You must comply with certain provisions in the state law before and after your new code is adopted.

Adoption of Standard Codes by Reference
T.C.A. §§ 6-54-501 through 6-54-506 authorize the adoption of various technical codes by reference but require that one copy of any code that is adopted by reference be filed in the office of the recorder at least 15 days prior to adoption and thereafter kept available for public use, inspection, and examination. Therefore, before the city adopts its new code of ordinances, be sure that you have acquired and have on file at least one copy of any building codes that are adopted by reference in Title 7 and in Title 12.

Notice Prior to Adoption of Municipal Code
T.C.A. § 6-54-508 provides that “...[a] public hearing shall be held prior to adoption of a code of ordinances and advance notice thereof shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality.... If any part of such code of ordinances contains new provisions of a penal nature, then such published notice shall specifically state such fact and shall also state that a copy of such new provisions are available at the city recorder's office for examination.”

A notice in substantially the following form should suffice:

Notice After Adoption of Municipal Code
T.C.A. § 6-54-509 provides that “[a]ny municipality which on or after March 21, 1955, adopts a code of ordinances shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality a notice that a code of ordinances has been adopted and that a copy is available at the city recorder's office for anyone who desires to examine it. Such notice shall also include a statement providing notice of any new provisions of a penal nature in such code of ordinances.”

After your new code is adopted we suggest publishing a notice in substantially the following form: