Tenn. Code § 65-26-101
To enable gas companies to establish such works, they are empowered to lay pipes and extend conductors through the streets, lanes, and alleys of any town, city, or village, in such manner, however, as to produce the least possible inconvenience to the town, city, or village, or its inhabitants, or to travelers, and to take up pavements and sidewalks; provided, that they shall repair the same with the least possible delay, and a city, county, or metropolitan government shall not require the repair of pavement or sidewalk in excess of two hundred percent (200%) of the surface area disturbed during the inspection, installation, or connection to such pipes or natural gas mains or conductors; and provided further, that no one of the streets or alleys shall be entered upon or used by any corporation for laying pipes and conductors, or otherwise, until the consent of the municipal authorities shall have been obtained, and an ordinance shall have been passed prescribing the terms on which the same may be done.
T.C.A. § 65-26-101