The Athens Utilities Board (AUB) is a not-for-profit public utility organization owned by the City of Athens and responsible for the operation and management of the community’s electric power, natural gas, water, and wastewater systems. Governed by a five-member Board of Directors appointed by City Council, AUB operates as a separate unit of city government with independent authority to manage utility services in a safe, reliable, and financially responsible manner. Through professional management, transparent operations, and a commitment to customer service, AUB exists to provide essential utility services that support the health, safety, and quality of life of the Athens community.

*Applications are kept on file for two (2) years from the date of submission. After that time, if you wish to be considered for appointment, you must submit a new application.

Whenever the Building Inspector shall reject or refuse to approve the mode or manner of construction proposed to be followed or materials to be used in the installation or alteration of a building or structure, or when it is claimed that the provisions of this Code do not apply, or that any equally good or more desirable form of installation can be employed in any specific case, or when it is claimed that the true intent and meaning of this Code or any of the regulations thereunder have been misconstrued or incorrectly interpreted, the owner of such building or structure, or his duly authorized agent, may appeal from the decision of the Building Inspector to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Notice of appeal shall be in writing and filed within 90 days after the decision is rendered by the Building Inspector. Appeals shall be on forms provided by the Building Inspector.

*Applications are kept on file for two (2) years from the date of submission. After that time, if you wish to be considered for appointment, you must submit a new application.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) serves as a quasi-judicial body responsible for interpreting and applying the City’s zoning regulations. Its purpose is to ensure that the zoning ordinance is administered fairly, consistently, and with appropriate flexibility when unique circumstances arise.

The BZA reviews and decides three primary types of matters:

Appeals of Administrative Decisions
The Board hears appeals from individuals who believe that the Building Inspector or other zoning official has made an error in the interpretation or enforcement of zoning requirements.

Special Exception (Use-on-Review) Requests
For land uses that require additional review to determine suitability within a specific zoning district, the Board evaluates the proposed use and may approve it with conditions when appropriate.

Variance Requests
When strict application of the zoning ordinance would create an undue hardship due to unique physical conditions of a property, the Board may grant limited relief, provided the variance does not conflict with the ordinance’s intent or adversely impact surrounding properties.

Through these responsibilities, the Board of Zoning Appeals plays a vital role in upholding the integrity of the zoning ordinance while ensuring reasonable and equitable land use decisions within the City.

*Applications are kept on file for two (2) years from the date of submission. After that time, if you wish to be considered for appointment, you must submit a new application.

• To serve in official capacity of advising City Council on any matter relating to city government.
• To review all aspects of city government, listing both positive and negative.
• Review city organization, including departmental goals, needs assessments, Five Year Plan, etc.
• List priorities on needs in city for Council review.
• Study and review any issue requested by Council.
• Become an advocate for promoting initiatives implemented by the Council.

*Applications are kept on file for two (2) years from the date of submission. After that time, if you wish to be considered for appointment, you must submit a new application.

The Athens Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC) is a board established by the City of Athens under state law to protect and promote the community’s historic resources. The Commission helps preserve buildings and sites that reflect Athens’ architectural, cultural, and social history.

The AHPC reviews exterior changes to properties located within designated historic districts, including construction, repairs, alterations, and demolition, to ensure that these modifications are compatible with the character of the area. The Commission also recommends historic district boundaries, adopts design guidelines, and advises the City on matters related to historic preservation. The AHPC works to safeguard Athens’ historic identity while supporting thoughtful growth and redevelopment.

*Applications are kept on file for two (2) years from the date of submission. After that time, if you wish to be considered for appointment, you must submit a new application.

The McMinn County Library Board (MCLB) supports the establishment, maintenance, and operation of a free public library for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of McMinn County, as authorized under Tennessee law. MCLB exists to ensure that library services are provided in a lawful, efficient, and sustainable manner, whether operated independently or through cooperative or joint arrangements with other governmental entities, and that such services remain accessible to the public in furtherance of education, information, and community enrichment.

*Applications are kept on file for two (2) years from the date of submission. After that time, if you wish to be considered for appointment, you must submit a new application.

To enforce local and state regulations for regional planning, zoning, and development.

*Applications are kept on file for two (2) years from the date of submission. After that time, if you wish to be considered for appointment, you must submit a new application.

The Advisory Board shall act in an advisory capacity only and shall have no authority to bind the City Council or City of Athens in any way except as the City Council may from time to time direct. The Advisory Board shall, in concert, with the Department Director: develop/implement a broad and comprehensive recreation program for the City; shall attend all Advisory Board meetings, or, if absent, to give just and reasonable cause why absent, and to give notice to the Board Chairman and Director if known in advance that absence will be unavoidable; interpret the recreation and parks services of the Department to the community and interpret the needs and desires of the community to the Department.

February 19, 2026

April 16, 2026

June 18, 2026

August 20, 2026

October 15, 2026

December 17, 2026

*Applications are kept on file for two (2) years from the date of submission. After that time, if you wish to be considered for appointment, you must submit a new application.

The Sister City program is an international effort to foster people-to people citizen diplomacy to further international cooperation and understanding. More specifically, the program promotes educational, cultural, and economic awareness among the participating communities through hosting a lecture series and numerous exchange programs. Athens’ sister city is Isahaya Japan.

*Applications are kept on file for two (2) years from the date of submission. After that time, if you wish to be considered for appointment, you must submit a new application.