The Center for Local Planning has published a new policy guide on T.C.A. § 8-44-110, the state's agenda posting law. A 2025 amendment brought Planning Commissions and Boards of Zoning Appeals under its requirements, and a 2026 update expanded the law further to include school boards and any public body authorized to appropriate funds or make binding decisions.
The law is straightforward but significant: agendas must be made available to the public at no cost at least 48 hours before any regular meeting. If the local government maintains a website, the agenda must be posted there within that same 48-hour window. There is no flexibility in this requirement, and failure to comply could result in the invalidation of actions taken by the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals or other covered bodies.
The guide also highlights several best practices worth putting in place now:
- Review your bylaws and zoning ordinance. Planning Commissions and Boards of Zoning Appeals are required to operate under written rules of procedure. Check those documents for compliance with the current statute.
- Create a formal submittal calendar. Publishing an annual deadline for agenda items helps prevent last-minute additions and keeps the process orderly.
- Think beyond planning boards. Design review committees, historic district commissions, construction boards of appeals and similar bodies may also be covered under the 2026 update. When in doubt, publish the agenda.
- Consider posting meeting packets online. Staff reports, maps, plats and presentations give the public the same materials the review body will use — and that's good for public trust.
- Keep paper copies, too. Online posting doesn't replace physical posting at the place of assembly, especially for residents without reliable internet access.
Communities without a website may post agendas on a public bulletin board visible in the building where the meeting will be held. But if your government has a website, that option is off the table — online posting is required.
The Center for Local Planning is available to help communities update their meeting practices, revise bylaws, and build internal processes that keep them in compliance. Send questions or assistance requests to planning@tennessee.edu.