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Commission approves rezoning and zoning code text amendments for public services and places of worship
Summary
The county commission unanimously approved a rezoning request for a 17‑acre infill site and adopted two text amendments to the Washington County zoning resolution to define a public services use and to allow churches and cemeteries as permitted uses in commercial districts.
The Washington County Commission unanimously approved several planning items July 22: a rezoning request for a 17‑acre infill property on Gray off Adams Street (resolution 25‑7‑02) and two text amendments to the county zoning resolution (resolutions 25‑7‑03 and 25‑7‑04) that will define and permit a public‑services use and allow churches and cemeteries as permitted uses in commercial districts.
County planning staff told commissioners the 17‑acre property sits between Bob Fitz Road and Gray Station Road and is suitable for PRD‑2 (Planned Residential District‑2). The rezoning came to the commission with unanimous favorable recommendations from the county planning commission. The vote on the rezoning and both amendments was 13 yes, 2 absent.
Planning staff described the two zoning text amendments as housekeeping items intended to close gaps in the zoning code: the first provides a definition for public‑services use and identifies zoning districts where it will be allowed; the second allows churches and cemeteries as permitted uses in commercial districts. Both amendments were reviewed and approved unanimously by Washington County, Johnson City and Jonesborough planning commissions prior to the county commission vote.
Outcome and next steps: The resolutions passed and will be reflected in the county zoning regulations. Staff noted that site‑level development permits and any required public hearings for specific projects remain subject to standard review processes.
Ending: Commissioners and planning staff characterized the measures as proactively clarifying code language to accommodate infill development and avoid future permitting ambiguity.
