House Bill 170 amends Tennessee Code Annotated by introducing a new chapter that emphasizes the rights of property owners regarding permit applications. The bill asserts that property owners should have their applications evaluated based on the laws in effect at the time of submission, rather than being subject to potential changes in local regulations. It prioritizes the interests of property owners to utilize their property without interference from local government entities, effectively rejecting the pending ordinance doctrine as outlined in the Tennessee Supreme Court's 2007 decision in Harding Academy v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

The bill aims to align state policy with the interests of property owners, asserting that the need for local governments to manage zoning changes should not infringe upon property owners' rights. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, reflecting a commitment to enhancing property rights and reducing regulatory uncertainties for property owners in Tennessee.