This joint city-county agency was formed in 1956 to guide the growth and development of both Knoxville and Knox County.

The Knoxville City Charter requires that Planning prepare five- and 15-year comprehensive development plans. The Charter also requires Planning to annually update the land-use policies that form the legal basis for zoning decisions in Knoxville. These policies are embodied in the One Year Plan and effectively link zoning and comprehensive planning.

Project Role

Planning staff will manage the update of the zoning code. Planning staff will serve as the primary contact for the consultant during the project. and will administer the contract, provide direction, approve work, and authorize payment of invoices that are submitted. Planning will serve as the central point of contact for communication between the consultant and the project team. All communication, whether from City and Planning staff or the community, will be funneled through Planning staff.

Planning will also be responsible for managing the public input process, from providing staff support to the Public Stakeholder Advisory Committee to organizing and managing community meetings. Planning staff will work with the community to ensure that the development standards established by the zoning code update will implement the community’s vision for Knoxville.

Planning Commissioners, appointed to serve on the Planning Commission by the City and County Mayor, will also play an active part in the update. They will review the draft document and their recommendation to the Knoxville City Council will lead the project’s adoption phase.