Services

Rural Preservation and Growth Management 

The Center for Local Planning is available to assist local governments with compliance related to state mandated Comprehensive Growth Plans (Public Chapter 1101) and Urban Growth Boundary updates.

We are ready to work with local governments to craft policies that strike a balance between preservation and economic and residential development.

Education and Training 

Our team of experts are available to conduct training programs, workshops and webinars for planners, planning commissions, boards of zoning appeals and elected officials.

For assistance, please submit a request to planning@tennessee.edu.

Technical Assistance 

CLP is already providing direct assistance to local governments. Assistance will be expanded as we bring more staff on board. We are working on:

• Written responses to local questions on planning and zoning matters.
• Assistance with updates to subdivision regulations, zoning ordinances, etc.
• Practical advice on statutory and other requirements.
• Planner job descriptions and salary information.

Statewide Policy Guidance

We publish periodic advice for local governments related to new statutory, or other, requirements and best practices.

• Compliance with Public Chapter No. 140, Documentation and Justification of Development Fees
• Compliance with Public Chapter 360: Posting of Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Agendas on Local Government Websites

Pilot Projects

We are proud to announce our first pilot project, the Planning Commissioner Academy.

The Academy is a six-month, blended learning opportunity for local government planning commissioners and board of zoning appeals members. Participants gain practical skills in planning fundamentals, legal and ethical responsibilities, and decision-making strategies essential for guiding their community’s growth. 

This is a collaboration with our sister agencies, the Municipal Technical Advisory Service and County Technical Assistance Service.