How to Change a Street Name

 
 
 1.

Call, fax or visit the Addressing Division at MPC.
Staff will make sure that the proposed street name is not already in use and is consistent with street name regulations.

 
 2.

Ask the staff to fill out the top portion of an application form.

 

A Street Name Change application form must be used for canvassing current property owners and residents along the street.
 3.

Take the form door-to-door.

 

A majority of those canvassed must be in favor of the proposed name change. Collect the signatures of every property owner and tenant along the street and their opinions on the proposed name change. If a property owner cannot be reached, a MPC Street Name Change form may be sent through the mail to that individual.

 
 4.

Bring the form and the processing fee to MPC by deadline.

 

The Street Name Change application form with original signatures (no faxes or photocopies), must be submitted to the Development Services Division. The standard application deadline is 32 days before the MPC meeting date (held on the second Thursday of the month). A double fee will be charged after the standard deadline. The proposed name change is then placed on the MPC meeting agenda.

 
 5.

Change reviewed by MPC, then City Council or County Commission.

 

If the Planning Commission votes to approve the change, the new street name is sent to the Knoxville City Council or Knox County Commission for a final vote and then entered into the Knox County database.

 
 6.

MPC notifies all residents and property owners of name change.

 

All residents and property owners along the street will be sent a letter from MPC notifying them of the street name change and any corresponding change in house numbers. MPC will also notify the U.S. Post Office and the E-911 emergency system.

 
 7.

Residents and property owners must notify all correspondents.

 

Residents and property owners are responsible for notifying all correspondents about a street name change. This includes utility and phone companies, mortgage companies, magazine subscriptions, etc.

 

NOTE: The entire process of changing a street name may take 2 to 3 months.