Planning Commission reviews rezoning request for four buildings on Sulphur Springs Road

The Rutherford County Planning Commission convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on a rezoning ordinance amendment request from Cole Wilson representing SL 7 SpacePark LP. The meeting highlighted the proposed changes to a planned unit development (PUD) located on Sulphur Springs Road, which spans approximately 157 acres.

The primary discussion centered around the request to amend the existing zoning from a two-building configuration to a four-building layout, while maintaining the total square footage limit of 1,500,000 square feet. The original plan, approved in August 2022, included two buildings with sizes of 1,100,000 square feet and 373,000 square feet. However, construction on these buildings has yet to commence, prompting the applicant to seek a modification to the building count.

Planning staff explained that the amendment process mirrors the original PUD process, requiring public hearings before both the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners. A neighborhood meeting held on May 27 revealed concerns similar to those raised during the initial rezoning process. The applicant clarified that the request was merely a modification of the previously approved plan.

The proposed layout includes four buildings, with sizes ranging from approximately 276,000 square feet to 550,000 square feet. Despite the increase in the number of buildings, the maximum square footage remains unchanged. The project will continue to access Sulphur Springs Road, with discussions ongoing about potentially designating the road as a private drive, which would relieve the county of maintenance responsibilities.

Additionally, the applicant updated the traffic study, which was reviewed by a third-party consultant. The study identified several improvements, including the construction of a right turn lane from I-840 eastbound and enhancements to traffic flow at key intersections. The applicant has committed to implementing these improvements alongside the original traffic mitigation measures.

The meeting concluded with the applicant's representative emphasizing the need for smaller, more manageable buildings to attract potential tenants, as the previous large-scale building plan had fallen through. The Planning Commission will consider the rezoning request at their next meeting on August 14, 2025, unless it is deferred or withdrawn.