The Walden Planning Commission (WPC) was established pursuant to TCA § 13-4-10, in October 2022 and became active in December 2022. The Commission is composed of seven members: five Walden residents appointed by the mayor, one Alderman selected by mayor, and the mayor (or the mayor’s designated representative). Appointed members serve five-year terms, and the terms of the Mayor and Alderman run concurrently with their terms in elected office. The mayor holds the authority to remove any appointed member and fill any vacancy that may arise for the remainder of the unexpired term T.C.A. § 13-4-101.
The Planning Commission guides the long-term and short-term growth of Walden, helping protect the town's unique natural environment while supporting a high quality of life for residents.
Purpose of the Planning Commission
The Commission's work is guided by the Town of Walden Plan (the Land Use Plan), adopted by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen through Ordinance 2022-342. In 2022, the plan received the Outstanding Plan Award for a Small Jurisdiction from the American Planning Association's Tennessee Chapter. It serves as a roadmap for future growth, redevelopment, and preservation, helping ensure Walden's quality of life endures for generations to come.
The Commission has the authority to create plans and maps for the Town related to planning and growth, and it makes reports and recommendations to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on community development matters. It also reviews and evaluates requests for:
Southeast Tennessee Development supports the Planning Commission by serving as staff and providing professional recommendations.
Application Process the Planning Commission
Applicants seeking Commission action, such as a zoning change, right-of-way closure, special use permit, site plan review, or subdivision/plat approval must apply to the town 30 days in advance of the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting. Applications may be found in the Planning & Development section of the Document Center.
The Planning Commission guides the long-term and short-term growth of Walden, helping protect the town's unique natural environment while supporting a high quality of life for residents.
Purpose of the Planning Commission
The Commission's work is guided by the Town of Walden Plan (the Land Use Plan), adopted by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen through Ordinance 2022-342. In 2022, the plan received the Outstanding Plan Award for a Small Jurisdiction from the American Planning Association's Tennessee Chapter. It serves as a roadmap for future growth, redevelopment, and preservation, helping ensure Walden's quality of life endures for generations to come.
The Commission has the authority to create plans and maps for the Town related to planning and growth, and it makes reports and recommendations to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on community development matters. It also reviews and evaluates requests for:
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- Zoning changes
- Right-of-way closures
- Special use permits
- Subdivision or plat approvals
Southeast Tennessee Development supports the Planning Commission by serving as staff and providing professional recommendations.
Application Process the Planning Commission
Applicants seeking Commission action, such as a zoning change, right-of-way closure, special use permit, site plan review, or subdivision/plat approval must apply to the town 30 days in advance of the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting. Applications may be found in the Planning & Development section of the Document Center.
Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Walden Town Hall, 1836 Taft Highway, Walden, TN. Please note: There is no meeting in July or December; the November meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 19.
Authority of the Planning Commission
The Planning Commission’s authority is granted by Town Charter § 6-2-201, Ordinance 2022-350, T.C.A. § 13-3-413, T.C.A. §§ 13-4-201–203, T.C.A. § 13-4-103, T.C.A. § 13-7-202, T.C.A. § 13-4-104, T.C.A. § 13-4-104, and T.C.A. § 13-7-202.
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Tom Bartoo
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Chairman |
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Tim Hilvers
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Vice-Chairman |
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Joe Robbins
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Mayor Designee |
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Board Representative |
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Jefferson Drumm
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Bill Trohanis
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Dawson Wheeler
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