Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

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Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.
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Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.
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Finance - Taxes

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.
Finance - 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.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes
No. We can only accept payment in full.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes
To change your mailing address, contact the Bradley County Tax Assessors office at (423) 728-7126.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes
You may use an electronic check or credit card to pay your property tax bill online.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes
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.
Finance - Taxes

Development & Engineering Services - Building Department

You can apply for a permit online, through our Permit Applications page.
Development & Engineering Services - Building Department
You can find the requirements on our Contractor Licensing Requirements page.
Development & Engineering Services - Building Department
You can view current building codes on our building department page.
Development & Engineering Services - Building Department

Finance

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
Finance
Contact Bradley County Trustee Donnie Simpson at (423) 728-7226.
Finance
Contact Bradley County Trustee Donna Simpson at (423) 728-7226.
Finance
Call the Bradley County Circuit Court Clerk, Gayla Miller, at (423) 728-7214.
Finance
Please call the Election Commission of Bradley County Government at (423) 728-7115 for election information and voting locations.
Finance
Find information on garbage collection on the garbage and solid waste page within our public works page, or call (423) 472-2851.
Finance
Visit the bulk trash collection webpage for more information, or call (423) 472-2851.
Finance
The City of Cleveland provides a contact list for citizen's to reach out to their district council person.
Finance
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).
Finance
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.
Finance
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.
Finance
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
Finance
Call the Tennessee Department of Human Services (615) 313-4700.
Finance
Contact the Child Custody Court Clerk, Penny Houck, at (423) 728-7219.
Finance
To report child abuse or neglect, please contact the Department of Children Services at (423) 478-0351.
Finance
Please contact Bradley County General Sessions Court at (423) 728-7214.
Finance
For tree problems call Austin Oliver, tree arborist for the City of Cleveland, at (423) 472-4551.

Finance
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.
Finance
Please contact Brian Beck, engineer of city’s Development and Engineering Services Department at (423) 479-1913.
Finance
For any questions regarding jury duty, call Bradley County General Sessions Court at (423) 728-7214.
Finance
Please contact Bradley County Tax Assessor of Property, Stanley Thompson, at (423) 728-7126.
Finance
Call the Chattanooga Better Business Bureau at (423) 266-6144.
Finance
For information on legal assistance, call Legal Aid of East Tennessee, in Chattanooga at (423) 756-4013.
Finance
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.
Finance
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.
Finance
Please call Animal Control / Shelter for animal problems at (423) 559-3333.
Finance

Police

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.
Police
An order of protection may be obtained on the second floor of the Bradley County Courthouse:
155 N. Ocoee St.
Cleveland, TN 37311
Police
Yes. Contact: Chattanooga State Continuing Education at (423) 697-3100 for more information.
Police
Yes. Contact the Bradley County Justice Center at (423) 728-7300 for more information.
Police
You can pay your citations and tickets at: Municipal Building 190 Church St. Cleveland, TN 37311
Police
The city court is located at: Cleveland Police Service Center 100 Church St NE Cleveland, TN 37311
Police
To discuss a court date or citation, please call the city court clerk at (423) 472-4551.
Police
You can reach the DMV at (423) 478-0346.
Police
You can reach the probation office at (423) 728-7119.
Police
You can contact the Justice Center at (423) 728-7800.
Police
The phone number for juvenile services is (423) 728-7289.
Police
You can reach police booking at (423) 728-7366.
Police
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.
Police
You may reach the drug task force at (423) 336-3996.
Police
Background checks are done at General Sessions Court Clerk's Office at Bradley County Justice Center, reach them at (423) 728-7048.
Police
Call the Tennessee Highway Patrol at (423) 634-6890 to request reports.
Police
Yes. Please contact officer Jennifer Samples at (423) 476-1121 or email jsamples@clevelandtn.gov to make an appointment. We have several certified officers that can check your child's car seat and make sure they are in the correct seat and it is properly installed. CPD also participates in the Tennessee Child Safety Fund, which provides assistance to qualifying families who may need a car seat.
Police
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.
Police

Codes Enforcement

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.
Codes Enforcement
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.
Codes Enforcement
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
Codes Enforcement
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.
Codes Enforcement
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.
Codes Enforcement
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.
Codes Enforcement
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.
Codes Enforcement
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.
Codes Enforcement

Garbage & Solid Waste

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
Garbage & Solid Waste
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
Garbage & Solid Waste
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.
Garbage & Solid Waste
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).
Garbage & Solid Waste
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.
Garbage & Solid Waste
Debris pick-up is a residential service only.
Garbage & Solid Waste

Public Works

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

Signs & Markings

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

Parks & Recreation

For a city park pavilion or shed, contact Lindsey Hawkins, Recreation Secretary, at (423) 479-4129.
For a county pavilion or shed, call (423) 728-7035.
Parks & Recreation

City Council

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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Finance - Taxes

Development & Engineering Services - Building Department

Finance

Police

Codes Enforcement

Garbage & Solid Waste

Public Works

Signs & Markings

Parks & Recreation

City Council

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Frequently Asked Questions

Main

How do I contact a city/county department?

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

Finance - Taxes

What if I do not receive a tax bill?

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

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

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

Are partial payments accepted for my taxes?

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

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

How do I change my property tax billing address?

Who determines the valuation of my property?

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

Is paying my property tax bill online safe?

What form of online property tax payment can I use?

Why is my email required on the online payment page?

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

What is tangible personal property?

Development & Engineering Services - Building Department

How do I apply for a building permit?

Who can apply for a building permit?

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

Finance

Where can I pay my property taxes?

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

How do I apply for a marriage license?

Where can I get a copy of my divorce papers?

How do I learn about voting and poll locations?

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

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

How do I contact my district's council person?

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

Where do I get in information regarding local area airports?

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

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

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

How do I get help with child support cases?

How can I get help regarding child abuse / neglect?

How do I get garnishments removed?

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

How can I get a problem resolved with my landlord?

How do I get help with flooding at my home?

Who can I contact regarding jury duty?

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?

How do I contact the Better Business Bureau?

How can I get free legal assistance?

How do I get a burn permit?

How do I get a building permit?

Who do I call about an animal problem?

Police

Where do you get restraining orders and/or warrants?

Where do you get an order of protection?

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

Do you offer gun permit classes?

Where do you pay citations / tickets?

Where do I go for city court?

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

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

What is the number for probation?

What is the number for the Justice Center?

What is the number for juvenile services?

What is the number for police booking?

What is the number for the Animal Shelter?

What is the phone number for the drug task force?

Where do I get background checks done at?

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

Does the Cleveland Police Department assist with car seats?

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

Codes Enforcement

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

How does code enforcement work?

Are there issues that code enforcement cannot address?

Can I make an anonymous complaint?

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

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

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

Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

Garbage & Solid Waste