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Addressing Rules and Procedures

An address, at a minimum, contains three parts: address number, base name, and road type.

Agency Overview

Knoxville-Knox County Planning (Planning) was established in 1956 by Knoxville and Knox County as the agency responsible for comprehensive county-wide planning and administration of zoning and land subdivision regulations and remains so today, except for the town of Farragut. Funding for Planning activities comes primarily from city and county appropriations and from federal grants for specific studies.

Annual Report

On a yearly basis, Planning staff compile a report of their activities and present them to the Planning Commission at their Annual Meeting each November.

Boards, Commissions, and Case Updates

Meeting schedules, up-to-date case info, agenda updates, and minutes are available for the following boards and commissions staffed by Knoxville-Knox County Planning.

Budget

The Planning budget is approved by the Planning Commissioners on an annual basis. Revenues for Knoxville-Knox County Planning operations and supported programs come from a mix of funding sources, including the City of Knoxville, Knox County, fees, and grants.

Building Permit/Address Certification Procedure

Before a building permit can be issued in the City of Knoxville Knox County, the Addressing Department must certify the address where the work will occur.

City of Knoxville One Year Plan (OYP)

The City's Charter mandates the annual adoption of a one year comprehensive development plan covering the entire city and requires future zoning decisions in the city conform to the community's comprehensive development plans.

City Zoning Ordinance

A comprehensive update to the City of Knoxville's zoning ordinance passed on second reading at Knoxville City Council's August 13, 2019 meeting. The ordinance is effective as of January 1, 2020.

Community Growth Information

Design Guidelines

East Knox Community Plan

East Knox Community Plan will build upon and enhance existing plans for the area by developing a community vision and identifying a variety of tools to achieve this vision. By using existing plans, and assessing other planning themes not previously addressed in those plans, the East Knox Community Plan will help the community and its stakeholders plan for the future.

Executive Committee

On an annual basis, the Planning Commission Chair appoints an Executive Committee consisting of the Chair, Vice-Chair and three other members of the Planning Commission. Terms are one-year in length.

Gov. John Sevier Scenic Highway Corridor Study

This study will develop policy recommendations to protect rich historic assets, rural character and scenic qualities of the corridor.

Historic Preservation in Knoxville and Knox County

Legislative Actions and Appeals Process

The Planning Commission votes on a number of items at its regular meeting. Some recommendations require further action by Knox County Commission or Knoxville City Council. In other cases the decision is final - unless appealed.

Meet the Commissioners

The Planning Commission is an advisory board comprised of 15 citizens—seven appointed by the City Mayor and eight appointed by the County Mayor.

Plan Amendments

Planning Processes

Plans and Studies

The Planning Commission prepares plans and studies for the City of Knoxville and Knox County area.

Request a Name Change

Changes to existing street or subdivision names are permissible with support from affected owners and with approval from the Planning Commission and City Council or County Commission.

Request for New, Temporary, or Official Address

It is Knoxville-Knox County Planning's responsibility to ensure each residence and place of business in Knox County is systematically assigned a valid and unique address and to keep record of its location.

Sector Plans

Sectors and Sector Plans

Staff Support

Urban areas like Knoxville and Knox County operate through the interworkings of many groups: profit and nonprofit, government and private, elected and appointed, paid and volunteer. Knoxville-Knox County Planning is a major player among these.

Task Forces and Special Studies

A Task Force is often created at the direction of City Council or County Commission to study a specific issue in greater detail.

The Rezoning Process

Tips for Attending a Planning Commission Meeting

Planning Commission meetings are open and the public are encouraged to attend.

Use On Review

In addition to uses permitted as a right by the zoning ordinance, special uses may be established and maintained only with the approval of the Planning Commission.

Wireless Communication Facilities (WCF)
Level 1 Applications

There are two types of review for WCF sites: Levels I and II. This page is dedicated to Level I applications for administrative review. 

Working Together for Community Growth

Zoning Ordinances

On a yearly basis, Planning staff compile a report of their activities and present them to the Planning Commission at their Annual Meeting each October.