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Sevier County committee hears plan to update building codes as county seeks “exempt jurisdiction”; sheriff reports two grants
Summary
At its May 4 meeting, the Sevier County Emergency Services Committee received monthly reports, heard that the county is pursuing a building-code update to seek “exempt jurisdiction,” and learned that the sheriff’s office received $400,000 and $317,000 grants and plans expanded school resource officer coverage.
The Sevier County Emergency Services Committee on May 4, 2023, in Courtroom 306W heard monthly reports from emergency services and public-safety departments and was updated on a proposal to change local building codes so the county could claim “exempt jurisdiction,” officials said.
David Puckett, director and chief of Fire Response and Prevention for Sevier County Fire/Rescue, told the committee the county is working to update its building codes and that, if adopted, Sevier County would be the fifth county in the state to have “exempt jurisdiction.” Puckett said the county’s local codes must be within six years of the state code year; existing cabins would be governed by the code in effect when they were built unless their footprint is altered “drastically,” and inspectors would have Qualified Immunity under the proposed inspection regime. He said discussions with Building Inspection and Finance indicate permit revenue is expected to cashflow and cover increased personnel costs.
Commissioner Jack Parton pressed Puckett about whether existing cabins or structures would need to meet the proposed new codes; Puckett reiterated that structures are subject to the code in force at the time of construction unless significant structural changes occur.
Separately, Jail Administrator Steve Layman asked the committee to sign the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division Disciplinary Review Board paperwork to support state accreditation for the county’s correctional facilities.
Juvenile Detention Director Joe Brown and rescue and emergency-management officials delivered routine monthly reports; Dustin Sutton presented the Sevier County Rescue Squad update and Joe Ayers presented the Emergency Management Agency report. The transcript does not provide further operational details for those reports.
Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges told the committee the sheriff’s office recently received two grants: a $400,000 ELC equipment grant and a $317,000 Tennessee Violent Crime grant. Hodges also discussed school resource officers, saying the sheriff’s office will provide an SRO at the Trula Lawson Center next school year if the Sevierville Police Department cannot and that the office is pursuing a state SRO grant. He said SCSO expects to have SROs in four city‑limit schools next year.
The meeting concluded when Commissioner Michael Maddron moved to adjourn; Commissioner Tommy Watts seconded the motion and the committee adjourned at 6:52 PM.
