The Better Building Board hears appeals of the Public Officer's orders. The Better Building Board holds hearings and may affirm or alter the Public Officer's order. If the property owner does not comply with the Better Building Board's order, the city may repair or demolish, alter, improve, secure, board, or vacate and close the structure and bill the owner for the service. A lien can also be placed against the property to recover expenses for repair or demolition. The property owner may appeal the Better Building Board's order to the Knox County Chancery Court. The Better Building Board may also hear cases regarding the city’s acquisition of property or the enforcement of the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance.
PUBLIC OFFICER
After the Neighborhood Codes Enforcement office issues complaints to property owners regarding structures that are alleged to be unfit or dangerous. The Public Officer holds hearings and issues orders to property owners to make repairs or to demolish unfit structures. If the property owner does not comply with the order, the city may repair or demolish the structure and bill the owner for the service. A lien can also be placed against the property to recover expenses for repair or demolition. The Public Officer may also order an owner to alter, improve, secure, board, or vacate and close a structure. The property owner may appeal the Public Officer's order to the Better Building Board within ten (10) days of receipt of the order.
APPOINTMENT OF BETTER BUILDING BOARD MEMBERS
The Board consists of five members who are City residents. Each member is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council and serves a 3 year term.
MEETINGS SCHEDULE FOR BETTER BUILDING BOARD
The Better Building Board meets the last Thursday of each month, at 3:30 p.m. in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building unless otherwise noted.
January 30, 2025 – Room #461 – MEETING CANCELED
February 27, 2025 – Room #575
March 27, 2025 – Room #461
April 24, 2025
May 29, 2025
June 26, 2025
July 31, 2025
August 28, 2025 – Room #575
September 25, 2025 – Room #575
October 30, 2025
December 4, 2025
MEETINGS SCHEDULE FOR PUBLIC OFFICER HEARINGS
The Public Officer Hearings are held the next day (Friday) after the Better Building Board meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building unless otherwise noted.
January 31, 2025
February 28, 2025
March 28, 2025
April 25, 2025 – Main Assembly Room
May 30, 2025
June 27, 2025
August 1, 2025
August 29, 2025
September 26, 2025
October 31, 2025
December 5, 2025
Please contact Cheri Burke at 865-215-2867 or
[email protected] with questions about attending a hearing.
CITY CONTACT INFORMATION
Cheri Burke, Administrative Specialist
Codes Enforcement
865-215-2867
[email protected]
Scott Elder, Manager
Codes Enforcement
865-215-2119
[email protected]
Kathy Ellis, Project Specialist
Community Development
Phone: 865-215-2270
[email protected]