Planning Services

Assistance to Citizens, Businesses & Development Community

Staff answers questions and offers guidance related to matters concerning zoning and land use, which may include site design, landscaping, signage and subdivision regulations.

Coordination of Development Projects

Staff coordinates all non-residential site development projects, including those for multi-family dwelling units, from start to finish. Projects are guided by facilitating a Development Review Team made up of departmental staff representing planning, building codes, fire, engineering, electric and new service. Upon completion of a project, and having satisfied departmental requirements, a certificate of occupancy will be issued by the building official or codes enforcement officer.

Review of Zoning & Land Use Amendments

Including the rezoning of property and assignments of zoning for annexations. Upon review, or following completion of written drafts prepared by staff, recommendations are made to the Alcoa Regional/Municipal Planning Commission. The Planning Commission adopts resolutions that recommend action to be taken by the Alcoa Board of Commissioners.

Review of Subdivision Requests

This includes review of preliminary and final plats, as well as re-plats and plats of correction, for compliance with subdivision and zoning and land use control regulations. Staff makes recommendations to the Alcoa Regional/Municipal Planning Commission. As with the zoning and land use control regulations, subdivision standards may also need revising from time to time. Staff prepares written drafts, recommending any changes, which are then adopted in the form of a resolution by the planning commission.

Review of Site Plans

This includes site plans involving all non-residential development, including multi-family dwelling units, to ensure compliance with such requirements as setbacks, open space, maximum lot coverage, circulation, parking, landscaping, tree replacement and etc. Staff recommendations are then forwarded to Alcoa Regional/Municipal Planning Commission. Landscaping is by separate staff recommendation for approval by the Alcoa Tree Board.

On-Site Planning Inspections

Staff inspects site layouts such as parking, signage, vehicular/pedestrian circulation and landscaping. These inspections may take place at various stages, upon requests, with a final required prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy by the building official or codes enforcement officer.

  • Building Inspections

Building inspections (i.e., footers/foundation surveys required, framing, preliminary/final mechanical and plumbing/sanitary sewer lines 6 inch or less), are performed separately by codes staff of the Planning and Codes Department. Sanitary sewer lines greater than six inches are inspected by staff of the Public Works and Engineering Department. Appointments are scheduled by calling 865-380-4730. 

  • Fire Safety & Prevention Inspections

Fire safety and prevention inspections (i.e., sprinkler system, Knox Box, fire alarm and etc.), when required, are performed separately by the fire marshal of the City of Alcoa Fire Department. Appoints are scheduled by calling 865-380-4998.  

  • On-Site & Off-Site Engineering Inspections

On-site and off-site engineering inspections (i.e., streets or street access/state rights-of-way require additional approval by TDOT, stormwater management/stormwater detention and water quality certifications required, sediment and erosion control, public sanitary sewer and any lines greater than 6 inches, public water/state approvals may be required by TDEC, grease traps, backflow prevention and etc., as well as improvements to any other similar public utility infrastructure) are preformed separately by staff of the Public Works and Engineering Department

All departmental requirements stipulated to the project shall be satisfied prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Review of Signage

This includes review of all building and ground-mounted signage to ensure compliance with all requirements. Staff issues permits.

Review of Annexation Requests

Upon review, staff recommendations are made to the Alcoa Regional/Municipal Planning Commission. The planning commission adopts resolutions that recommend action to be taken by the Alcoa Board of Commissioners.

Review of Special Exceptions, Variances, Zoning Ordinance Interpretations & Appeal Requests

Upon review, staff recommendations are made to the Alcoa Board of Zoning Appeals. The Alcoa Regional Planning Commission may also act on these same requests.

Preparation of Community Plans

Staff drafts or may review special plans for consideration by the Alcoa Regional/Municipal Planning Commission, which may include the Alcoa Board of Commissioners, for comprehensive planning studies such as land use plans, greenway/trail plans, boulevard plans, community facilities plans, major road plans, annexation plans and plan of services, as well as those related to the United States census or other special census studies.