[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6566973,"mediaKeyId","3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23","parentId",3199528,"title","Commission denies subdivision of Keeble Street flag lot, citing fire‑access and frontage concerns","audioSeconds",588,"startMs",4080000,"endMs",4668000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23&start=4080&end=4668","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23/thumbnail_4080000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6566973/East-Ridge/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Commission-denies-subdivision-of-Keeble-Street-flag-lot-citing-fireaccess-and-frontage-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566973-9a372e9be93c56ca1dacaa051490601b/orig.mp4?Expires=1774951841&Signature=TXpPBO22t2MMel4~XQmQQw73iEZs7cVuO54L2hET1K788b9QE8bhpmaEPGrhfFVwLLbdvu2vzgm4qz9TXpwOQVi5e6Gs9f3BoqxrZutj4tJ6N7znHbuYDZGSq2TuPDHmhnTKcMNB1oWQZmcZvmrmiT66ouSCTTZUyCKfeBnsfo53Bqfi6U8P6cANIDVgz-cs~pSWdnkLWHgQov~3acgxc8dXGieK1w88snF1NBW5wknVbKQI8dEe~YX~k21wHGLCnWNjLB1gL974d3WMfHc1m9qHNuAdbVzHJFJmwX1S3ot2HoTMVYKusmgRKTi-L13ZbhNjNYGETAx~-V6itNYJRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","East Ridge","date","2025-05-05T23:03:53.647Z","article","The East Ridge Planning Commission denied an application to subdivide a flag lot at 1619 Keeble Street into three R‑1 single‑family lots served by a shared 25‑foot access drive.

Planning staff explained that the R‑1 district requires 75 feet of road frontage per lot, and while flag‑lot provisions allow a 25‑foot access drive in limited circumstances, the proposal would effectively allow four homes (including the adjacent 1603 Keeble Street property) to use a combined 35‑foot drive entrance. The fire marshal raised access concerns: the International Fire Code requires a 70‑foot hammerhead turnaround for the configuration described; the proposed setup provides a 50‑foot turnaround, and the furthest proposed lot location is more than 500 feet from the nearest hydrant by staff’s estimate, triggering additional hydrant requirements.

The applicant, Francesca DeBozano (recorded on the sign‑in as Francesca Diaz Bisono), described the lot layout and a T‑shaped hammerhead intended to allow emergency vehicles, sanitation and other service trucks to turn around; she said infrastructure would be designed to permit safe access. Staff and the fire marshal said the submitted layout did not satisfy required turnaround length, frontage, or safe hydrant access standards.

Commission member Witt moved to deny, citing that approval would create a new hardship and fail to meet emergency‑access standards; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll call (Howe — yes; Cornelius — yes; Williams — yes; Witt — yes; Chairperson Tuggle — yes). The commission’s denial leaves the lot configuration unchanged; any future subdivision will need to address the fire marshal’s turnaround and hydrant distance concerns and the road‑frontage requirements in the R‑1 district.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission 5/5/25","oneSentenceSummary","A request to subdivide a flag lot at 1619 Keeble Street into three single‑family lots served by a shared 25‑foot access drive was denied after the fire marshal and staff said the configuration does not meet required turnaround and frontage standards and would create a public‑safety hazard.","taxTitle","East Ridge, Hamilton County, Tennessee","taxId",70972,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566977,"Commission approves subdivision of Bennett Road parcel into two R‑1 lots",150,3765000,3915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23&start=3765&end=3915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23/thumbnail_3765000.jpg","/articles/6566977/East-Ridge/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Commission-approves-subdivision-of-Bennett-Road-parcel-into-two-R1-lots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566977-9095913ed09dced79c9c3acf19fc7347/orig.mp4?Expires=1774951841&Signature=UBGlvkLwWoxMxf9bi2Khdyk~KsLJBsTXHCdqy2J5qkblNC0BKFOHemkqiIv3PRCpQbRnswKBajZJUPAkoa5gKw9pYL6228jAnfoGEFI4-xCmWLiS6b6aYgHyVQR6~nxQmJlUpHdhqY4~5~rqL85uQMOvkUNGKjxHj8WFyE~Pa1Fq4JdNPn9cRKJPIpWk3fp2eBSlbIpNTJ~dYPdzTgDYFz93CmEzoOzIevoU9odhGav3jwu9nyXF8f6DVEYD3DFbig1HiZRrhsFDRf97xo1~jcI673jZ-6zW2xg7e~yFi9RpnppgbX5tliSDkST-ok0oNPKzBYivxfhztj5tI1Mv1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission approved a plat request to subdivide the property at 3421 and 3423 Bennett Road into two single‑family R‑1 lots using a recorded 50‑foot perpetual easement for access.

Planning staff said the existing easement, recorded in the deed at Book G11,235 Page 592 at the Hamilton County Register’s Office, crosses a neighboring parcel to provide access. Staff explained the approval will add a lot line and note the easement and maintenance responsibilities on the final plat: the private access easement will be privately maintained by property owners and the city is not responsible for services beyond the public road.

An adjacent property owner who spoke at the meeting said two owners are ready to build and need the plat recorded before sewer taps and permits can be issued. The commission voted unanimously to approve the subdivision (Howe — yes; Cornelius — yes; Williams — yes; Witt — yes; Chairperson Tuggle — yes).","The planning commission approved a request to subdivide an existing parcel at 3421/3423 Bennett Road into two R‑1 single‑family lots served by an existing 50‑foot perpetual easement; the easement and private maintenance obligations were noted on the record.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":79,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566983,"Planning commission approves preliminary plat for Garland Estates Phase 2 — 109 townhome units",165,3600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23&start=3600&end=3765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6566983/East-Ridge/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Planning-commission-approves-preliminary-plat-for-Garland-Estates-Phase-2-109-townhome-units","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566983-733249c0611de7d9e1e275a44f7230f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1774951841&Signature=dXD8bRVWThVAh8i8eeb109uY9vZL834YqmhXOqk~yeQRIU4TnPsHGc9X8onaSdVpvnKj16Bqjgk7Nfyox4Qe0KEBpH6sIdaUzK6YhhDXdcbkb~HpmyYJSSKPWG9YXsjq1b-xrFaAFhDpKHWadaF9Y9V1UmlX94GbIFh1o7KK1LataZWw5w8qOEm0gGgpQ7jVrYVYsXJp6Ns1Ng9dkk-j6dgr4YrofSzxkKT3JVm8vET3JCG4yjO0dHRwY4w2iNRm5AN6yLDZ9tYfckF7Hq2dovpr5r~OR0NL~rOKqaH6zEyMcT9zom5rC4-iV5cUjGF9Uf6fucfdvvP1FtXE0-ouKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Ridge Planning Commission voted to approve the preliminary plat for Garland Estates Phase 2, a proposed townhome development at 529 Frawley Road.

Planning staff said the preliminary plat shows a two‑story townhome development of 109 units, a 26‑foot‑wide private drive, five‑foot sidewalks, a central mail kiosk and three community lots. The submission was reviewed by Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency, the Wastewater Treatment Authority, the water quality department, the East Ridge building department and the fire marshal.

Staff reported the lots meet the East Ridge RT‑1 townhome district size and width standards, and the private drive meets subdivision requirements. Staff noted that Lots 93 and 81 will require rear‑setback variances from the Zoning Appeals Board at the final plat stage.

Commission member Witt moved to approve the preliminary plat; Vice Chair Howe seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor of approval (Howe — yes; Cornelius — yes; Williams — yes; Witt — yes; Chairperson Tuggle — yes). Staff advised that approval of the preliminary plat indicates general approval of roads and lot layout but does not substitute for final plat approval or building permits; developer may begin street work consistent with permitted processes after addressing final‑plat and permitting requirements.

The approval advances a sizable infill townhome project in East Ridge; additional variances and final‑plat details will return to the commission or appeals boards as required.","The commission approved a preliminary plat for Garland Estates Phase 2, a proposed 109‑unit townhome development with a private drive, three community lots and a central mailbox kiosk; two lots will need rear setback variances at final plat stage.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566987,"Commission denies rezoning of former motel on North Max Smith Road over floodplain and safety concerns",1784,1786000,3570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23&start=1786&end=3570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23/thumbnail_1786000.jpg","/articles/6566987/East-Ridge/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Commission-denies-rezoning-of-former-motel-on-North-Max-Smith-Road-over-floodplain-and-safety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566987-9317473ca68c66fe4b37cc3a58e9ac97/orig.mp4?Expires=1774951841&Signature=C9570gyfRZ6ihHvPFyAYdWX0-s83soArc9nFzpLgAxYnb9iwuk-9WXDoTETQHLvdyQRjdGM9PZjzqZ9pIPB9dWNlpJ868nt07dWkBjUSJFYeQkE1TrOq2UcpY35WeHv3q3S~iyEAstDB0I4Vy~msHy9DgQvLUovrJBAKhOdlqopGcYx4JWsD4LaJtgXgw8dBVD8oj5FXvlYbM1JAHY8OeuVbJe13FRFygBkTa61q1C8wU9xh4De~RDQpkrmf3frmwxLOMoDs3oBYb1auN2mAEApuZwSdM0yxt5qgka8cyNwbGU578L6hDHtVS-rcEy95AA2BLH5ftmqh74mQ7Wmwkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Ridge Planning Commission voted to deny a request to rezone 1410 North Max Smith Road from C‑1 tourism commercial to C‑4 planned commerce center — a change the applicant said was necessary to convert a dated motel into mixed‑use housing and small commercial space.

Planning staff flagged multiple compatibility challenges, chief among them that the property lies within the 100‑year flood hazard area. Staff said conversion to permanent non‑transient occupancy would impose substantial demands on emergency services during flooding and would require adherence to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidance such as elevating structures above base flood elevation or flood‑proofing where substantial‑improvement thresholds are met.

Julie Sellers, representing Fifth Street Capital Partners — the contract purchaser — described a plan to renovate the existing motel buildings into furnished, workforce‑focused apartments with approximately 2,700 square feet of commercial space in the front building and tenant amenities in the rear. Sellers displayed examples of past hotel‑to‑apartment conversions and said the developer would impose background checks, minimum six‑month leases and property‑management standards. \"By converting these outdated, underperforming... we have the opportunity to create affordable housing options,\" Sellers said.

Staff noted earlier rezoning attempts at the site had been denied and that proposed density figures were substantial: Howell read a planning summary stating a proposed density of 58 dwelling units per acre, totaling 257 units. During the hearing, Sellers later described a unit mix including 18 units at about 300 square feet, 10 units at about 600 square feet and 29 larger units (reported on the record), which the record shows as the developer's unit breakdown; the apparent disparity between staff’s stated total-unit figure and the applicant’s unit mix was not reconciled at the hearing.

Commissioners expressed concern about the combination of higher residential density, proximity to Interstate 75 and the site’s placement inside a floodplain. The fire marshal and staff referenced past emergency‑response difficulties at a nearby independent living facility and underscored the additional burden a non‑transient residential conversion could pose during evacuations.

Commission member Witt moved to deny the rezoning; the motion was seconded and approved on a unanimous roll call (Howe — yes; Cornelius — yes; Williams — yes; Witt — yes; Chairperson Tuggle — yes). The denial leaves the property with its current C‑1 zoning; the applicant indicated readiness to propose conditions and restrictions but did not secure a favorable recommendation at this meeting.","A proposal to rezone 1410 North Max Smith Road to allow conversion of a Budgetel motel into mixed‑use apartments and small retail was denied after staff and commissioners raised concerns about the site’s location in the 100‑year floodplain, evacuation demands, and compatibility with C‑4 requirements.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566992,"Planning commission denies rezoning request to store school buses at Arteon Trail residence",1600,185000,1785000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23&start=185&end=1785","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3199528-9acabb13402d8b87639fcf23686a2a23/thumbnail_185000.jpg","/articles/6566992/East-Ridge/Hamilton-County/Tennessee/Planning-commission-denies-rezoning-request-to-store-school-buses-at-Arteon-Trail-residence","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566992-0a77b42e7ec357214418bd855a82429e/orig.mp4?Expires=1774951841&Signature=VZWUz7mv0hd3WcGjuduV9YPAlYpbzmluO8t3wNUX7DkMCd-xgT5pcW6KQi7PcHOb5E8N0WzoJezmb1OnWY-AnoQ3bEAUAGncL5Z1jh7jNDOPbxU134h5jFi1E97V8f5VkFsVFlU71~-XxoAjyAmIiSb7bcNDeGLduwfS~TWy12CWi3EhbmLEV0pSzJ4TLNyFVV6aWYUqqiEscCpQnq6DbjMnCn4BukFl6KebDUXRIPs7lE2DHjqGIXMMvo8aSQK5w8jr-JXP8~REO4kzrP5nyjuLm1VttE3yEYl3rq6haYobuOxmjeVpetNrgXiiJQHE7P4dY04Ahrrgnvl5y~N~3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Ridge Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny a rezoning request for 3210 Arteon Trail that would have changed the parcel from R-1 single-family residential to C-2 general commercial, a move the applicant said was needed to allow long‑standing school‑bus parking on the site.

The applicant’s attorney, Buddy Presley, told the commission the buses have been parked there since February 2006 and are contracted with the Hamilton County Department of Education to serve East Ridge schools. “These buses are integral to not only the school system, including East Ridge, but also the first responder, provisions in federal law,” Presley said, arguing the vehicles must be readily available for emergencies.

Staff presented compatibility concerns. Planning staff said the site is surrounded by low‑intensity single‑family residential uses, the proposed density is 1.9 dwelling units per acre compared with adjacent residential at 2.5, and the nearest C-2 district is about 655 feet east along Ringo Road. Staff warned that introducing a C-2 parcel amid a single‑family subdivision would be a spot zoning that could allow auto‑oriented and other uses “that could produce lighting, noise, and outdoor nuisance to the adjacent residential properties.” The staff report also cited City Council Resolution 35‑17, described by staff as guidance for protecting the integrity of R‑1 districts.

Neighbors provided mixed testimony. An anonymous letter read into the record said the neighborhood opposes commercial activity at the address because of traffic, noise and potential impacts on property values. Neighbors Phil Darling and Ron Reininger spoke in support of the bus operator, saying the business has been a conscientious presence for years; Valerie Luke, who identified herself as a longtime resident and relative of students who rode the buses, said the buses are part of East Ridge’s history and that residents trust them to keep children safe.

City attorney and staff clarified the commission’s role is zoning compatibility, not weighing emergency‑response claims or neighborhood preferences. The city attorney said staff and counsel were unable to locate a federal statute that would exempt the parcel from local zoning based on an asserted “first responders” exemption.

Commission member Witt moved to deny the rezoning; Vice Chair Howe seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor of denial (Howe — yes; Cornelius — yes; Williams — yes; Witt — yes; Chairperson Tuggle — yes), and the commission moved on to the next agenda item.

The denial means the property remains zoned R‑1; the applicant may pursue other administrative options, variances, or an appeal to the city council, but no zoning change was approved at the planning commission level.","The East Ridge Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny a request to rezone 3210 Arteon Trail from single-family (R-1) to general commercial (C-2) to permit storage of school buses. Neighbors spoke both for and against; applicant argued buses serve East Ridge schools and emergency response needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission denies subdivision of Keeble Street flag lot, citing fire‑access and frontage concerns

Commission approves subdivision of Bennett Road parcel into two R‑1 lots

Planning commission approves preliminary plat for Garland Estates Phase 2 — 109 townhome units

Commission denies rezoning of former motel on North Max Smith Road over floodplain and safety concerns

Planning commission denies rezoning request to store school buses at Arteon Trail residence