Dear Reader:
The following document was created from the MTAS electronic library known as MORe (www.mtas.tennessee.edu/more). This online library is maintained daily by MTAS staff and seeks to represent the most current information regarding issues relative to Tennessee municipal government.
We hope this information will be useful to you; reference to it will assist you with many of the questions that will arise in your tenure with municipal government. However, the Tennessee Code Annotated and other relevant laws or regulations should always be consulted before any action is taken based upon the contents of this document.
Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments regarding this information or any other MORe material.
Sincerely,
The University of Tennessee
Municipal Technical Advisory Service
1610 University Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37921-6741
865-974-0411 phone
865-974-0423 fax
www.mtas.tennessee.edu
Professional organizations have prepared a number of model codes, such as those for building, plumbing, and electrical, that can be adopted by municipal governing bodies. Such a code may be identified in an ordinance adopting it by reference, which avoids publication. A copy of any code adopted by reference must be filed with the city clerk and be made available for public inspection at least 15 days before the adopting ordinance passes. However, any penalty provisions must be in the adopting ordinance, which must be published in the manner prescribed for ordinances.
If a model code has been adopted, any subsequent amendment must be adopted unless the governing body, by a vote of at least two-thirds of its total membership, elects not to incorporate the amendment. T.C.A. §§ 6-54-501–505, 507.
T.C.A. § 6-54-502(c) contains provisions for administratively adopting amendments to model codes.
DISCLAIMER: The letters and publications written by the MTAS consultants were written based upon the law at the time and/or a specific sets of facts. The laws referenced in the letters and publications may have changed and/or the technical advice provided may not be applicable to your city or circumstances. Always consult with your city attorney or an MTAS consultant before taking any action based on information contained in this website.
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