Posted: Monday, May 3, 2010 1:40 pm

Building and Codes Department:
Q: How do I get my power back on?
A: If your meter has been pulled by MED, you must request an electrical safety inspection. There

will be no permit required and no charge for this inspection. The information may be phoned in to

the Building and Codes Dept. (615-893-3750) and will be assigned to the electrical inspectors.

The inspection results will be turned in to Building and Codes and we will send a list to MED.

If any electrical work will be needed – service rebuilt, rewiring, riser replaced, etc. – a permit will

be required as usual. A CITY OF MURFREESBORO ELECTRICIAN’S LICENSE IS REQUIRED

AND THEY MUST PULL THEIR OWN PERMIT TO COVER THE WORK THEY WILL

PERFORM. A homeowner should ask to see the electrician’s City license and ask them to obtain

a permit before allowing them to begin work or making an advance payment.

Q: How do I get my gas turned back on?
A: This will also require a safety inspection. There will be no charge and no permit required. The request may be phoned in to the Building & Codes office (615-893-3750). A pressure test must be on the line, which can be done by the homeowner or a licensed gas contractor. Once the pressure test is checked and tagged, our City inspector will leave an approval sticker. The homeowner will need to contact Atmos Energy to request their service be reconnected. The customer service number is 888-286-6700.

Q: When will my inspection be done?
A: Because of the magnitude of the current situation we can’t give specific times. We will do our best to keep inspection requests in the order in which they are called in, but the inspectors will have to group inspections according to area or subdivision in order to be as time efficient as possible.

Q: Do I need a building permit for the repairs to my house?
A: There will be no building permit required to replace siding, shingles or windows. If there is structural damage to your home, a permit will be required for repairs. A homeowner can pull his or her own permit. If a contractor is going to pull the permit, normal licensing requirements will apply. Contact the City Building & Codes office (615-893-3750) for an explanation of these requirements.

The homeowner should ask to see the contractor’s State of Tennessee license and get references. It would also be a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau. Homeowners should be as careful as possible when hiring their contractor. Unfortunately, there will be some scam artists coming in to try and take advantage of residents who have experienced problems so, be on your guard. Spending some extra time now can save time, money and stress later on.

Q. Is a demolition permit required for structures destroyed or too damaged for repair?
A: Until further notice, no demolition permit will be required for residential structures. Please be sure that all utilities have been disconnected and that homeowner’s insurance company is aware of the demolition prior to beginning work. For commercial demolition, contact the Building and Codes office (615/893-3750) for instructions.

Murfreesboro Water and Sewer Department:
Q: If I have a water and sewer related question who do I call?
A: Contact 615-890-0862 or 615-848-3209 during office hours Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

After hours calls will be manned.

Q: Why should I suspend my MWSD account?
A: The MWSD will turn off water service at the meter, and you will not receive a monthly bill. Request to reinstate service by calling 615-890-0862 or 615-848-3209 during business hours.

Q: What do I do if my water service has been disconnected due to damage to a structure?
A: To reinstate service call 615-890-0862 or 615-848-3209 during office hours Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. After hours calls will be manned. There will be no charge reestablish service.

Q: What do I do about water and sewer service if I must temporarily relocate?

A: You may suspend service at your present location until it is needed again by calling 890-0862 or 848-3209. If you are establishing service at a new location due to a required relocation identify your self as a tornado victim being relocated to the Customer Service Clerk so that the non refundable transfer new service fee may be waived.

Engineering Department:
Q. Who do I report storm damage to public property or facilities to?
A. Contact Carol McCulloch with the Engineering Department at 893-6441 to report damage to items such as street signs, streets, sidewalk, storm drainage inlets, ditches, fire hydrants, street lights, etc.

Q. What if storm debris is blocking a drainage inlet or ditch on my lot?
A. Call 893-6441 to report storm debris blocking the City storm drainage system such as ditches or drain inlets.

Q. Can I conduct salvage operations for scrap metal or appliances in the debris placed on the streets or on lots?

A. The City of Murfreesboro is not authorizing salvage operations for debris on public streets. Private salvage companies may work directly with homeowners to salvage materials or appliances. The company must register with the Rutherford County Emergency Management Agency at 1220 West College (898-7764). The salvage company should be prepared to identify a street address or location they are conducting salvage operations and should have the permission or authorization of the homeowner to conduct salvage operations.

To reinstate service call 615-890-0862 or 615-848-3209 during office hours Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. After hours calls will be manned. There will be no charge reestablish service.

Urban Environmental Department:

Q: Do I need a permit to replace trees and other landscaping on my Commercial property.
A: No. A permit is not required to replace trees and other landscaping on Commercial properties.

Q: Do I need a permit to plant trees and other landscaping inside the City’s Right of Way?

A: Yes. A no fee permit is required to plant trees and other landscape materials inside the City’s Right of Way. Contact the Urban Environmental Department at 615-895-8059 for more information and to apply for a Tree Work Permit. The form is also available at www.murfreesborotn.gov under the “Forms and Documents” link.

Q: All of the landscaping has been destroyed on my commercial site. Do I need to replace it?
A: Contact the Urban Environmental Department at 615-895-8059 for detailed information.

Murfreesboro Community Development Department:
Q. My home sustained damages which my homeowner insurance does not cover. Does the City have a program which could help me?

A. The City has two programs, the Housing Rehabilitation Program and the Emergency Repair Program.

The Housing Rehabilitation Program has exhausted its funds available but is taking applications for projects, which would be contracted in July when the new funding year begins.

Q. Does the Emergency Repair Program have funds available?
A. Yes.

Q. How do I know if I qualify?
A. The Community Development Department’s Emergency Repair Program assists qualified very-low income homeowners with repairs which pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of those who reside in the home.

Q. How do you define very-low income?
A. The city uses a table prepared annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The income cap is 50% of area median income and is adjusted for household size.

Very-low income cap

Size of household 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Maximum income 22,700 25,950 29,200 32,450 35,050 37,650 40,250 42,850

Q. How much assistance is available?
A. Up to $5,000.

Q. How long will I have to repay the money?
A. The assistance is provided as a grant so there is no repayment required.

Q. What kinds of emergency repairs are included?
A. Eligible emergency repairs include, but are not limited to electrical, roofing, plumbing and HVAC repairs.

Q. How do I apply for assistance?
A. Call the Community Development Department at 890-4660.

Q. What else does the Community Development Department offer?
A. The Housing Rehabilitation Program and the Affordable Housing Assistance Program are the only services the Department offers directly. Other services which might benefit storm victims are provided by Department Sub-recipients such as Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency (893-8938), Greenhouse Ministries (494,0499), The Journey Home (969-8399), Room in the Inn (896-7016), Salvation Army (895-7071) and others. Contact these agencies directly if you need assistance.

Murfreesboro Planning Department:
Q: While my house is being repaired can I park a camper or RV on my property to live in until the repairs are completed?
A: The City’s zoning regulations allow the use of an RV or camping trailer for a period of 14 days. For periods longer than 14 days property owners and residents should contact the Murfreesboro Planning Department at (615) 893-6441 or by email to jaydelott@murfreesborotn.gov or mblomeley@murfreesborotn.gov.

Q: My house was completely destroyed and I want to reconstruct my home on the lot; but possibly in a different location on the lot. Will there be any zoning issues.
A: Generally, if a residential structure were located on the property prior to the tornado, the zoning will permit the reconstruction of a similar residential structure. For confirmation of zoning and the required setbacks for houses, detached garages, and accessory structures that may affect plans for reconstruction property owners should contact the Murfreesboro Planning Department at 893-6441.

Q: If I reconstruct my home, will there be a minimum square footage requirement?

A: The City’s zoning regulations do not proscribe a minimum square footage for residential structures. However, there may be private restrictive covenants or deed restrictions that may affect the construction that the City will not have any capability to enforce. Property owners may get copies of the restrictions from the subdivision owners association or at the Rutherford County Register of Deeds Office.

Q: My house sustained major damage in the flooding and it is located in a special flood hazard area as shown on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Can I reconstruct my home on the lot?
A: Yes. However, reconstruction must be in conformance with the current flood protection elevations as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. For questions about the Flood Insurance Program you may contact the Planning Department at 893-6441.

Fire Department:
Q: Can I burn the yard waste and construction debris in my yard?

A: No. All burning has been banned until further notice. This means all burning of storm debris. The large number of emergency vehicles and personnel in the affected areas means fire trucks would find it impossible to reach a fire that has spread in time.

Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department
Q: Can citizens still use the Greenway?
A: No, the Greenway is closed until further notice due to the flooding.

Murfreesboro Tax and Finance Department:
Q. I am a contractor from outside of Murfreesboro, do I need a business license?
A. If you have a Tennessee business license you will need to have a copy of it with you. If you have gross billings of over $50,000 in the Murfreesboro city limits you will need to get a business license with both the City of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County (if you do not already have a county license). If you are from out of state you will need a business license from both locations. Please call 615-893-5210 (City) or 615-898-7798 (County) for more information.

Q. I need specific information about my home and its assessment, where do I get this?
A. Please call the County assessor’s office at 615-898-7750 to get assessment detail.