[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6275627,"mediaKeyId","2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3","parentId",2769164,"title","Proposal to raise A1 minimum lot size to 3 acres fails to reach consensus at RPC; commissioners debate impacts","audioSeconds",1337,"startMs",7727000,"endMs",9064000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3&start=7727&end=9064","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3/thumbnail_7727000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6275627/Tennessee/Proposal-to-raise-A1-minimum-lot-size-to-3-acres-fails-to-reach-consensus-at-RPC-commissioners-debate-impacts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275627-254545973b0ec6f952ba33a26c1cb19c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138985&Signature=APvlU798bd6~cMkFhXeqXXsu-FG3bDf3xr1bedl4CvSVr8YBZ64go8QKDQqcHXI35QECxBr5M5U1z7ra6qZMd40Heb9FG9fcyOU-ldS79x1Xfl0elOlXCFB56QoRULlxvcUsyRAKh2GTtITkI~~rNvtZeisydZBIaMaVCUI4Io1SplL8YDoGzjnEN4IaEw7by7gQOZyrOVO01nm8Ucd5f9ipbbTc7scAWUVBRPtd2HjuLCJ3U1WzZr~YnvBwxK317O8dB-zce-CccfBWiqjE4CfIEP-iXB8lQGLs8Lb4WZb85UzuEr7KykSHv3W1z8kHSoiRy~7faAEowIDykCHGWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jefferson County, TN","date","2025-03-26T04:49:14.023Z","article","Commissioners debated a proposal to raise the minimum lot size in the A1 agricultural zone from 0.92 acres to 3 acres. The measure was presented as a county-level policy recommendation intended to curb incremental, road-front lot cuts that can add density along county roads without full subdivision oversight.

Proponents argued that larger minimum lot sizes would preserve agricultural character and limit unplanned density that places long-term strain on county roads, schools and services. \"When you have a piece of farmland on a county road . . . and we go every 0.92 acres and stick a house, we are effectively putting density into that area, and there's zero oversight from the county,\" a commissioner said during discussion.

Opponents said raising the minimum lot size risks harming long-time property owners who plan family transfers, could price local buyers out if future development shifts to higher-cost lots, and could be read as spot-zoning if not implemented with broader ordinance revisions. One commissioner asked those opposing the resolution to return with alternative proposals, saying there is broad agreement a problem exists but disagreement on the right solution.

After discussion the motion to send the 3-acre minimum proposal to county commission did not carry; the transcript records a tied or divided vote and no recommendation was forwarded at this meeting. Commissioners agreed to continue discussing county-wide planning and zoning changes in a separate committee and asked staff to prepare options.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 25, 2025 - Jefferson County, TN - Board of Zoning Appeal & Regional Planning Commission","oneSentenceSummary","A proposal to raise the agricultural-zone minimum lot size from 0.92 acres to 3 acres failed to secure consensus at the Feb. 25 meeting after commissioners split over effects on farmland owners, housing affordability and development practice.","taxTitle","Board of Zoning Appeals and Regional Planning Commission Meetings, Jefferson County, Tennessee","taxId",73403,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6275632,"Residents press commission over \"sheds\" subdivision, question plat approval process",5332,3936000,9268000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3&start=3936&end=9268","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3/thumbnail_3936000.jpg","/articles/6275632/Tennessee/Residents-press-commission-over-sheds-subdivision-question-plat-approval-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275632-048abf9737f28b1f05f9427af56b439e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138985&Signature=XES8wjv1xWB4dCuppFBce-CMzPv9-m7wF1lX1svN6KdUzwWCMS48YhrPUjicWVuAvRdQUaf5GZF3LKpPNV9jTvkEmYBNMJB9Ps3Bhuu59tkUqtjLwE-SXlPtD9R1I82Tx88bJQH2VOORQ4BsMZWu3rD8mv4EQjTl7TwrAmgHXUGZWG1no1If8dNwqq1SGGz~aGZrRBSDes71K8bDMMLK~e127yvnaJYcAVCisE93JwRSRigDibQjLw1DwS9iDQTDtTM71f8FgN0YNyLpE8L8s54AV93e3IsPyF8tdUxfGROfrard-DS7X~WTgQ0jr~Au78veOorPbACH8vRCt4jNhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the public-comment period to press the Regional Planning Commission about a high-profile parcel (2251 Jim Henry Road) where large outbuildings (referred to in comments as \"sheds\") were approved in December 2024 after the RPC had rejected a prior proposal in November.

Speakers including Kathleen Billers, William Billers and Jim Fox said the RPC had denied the sheds \"without prejudice\" in November but county staff later signed a plat and approved the work in-house in December. Kathleen Billers told the commission she searched local newspaper archives and RPC agendas and could not find any public meeting where the commission officially delegated plat-signing authority to staff. She cited Tennessee subdivision law in questioning whether the plat had been properly recorded: \"No plat or plan of subdivision of land up into 2 or more lots shall be admitted to the land records . . . until said plat has received final approval in writing by the RPC and duly signed by the RPC secretary,\" she read from the statutes she cited.

William Billers and Jim Fox asked the commission to investigate the administrative record and, if necessary, to issue a stop-work order or to have the parcel returned for RPC review. Jim Fox said the RPC itself had instructed the owner and involved county departments to return to RPC for a full review but, in his words, \"to our surprise, the 2-lot subdivision was approved, without going before this board.\"

Planning staff and the county clerk told the commission they had searched records and that Tennessee law and county practice had changed over time; staff explained that recorded practice had allowed staff to approve plats in certain circumstances, but the commission asked staff to produce documentary evidence of any official delegation and to confirm whether the RPC secretary's signature was present on the recorded plat. Commissioners agreed to postpone a formal decision on procedural remedies and to pursue documentation; they also agreed that future plats will require the planning commission secretary's signature for the record unless the commission adopts a formal delegation.

The commission asked staff to return with an administrative record showing how the prior plat was handled and what signatures were recorded with the register of deeds.

","Residents urged the Regional Planning Commission to investigate whether a two-lot subdivision and subsequent building approvals for a parcel on Jim Henry Road were processed correctly after they said the matter was rejected by RPC and then approved in-house by county staff.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6275637,"Planning commission postpones Deep Springs rezoning, forwards Smoky Mountain Lake rezoning to commission",2394,4810000,7204000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3&start=4810&end=7204","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3/thumbnail_4810000.jpg","/articles/6275637/Tennessee/Planning-commission-postpones-Deep-Springs-rezoning-forwards-Smoky-Mountain-Lake-rezoning-to-commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275637-9e7ec1e1f69847cd610b676fc5e08d2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138985&Signature=R11APdkRE5QuHmDJooismjH75dTdy5rxsZzfic380xgjg3d2JQHxVnifLLQzYmkS9r7LFYHM2wQnHuyHQZzsES-XhpJWa1I~2PIzKANnzmtKZTscOhNdXJzCYrLg9~cKy5v9pv3M54cO2bYe6ZR3Th3wUuKlWwn~V1s8SZO36ljRF3cbk60sxcoxN2dtEemqWMOzIuF4bE~fK3QS3TEMOTLf6yAkHImH~zw44K4P10Px0Odfk8ywvDzf-U80jLY8REuk1-8u-CYa54l7LXngiLQ9SaZvBt~Yz7vEts7KrIwBJTh2pMjyFUyyzA2Ina~DxDMSfbILeZgZywYmLjGLgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Feb. 25 meeting the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) postponed a rezoning request from A1 (agricultural/forestry) to C2 (general commercial) for part of a 38-acre parcel at 1359 Deep Springs Road (Munn's Enterprise). The applicant said the request was intended to permit storage and yarding of excavation equipment and to create a residential site on the hilltop; neighbors raised concerns about visibility, lighting, road wear and commercial use creeping into a formerly wooded parcel. Commissioners asked for a corrected map/plat to clearly show the acreage proposed for rezoning and postponed the item to the April meeting so the applicant can submit a formal survey and clarify the requested acreage.

Separately the RPC recommended approval to county commission of a rezoning request by Smoky Mountain Lake Adventures to rezone about 2 acres (exact acreage to be surveyed) on Chestnut Hill Road and Morgan Way from rural resort to C2 for marine sales and service. The applicants said the parcel fronts Chestnut Hill Road and includes a maintenance building the marina uses; they told commissioners they were not seeking a large dealership but rather space for pontoon sales, limited service and maintenance tied to the existing marina operation. Commissioners required a formal plat/survey and asked that the applicant provide the boundary survey before the commission vote; the RPC's favorable recommendation was made contingent on the applicant providing the field survey and parcel identification that will be used in the commission resolution.

Commissioners also heard multiple public comments alleging irregularities in how a prior subdivision/plat had been handled by county staff; that discussion is summarized in a separate article.

","The Regional Planning Commission postponed a rezoning request for part of a 38-acre parcel at 1359 Deep Springs Road and recommended that commissioners consider rezoning roughly 2 acres to C2 for Smoky Mountain Lake Adventures, contingent on a formal plat/survey.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6275641,"Board grants two variances, denies billboard request without prejudice",360,2611000,2971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3&start=2611&end=2971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3/thumbnail_2611000.jpg","/articles/6275641/Tennessee/Board-grants-two-variances-denies-billboard-request-without-prejudice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275641-c75cf5874404495049f52eb870163f87/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127484&Signature=fSBGW9AJTRfGK-1MJYQPrBqHKOIn78Yy90K~a2v1dP9zZf6oyx0E4hLhqpMazCEhGT2LdPc7piIvkuAbOYOAon~dhJ0Ro-fj7adZJnCDrNmuBmGSs078-gU5L4WZ1EI0WFBoGtYFMAjbTWp91DXb2WuY5dZu-wY1wjEf9XME8n0GAKjFMvdmUialCrdb2KFHIuwFGeiswZlx1BX84FvcI5zTNzYKTbnjmAlKbStE84za4mrs12N9OT51wGQ8DTsJnt66hIRzVWwPuMTYmYcMjOz7ns-U8CmjTNh8c0r-ScF9eqpXruZGhi2NXGv~zS~IPnp9OUjqLTPQh0DKrWafaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Feb. 25 meeting the Board of Zoning Appeals granted two variance requests and denied a billboard-size/height variance without prejudice.

The board approved a variance reducing the front setback by 15 feet for Lot 22, Dandridge Landing (address: 15 David Swan Drive). The applicant and builder explained site constraints including septic and topography and asked to \"scoot up\" the structure so the house and driveway fit the parcel; a board member said the request was similar to a prior variance approved in the same neighborhood. A motion to grant the variance carried; the board did not record a roll-call vote tally in the transcript.

The board also granted a variance for a garage placement at 1819 Parish Chapel Road, Sevierville. The applicants explained the only buildable location on the lot required the variance; the board heard that the area proposed is slightly lower than the road and already cleared. The motion to grant passed by voice vote.

The board denied without prejudice a variance request for size and height of a proposed billboard on Cook Road (applicant: Wesley Sisk). The applicant was not present; the board made a motion to deny for lack of representation and the motion carried.

The board's decisions apply to parcel-level variances; applicants must still secure permits and comply with site and building requirements.

","The Board approved a front-setback variance for a home site in Dandridge Landing and a variance to place a garage at a Parish Chapel Road property, and denied a requested billboard variance without prejudice after no applicant representation appeared.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6275646,"Board approves countywide allowance for tractor-trailer parking in C2 zones after debate",1401,1171000,2572000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3&start=1171&end=2572","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769164-be0d0dc0a2dde2013a2d9fd324dc00e3/thumbnail_1171000.jpg","/articles/6275646/Tennessee/Board-approves-countywide-allowance-for-tractor-trailer-parking-in-C2-zones-after-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275646-032c588934013b9c018b064d43f36041/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138985&Signature=ZW2~QdVpAw02z9Y~fxgv3m6i-3l7rgXUhPenILhmc8Nam91WhCw6vb2MOVIHvH8RzYE2Bvtbe1EUJNFqua1zfDyxWY0~7nJz~9DqpCteDLL0qeZU0RuUqPuh80EivcuRmWdAw4fyuj-ZY5mdSIZRHAw~z1DCJdkNjx2BSP2ktffGYiG8i0PrcGvutsCSahZTGxxAwIaVpHSskZWWbXDJaejIsjH~xFRLyG4WAimBtBVsGG9SuO7gnG9x0AqZODPnCrRViseG4~1Q1ChjLl9nrz8qhn3QRs8TDBcmNXEFcRd-i7CU2hJHFRg6HUTNnQ6rwB1oeBScPLQizZN~GBxmBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-1 on Feb. 25 to allow 18-wheeler tractor-trailer parking lots and rest-stop uses in the countywide C2 (general commercial) zoning district.

The decision came after residents and the applicant described competing uses. Claude Allen of White Pine urged caution, citing road width and maintenance costs for Phillips Road. \"I have recently been made aware that there are plans for a . . . an overnight truck lot, rest stop, truck stop, whatever on Phillips Road. My concerns are twofold regarding this project,\" Allen said during public comment, adding the road is narrow and that future residential development could greatly increase traffic.

The applicant presented a plan that the board characterized as preliminary, describing a site with approximately 30 parking slots, a perimeter 6-foot fence, 24-hour video surveillance, on-site management and separate areas for overnight stays (short-term) and monthly storage. The applicant said overnight stays would be typically one night and estimated that overnight demand would be \"about a quarter to half\" of total use; the remainder would be monthly storage for trucks when drivers are home. The applicant said there would be showers, restrooms and a lounge, and that check-in would likely be handled via an app rather than a staffed desk. On diesel idling the applicant said: \"I would say yes for the customers that will stay there, but it'll be on a clean idle.\"

Board members pressed the applicant on road safety, stormwater, septic and whether the use resembled industrial activity more than retail. Members also noted other C2 parcels in the county already accommodate similar overnight parking uses without fuel or food sales; one member referenced existing overnight parking near US-40 and heavier truck activity closer to I-81.

After discussion the motion to allow the use in C2 (countywide) carried. The board recorded the outcome as: motion approved, 3 in favor, 1 opposed.

The board's approval applies to the use category in the county's C2 zoning district; individual projects will require the usual site-level reviews (setbacks, stormwater, driveway permitting and any state highway approvals). Several board members emphasized that civil and technical approvals (road widening inspected by the highway department, stormwater permits, and other site-specific conditions) remain required before construction or operations could begin.

The applicant was told to expect additional technical questions and permitting steps if the zoning use determination is applied to a specific parcel.

Votes At A Glance: 18-wheeler/tractor-trailer parking/rest-stop allowed in countywide C2: approved, 3-1.

","The Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-1 to allow 18-wheeler/tractor-trailer parking (rest-stop/overnight parking and monthly storage) as an allowable use in the county's C2 general commercial zoning district. Members, applicants and nearby residents debated road safety, noise, lighting and use limits before the vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Proposal to raise A1 minimum lot size to 3 acres fails to reach consensus at RPC; commissioners debate impacts

Residents press commission over "sheds" subdivision, question plat approval process

Planning commission postpones Deep Springs rezoning, forwards Smoky Mountain Lake rezoning to commission

Board grants two variances, denies billboard request without prejudice

Board approves countywide allowance for tractor-trailer parking in C2 zones after debate