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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 2024 – NO MEETING
February 29, 2024 
March 28, 2024 
April 25, 2024
May 30, 2024 
June 27, 2024
July 25, 2024 – Room #461
August 29, 2024
September 26, 2024
October 31, 2024 – Large Assembly Room
December 5, 2024

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 2024 – NO MEETING
March 1, 2024
March 2024 – NO MEETING
April 26, 2024
May 31, 2024
June 28, 2024
July 26, 2024 – Large Assembly Room
August 30, 2024
September 27, 2024
November 1, 2024
December 6, 2024

Please contact Cheri Burke at 865-215-2867 or [email protected] with questions about attending a hearing.

BOARD MEMBERSHIP
Click here to view current board membership and to check for opportunities to serve on this board.


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]