Guide to Required Permits and Approvals 

 
For guidance on development in TC-MU and TC-R go to the Design Review Commission page. 

Building or renovating in Walden often involves navigating multiple permits and approvals, and it is not always obvious which ones apply to your project. This guide walks through the most common scenarios to help reduce confusion as you plan your project.

What You Need to Know Before You Begin (8.5 x 5 in)

FOR ZONING TABLES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, SEE THE COLUMN ON THE LEFT 

The below information is not exhaustive.
Always confirm permitting needs with town staff before beginning a project. 

I Want To.....

NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

Please refer to the Zoning Ordinance Table of Dimensional Requirements to confirm that your project meets the required setbacks.

What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Variance Board of Zoning Appeals
   (If the proposed construction enters the setback area)  
1. Septic Permit Hamilton County Ground Water
3. Curb Cut Permit  Walden Board of Mayor and Alderman
4. Walden Approval Town of Walden
5.  Building Permit Hamilton County Building Inspections Department
NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Septic Permit Hamilton County Ground Water
2. Land Disturbance Permit
     (if disturbing an acre or more of land)		 Hamilton County Water Quality Department
3. Curb Cut Permit  Walden Board of Mayor and Alderman
4. Walden Approval Town of Walden
5.  Building Permit Hamilton County Building Inspections Department
NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Septic Permit Hamilton County Ground Water
2. Special Use Permit to Construct
     4a. Application Review Walden Planning Commission
     4b. Special Use Permit Approval Walden Board of Mayor and Alderman
3. Land Disturbance Permit  Hamilton County Water Quality Department
    (if disturbing more an acre or more of land)  
4. Curb Cut Permit  Walden Board of Mayor and Alderman
5. Walden Approval Town of Walden
6. Building Permit Hamilton County Building Inspections Dept.
NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Septic Permit Hamilton County Ground Water
2. Variance to Construct  Board of Zoning Appeals
3. Variance to Access  Board of Zoning Appeals
4. Special Use Permit to Construct
     4a. Application Review Walden Planning Commission
     4b. Special Use Permit Approval Walden Board of Mayor and Alderman
5. Land Disturbance Permit  Hamilton County Water Quality Department
    (if disturbing an acre or more of land)
6. Curb Cut Permit  Walden Board of Mayor and Alderman
7. Walden Approval Town of Walden
8. Building Permit Hamilton County Building Inspections Dept.
The following requirements are for a manufactured homes constructed as single, self-contained units, mounted on a single chassis.

NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Septic Permit Hamilton County Ground Water
2. Special Use Permit to Construct  
2a. Special Use Application Review Walden Planning Commission
2b. Special Use Permit Approval Walden Board of Mayor and Alderman
3. Land Disturbance Permit Hamilton County Water Quality Department
    (if disturbing an acre or more of land)  
4. Curb Cut Permit Walden Board of Mayor and Alderman
5. Walden Approval Town of Walden
6. Building Permit Hamilton County Building Inspections Dept.
A permit is not required from Walden if the footprint or height of the structure does not change. 

NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Septic Permit Hamilton County Ground Water
2. Land Disturbance Permit Hamilton County Water Quality Department
    (if lot is greater than 1 acre)  
3. Walden Approval Town of Walden
4. Building Permit Hamilton County Building Inspections Dept.
A permit is not required from Walden if the footprint or height of the structure does not change. 

NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Variance  Board of Zoning Appeals
(If proposed construction extends into the setback area)
2. Septic Permit Hamilton County Ground Water
3. Land Disturbance Permit Hamilton County Water Quality Department
    (if disturbing an acre or more of land)
4. Walden Approval Town of Walden
5. Building Permit Hamilton County Building Inspections Dept.
NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Septic Permit Hamilton County Ground Water
2. Land Disturbance Permit Hamilton County Water Quality Department
    (if disturbing an acre or more of land)
3. Walden Approval Town of Walden
4. Building Permit Hamilton County Building Inspections Dept.
NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

For guidance on development in TC-MU and TC-R go to the Design Review Commission page. 

Build a Driveway
What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Curb Cut Permit Board of Mayor and Alderman

Build a Driveway on a Private Road
What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Variance to Access Board of Zoning Appeals
2. Curb Cut Permit Board of Mayor and Aldermen
 
Build a Driveway on an Unopened Right-of-Way
What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Variance to Access Board of Zoning Appeals
2. Curb Cut Permit  
 
Build a Driveway on a State Highway
What I Need Issuing Authority
1. TDOT Highway Entrance Permit Tennessee Department of Transportation 
2. Curb Cut Permit Board of Mayor and Alderman
 
NOTE: Always review permitting needs with Town Hall before beginning a project.

For guidance on zoning in TC-MU and TC-R go to the Design Review Commission page. 

Rezone my Property
What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Rezoning Application Review Walden Planning Commission
2. Rezoning Ordinance Approval Board of Mayor and Alderman

Subdivide my Property
What I Need Issuing Authority
1. Preliminary Plat Approval Walden Planning Commission
2. Final Plat Approval Walden Planning Commission