Sumner County zoning board votes after residents protest temporary borrow pit at 1470 Brinkley Branch Road

The Sumner County Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously July 10 after a public hearing on a request by property owner Donald Rippy for a special exception to operate a temporary borrow pit at 1470 Brinkley Branch Road. The transcript records a motion that “carried unanimously,” but does not specify the text of the motion.

County staff told the board the property is roughly 42 acres and that about 3 acres have been disturbed for borrow‑pit activity. Staff said earlier zoning compliance and land‑disturbance approvals were issued in May 2020 (for less than an acre) and renewed in December 2023 for the same uses. In February 2025 staff determined the activity exceeded the scope of those permits; the owner submitted a zoning compliance form in February 2025 and was directed to seek a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals. The stormwater manager granted a time extension that was valid through the date of the July 10 meeting.

Staff told the board several required items were not provided, including a drainage and erosion control plan prepared in consultation with the county engineer and county…