Development Review

Development Review staff provides guidance and support to developers and property owners who are building on or subdividing land within the city and its planning region. Duties include the administration and enforcement of the Subdivision Regulations and the Parking, Lighting, and Landscaping Ordinances contained in the Zoning Code. The Development Review staff also provides assistance on replating land and serves the Tree & Appearance Board.

Site Plans

A site plan is required for all developments or additions to existing structures. The site plan must be drawn to scale and show, at a minimum, the location of all property lines, buildings, building setbacks, structural details, driveway entrances and exits, utility connections, and stormwater drainage. Additional drawings are usually required for commercial and industrial projects.

The schedule for review and approval of building plans varies from two days to several weeks, depending upon the development and how the plan is to be processed.

Subdivisions & Replats

All new subdivisions and replats of property in Johnson City and certain areas of Washington County must be approved by the Johnson City Regional Planning Commission. Whenever you want to divide property or merely shift a property line, please check with the Development Review office to see if you are subject to subdivision law.

Many of the subdivisions approved by the Planning Commission are new subdivisions, with new streets and utilities constructed in conformance with the Planning Commission's regulations. The Planning Commission regulates all aspects of the development, including streets, drainage, and utilities to minimize potential problems and assure prospective buyers of quality development. New subdivisions are drawn on a plat by a registered surveyor or engineer and recorded in the Register of Deeds Office in the Washington County Courthouse in Jonesborough.

Occasionally, an existing property may need its boundary line changed due to a building or driveway encroachment, or the property owner may merely wish to divide the property into two or more parcels. Technically, this is known as resubdivision of an established lot and is also subject to approval by the Planning Commission. Changing the property lines for existing properties is accomplished by replat. Often minor replats can be processed by the Development Review staff to speed up processing for the owner.

Fees

Sidewalks

To increase safety, provide choices for citizens, and reduce the dependence on and cost of using personal cars for every trip, the city of Johnson City continues to promote the construction and use of sidewalks. Sidewalks are required as part of all new subdivisions. They are often required along existing streets when certain structures are substantially renovated or a new structure is erected. Commercial, office, industrial, and multi-family uses are usually required to construct new sidewalks along their street frontages. The Development Review staff can answer your questions concerning sidewalk requirements.

Buffers

A buffer is an opaque fence, earth berm, or planted area which screens one property from another or which screens a property from public view. Buffers are often required for businesses, industries, multi-family projects and offices, especially when these are located near residences.

The typical buffer consists of evergreen trees at least six (6) feet tall, which will provide a reasonable level of privacy from traffic and buildings within several years. Other types of buffers, such as opaque fences, may be substituted when desired. Occasionally, city staff will request additional buffering beyond the minimum level when a proposed use may create an abnormal nuisance to the surrounding area.

The city's Zoning Ordinance mandates that buffers be perpetually maintained. Dead trees must be replaced no later than the next planting season.