Every state has its own unique characteristics regarding community development, and it’s complex for good reason—without checks and balances, buildings could be constructed without proper inspection. We set out to look at how states navigate these practices while applying best practices and technologies to empower them.
In this edition, we’re focusing on cities and towns in Tennessee. Like other states we’ve touched on, they’re experiencing new growth and development, but the landscape is a bit different when you consider the state’s risk for frequent flooding. This means smarter and more efficient building processes are more than a want; they’re necessary to keep residents safe, agile, and resilient. Let’s jump into how Tennessee communities can build smarter.
Smarter Processes for a Changing Landscape
Municipalities across Tennessee are experiencing population growth, which inevitably leads to new building projects. As new developments begin and older infrastructure and processes are put to the test, local governments are feeling the pressure to move faster without sacrificing safety or oversight.
What sets Tennessee apart, though, is the added complexity of geography. Frequent flooding and unpredictable weather patterns mean that permitting and inspections aren’t just procedural—they’re protective. In many communities, paper-based systems or outdated workflows make it difficult to respond quickly when the stakes are high. That’s where digital tools come in, helping cities streamline their process, better anticipate risks, and serve residents more proactively.
How Communities Are Adapting
In response, Tennessee cities and towns may consider rethinking how their departments communicate, examining how quickly they can move applications through review, and creating better resident and staff experiences. Let’s walk through an example of how this could play out for a Tennessee municipality in the face of a situation such as a flood.
In the field, inspectors manage the stressors associated with a disaster and processes that slow them down. With a solution like SDL Connect, the inspectors can trade in their clipboards, office trips, and lengthy PDFs for a mobile tool that lets them complete on-site inspections–even in areas with spotty internet. An inspector could log their notes and sync the report back to the office when service returns. That workflow saves time, keeps things moving forward, and promotes better interdepartmental communication.
Making Room for Smarter Growth
What’s clear is that the challenges Tennessee communities face come with a sense of urgency beyond standard permitting and code enforcement processes. As agencies within the state balance flood zones, population growth, and community development, technology is needed to support these priorities without sacrificing time. Investing in flexible, purpose-built tools gives staff the breathing room to focus on what really matters: helping their towns grow responsibly while protecting the people who call them home.
Not sure where to start? We’ve put together a practical checklist to help Tennessee building and code enforcement teams confidently move through their process and explore digital solutions that can support them every step of the way.