The Sullivan County Commission approved a zoning amendment rezoning property owned by David and Brenda Byerly from B-3 to R-1, clearing the way for the couple to place a home on the parcel off Green Lake Drive within Kingsport's urban growth boundary.

County planning staff presented the amendment to the commission, saying the proposal carried a positive recommendation from Kingsport planning staff, county planning staff and the county planning commission. "It's a rezoning from B 3 To R 1. It's off of Green Lake Drive, in Kingsport," the presenter said. The presenter added that the parcel is designated as residential in both Kingsport's and the county's future land-use plans and is surrounded by residential uses.

Property owner David Byerly spoke during the public hearing and described the difficulties he and his wife faced while awaiting the rezoning, including medical issues and living in a camper. "It's been a long, long struggle for my wife and I with our medical histories trying to get this resolved," Byerly said. He thanked Commissioner Vanover for assistance in moving the matter forward.

Vote and outcome
The clerk reported a quorum earlier in the meeting. Commissioners were asked to cast their votes on the rezoning; the record shows the clerk later announcing the amendment was adopted after receiving the necessary majority. The chair said the amendment required 13 votes for passage; the clerk later recorded 18 yes votes and the amendment was adopted.

Procedural notes
Commissioners recessed for the public hearing, allowed the applicant and planning staff to present and asked for public comments; no additional public speakers were recorded on this item beyond the property owner. The commission returned to its regular business after the public hearing and recorded the successful vote on the amendment.

Ending
With the rezoning adopted, county staff and the property owner may proceed with zoning-compliant permitting and home placement processes consistent with Kingsport
nd county land-use plans.