Frequently Asked Questions

The Cookeville City Court is now located at 1019 Neal Street, in Cookeville. Your Court appearance is shown on the front of the citation you received.

Cookeville Police Department
1019 Neal Street
Cookeville, TN 38501

Cookeville City Court is held on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m.

If you received your ticket for a moving traffic violation (e.g., speeding, traffic light, stop sign, failure to yield, etc.) you may pay the non-appearance amount shown on your ticket by 4:00 p.m. on your court date, and you will not have to attend court. You may pay in person at the Cookeville Police Department or Cookeville City Court at 1019 Neal Street. Those offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on court dates, when the office closes at 4:00 p.m. You may also mail your check or money order made payable to the City of Cookeville to the address below:

Cookeville City Court
1019 Neal Street
Cookeville, TN 38501

We accept Checks, Cash, or Money Orders at the City Court Clerk’s Office. The Police Department accepts Checks, Cash, or Money Orders. 

Credit/Debit card payments can be made by phone or online only.   Credit/Debit card transactions are subject to a convenience fee assessed by the vendor.

Payment by Phone:  1-888-826-2110

You can now pay tickets online!

If you elect to pay the non-appearance amount prior to your scheduled Court date, it will be recorded on your driving record with the Tennessee Department of Safety. You may avoid the moving violation going on your driving record by, requesting to complete a defensive driving school if eligible.

If the ticket you received is for a moving traffic violation, you may be eligible to complete a defensive driving school so long as you have not attended one in the last 12 months, and you do not have a commercial driver’s license. You must come into the City Court Clerk’s office before 4:00 p.m. on your scheduled court date if you wish to attend a Defensive Driving School without coming to court.

You have the right to plead "Not Guilty" and have a trial. You must call the City Court Clerk no less than 3 days prior to your scheduled Court date and ask the clerk to set your trial for the trial docket or come to Court on your original Court date and tell the Judge you want a trial. The telephone number is (931) 520-5254. You may bring witnesses to testify on your behalf. If you need to subpoena witnesses, you must notify the court clerk not less than two weeks prior to the Court date so the subpoenas can be issued and served. You may bring any evidence you deem necessary. You may hire an attorney, but it is not required.

The Cookeville City Court has adopted a policy that failure to pay Court fines and costs will not result in the suspension of your driving privileges if you are determined by the Court to be financially unable to pay those fines and costs because of lndigency. If you wish to plead guilty but believe you are financially unable to pay the fines and costs, you may request an lndigency hearing at your Court appearance. You will need to complete a Certificate of lndigency that will be provided to you, and the Court will make a determination of your lndigency. If you plead "Not Guilty" but are found "Guilty" at your hearing, you may request an lndigency determination following the hearing. A Certificate of Indigency is available from the City Court Clerk’s office at 1019 Neal Street, Cookeville Tennessee. If you do not consider yourself Indigent, but you are currently unable to pay your fine and costs, you may request a Payment Plan for payment of your fine and costs. If your request is granted, but you fail to comply with the Payment Plan, the state of Tennessee will be notified of your failure and your license may be suspended by the State.

NOTICE. If you neglect to pay your ticket or if you fail to appear in court on your scheduled court date, your failure to pay or make arrangements to pay will be reported to the State and may result in the suspension of your license by the Department of Safety. As stated in Section 7. Above your failure to pay Court fines and costs will not result in the suspension of your driver’s privileges if you have been determined to be Indigent by the Court, but such determination requires a finding of indigency in Court by the Judge.

Watch the following video to learn how to identify an illicit discharge to the stormwater system.  Report any illicit discharges to Public Works at 931-520-5249.

Illicit Discharge Video

Stormwater runoff is the water that flows off roofs, driveways, parking lots, streets, and other hard surfaces during rain storms. Rather than being absorbed into the ground, it pours into ditches, culverts, catch basins, and storm sewers. It does not receive any treatment before eventually entering the community’s streams and lakes.

Stormwater can carry harmful nonpoint source pollutants, cause flooding, erode topsoil and stream banks, and destroy marine life habitats. In an area with natural ground cover, only 10% of rainwater becomes runoff. The rest is absorbed or evaporates. In urban areas, up to 55% of rainfall can become storm water runoff.

Unlike waste water, which is treated before it is released back into the environment, storm water goes directly into a community’s ponds, streams and lakes. Because stormwater comes in large amounts at unpredictable times, treating it as waste water would be very expensive.

Nonpoint source pollution is water pollution that is difficult to trace to a specific discharge point. Because it comes from many diverse sources, it is hard to control. Examples of common nonpoint source pollutants include:

• Fertilizers
• Litter
• Oils
• Pesticides
• Salts
• Sediments
• Trace Metals

They come from farms, yards, roofs, construction sites, automobiles, and streets.

Any surface that does not readily absorb water and impedes the natural infiltration of water into the soil. Common examples include:

• Concrete or Asphalt Streets
• Crushed Stone
• Decks
• Driveways
• Gravel Surfaces
• Parking Areas
• Patios
• Roofs
• Sidewalks
• Tennis Courts

For single family homes, a statistical sampling was taken using Geographical Information System (GIS) including aerial survey data. Each was measured and an average impervious surface area was determined. For businesses and other institutions, the city measured the impervious area using aerial survey data.

Creating natural areas on your property can help reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff. Disposing of wastes properly, using the minimum amount of chemicals on your yard, and keeping your car well-maintained can reduce the amount of pollution that you add to storm water runoff. Additional things we can do to help include:

• Report any non-emergency type pollution problem to your local government offices. For emergency pollution problems, such as major spills, call 911.
• Never dump anything down a storm drain inlet. They flow directly to our lakes and streams.
• Keep your leaves and grass clippings out of the streets so that they do not end up washing into the storm drain inlets.
• Wash your vehicles on your lawn or at a car wash facility instead of in your driveway.
• Keep your automobiles and your gas powered lawn mowers or blowers well tuned so that they are not dripping toxic fluids or emitting toxic fumes.
• Do not use chemicals on your lawn before it is expected to rain, and try using organic or slow-release products, which are better for your lawn and for the environment.
• Be conservative with pesticides and herbicides (weed killers) and try natural alternatives. Call your local Extension Service to find out more about natural pesticides.
• Make sure your air conditioners are in good working order and not leaking harmful chemicals.
• Install early closing toilet flappers and water conserving shower heads.
• Lawns need less than an inch of water per week. If it rains an inch, do not water. Try using a rain gauge.

To report illicit discharges into storm sewer systems, call 931-520-5249.

Trees located within parks, city owned property and right of ways are the responsibility of the city, while trees located on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. If there is a question of who is responsible for a certain tree posing a hazard or concern, contact the city urban forester.

See our list of recommended and non-recommended trees (PDF) for planting in Cookeville, if there are any trees not on the list that you have questions about contact the urban forester.

There are many ways to be involved in our urban forestry program. View information on how to become an official Tree Sanctuary in Cookeville, if you have any questions or need assistance contact the urban forester. Another way is to watch the city calendar for local tree plantings or events.

Ways to Help

• Do Not Top Trees
• Use proper tree planting methods to ensure healthy growth
• Mulch around new trees
• Plant many tree varieties to increase diversity
• Do not plant large growing trees near utility poles, or underneath power lines
• Choose proper species for tree longevity
• Keep our parks clean

Other Helpful Information

• Proper Planting Methods
• Tree Sanctuary Information

Yes, our water meets all of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Health Standards. In 2016, we conducted at least 7,437 analysis for contaminants that may be found in drinking water. As you’ll see in the Water Quality Data chart, we only detected 11 of these contaminants, and found all of those at safe levels. For Quality Control purposes the Water Treatment Plant is manned around the clock.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline 800-426-4791.

If you have any questions or concerns please call or come by our offices. The City Council meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. If you have any items that you wish to address, please call the City Hall at 931-526-9591 to be placed on the council agenda.

The State and Environmental Protection Agency require us to test and report our water on a regular basis to ensure its safety. We have always met all of these requirements. We want you to know that we pay special attention to all of the rules.

If you are simply having a service such as water switched over into your name, you can apply for service at City Hall.

A new water meter for new construction can be obtained by coming to the Water Quality Control Department.

A sewer tap for new construction can be obtained by first applying for a valid plumbing permit issued by the City of Cookeville Codes Department located in City Hall and then coming to the Water Quality Control Department and paying a connection charge as listed in the Rates portion of our website.

If you have a water leak it is possible in some cases to get an adjustment. You must call Brent Herron, Customer Service/Metering Superintendent at 931-520-5229.

To discontinue your water service, you must come by City Hall and request service be shut off.

If your aren’t connected to the City Sewer System or if you live outside the City Limits, then chances are you have a traditional septic system. Visit the EPA website that answers questions and provides tips on the maintenance and care of your septic system.

Navigate to the Job Opportunities area of our website.  Currently available positions are listed. If you see a position for which you’d like to apply, click on the “Apply” button to create an applicant account.  Once that account is created you’ll have the ability to complete the application.  If no position of interest exists, then click on the “Notify Me” button.  After providing your name and email address, you’ll receive an email every time a position is posted.

A kiosk is located in the lobby of City Hall to provide computer access for the application process.

An application is required but a resume may be attached digitally during the application process.

Anyone interested in applying for employment with the City of Cookeville may access our Career Portal at any time. Available job openings are posted on this page along with the ability to apply. If no job opening is posted, click the 'Notify Me' button and provide basic information.  The applicant will receive an email notification each time a City job opening is posted. At that time, an application can be submitted online.

You do not have to be a resident of Cookeville to work for the City, however, some positions are subject to call-out and require the successful applicant be able to report to work within a specified time limit.

The website is maintained as time permits and there is no guarantee to correctness of content. For more information please see the website disclaimer.

To acquire official city documents one will need to visit Planning Division or call them at 931-520-5271.

To find out what zone your residence or business is in, you may call the Planning Division at 931-520-5271 or view the Online Zoning Map.

An Application (PDF) must be filed with the Planning Division. The rezoning of property must be reviewed by the Cookeville Planning Commission and adopted by the City Council. Contact the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

The Cookeville 2030 Plan (PDF) presents goals, objectives, and policies for the future development of the city and its Urban Growth Boundary. Visit our 2030 Comprehensive Plan Page to learn more.

The Urban Growth Boundary is an area outside the City Limits approved for urban development in which the city may annex. This boundary was approved as part of the Putnam County Growth Plan. For more information, please contact the Planning Department at 520-5271 and visit our Urban Growth Boundary Report Page.

Review your location on the Urban Growth Boundary Map (PDF) or call the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

No, there is no zoning in the unincorporated portions of Putnam County. Find more information on our  Zoning Code Page.

Please call the Cookeville Planning Division at 931-520-5271.

The division of any property in the City of Cookeville must be done in compliance with the Cookeville Subdivision Regulations (PDF). Please contact the Planning Department at 931- 520-5271 for further inquiries.

A geographic information system is geographic data model used for the representation of real world objects and information enabling a person to produce maps, perform interactive queries, and analyze information. For further questions, please contact the Planning Division.

Maps of the City Streets (PDF), Zoning Page, Land Use (PDF), and Urban Growth Boundary (PDF) are available. Other Maps are also available upon requests. Please refer to the GIS Division on the menu to the left.

Visit our Planning Maps Page to download all available maps. An interactive map of the City is also available on the same page. Please refer to the interactive map or the downloads sections. Also specific maps may be found in their respective areas.

The GIS Division of the Planning Department has data with respect to the City of Cookeville and the surrounding area. This information includes aerial photography, contours, structures, roads, and much more. See more information about the GIS on the Strategic Planning Page.

All information on this website is free of charge unless otherwise noted.

The city charges for its information for a couple of reasons. The city pays a great amount of money for the data and these fees help the city to recoup the costs of the data and the supplies that are required when making maps and data. For further inquiries, please contact Us.

Please contact the Planning or Codes department to reach out a website administrator for needs in the Planning and Codes sections. Please email the Main Website Administrator for other sections of the City and its respective pages.

Please contact the Codes department to reach out to the website administrator for needs in the Planning and Codes sections. Please email the Main Website Administrator for other sections of the City and its respective pages.

If you can not find what your looking for either on the website or in this FAQ. Visit our Whom to Call Page. It may have information with respect to whom one may need to contact. You may also always try visiting:
City Hall
45 E Broad Street 

or call the City of Cookeville Information Desk at 931-520-9591.

To determine if property is located within the City Limits or to obtain an address for a new building or existing structure or lot, call city hall at 931-526-9591.

The keeping of farm animals is permitted where sufficient land is available and a nuisance is not created.  Stray dogs should be reported to the Animal Control Officer at the Cookeville Police Department, 931-526-2125.  Other animals which are creating a nuisance should be reported to the Cookeville Police Department, 931-526-2125.

You must have a minimum of five (5) acres and it must be securely fenced.  The closest point of any proposed pasture area to any existing residence is 100 feet, unless said residence is owned or leased by the person keeping the animal.  The closest point of any barn, corral, pen or enclosed area where animals or fowl may be confined for any length of time shall be 200 feet from any existing residence, unless said residence is owned or leased by the person keeping the animals or fowl.  Lastly, the maximum number of animals permitted is limited to one per 1.5 acres.

Link to Code - See Title 10 Chapter 1

Annexation is the legal mechanism through which municipalities expand their boundaries. An annexation can be initiated by the city or it may be in response to a request or petition. A city may annex properties within its Urban Growth Boundary through the passage of an Ordinance by the City Council. If an area is outside a city’s Urban Growth Boundary a referendum (an election in which a majority of the affected residents must vote in favor of annexation) is required before it can be annexed. email the City Planner or call 931-520-5271.

The Board of Zoning Appeals hears appeals to the decisions of the Building Official as they pertain to the Zoning Code. This Board is empowered to grant a variance when the requirements of the Zoning Code create a hardship; grant special exceptions when so permitted by the Zoning Code; and hear and decide appeals when is alleged that the Building Official is in error. email the City Planner or call 931-520-5238 for questions and dates for deadlines.

The City requires the following inspections for all structures:

• Setbacks and Footings (before concrete is ordered)
• Framing
• Heating and air rough-in
• Plumbing rough-in
• Electrical rough-in
• Final
• Certificate of Occupancy

Before any inspections will be made, the following must be in place:

• Access to a portable toilet for worker’s use
• A crushed stone ramp to the site to prevent mud being tracked onto city streets
• Straw bales, silt fences or other erosion control devices in order to keep soil and other debris from leaving the site

email Building Inspectors or call 931-520-5268. Call the Electrical Inspector at 931-520-5209 for Electrical Inspections.

The City requires a building permit for the construction of any new building or the alteration of an existing building; a permit is also required for the installation of signs, patio covers, garages and other building modifications. email the Building Official or call 931-520-5268.

Alteration of natural drainage ways and constructed drainage ways is prohibited without a Drainage Alteration Permit. Drainage Alteration Permits are issued by the City Engineer in Public Works, email the Engineer or call 931-520-5282.

The City enforces regulations dealing with property maintenance, housing standards, disabled vehicles, signs and billboards, trash, weeds and other community standards. The allowing or permitting a dense growth of trees, vines, grass and underbrush to develop or occur on any lot, parcel of land within the corporate limits of the City of Cookeville constitutes a threat or menace to life, property, public health, or public welfare and/or creates a fire hazard is hereby specifically prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance. email the Codes Enforcement Officer or call 931-520-5233.

Yes, new construction or expansions requiring earthwork must comply with the City of Cookeville Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations.  This is under the Public Works Department.  email Public Works or call 931-520-5249.

To report problems of flooding or maintenance of stormwater management systems on public and private property, contact Public Works at 931-520-5249 or email Public Works.

A permit is required to hold a garage/yard sale within the City Limits. No more than 3 permits may be issued per household or residential location during any calendar year and there must be 30 days between sales at any one location. *Members of more than one residence may join in requesting a permit for a sale to be conducted at the residence of one of them;  however, that permit shall be considered as having been issued for each and all such residences.  Sales are limited between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. for no more than 3 consecutive days. Permits are issued by the Codes Department and must be picked up in person. A processing fee of $2 is required for all permits.  

The City does not provide signage.  If you use your own signage, it is allowed on personal property ONLY.  Do not place yard sale signs on utility poles.

Any person found guilty of violating the terms of this ordinance shall be subject to a penalty of up to $50 plus court costs for each offense. For information please call 931-520-5209.

Maps

• City Street Map: Call the Chamber of Commerce at 931-526-2211.
• Flood Insurance Rate Maps: email the Planning Department or call 931-520-5271.
• Tax Maps: Call Putnam County Assessor’s Office at 931-528-8428.
• Topographic Maps, Aerial Photos, or Specialized Maps: email the GIS Manager or call 931-520-5371.

Special licenses and permits are required for a variety of activities within City Limits. For information regarding fees and application procedures, call the number indicated below:

• Building Permit - Building Official
  Phone:  931-520-5268
  email Building Official
• Building Contractors License - Building Official
  Phone: 931-520-5268
  email Building Official
• Demolition - Building Official
  Phone: 931-520-5268
  email Building Official
• Electric work - Electrical Inspector
  Phone:  931-520-5305
• Electrical Construction - Electric Warehouse
  Phone: 931-526-7411
• Fence - Building Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5368
• Fireworks - Fire Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5269
• Gas Hook-Up and Storage - Gas Department
  Phone: 931-520-5230
• Grading - Public Works
  Phone: 931-520-5249
• Mechanical Construction - Mechanical Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5270
  email Mechanical Inspector
• Patio Cover - Building Official
  Phone: 931-520-5268
  email Building Official
• Plumbing Construction - Building Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5368
  email Building Inspector
• Sewer Tap Construction - Water/Sewer Dept Engineer
  Phone:  931-520-5258
• Sign Permit - Sign Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5233
  email Sign Inspector
• Street Construction - Public Works Dept City Engineer
  Phone: 931-520-5282
  email City Engineer
• Tent Permit - Fire Inspector
  Phone: 931-520-5269
  email Fire Inspector

The Planning Commission is responsible for the long range planning for the community. In addition, it reviews rezoning requests, annexations; and the opening and closing of streets. Through the review and approval of plats, the Planning Commission regulates the subdivision of land and the construction of public improvements. The Planning Commission is also responsible for the naming of streets and the administration of property numbering. email the Planning Department or call 931-520-5271.

A sign permit must be obtained prior to the erection of any sign within the City. All signs must comply with the sign regulations in the Cookeville Zoning Code. email the Sign Inspector or call 931-520-5233.

Requests for the closure or abandonment of city streets must first be approved by the Planning Commission before being submitted to the City Council. There is a $50 fee for a street closure and abandonment. email the Planning Department or call 931-520-5271.

The naming or renaming of city streets must be approved by the Planning Commission. email the Planning Department or call 931-520-5271.

The subdivision of property in the City of Cookeville must comply with the Cookeville Subdivision Regulations. email the Planning Department or call them at 931-520-5275.

Requests for declaring city property as surplus must be reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to being considered for approval by the City Council. If a city property is declared as surplus a minimum acceptable bid is established and the property is sold to the highest bidder. email the Planning Department or call them at 931-520-5271.

Zoning

Land use is regulated through the City of Cookeville Zoning Code. You can also email the Planning Department or call them at 931-520-5271.

Variances

A zoning variance may be requested of the Cookeville Board of Zoning and Appeals for a parcel of land that does not meet current zoning or development standards. An application shall be filed with the Planning Department. There is a $200 fee. Call the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

Special Exceptions

A special exception is a use specified in the Zoning Code that may be appropriate in a particular zone if approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. An application shall be filed with the Planning Department. There is a $50 fee. Call the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

Rezoning

A rezoning is an amendment to the Zoning Map (Under Revision). An application shall be filed with the Planning Department. There is a $200 fee. Call the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

Historic Zoning

Development proposals within established Historic Zoning Districts and requests for the creation of Historic Districts must be approved by the Historic Zoning Commission. Call the Planning Department at 931-520-5275.

Please contact the Planning Department at 931-520-5271 with questions regarding billboards.

You may look at the zoning map or call the Planning Department at 931-520-5271.

Link to City Map

Short term rentals like Airbnb and Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO) are only allowed in the following zones:  RM8, RM14, PRD, CBD, CN, CL, CG, MS and UNV. To find out what your property is zoned, contact the Planning Department at 931.520.5271 or check our website under business and then click on zoning map.  If you are in the correct zone, see our short term rental check list.

Short Term Rental Check List

• Make sure your property is zoned for this use
• Fill out a Short Term Rental Permit
• Schedule a fire inspection
• Obtain a city and county business license
• Obtain the necessary insurance
• Submit your STRP to the Codes Department
• Pay permit fees
• Permit issued

You can submit an open records request, or view information about open records requests, by visiting our page here.

If you need a copy of an accident report, go to the Buy Crash Website or visit our Police Department. Incident Reports are available for $0.15 per page. 

Alarm permits must be submitted at the Police Department during business hours. The cost of an alarm permit is $12.

Taxi permits must be filled out in person at the Police Department. The cost is $25 dollars and the permit must be approved.

To file a report, contact dispatch at 931-526-2125 or come by the Police Department located at 10 East Broad Street. 

Our department often receives found property. If we are unable to locate an owner of the property, it is stored by our Evidence Clerk. You can contact our Evidence Clerk at 931-520-5345 to see if we have your property.

Our Victim Services Coordinator helps victims with available services and case updates. Contact our Victim Services Coordinator at 931-520-5302 for services and updates.

To apply for a Parade or Street Closure Permit, contact our Administrative Services Lieutenant at 931-520-5265.

Yes we do! You need to bring your own fingerprint cards and we will provide courtesy ink prints. To schedule a fingerprint appointment, contact our Evidence Technician at 931-520-5345.

Yes, we have a dropbox for unused drugs and medicine. You can drop off items by visiting our Police Department. We do not accept needles or inhalers.

You can sign up by contacting our Administrative Services Lieutenant at 520-5340.

Copies of fire reports are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30. Your report will typically be available within 24 hours of the incident. You can request a report here, or email April Howard to receive a copy of a report. You can also call during normal business hours. 931-520-5255

Residential burn permit requests can now be submitted online providing all conditions are met and a burn ban is not in effect.  Contractors and businesses will still need to call the Cookeville Fire Department at (931)520-5255.  

Cookeville residents can fill out a burn permit request on our website at www.cookeville-tn.gov/burnpermit.

The City of Cookeville currently holds an ISO rating of Class 2.

Public education events, station tours, smoke detector installation request, and special events are scheduled through our Public Education Division. You can make a request here or call 931-520-5303.

If you smell natural gas or any odor out of the ordinary please contact the Cookeville Gas Department immediately. One of our service technicians will come out for further investigation and follow-up to ensure your safety. Contact information is listed below:

7:45 AM - 4:45 PM: (931)-520-4427

After Hours: (931)-526-9591

In the event of an emergency please contact 911

To apply for gas service you will need to visit the Customer Service Department at 45 East Broad St. 

If you are starting a new project or need your utility lines located for any reason please dial 811. A Tennessee One Call representative will ask you a brief set of questions regarding your location and project information and a Cookeville Gas Department representative will locate your gas line free of charge. Always remember to call TN 811 before starting any project, no matter how large or small. 

If you are interested in adding natural gas as a utility for your home or business please contact our office by phone at (931) 520-4427 or directly at 16 N Oak Ave. One of our representatives will begin the process of measuring your service line and gathering a quote for your materials. We do not charge labor for service line installations. If you have any questions about a current service or future needs please feel free to contact us.

We serve the city limits of Cookeville and Algood, TN and many areas within Putnam County. If you are curious if we serve gas in your area, please contact us at (931) 520-4427 and we can help you with all of your concerns and future gas needs.