6-51-120 - Annexation of territory in a state park or natural area. - Tennessee Statutes

6-51-120. Annexation of territory in a state park or natural area.

No municipality shall annex any territory located within any state park or natural area unless all of the following conditions are met:

     (1)  The territory proposed for annexation must be located within the municipality's urban growth boundaries;

     (2)  The municipality must provide advance written notification of the proposed annexation to the commissioner of environment and conservation;

     (3)  The advance written notification must include a detailed description of the territory proposed for annexation, reasons for the proposed annexation, the proposed plan of municipal services, and the timeline for actual delivery of each municipal service;

     (4)  The department of environment and conservation must study the likely impact upon the park or natural area and its wildlife, scenery, ambiance, traffic, roads, visitors and mission. The cost of the study shall be borne by the municipality proposing the annexation;

     (5)  As a component of the study, the department must conduct one (1) or more public hearings for citizen input;

     (6)  Prior to the public hearing, the department must seek the county commission's input regarding the municipality's proposed annexation; and

     (7)  The department must report its findings and may prescribe such binding prerequisites for the proposed annexation as may be necessary and desirable to protect and preserve the park or natural area for the benefit of all current and future Tennesseans.

[Acts 2008, ch. 1033, § 1.]