Fitness / Gym Permits & Licenses in Chattanooga, TN

All businesses must obtain from county where primary place of business is located. Gyms classified under specific SIC/NAICS codes.

Required in most municipalities (e.g., Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville). Check specific city clerk. Example for Davidson County/Nashville.

Required for all LLCs; annual report required separately

Applies to all LLCs; fees based on number of members

Registration effective 1 year; must renew if continuing use

Gym memberships and personal training often taxable; apply via TNTAP portal

Required if withholding TN income tax for non-residents; registered via TNTAP

Gyms typically Class 4; local governments administer collection

Gym membership fees are generally not subject to sales tax in Tennessee. However, sales of tangible personal property (e.g., protein powder, fitness gear) are taxable. Registration required via the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP).

All Tennessee LLCs doing business in the state are subject to franchise and excise tax regardless of revenue. The excise tax applies to net earnings, and the franchise tax applies to net worth. Must file Form FAE 100 annually.

Employers must register via the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP). Annual tax on first $7,000 of each employee’s wages. Must file Form TEN 4200 quarterly.

All cities and counties in Tennessee impose a local business tax (also called privilege license). Must be renewed annually. Rates depend on gross receipts. Example: Nashville Business Tax at https://www.nashville.gov/departments/finance/business-tax. Gym operators must register with each city/county where they operate.

Gyms typically permitted in commercial zones (e.g., CS, CCG in Nashville). Must verify property zoning allows "health club/physical fitness facility".

Required for gym build-outs (e.g., installing equipment mounts, showers). Adopted 2018 IBC/IRC standards in most TN counties.

Gyms in NAICS 713990 (Fitness Centers) are not on the partial exemption list. Therefore, if over 10 employees, must record work-related injuries and illnesses using OSHA Forms 300, 300A, and 301.

Fitness centers are places of public accommodation. Must remove barriers where readily achievable, provide program access, and ensure new construction or alterations meet ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010). Includes accessible entrances, equipment, locker rooms, and signage.

Covers minimum wage ($7.25/hour federally), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), and proper classification of exempt vs. non-exempt employees. Applies regardless of business size if engaged in interstate commerce (which most gyms are).

Employers must verify identity and work authorization using Form I-9. E-Verify is not federally mandated for most employers but may be required by state law or federal contracts.

Eligible employees (worked 1,250 hours in past 12 months, employed 12+ months) may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons (birth, adoption, serious health condition).

Under the FTC’s Negative Option Rule and Section 5 of the FTC Act, gyms must clearly disclose terms, obtain express informed consent, provide simple cancellation methods, and honor cancellation requests. Applies to most fitness membership models.

Under the Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), gyms must comply with inspection, notification, and abatement requirements before renovations. Applies to all commercial buildings, including fitness centers.

The federal government does not require a specific license to operate a general fitness or gym business. However, state or local permits (e.g., business license, zoning) may apply. Exceptions: if selling dietary supplements in interstate commerce, FDA regulations apply (see below).

Supplements must comply with labeling requirements under DSHEA. Facilities manufacturing or repackaging supplements must register with FDA and follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations. Gym is responsible if it acts as a distributor or private labeler.

Under FTC Act Section 5, all advertising must be truthful and not misleading. If using influencer endorsements or testimonials, must disclose material connections. Applies to online ads, social media, and promotional materials used by fitness gyms.

Regulations on size, height, illumination (e.g., Memphis Code Sec. 16-518). Freestanding vs. wall-mounted.

Required for assembly occupancies like gyms (max occupant load calculation). Sprinklers, exits, extinguishers per NFPA/IFC.

TN Rule 0400-11-01 requires fitness centers with bathing facilities to meet sanitation standards.

False alarm ordinances in major cities reduce response priority after threshold.

Verifies compliance with building, fire, zoning codes. Gyms often "Business" or "Assembly" occupancy.

Zoning codes specify parking ratios (e.g., Nashville: 1/250sf GFA for health clubs).

Most cities limit to 55dB daytime (e.g., Memphis Code 16-77). Rarely requires permit unless special event.

Mandatory for all employers with five or more employees in Tennessee. However, even employers with fewer than five employees must carry coverage if any employee is injured in the course of employment and the business is deemed a 'regular employer.' Sole proprietors and partners may elect to exclude themselves but must file a formal waiver. Coverage must be obtained through private insurers or the state fund.

Not mandated by Tennessee state law for gyms specifically, but strongly recommended and often required by landlords, municipalities, or fitness facility leases. Some cities may require proof of liability insurance for business licensing. No statutory minimum, but $1 million per occurrence is standard.

Required under Tennessee law for any vehicle titled or used in the business name. Minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage (25/50/15). Applies even if only one vehicle is used for transporting equipment or clients.

Not required statewide, but some cities (e.g., Nashville, Memphis) may require a surety bond as part of the business license process for fitness centers. Amount and necessity vary by jurisdiction. Check with local clerk’s office. Not applicable in all counties.

Not legally mandated by Tennessee law, but exposure to liability exists under product liability tort law. Recommended for gyms selling protein powders, apparel, or equipment. Coverage not required by statute but necessary for risk mitigation.

Not legally required by Tennessee for gyms, but strongly recommended due to risk of claims related to injury from improper instruction. Required if contracting with third parties (e.g., health systems, schools). Not mandated by state law unless regulated under allied health professions (e.g., physical therapy, which requires licensure and insurance).

Mandatory for any gym that obtains a liquor license to serve alcohol (e.g., boutique fitness studios with bars). Requires dram shop liability coverage. Not applicable to most gyms unless they operate a bar or lounge. Enforced by TABC as part of liquor license compliance.

Not always legally mandated, but increasingly required by landlords, payment processors, and franchise partners. Covers legal costs and notification expenses after a breach.

Often required by commercial landlords and event venues. Provides additional coverage beyond general liability, auto, and workers' comp.

Fitness memberships are generally taxable in Tennessee. Must register for sales tax permit and collect tax at point of sale. Local option taxes may also apply.

Some cities (e.g., Nashville, Memphis) require annual occupational taxes in addition to state license.

Premiums based on payroll and job risk. Gyms are classified as 'Health Clubs' (Code 9155). Independent contractors are generally not covered.

All Tennessee LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State to maintain active status. The report includes business address, registered agent, and principal office information.

Employers must file federal employment tax returns. Fitness gyms with employees must comply. Form 944 is for eligible small employers with annual liability under $1,000.

Gyms charging sales tax on memberships, merchandise, or services must file regular returns. Tennessee imposes sales tax on fitness memberships as of July 1, 2022 (Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-202).

Not all counties impose business tax. Applies only in jurisdictions with gross receipts exceeding $10,000. Renewal required yearly. Fee based on gross receipts.

Fitness centers are not on the exempt list. Employers with 11+ employees must maintain OSHA 300 logs. Form 300A must be posted even if no incidents occurred.

All public assembly occupancies, including gyms, require annual fire safety inspections under the Tennessee Fire Prevention Code. Includes review of exits, fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers.

Facilities with food preparation or bathing facilities may be subject to health inspections under Tennessee Department of Health guidelines.

Even if not required, most LLCs obtain an EIN for banking and vendor purposes. Sole proprietorships without employees may use the owner's SSN, but LLCs are generally advised to get an EIN.

Single-member LLCs are disregarded entities and report income on owner’s Form 1040 (Schedule C). Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships and must file Form 1065. Profits subject to self-employment tax (15.3%) unless electing S-corp status.

All employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. For gyms, this includes safe equipment use, slip/trip/fall prevention, emergency procedures, and employee training. OSHA does not require specific gym certifications but enforces under the General Duty Clause.

Mandatory for all employers with 5 or more employees; strongly recommended for smaller employers. Gym employees are classified under NAICS 713990 (Other Amusement and Recreation Activities).

Required posters include: Federal Minimum Wage, EEO, OSHA Worker Rights, FMLA, and Tennessee-specific notices. Must be displayed in a conspicuous location.

Not legally mandated by Tennessee, but strongly recommended for gyms due to risk of injury. Often required by landlords or local zoning. Regulated by Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.

Gyms must collect and retain valid exemption certificates from suppliers. No formal renewal, but documentation must be current and on file.

State of Tennessee does not license personal trainers, but gyms often require staff to maintain NCCA-accredited certifications. CEUs required to maintain credentials.

Gyms must comply with International Building Code (IBC) and ADA standards. Inspections may be scheduled during lease renewal or after renovations.

All public accommodations, including gyms, must comply with ADA Title III. Includes accessible entrances, restrooms, equipment spacing, and service policies.

LLCs must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Tennessee. Required for service of process.