, but are sent to you as a courtesy and reminder. If you need a duplicate bill, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (423) 472-4551.

2. What if I have recently refinanced my mortgage and I’m not sure if the company has paid the taxes?

If you have changed mortgage companies within the last year, we suggest that you forward your bill to the new mortgage company, just to make certain that they have your information. We also suggest that you use our online service to verify that the current taxes have been paid.

3. My mortgage company escrows my taxes and insurance, do I forward the bill to my mortgage company?

Yes, to ensure that your property taxes get paid in a timely matter, we suggest that you forward a copy of the bill (with your loan number on it) to your mortgage company to the attention of the Escrow Department.

4. I am a new owner, will the property tax bill be sent to me?

Not necessarily. The assessment date is January 1 of the tax period. The property is legally assessed and billed to the owner as of that date. If you are a new owner and did not receive a bill, please call the City Clerk’s office at (423) 472-4551 to request a duplicate.

5. Are partial payments accepted for my taxes?

No. We can only accept payment in full.

6. If property taxes are not paid, will the property be sold?

The Bradley County Clerk and Master conducts annual tax sales on parcels of property that have delinquent taxes. This information comes from the clerk and master’s office. For more information, please contact them at (423) 728-7206.

7. Is there any tax relief for elderly and permanently disabled citizens?

Yes. The State of Tennessee has a program for certain elderly and permanently disabled citizens. Applications for state tax relief can be completed at Bradley County Trustee’s office located in the Bradley County Courthouse or at the Municipal Building:
190 Church St NE
Cleveland, TN 37311

In addition, the county offers Elderly Tax Freeze for the certain elderly citizens that serves as a supplement to the state program. Please see the county website for information or contact them at 423-728-7247.

8. How do I change my property tax billing address?

To change your mailing address, contact the Bradley County Tax Assessors office at (423) 728-7126.

9. Who determines the valuation of my property?

The Bradley County Property Assessors office determines and periodically updates the value of all taxable property in the county, including Cleveland, using field inspections, computer programs and formulas required by the state. For more information, call the Bradley County Assessor’s office at (423) 728-7126.

10. What can I do if I think my property valuation is wrong?

Any citizen can appeal his or her property valuation. Appeals can be started by calling the Bradley County Assessor´s office at (423) 728-7126. There the appeal will be reviewed by the appraisal staff. If you disagree with their findings, you may make an appeal to the Board of Equalization, as the appeals board is called, which is made up of local citizens. You may file an appeal at any time, but they are only heard in the spring of each year and the decision will affect only the taxes for the year in which the appeal is heard.

11. Is paying my property tax bill online safe?

Making payments through the online property tax system is actually safer and more dependable than paying by mail. The system uses encryption technology to ensure that only approved persons have access to your payment information.

12. What form of online property tax payment can I use?

You may use an electronic check or credit card to pay your property tax bill online.

13. Why is my email required on the online payment page?

Along with your transaction receipt an email with the same information will be sent to you as an additional record should you have any problems after completing your payment. Within a few days of payment you will receive an email that is your final confirmation of payment. This email is your proof that your payment passed through the processor’s bank and has been deposited in the City of Cleveland’s bank account. Keep and file this record. Your email address will never be sold or distribute to outside parties.

14. How will I know if my online property tax payment is received before the bill due date?

Your bill payment should be made prior to the date the bill is due. The date printed on the confirmation page is recognized as the date of payment. To avoid interest and penalty payments, your bill payment should be made prior to February 28 of each year.

15. What is tangible personal property?

Tangible personal property is moveable, touchable property used in a business. It includes furniture, computers, machinery, tools, supplies, raw material, vehicles, scrap and other property not listed as real estate. Tanks, billboards and pipelines are tangible personal property unless classified as real property. Contact the Bradley County Tax Assessors office at (423) 728-7126 with any questions regarding your tangible personal property schedule.

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Garbage & Solid Waste

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1. Who picks up the household garbage and empties the dumpsters?

Weekly residential garbage service is provided as a benefit to the residents of the City of Cleveland. This service is contracted through Waste Connections, LLC and the service provider is responsible for the scheduling of garbage pick up days. If you have questions or concerns about your residential garbage service, please contact Waste Connections at 476-2293.

Commercial trash pick up inside the City limits is under an exclusive contract with Waste Connections, LLC. If you are a business owner in need of service, please contact Waste Connections at 476-2293 or online.

2. When is my route scheduled for brush/debris pick up?

Information needed to determine your pick up schedule can be found under DEPARTMENTS / PUBLIC WORKS / GARBAGE & SOLID WASTE / BULK TRASH/SOLID WASTE COLLECTION or by clicking on and following the provided links under Route Search and Calendar located here.

3. What is the best way to put out items for Public Works to pick up?

Items should be placed as close to the street as possible but not as to cause a traffic hazard. The city ordinance states that items for collection may be placed to the curb as early as the evening before your scheduled removal day.

Please keep your yard waste and rubbish items in separate piles which are easily accessible with our heavy equipment (i.e. away from fences, mailboxes, wires, etc.)

Leaves (except during the months of October – February when the vacuum truck is used) and grass clippings must be bagged for removal.

4. Do I need to put my small rubbish and/or yard debris in a particular color garbage bag?

Yes. Any bagged debris set out by the curb for pick up needs to be in clear plastic bags. Trash set out in colored garbage bags is often mistaken for regular household garbage (which is not picked up by this department).

5. What if I have a large amount of debris to dispose of or can't wait until my scheduled pick up day?

Public Works offers overnight and weekend use of dump trucks for removal of bulk rubbish for residents of the City of Cleveland. The requested vehicle will be dropped off at the desired location between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and will be picked up the next business day after 7:00 a.m. Removal of regular junk items and use of the vehicles are free of charge; however, due to our route system now servicing residents on a weekly schedule, dump truck usage is limited to once a month. This service is not available during the months of November and December. Demolition debris, hazardous materials and tires should not be placed in the dump truck. Non-compliance may result in you no longer being able to utilize this service.

6. Can I get debris picked up from my business?

Debris pick-up is a residential service only.

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Main

Show All Answers

1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I book a pavilion / shed at a city or county park?

• For a city park pavilion or shed, contact Karen Stovall, Recreation Secretary, at (423) 472-4551.
  
• For a county pavilion or shed, call (423) 728-7035.

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Police

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1. Where do you get restraining orders and/or warrants?

Restraining orders and warrants may be obtained at the general sessions Court Clerk's Office at Bradley County Justice Center. Call them at (423) 728-7048.

2. Where do you get an order of protection?

An order of protection may be obtained on the second floor of the Bradley County Courthouse:
155 N. Ocoee St.
Cleveland, TN 37311

3. Do you offer motorcycle safety classes and/or gun safety classes?

Yes. Contact: Chattanooga State Continuing Education at (423) 697-3100 for more information.

4. Do you offer gun permit classes?

Yes. Contact the Bradley County Justice Center at (423) 728-7300 for more information.

5. Where do you pay citations / tickets?

You can pay your citations and tickets at:
Municipal Building
190 Church St.
Cleveland, TN 37311

6. Where do I go for city court?

The city court is located at:
Cleveland Police Service Center
100 Church St NE
Cleveland, TN 37311

7. Who can I talk to about my court date or citation?

To discuss a court date or citation, please call the city court clerk at (423) 472-4551.

8. What is the phone number for the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle)?

You can reach the DMV at (423) 478-0346.

9. What is the number for probation?

You can reach the probation office at (423) 728-7119.

10. What is the number for the Justice Center?

You can contact the Justice Center at (423) 728-7800.

11. What is the number for juvenile services?

The phone number for juvenile services is (423) 728-7289.

12. What is the number for police booking?

You can reach police booking at (423) 728-7366.

13. What is the number for the Animal Shelter?

You can contact the animal shelter at (423) 559-3333, Monday thru Friday 11AM to 5PM, Saturday 10AM to 12PM.   If it is an emergency, call 911.

14. What is the phone number for the drug task force?

You may reach the drug task force at (423) 336-3996.

15. Where do I get background checks done at?

Background checks are done at General Sessions Court Clerk's Office at Bradley County Justice Center, reach them at (423) 728-7048.

16. How do I get reports for crashes that Tennessee Highway Patrol worked?

Call the Tennessee Highway Patrol at (423) 634-6890 to request reports.

17. Does the Cleveland Police Department give out free baby / children car seats?

Yes. Please contact officer Jennifer Samples at (423) 476-1121 or email jsamples@clevelandtn.gov for an application. We also have specially certified officers that can check y our child's car seat and make sure they are in the correct seat and it is properly installed.

18. How do I go about signing my child up for Shop with A Cop / Blue Christmas?

Contact the School Resource Officer at the school where your child attends and they will collect the information and pass it on to the Fraternal Order of Police.

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Public Works

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1. Who is responsible for cleaning/maintaining ditches?

Public Works maintains ditches that are on City right-of-way only. If the ditch is located on private property, then the maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

2. How do I get a drainage tile installed?

Contact our office at 423-472-2851, and we will send someone out to measure the drainage ditch and notify you of the size of pipe needed. The property owner will be responsible for purchasing the pipe and our crews will install.

3. Who do I call about trees in the powerlines?

If you have overgrown or downed trees that are in the electrical powerlines, contact Cleveland Utilities at 423-472-4521.
NOTE: If you have an after-hours emergency, please dial 911.

4. Who do I call about a tree across the road?

The Public Works Department is responsible for clearing the roadways of fallen trees. To report trees across the road, call 423-472-2851.
NOTE: If you have an after-hours emergency, please dial 911.

5. Who do I call about tree trimming or mowing along the right-of-way?

All trimming and mowing along the City rights-of-ways should be directed to the Parks & Recreation, Landscape Division at 423-472-4551.
NOTE: If you have an after-hours emergency, please dial 911.

6. Who do I contact for codes violations such as overgrown lots and junk cars?

Contact Codes Enforcement at 423-476-1121 for assistance.

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Signs & Markings

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1. Can I get a "Children at Play" sign installed in my neighborhood?

"Children at Play" signs are not enforceable; therefore, the City will not install this type of sign.