Address Assignment Form

How do you come up with the numbers you assign?

Our addressing scheme is based upon distance, every 5.28 ft is a potential address, each 1,000 numbers equal a mile. We normally start at the beginning of the road (the intersection closest to the center of the country), and using a distance measurement indicator (DMI), measure the distance to the center of the structure for which we are assigning an address. The resulting number is the 911 address. We deviate only to designate addresses on the left or right side of the road. Odd addresses are always on the left, and evens on the right.

For example: If you live at 1505 Nowhere Rd., you live slightly over one and one half miles on the left side.

The method of addressing is invaluable for our emergency responders. As soon as the dispatcher gives them the address, they know exactly how far down the road the house actually is and on which side of the road. 

Why do I need to have my house staked before you can assign an address?

When assigning numbers, the middle of the driveway will determine the number. We also GPS (Global Positioning system) the house which gives us longitude and latitude coordinates. This helps us to pinpoint a caller if they happen to be using a cell phone.

How long does it take to get an address assigned?

We make every effort to get addresses assigned within a few days; however delays can occur due to out of town meetings and conferences. In the event your address is part of a new subdivision or private road, the road has to be named before an address can be assigned. Please see Addressing Rules and Regulations.

Is the address you assign also my mailing address?

Yes, but check with your local post office concerning where to locate your mailbox.

Now that I have the address, who do I need to give it too?

Make certain when you turn on your telephone service that you give them the correct address. When you dial 911 the information that is in their database is what we see at the 911 dispatch center. You will also need to provide the address to the board of public utilities, tax assessor, property assessor, election office, post office etc...

Why does my car GPS not put me in the correct location?

The commercial GPS market is enormous and not designed for public safety. The designated road points most of the time are not in the same locations as the designated beginning points used in public safety and 911. Our accuracy is more important than those in the commercial market because public safety has to be as accurate as possible to save lives, not to have a package delivered or to find a restaurant.

2010 Tennessee Code
Title 7 - Consolidated Governments
Chapter 86 - Emergency Communications 
Part 1 - Emergency Communications Districts 
7-86-127 - Street names and numbers.

7-86-127. Street names and numbers.

(a)  Unless expressly provided otherwise by law, the authority to name public and private roads and streets, including roads and streets located within residential developments, and to assign property numbers relating to the roads and streets, is exclusively vested in the legislative bodies of counties for unincorporated areas, and municipalities within their incorporated boundaries; provided, that the exercise of this authority must be in a manner acceptable to the United States postal service.

(b)  The legislative bodies of any county or municipality may delegate the authority provided under this section to the emergency communications district, if there be one; provided, that the legislative body shall approve road or street name changes made by the district under such terms as the legislative body may determine.

(c)  Any county or city, including districts with delegated authority, may establish and impose reasonable fees and enforce policies relating to the changing of names of roads and streets, and may establish and enforce policies for the assignment and posting requirements of property numbers.

(d)  The legislative bodies of all counties and municipalities, or their designees, shall provide their local county election commissions an updated list of any modifications or changes to all house, road, or street names or numbers every six (6) months.

(e)  This section may not be construed to require a local government to maintain any portion of a road that the local government has not accepted.

[Acts 1994, ch. 807, § 2; 1995, ch. 68, § 4; 1997, ch. 136, § 1; 2004, ch. 480, § 13.]   
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Tennessee may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.