Bill > SB1313

This bill modifies Tennessee's planning and development regulations by changing when a property owner establishes a "vested property right" - essentially, the point at which proposed development plans become legally protected from subsequent regulatory changes. Previously, vested rights were established upon approval of development plans; now, they will be established upon submission of plans. Specifically, a vested property right can be created by submitting a preliminary development plan, a final development plan (if no preliminary plan is required), or a building permit. The bill establishes a three-year vesting period beginning on the date of plan submission, during which the development standards in effect at the time of submission will continue to apply. The bill also allows local governments to delegate certain administrative decisions about special exceptions and map interpretations to building commissioners, with specific requirements like rendering decisions within 120 days and using objective standards. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that if a local government does not specify what constitutes "substantial compliance" for development plans, rights will vest upon submission of any plan substantially similar to existing guidelines. The changes aim to provide more predictability and efficiency in the local development approval process, with the new regulations set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1313&ga=114