Knoxville, TN Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Knoxville Code of Ordinances Chapter 12, adopted by Ordinance No. O-112-2013, governs development in the city's special flood hazard areas and shaded X zones. Section 12-4 states the chapter "shall apply to all areas within the incorporated area of the city," reaching every Knoxville parcel proposing development, not just parcels already inside a mapped floodplain. Section 12-6 requires a development permit "in conformity with this chapter prior to the commencement of any development activity," which covers filling, grading, dredging, paving, mining, drilling and placing any building or structure. Section 12-7 backs that up: no land, structure or use may be located, extended, converted or structurally altered without full compliance with the chapter.

The engineering director, designated ordinance administrator under Section 12-31, reviews applications submitted on city forms under Section 12-32, which can require scaled plans showing elevations, drainage facilities and, for substantial-improvement projects, itemized repair-cost estimates from licensed contractors or professional cost estimators. The city's flood maps, adopted by reference under Section 12-5, are FEMA's flood insurance study and flood insurance rate maps dated August 5, 2013, covering dozens of numbered panels across the city.

Owners who face exceptional hardship from the permit requirement, including owners of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, may seek a variance from the city Board of Zoning Appeals under Section 12-34; a denied variance can be appealed by petition to the court of record. Section 12-8 makes the chapter a floor rather than a ceiling, letting any stricter local, state or deed restriction prevail over its terms.