Cocke County public hearing draws residents' objections to countywide zoning, 2,000-foot mining setback and enforcement of tiny-home rules

Cocke County held a public hearing on a proposed countywide zoning resolution that prompted residents to raise concerns about enforcement of tiny-home and RV developments, a proposed 2,000-foot mining setback and the speed of the zoning process. The hearing, opened by the commission chair and attended by county commissioners, drew multiple public commenters who said the draft rules would affect property values, businesses and county life.

The zoning resolution under consideration was described orally during the hearing as being made pursuant to "section 13-7-101 of the Tennessee code" and aimed at "establishing districts within the boundaries of [the county] outside the corporate limits of any municipality," including rules on uses of land, density, open space, variances and penalties. Speakers at the hearing focused less on ordinance wording than on local impacts they say the draft or its enforcement — or lack of enforcement — already is having.

Alicia Messer, a resident who spoke during public comment, asked county officials to enforce existing rules…