The Addressing Department is responsible for reviewing proposed subdivision names, street names and street name changes within Knox County. Planning staff works closely with the U.S. Postal Service and the Knox County Emergency Communications District (E-911) to make sure street and subdivision names are clear and concise for postal carriers and emergency personnel.
Reserving a Street Name or Subdivision Name
To propose a street or subdivision name, complete a Request for Street Name and/or Subdivision Name Form and return to the Addressing Department by email, fax, mail or in person.
Please review the General Addressing Rules pertaining to base names before submitting your request. Staff will review the proposed street and subdivision names for compliance with the following:
- City of Knoxville Street Naming Addressing Ordinance
- Knox County Street Naming and Addressing System Ordinance
- Addressing Guidelines and Procedures
Review by the Addressing Department takes approximately three working days.
Approved street names can be reserved by developers for up to two years; approved subdivision names can be reserved for up to five years.
Duplicate Street Names
Proposed, new street name duplications, including phonetic duplications within Knoxville and Knox County, are prohibited. Before submitting street names, we recommend applicants review the list of active and reserved names to ensure the name is not in use.
When Can New Street Names be Submitted?
New street names are usually submitted by developers and property owners during the subdivision plat review process. The state highway, county, or city road departments can submit a proposed street name as part of a roadway widening project or when a new road is created.
