Engineering Ordinances

Engineering Director

Thomas V. Clabo, P.E.
[email protected]
(865) 215-2148

400 Main St., Suite 475
Knoxville, TN 37902

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Curtis M. Williams, P.E.
Engineering Planning Chief
[email protected]
(865) 215-2148


Stormwater Ordinance

The purpose of stormwater ordinance is to consolidate all regulations pertaining to the stormwater system and the local street system and to improve stormwater management, control the discharge of pollutants to the stormwater system, improve public safety, to comply with the city's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, and establish procedures to accomplish these purposes.

Streets and Sidewalks Ordinance

The purpose of the streets and sidewalks ordinance is to adopt a complete streets policy committing the city, to the maximum extent practical, plan for, design, construct, maintain, and operate all streets to reflect complete streets principles and provide for a comprehensive and integrated street network that accommodates all users and modes.

Flood Damage Prevention and Control Ordinance

The purpose of flood damage prevention and control ordinance is to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas. This ordinance is designed to restrict or prohibit uses which are vulnerable to flooding or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion, flood heights or velocities; require that uses vulnerable to floods, including community facilities, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction; control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers which are involved in the accommodation of floodwaters; control filling, grading, dredging and other development which may increase flood damage or erosion; and prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.

Forestry Ordinance

The purpose and intent of the forestry ordinance is to encourage the preservation and protection of trees and tree canopy within the city because of the unique social, economic, and environmental benefits they provide the community such as assisting the natural control of solar heat, improving water quality, soil conservation, assisting with stormwater control, air pollution and noise abatement, providing a haven for community wildlife; and in providing citizens with psychological relief from the increasing complexities of the manmade urban environment. It is not intended to be punitive nor to cause hardships on those individuals and concerns exercising reasonable care and diligence to protect trees.