Public Chapter 1044 – Local Implementation Updates
As we enter the final months of 2026, local governments across Middle Tennessee are preparing for the implementation of Public Chapter 1044, which establishes mandatory timelines for local government review of development applications, plans, site inspections and certain surety releases beginning January 1, 2027. The new law establishes 30- and 60-business-day review timelines, limits local governments to two deficiency reports, and provides for deemed approval if statutory deadlines are not met.
Public Chapter 1044 – Local Implementation Updates
Cities across the region are holding public meetings and working through changes to their development review processes to comply with the new state requirements. CREDA is actively monitoring these efforts and working with local governments to help ensure the new law results in a more predictable and efficient development review process.
Lebanon: The City of Lebanon has acknowledged its history of lengthy reviews and is making several changes to its development process in preparation for Public Chapter 1044. The City has developed a comprehensive submission checklist, will require pre-submission meetings, and is establishing a five-calendar-day turnaround for engineers who receive comments on a submitted plan. Lebanon's new development process is scheduled to begin October 22, with new applications available through GeoCivix beginning October 9.
Franklin: Franklin is also revising its development review process. The City has indicated that pre-submission meetings will become optional, although they will continue to be encouraged. Franklin staff have also expressed their interpretation that Public Chapter 1044 applies to plans requiring Planning Commission approval. The City has been discussing how to adjust its review and comment process to comply with the law's two-review limitation and statutory timelines.
Metro Nashville: CREDA is working with Metro Nashville on a Memorandum of Understanding focused on implementation of Public Chapter 1044. The MOU will encourage Metro to collect data on development plan review timelines and will establish a framework for CREDA to help facilitate administrative solutions when issues arise, rather than immediately resorting to legal remedies. Our goal is to establish a collaborative process that provides greater transparency, accountability and predictability for both developers and Metro.
Metro Nashville Development and Design Strategy
Metro is also in the process of updating its Development and Design Strategy, including an amendment to the Downtown Code. CREDA will continue to monitor these changes and provide members with updates as the process moves forward. Please review text amendment and additional details here.
Upcoming Event – Support Council Member Rollin Horton
Please come out and support Council Member Rollin Horton at a fundraiser hosted by the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee and the Greater Nashville Realtors Association on October 21 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Additional details can be found below.
This will be a great opportunity for CREDA members to connect with other members of the development and real estate community and engage with Metro Council leadership.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support of CREDA's government affairs efforts. We will continue to keep members informed as cities finalize Public Chapter 1044 implementation plans and as other local development policies move forward.