[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6261714,"mediaKeyId","3120619-2b44e6f641439eb72e2da62095dba586","parentId",3120619,"title","Planning staff recommends adjusting proposed family‑definition text amendment; commission defers final action to May 22","audioSeconds",2251,"startMs",3483000,"endMs",5734000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3120619-2b44e6f641439eb72e2da62095dba586&start=3483&end=5734","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3120619-2b44e6f641439eb72e2da62095dba586/thumbnail_3483000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6261714/Tennessee/Planning-staff-recommends-adjusting-proposed-familydefinition-text-amendment-commission-defers-final-action-to-May-22","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6261714-95d741c43853df15952e83404fc6eef5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771081778&Signature=Mm0ViExXuemQ120B-nJEQJ6a5IM7Cn2wg3On5~xbYHPc~RqjIQtx3x5CGs92pMUP32-sOgnvMi5vcCOMll6OGaAfcfYozBqgaqdHponvWUyQp6MrwLfD8P7diMuVIAGiHcMEgnnaP71C5CpjFFMU5-8CTXGOAI7XtXZiH~NNSkHLulwD8VDJSR-10AYu0uVA2rbBGhIayxj-QzBUKT1lETHOoPs8M9HNpXvcs~UlYoZOqx-TY36hTj~FYMeVPghT4dw0Dx0GgUp3GosbSWUAhMfbl8DMnxQhl-8ViICK0llFQ6Xa1djH75D7cnHQYW-VVqDUh1S0x8BTIGzkcDBp7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Nashville, TN","date","2025-04-25T02:06:44Z","article","The Metropolitan Planning Commission opened public hearing on April 24 on a councilmember‑filed text amendment that would change the zoning code definition of “family” by excluding persons under a specified age from occupancy limits applicable to unrelated persons living together.

Bob Lehman of the planning staff explained the current definition and the amendment as filed. The proposal would add language exempting “persons under the age of 13 related to an adult occupant by blood, marriage, or law” from the maximum number of allowable unrelated persons in a dwelling. Lehman told the commission staff supports the concept of exempting minors but recommends changing the age threshold from 13 to 18 to align with federal fair housing protections and to avoid conflicts with occupancy limitations elsewhere in the code. “Staff supports the change to the definition to include the exemption for minors. However, we recommend changing the age from 13 to 18,” Lehman said.

Councilmember Joy Kimbrough is the bill sponsor; she was not present at the hearing. No speakers appeared in support or opposition at the hearing.

Under commission procedure the item was opened for public hearing; staff recommended deferral for final action so the commission could consider planning’s suggested substitute. Commissioners voted to defer action for two meetings; the item is set for a final action vote on May 22, 2025.

Votes at a glance

- Text amendment to Title 17 (definition of family): Motion — defer for two meetings to consider staff’s substitute (change suggested from 13 to 18). Outcome — deferred to May 22, 2025.

Ending: Staff will work with the sponsor to draft the substitute language consistent with fair housing law; the commission will take final action at its May 22 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04/24/25 Planning Commission","oneSentenceSummary","The commission held public hearing on an ordinance that would exempt minors from occupancy limits; staff supported the exemption but urged raising the age in the draft from 13 to 18 to align with fair housing law. The commission deferred final action to its May 22 meeting.","taxTitle","Planning Commission Meetings, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee","taxId",69335,"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},6261718,"Planning commission approves preliminary SP for 50 residential units at Stewarts Ferry Pike with conditions",1910,1814000,3724000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3120619-2b44e6f641439eb72e2da62095dba586&start=1814&end=3724","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3120619-2b44e6f641439eb72e2da62095dba586/thumbnail_1814000.jpg","/articles/6261718/Tennessee/Planning-commission-approves-preliminary-SP-for-50-residential-units-at-Stewarts-Ferry-Pike-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6261718-7775b09e00c1f5058a95ce5735213ece/orig.mp4?Expires=1771081778&Signature=aMiyLkXwEzT0GB-Whh9uJvNNzrkdVrVq1lclfqLhgejXJhdk2gh~mGM5XEVvnpYcsF9pjQNzaVzKjpUkOh05ne5dRM4i5NTOfDa~6H7cjymzvSarPfAauCyCttIkNETSQZA9e2kHEau54XbWgLe8gjiISGyw6qqlTzuCxURvZFLtuXws3IYGlR46s7GgzCWun519pVJmaSLqkPUQxHKCAjrur7j8id~ClKwOEIHm6LqPSl6nVBqZDE4KRFaYnY6Fsi4zArje6yUOaQz8-gn7mGPeVyhkHLOC3pTbw1a5FbJnbgkwkG8OkWCvaF6dj7RbHT1rRR~mv3sazPllF6b1eA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Planning Commission voted on April 24 to approve a preliminary specific plan that would permit up to 24 two‑family lots and two single‑family lots (50 residential units total) on a 17‑acre portion of the parcel at 1501 Stewarts Ferry Pike. Staff recommended approval with conditions; the commission adopted that recommendation with a recorded majority vote.

Applicant Adam Kronk of Kronk Engineering said the project was designed to match surrounding context, preserve tree cover along Stewarts Ferry Pike and provide primarily active‑adult housing; the developer told the commission the product is marketed toward older adults but not age‑restricted. “We agree with the staff report, agree with the staff conditions, and seek approval this evening,” Kronk said during the public hearing.

The public hearing drew multiple residents and association representatives opposed to the proposal. Neighbors warned of traffic congestion on narrow, shoulderless South New Hope Road, limited evacuation access toward Cook Recreation Area, and the karst geology in the area that could make groundwater contamination a risk if construction alters the subsurface. “The traffic problem is the main problem,” said Anderson Clark, who described lengthy backups at peak hours and the cumulative impact of nearby subdivisions.

Planning staff reviewed case history and follow‑up work requested by the commission at prior meetings: NDOT reviewed sight distances and confirmed minimum separation distances; staff and the applicant agreed to strengthen traffic calming and escrow conditions for improvements; the plan was modified to require pedestrian connections, public access easements over private drives, and conservation greenway easements to allow future pedestrian connections northward. Staff noted stormwater and technical reviews would be completed during construction‑level permitting.

During deliberation some commissioners expressed continued neighborhood concerns but ultimately voted to approve the specific plan with the conditions in the staff report. The motion to approve carried; the public record shows one commissioner opposed. Commissioner Martin moved approval of staff‑recommended conditions.

Votes at a glance

- Case 9 (1501 Stewarts Ferry Pike preliminary SP): Motion — approve with staff conditions. Outcome — approved; tally reported in the meeting: yes 6, no 1.

Ending: Approval is conditional; detailed technical reviews (NDOT, stormwater) and construction drawings remain required before building permits can be issued. Neighbors and council representatives said they will continue to monitor permit reviews.","The commission approved a preliminary specific plan allowing up to 50 units on a roughly 17‑acre site at 1501 Stewarts Ferry Pike after hearing safety, traffic and groundwater concerns from neighbors and a presentation from the applicant and developer.",{"_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},6261723,"Planning commission approves Marlin Meadows neighborhood conservation overlay after mixed testimony",1505,3771000,5276000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3120619-2b44e6f641439eb72e2da62095dba586&start=3771&end=5276","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3120619-2b44e6f641439eb72e2da62095dba586/thumbnail_3771000.jpg","/articles/6261723/Tennessee/Planning-commission-approves-Marlin-Meadows-neighborhood-conservation-overlay-after-mixed-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6261723-21250ff2b4df02d176f1bbeeb311ad19/orig.mp4?Expires=1771081778&Signature=jRH~yFxvroBmdhgmGuaGXUZURZmDBZcrifwF8MoGCep4Rs5bLunc4cXOQDzIcxFfPWI~0CS-ok-1y6hdopYpSdfmuPj0~LMW4BxK~uEw~wHJ8w8pfGHmz8MVCBGOEuCPCvNoP0OSFJEbiTERFGasUNgQLm3EkaoQnzwNRk3U52JSN6kWuAXVmsC61AxDet5SeS6Cpv7g2W2RuneRiN8NlisxVo8Cmp40zfOFq2CAEc8oq1z2N7XJ7Jxec5SNqy6h~YZcyaAWXKKxtg-reo4rGdEHHfd94sxB3eepfxSPID0jv3OxLbFjmLt9qGUdC-T~CXClnHcxNxrFE1zka5Tlrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Planning Commission voted 7–1 on April 24 to recommend approval of a neighborhood conservation overlay (NCO) applying additional review for demolition, additions and new construction in Marlin Meadows, a mid‑century subdivision north of the river.

The overlay would apply conservation‑oriented review in addition to the existing RS‑20 zoning; it does not automatically change base zoning. The Metro Historic Zoning Commission had earlier found the area eligible under criteria for mid‑century architectural significance and recommended adoption of guidelines tailored to Marlin Meadows. Planning staff recommended approval, noting the request aligned with the Historic Zoning Commission findings and that the department relied on that commission’s expertise in evaluating significance.

Councilmember (applicant) told commissioners the overlay was the result of several community meetings dating back to 2019 and subsequent public discussion. Supporters — including a local preservation planner who sought a State Historic Preservation Office review — said the majority of houses would be contributing resources and that the overlay was intended to be a lighter tool than full historic zoning. “We feel like that it's without doubt the neighborhood's architecturally historic significance,” said Robbie Jones, a resident and preservation planner who asked commissioners to adopt the overlay.

Opponents said the proposal risked being used to restrict housing supply and to insulate the neighborhood from citywide housing reforms. Mannen Hall, speaking as a renter and housing advocate, said the overlay risked being “weaponized” to exclude additional housing and described the proposal as a tool that could be used to entrench existing owners. Other residents said the petition and outreach were not representative of the full neighborhood and that additional community work was needed.

Commissioners questioned the appropriate standard for an NCO versus a historic overlay and noted the proposal had already proceeded through several public processes. Melissa Sajid, staff to the Metro Historic Zoning Commission, told the planning commission that the NCO would review new infill, additions and demolitions but would not cover routine maintenance such as replacing windows or roofs.

After deliberation commissioners voted to approve the conservation overlay application and the associated design guidelines. The roll call showed seven votes in favor and one opposed. The measure now goes to Metro Council as an advisory recommendation; the council has the authority to accept, amend or reject the overlay ordinance.

Votes at a glance

- Case 11 (Marlin Meadows Neighborhood Conservation Overlay): Motion — recommend approval. Outcome — planning commission recommended approval; tally recorded in open meeting: yes 7, no 1.

Ending: Supporters framed the overlay as a neighborhood‑led preservation effort; opponents asked for broader community engagement and raised concerns about consequences for housing supply. Council will consider the ordinance, following the advisory action by the commission.","The Metropolitan Planning Commission voted 7–1 on April 24 to recommend approval of a neighborhood conservation zoning overlay for the Marlin Meadows area after hearing supporters who cited architectural and historical significance and opponents who warned of exclusionary uses and inconsistent process.",{"_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},6261728,"Planning commission recommends disapproval of Councilmember Welsh’s District 16 rezoning and South Nashville UDO after large public hearing",9750,7088000,16838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3120619-2b44e6f641439eb72e2da62095dba586&start=7088&end=16838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3120619-2b44e6f641439eb72e2da62095dba586/thumbnail_7088000.jpg","/articles/6261728/Tennessee/Planning-commission-recommends-disapproval-of-Councilmember-Welshs-District-16-rezoning-and-South-Nashville-UDO-after-large-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6261728-096edcfdab14cc3c1130459b414722f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771081778&Signature=BxVtEQEebJRXvAQ11-AL9sW3S2KZvqrknQ-u1pA9WIcmwdq6xKsHP2Qee4kjgEpxdloystoek8NVMY3ZixneMM~W4ENDHe3F7lAPPFKa~HF97xb~Bu2WYRpyDEnhGvZJ0D6tTd4gli9LkiDknmwB7C~edg7dnYRw7fGI5RwTD6o7k-AFxbJideoT4J6KJiA1ptOtUvHIsi5AEI2y7w7FtJd4TM3VsybSPSOfBbXRprOtHpYT4gv0V1srWK2zdichKvgCk0jdCi1rfI~u3U10~ZnsGzF312XHit3kWC7wDV2-KhAlOkCyHOA6Z0fU5CUvF6lUt0Kx~WREfY919K0gow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Planning Commission voted 6–1 on April 24 to recommend disapproval of a councilmember-filed rezoning map for parts of District 16 and a companion South Nashville urban design overlay (UDO), after a lengthy public hearing that drew hundreds of residents and dozens of speakers.

The proposal, filed by Councilmember Ginny Welsh, sought to rezone roughly 620.23 acres south of I‑440 and south of Thompson Lane to allow RM20 A NS and RM40 A NS zoning in many blocks near Nolensville Pike and to apply a UDO with alternative design standards. The commission considered a staff substitute that would have reduced the rezoning footprint and limited the UDO area; staff recommended disapproval as filed and approval of a smaller substitute in part.

Councilmember Ginny Welsh told commissioners she filed the proposal to “right size” zoning in a district that she said has seen piecemeal rezonings and to encourage “middle‑scale housing” near transit and services. “Zoning is not a technical issue; it’s a personal issue,” she said during the public hearing, arguing the UDO and rezoning were designed to give long‑time homeowners options and to produce housing oriented to nurses, teachers and other middle‑income residents.

Supporters — including homeowners, builders and housing advocates — said the changes would create more modest, walkable housing types and increase options for local workers and first‑time buyers. “Density is our only path to affordable housing in Nashville,” said a local builder who spoke in favor.

Opponents countered that the application was rushed and poorly noticed, and they raised site‑specific infrastructure concerns: absent sidewalks and alleys on many interior blocks, inconsistent stormwater systems, and sewer upgrades staff estimated in the millions. Alexa Little, president of the Glencliff Neighborhood Group, told commissioners the proposal “was created without any involvement” of many residents and called for a planning‑led neighborhood process. Multiple speakers urged the commission to delay any recommendation until the city’s housing and infrastructure study is finalized in June and more local engagement occurs.

Planning staff’s technical review flagged three broad constraints: (1) where proposed upzones were within the T3 neighborhood maintenance policy, RM20 was not typically supported by Nashville Next policy; (2) stormwater and sidewalk networks in several interior areas are inconsistent and would need upgrades; and (3) RM40 density exceeds what staff judged appropriate in some T4 neighborhood maintenance locations without targeted infrastructure investment. Staff proposed a narrowed map focused on parcels within about a quarter‑mile of Nolensville Pike and areas already built with alleys and sidewalks.

After debate, a motion to disapprove the rezoning as filed and to disapprove staff’s substitute carried. The commission then took the same action on the companion UDO. By rule, the planning commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to Metro Council; because the bill had already been introduced and more than 30 days had passed between introduction and the council public hearing date, the council may hold its public hearing regardless of the commission’s recommendation. Staff noted the difference in council vote thresholds: a planning commission approval recommendation would require fewer council votes to pass than a recommendation of disapproval.

Next steps: the council will consider the bill at public hearing on May 6. The planning commission’s disapproval is an advisory recommendation and does not prevent the council from advancing the measure.

Votes at a glance

- Case 28a (rezoning of various parcels in District 16): Motion — “disapprove as submitted and disapprove staff’s suggested amendment.” Outcome — planning commission recommended disapproval; tally recorded in open meeting: yes 6, no 1.
- Case 28b (South Nashville UDO): Motion — “disapprove as submitted and disapprove staff’s proposed amendment.” Outcome — planning commission recommended disapproval; tally recorded in open meeting: yes 6, no 1.

Ending: The commission’s action is advisory; Councilmember Welsh said she will carry any commission recommendation to council and continue community meetings. Planning staff and councilmembers referenced a forthcoming citywide housing and infrastructure study expected to publish final recommendations in June that planners and councilmembers said should shape any district‑scale rezoning.","At its April 24 meeting the Metropolitan Planning Commission voted to recommend disapproval of a councilmember-filed rezoning of roughly 620 acres in District 16 and a companion South Nashville urban design overlay, after a multi-hour public hearing with dozens of speakers raising infrastructure and process concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning staff recommends adjusting proposed family‑definition text amendment; commission defers final action to May 22

Planning commission approves preliminary SP for 50 residential units at Stewarts Ferry Pike with conditions

Planning commission approves Marlin Meadows neighborhood conservation overlay after mixed testimony

Planning commission recommends disapproval of Councilmember Welsh’s District 16 rezoning and South Nashville UDO after large public hearing