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Planning commission denies rezoning for gravel/garden-supply site on John Bragg Highway
Summary
Commissioners voted to deny a rezoning request for 2.5 acres on John Bragg Highway proposed for commercial services (mulch, topsoil and gravel storage and retail); neighbors cited flooding, sinkhole and septic-soil concerns.
Rutherford County planning commissioners voted to deny a rezoning request for a 2.5-acre parcel on John Bragg Highway after residents raised concerns about drainage, septic soils and neighborhood impacts.
The applicant sought a change from residential medium-density zoning to commercial services (case REZ25007) to operate a lawn-and-garden supply yard selling rock, mulch and topsoil and storing bulk materials on concrete or in bins at the site. Staff noted the site had been part of a larger tract previously considered for commercial general zoning; the owner subdivided roughly 2.5 acres for the current application.
Jonathan Fagan, who represented the applicant, said the proposal included opaque screening, a chain-link security fence, dust-control measures using a 0.26-acre detention pond and water-spray nozzles to reduce dust. He also said the applicant would work with staff to post bond if necessary and that access would require Tennessee Department of Transportation approval because the driveway would be onto State Highway 70 (John Bragg Highway).
Neighbors and adjacent landowners opposed the request in a lengthy public-comment period. Colorburst Plant Farm owner Matt Vere said a sinkhole on the parcel collects “tens of thousands of gallons of water” during heavy rains and that filling and regrading the hole to store bulk material and concrete paving would cause stormwater to run onto his nursery beds. Other residents raised long-standing concerns about drainage across the site into Dry Creek and impacts on private wells.
Staff confirmed there are no identified septic soils on the subdivided 2.5-acre parcel; county staff and one commissioner noted that absence of septic soils had been a factor in earlier approvals of the plat and complicates any plan to erect a permanent structure with conventional on-site sewage disposal.
Commissioner discussion emphasized the drainage, septic-soil and traffic access concerns, and a motion to deny the rezoning passed on a roll-call vote. The denial was recorded by the commission; the applicant may revise and resubmit but the commission rejected the current request.
Votes at a glance: The commission voted to deny REZ25007 (recorded roll-call yes votes in favor of denial; motion carried).
