Community

FAQ's

Welcome to the City of Murfreesboro!

Following are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers that you may find
useful as you settle into your new home or business.

What airport services does Murfreesboro provide?
When do I need a building permit and where do I apply for it?
Who provides cable television service for Murfreesboro?
Where do I pay a parking or other traffic citation?
Where do I obtain a driver's license?
Who provides fire service for my area?
Will my garbage be picked up at the street?
Where is the public library?
How is my property zoned? Can I operate a business in my home?
Where do I call for non-emergency police service or general information?
Does Murfreesboro have a recycle program?
Where can I get more information about the schools in Murfreesboro?
I am a senior citizen. What does Murfreesboro offer me?
Where do I get my vehicle registration changed? Will I need an emissions check?
When are my city taxes due and how are they computed?
Does Murfreesboro have a public transportation program?
Who provides utility services for Murfreesboro?
Where do I obtain a marriage license?
Where do I obtain a passport?
Where can I register to vote?
Where do I report potholes?
How do I get a stray animal picked up in my area?
Who do I call to report a street light out?
Miscellaneous Contact Information

Airport

The City of Murfreesboro operates a non-air carrier general aviation airport. The airport provides fuel service, hangars, and tie-downs for aircraft. The airport also has flight planning facilities for pilots along
with a lobby/meeting area in its Terminal/Administration Building. Airport staff welcome visitors and assist them with securing hospitality services (hotels, rental cars, catering, maps, etc.). Other companies that lease hangars and offices from the City of Murfreesboro provide aircraft
maintenance, flight training, charter services, and aircraft sales.The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport is one of four non-air carrier airports in Tennessee that are self-supportive, using only revenues from the airport to operate and complete capital improvements. The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, located at 1930 Memorial Boulevard, is committed to safety and the improvement of its facilities to continue to better serve its commercial operators, the business community, local aircraft operators and owners, and people from all over the nation that fly into the community to conduct business and visit friends and family.For more information, click Murfreesboro Municipal Airport or call 615-848-3254.

Metropolitan Nashville International Airport is approximately 25 miles from Murfreesboro.

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Animals and Pets

Pets Adoption and Welfare Services (PAWS) 615-898-7740 will pick up stray animals. It would be helpful to them if you can give the owner's name so they can locate the owner. If not, you will need to describe the animal and tell them where it can be located.

Building & Codes FAQ

When do I need a building permit?
A permit is required in order to construct, alter, convert, repair, enlarge, move or demolish any building or structure or part thereof, or any appurtenances connected or attached thereto including, but not limited to fences, storage buildings, pools, decks, and finishing out expandables.

When is a building permit not required?
Normal maintenance repairs of an existing building or structure may be made without a permit, provided such repairs do not violate any provisions of the code.

What are "normal maintenance repairs"?
The term, "normal maintenance repairs", means repairs to an existing building or structure, including but not limited to exterior and interior painting, papering, glazing of windows or doors, floor finishing, minor repairs to chimneys, porches, underpinning or roofing.

Where do I apply for a building permit?
Apply in person at the City of Murfreesboro Building and Codes Department located at 111 W. Vine St. on the 2nd floor of the City Hall Building, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.

How long is a building permit valid?
A building permit does not become invalid unless the work authorized by it has not commenced within six months of its issuance, or if the work is suspended or abandoned for a period of one year after the time the work commenced.

Is it okay to convert the bonus room into a bedroom?
Converting other rooms of a house into sleeping rooms is not permitted unless the emergency egress window, smoke detector and septic system (if applicable) requirements are met.

I am finishing out an expandable, when do I need inspections?
Framing and rough-in inspections are required before installing drywall and a final inspection is required when all work is completed. A certificate of occupancy will be issued after the work has been inspected and approved.

When constructing an addition, when do I need inspections?
A footing/slab inspection is required before you pour concrete.
Framing and rough-in inspections are required before you install drywall.
Final inspections are required when all work has been completed.
The building and codes department will issue a certificate of occupancy after the work has been completed and passed all required inspections.

Is it okay to remove the handrails from the steps?
No. Handrails are required where more than two steps occur and removal constitutes a violation of the code. Handrails are important to people's safety and should not be removed.

Why do I need a permit to build or remodel my own house/property?
In a word, safety - your safety, and that of your family, visitors, and guests.

How do I know if I'm dealing with a reputable contractor?
Number one - are they licensed? Tennessee law requires that a general contractor or home improvement contractor be licensed. Ask to see a license certificate.
Do they have insurance? In most cases, state law requires that they carry workers compensation insurance. Ask to see a certificate of insurance.
Ask to see some identification. Be sure you know the correct name of the individual you are dealing with, their address, and telephone number(s).
Ask for at least two references - and check them out.
Make absolutely sure they obtain the required building permits - and call for and pass the required codes inspections. Make sure the building permit is in hand before the work begins, and be sure you are furnished with a certificate of occupancy issued by the building and codes department, before making final payment.

Can a fence be on the property line?
There are no setback requirements for fences - but please take care not to encroach upon your neighbor's property, on a drainage or utility easement, or the public right of way. A building permit is required in order to construct the fence. The building and codes department will assist you in determining if easements are located on your property.

How much are permits for fences, accessory buildings, etc.?
The building permit fee is based on the valuation of the work. See the permit and inspection fee page for additional information.

Can I obtain my own permits?
Yes and no. A homeowner may obtain his or her own building, mechanical or plumbing permits. However, a licensed electrical contractor must obtain permits for any electrical work. A licensed gas contractor must obtain permits for any gas work, however, a homeowner residing in their own home and is doing the gas work themselves may obtain a gas permit.

Is this the office I call to complain about neighbor's grass/abandoned inoperable vehicles?
Yes. The code enforcement secretary can assist you in taking complaint information, which will then be investigated by the codes Inspector.

What is the number for Rutherford County Codes?
The phone number for the Rutherford County Codes Department is 615-898-7734.

What is the number for TN One-Call?
Before you dig call TN One-Call at 1-800-351-1111.
For more specific information, contact the building and codes department at 615-893-3750.

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Cable Television

Cable television service is currently provided by Comcast. If you would like to subscribe to cable service, are experiencing service problems or have a billing question, contact Comcast at 244-5900.

The City of Murfreesboro operates a governmental access television station, located on Cable Channel 3, which provides quality governmental programming to its citizens. See its monthly programming schedule on this website. If you have contacted Comcast cable with a problem or question and have been unsuccessful in resolving your issue, feel free to contact the City Cable Television Department at 615-848-3245 and they will assist you in resolving your problem or question.

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City Court

If you have a question about a citation for violation of a Murfreesboro City Code, please call City Court at 890-2142. The mailing address for City Court is PO Box 1985, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-1985. If you choose to post a cash appearance bond in person, the City Court Clerk’s Office is located in Room 202 on the second floor of City Hall. If you choose to answer your citation by appearing in Court, please go to the Courtroom (Room 213). If a Sheriff's Deputy or State Trooper issued your citation, you should go to General Sessions Court at the Rutherford County Judicial Building at 20 Northside Square. For additional information, click Judicial.

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Driver's Licenses
New residents of the city have 30 days after establishing permanent residency to change their out-of-state drivers license to a valid Tennessee license. If you have a valid license from another state, only a vision test is required. For a first-time license, you must have a certified birth certificate, pass a written test concerning the rules of the road, vision test and a road test. All applicants must also have verification of their Social Security number. Driver's License Testing Center is located at:

1035 Samsonite Boulevard
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 898-8037
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7:00 am - 5:30 pm

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Fire

The Murfreesboro Fire Department provides service to properties within the city limits. You should dial 911 in case of an emergency, and 615-893-1311 for non-emergency calls. For more information about your Fire Department, call 615-893-1422, or click on Fire Department for their services page.

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Garbage and Yard Waste Pickup

If you live within the city limits of Murfreesboro, your trash and yard waste are picked up at the street. The Murfreesboro Solid Waste Department is responsible for your garbage and yard waste collection. The Street Department sweeps your streets. Together, they work hard to help make your neighborhood look as pleasing as possible. Solid Waste provides residents with a free 96-gallon garbage cart, and empties it once per week. A second 64-gallon or 96-gallon cart can be purchased from Solid Waste, if needed for weekly use. No garbage outside these carts will be picked up. Some bulk items may be picked up upon request and scheduled with the SolidWaste Department. Additionally, Solid Waste will collect your limbs and brush approximately once a week. The city is able to divert a tremendous volume from going to the landfill by mulching your yard waste. This mulch is available to citizens free of charge at the city's mulching center, 4765 Florence Rd. (just south of Florence Station off U.S. 41-A west of the city).

For more information, call the Solid Waste Department, located at 630 West Main St., at (615) 893-3681 or see rules and regulations and pickup schedules by clicking Solid Waste.

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the city's solid waste service.

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Library

Linebaugh Public Library is located at 105 West Vine Street on the Civic Plaza, next to City Hall. The telephone number is (615) 893-4131. For more information, see their website at http://www.linebaugh.org/

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Marriage Licenses/Passports

Marriage Licenses and Passports may be applied for at the Rutherford County Clerk's Office at 319 N. Maple Street, (615) 898-7797.

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Planning/Zoning

Before you buy real estate or plan to build, the Murfreesboro Planning Department invites you to call with your inquiries regarding such matters as zoning, floodplain management, annexation, land development, land subdivision, historic zoning, and property addressing. You can reach the Planning Department by calling (615) 893-6441. For more information about this department and their services to the city, click here.

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Police

The Murfreesboro Police Department is committed to the protection of life and the prevention of crime and disorder. For emergency situations, call 911. For non-emergency situations, call police dispatch at 615-893-1311. The Murfreesboro Police Department is divided into four divisions: Uniform, Criminal Investigations, Administrative Services and Operations. Police Headquarters is located at 302 South Church Street. For more information, call the general information number (615) 849-2670 or click on Police Department.

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Recycling

You may recycle newspapers, steel and aluminum cans, corrugated cardboard, white paper and glass at several locations within the City of Murfreesboro . They include the city's convenience center at 648 West Main St. (hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday) and bins in the parking lots of the Kroger stores at 1776 Northfield Blvd. and 831 South Tennessee Blvd. If you have any questions, contact the Murfreesboro Solid Waste Department at (615) 893-3681.

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School System

The mission of the Murfreesboro City Schools System is to assure academic and personal success for each child. The city school system provides K-6 education. Rutherford County provides grades 7-12 for city and county residents.

For more information about city schools, call Murfreesboro City Schools Administration at (615) 893-2313 or see their website at http://www.murfreesboro.cityschools.net

For more information about Rutherford County schools, call (615) 893-5812 or click http://www.rcs.k12.tn.us

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Senior Center

The St. Clair Street Senior Center offers a variety of services and activities for individuals in the community age 60 and over. It is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and during other special occasions. The Center is located at 325 St. Clair Street, phone (615) 848-2550. For their calendar of events and other information, click Senior Center.

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Street Lights

If there is a street light out in your area, please call the Murfreesboro Electric Department, (615) 893-5514, and report it to the Operations Department for repair.

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Tags/Registration

New residents must obtain Tennessee license plates for their cars and trucks within 30 days after establishing residency. To purchase a license plate, a Tennessee title must be obtained. Both may be purchased at the County Clerk's office. Call ahead, (615) 898-7800, to find out what paperwork you will need to get the title and tags. The Rutherford County Clerk is located at 319 N. Maple Street.

Before renewing your registration, state law requires that you have emissions checked. In Murfreesboro, Envirotest Systems is located at 1211 Salem Park Court. The facility is open Monday & Tuesday, 7 am to 6 pm, Wednesday thru Friday, 7 am to 5 pm, and closed Saturday and Sunday. The fee is $10.00 cash. For additional instructions, call (615) 399-8995.

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Taxes

Tax notices are mailed the 1st of October. If you have not received your notice by the second week of October, please contact the Tax Department by calling 893-5210 or come by our department located on the 1st Floor of City Hall.

All city taxes are due and payble by December 31st, after this date penalties and interest are due. Your taxes must be paid by cash, check or money order; we do not accept credit cards. Each tax notice has a 5-digit receipt number located in the top left. This number needs to be written on all checks or money orders. All tax payments must be paid in full; no partial payments are accepted. We encourage you to pay early to avoid standing in long lines in December. There is not a discount offered for early payment.

Property tax assessments are made by the Rutherford County Property Assessor and sent to the State of Tennessee. The state prints out the property tax notices and forwards them to the City of Murfreesboro after applying the City's tax rate to the county's assessment value. If a property owner has questions regarding their assessment or needs to correct their mailing address they should contact the Rutherford County Property Tax Assessor's office at (615) 898-7750. For the current city tax rate, how your taxes are computed and other information, click Finance.

If you live in the city limits, you pay city and county property taxes. For information about your county taxes, call (615) 898-7705.

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Transportation

The City of Murfreesboro Public Transportation Department is responsible for the administration and operation of public transportation service (Rover) within the City of Murfreesboro. It also works with and/or assists other regional providers with mobility issues.

Rover began service to the public in April 2007, providing comfortable and convenient bus transportation for the citizens of Murfreesboro along six routes throughout the city.

Relax & Ride bus service was established to transport citizens from Murfreesboro, Smyrna and LaVergne to Nashville as well as provide reverse commute trips from Nashville to Rutherford County. Bus ride schedules or other related information can be obtained by calling the Regional Transportation Authority at 862-8833 or by visiting its website at www.rta-ride.org.

Also ride services within the city are provided through Mid-Cumberland Agency, Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm, 50¢ per ride. Call (615) 890-2677.

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Utilities

Electricity: Murfreesboro Electric Department (MED) provides reliable power to residential customers as well as area businesses and industries, but that's not all. Its wide variety of services offers city customers invaluable support from a LOCAL provider. MED is located at 205 N. Walnut Street. To initiate service, call (615) 893-5514. For more information, see its website at http://www.murfreesboroelectric.com

Water & Sewer: Murfreesboro Water & Sewer Department is dedicated to providing its customers with a bountiful supply of clean, safe water and sanitary sewer service in the most economical and efficient way possible. Normal office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. A department employee is on call after hours, weekends and holidays to respond to emergency needs. For after-hours assistance, call 893-1223. Service is initiated by visiting the Customer Service office. No deposit is required; however there is a $15 non-refundable service initiation fee for new or transferred service, and a photo ID is required. Service can usually be provided the same day for requests made before 3 p.m. There is a $25 charge to have water turned on after hours. Customers will be billed until service is cancelled. The office is located at 300 NW Broad Street. For more information, click Water & Sewer.

Gas: Your natural gas provider is ATMOS. You may reach them at 1-888-824-3434.

Telephone: Telephone service is provided by Bell South. There is not a Bell South office in Murfreesboro. For service or a phone book, call (615) 557-6500.

Cable: Cable television service is currently provided by Comcast. If you would like to subscribe to cable service, are experiencing service problems or have a billing question, contact Comcast at 244-5900.

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Voter Registration

Any person not convicted of a felony may register to vote at age 18. The voter registration books close 29 days prior to the election so register to vote as soon as possible after moving to the city. The Rutherford County Election Commission handles voter registration in the city. New residents may register at the Election Commission office, at the driver's license stations, other government offices or by mail (mail forms are available at libraries and post offices.)

The Election Commission is located at #1 Public Square South. For additional information, call (615) 898-7743.

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Miscellaneous Contact Information