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Public officer hearing in Knoxville brings attention to neighborhood codes enforcement 

The Public Officer, David Race, held a meeting Sept. 29, 2023 to bring up concerns of property that does not follow neighborhood code. (Shelby Wilson/UTK Student Journalist)

By: Shelby Wilson

September 29, 2023 (1:00 p.m.) – The Public Officer held a meeting for the neighborhood code enforcement following the Better Building Board’s meeting the previous day. Property owners testified and provided information either in person or via a Zoom link that was provided on the City of Knoxville webpage. 

The safety administrations were the reason these properties were brought to attention; some violations including animal control, violators, crime, unfit construction, etc.

David Race, the public officer was accompanied by a board, some of the members included Administrative Specialist of Codes Enforcement, Sheri Burke, Legal Council, Jim Johnson and Codes Enforcement, Scott Elder.

Property owners were sworn in to the assembly room before they spoke up about their property. Scott Elder would describe the property and its condition, then the owner would provide their case and what they are wanting.

“Each property comes down to the decision of either a 60, 90, or 120 day decision” Burke said. 

In one case, an owner was confused as to why his property was still under review.

This means the property owners have however long the time is to deal with and manage the property before the public officer and the city will tear the property down. seeing as he has not lived in Knoxville in 18 years, and the property was his grandfather’s who passed.

“I don’t think there’s any point trying to save what’s left there,” said the owner, then saying he agrees with the decision for it to be torn down.

In regards to the property owners speaking, if no one was not there to talk on the property, the Public Officer would go ahead with his decision.  “If one wasn’t there, the demo order would go through,” said Burke.