Tenn. Code Ann. § 5-1-212: Charter adoption - Rights, etc., preserved

(a) The creation and establishment of a charter form of county government pursuant to this part shall not alter or change zoning regulations effective in the county, but the same shall continue until modified or changed by the county legislative body acting under authority granted in the charter.

(b) Nothing in the charter of a county shall be construed to abolish, limit or abrogate any rights, privileges, duties or liabilities created by contract with the existing form of county government prior to the adoption of the county charter.

(c) Nothing in the charter of a county shall be construed to abolish, limit or abrogate any rights of or against the county existing prior to the adoption of the county charter.