# Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-107: Powers given public officer by ordinance

> Tennessee · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-107

## Section

- **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-107
- **Heading:** Powers given public officer by ordinance
- **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** TN Code / Title 13 / Chapter 21 / Section 13-21-107

## Text

An ordinance adopted by the governing body of the municipality may authorize the public officer to exercise such powers as may be necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this part, including the following powers in addition to others herein granted, to: (1) Investigate conditions in the municipality in order to determine which structures therein are unfit for human occupation or use; (2) Administer oaths, affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence; (3) Enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations; provided, that such entries shall be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession; (4) Appoint and fix the duties of such officers, agents and employees as the public officer deems necessary to carry out the purposes of the ordinances; and (5) Delegate any of such public officer's functions and powers under the ordinance to such officers and agents as the public officer may designate. Acts 1939, ch. 152, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 3647.36 (Williams, § 3647.48); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 13-1207; Acts 1985, ch. 286, §§ 4, 5.
An ordinance adopted by the governing body of the municipality may authorize the public officer to exercise such powers as may be necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this part, including the following powers in addition to others herein granted, to:
(1) Investigate conditions in the municipality in order to determine which structures therein are unfit for human occupation or use;
(2) Administer oaths, affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence;
(3) Enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations; provided, that such entries shall be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession;
(4) Appoint and fix the duties of such officers, agents and employees as the public officer deems necessary to carry out the purposes of the ordinances; and
(5) Delegate any of such public officer's functions and powers under the ordinance to such officers and agents as the public officer may designate.
Acts 1939, ch. 152, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 3647.36 (Williams, § 3647.48); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 13-1207; Acts 1985, ch. 286, §§ 4, 5.

## Nearby sections

- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-101 Part definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-101.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-102 Structures unfit for human occupation or use - Power of municipalities to demolish - Program to remedy the unsafe conditions caused by the unfinished structure and the suspended construction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-102.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-103 Adoption of ordinances - Required provisions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-103.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-104 Conditions rendering structure unfit for human occupation or use](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-104.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-105 Service of complaints or orders](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-105.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-106 Enjoining enforcement of order](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-106.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-107 Powers given public officer by ordinance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-107.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-108 Estimate of annual expenses and costs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-108.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-109 Part confers supplementary powers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-109.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-110 Violation of order to vacate structure declared unfit for human occupation - Authorizing or facilitating occupancy - Penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-110.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-201 Findings, purpose and policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-201.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-202 Part definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-202.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-203 Adoption of provisions by ordinance - Vacant property review commission](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-203.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-204 Acquisition by eminent domain authorized - Litter removal](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-204.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T13_C21_S13-21-107. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.