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Rutherford County BZA denies special exception for accessory dwelling at 109 Camden Court
Summary
The Rutherford County Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to deny a request to build a 1,200-square-foot accessory dwelling unit at 109 Camden Court, citing neighborhood concerns and unresolved septic capacity.
The Rutherford County Board of Zoning Appeals on an unanimous roll call denied a special‑exception request to construct an accessory dwelling unit at 109 Camden Court.
The applicant sought permission to build a detached, two‑story accessory dwelling unit (ADU) of roughly 1,200 square feet (about 600 square feet per floor) with three bedrooms. Doug (planning staff) told the board the parcel is less than one acre and therefore requires a special exception under Section 1101 of the county zoning ordinance. Staff also said an inspector from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) was scheduled to inspect the site later in the month to determine whether the property’s septic system could support the proposed unit.
Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing said the existing house on the lot has been vacant for months and told the board they had been told the owner does not intend to live on the property and plans to lease the existing house to a commercial trucking operation. Angela and Eric Grubbs, owners of the adjoining property at 107 Camden Court, said they were concerned about truck traffic on the small cul‑de‑sac and about the safety of an autistic grandson who lives next door.
Another neighbor, John Baker of 206 Conhaughton, asked the board to consider stormwater and flooding risks from upstream drainage conduits he said discharge to the property. Doug told the board that any future building permit would trigger review by county engineering and stormwater staff.
After public comment the board member moved to deny the request. The motion carried on a roll call vote: Mike Curtis — yes; Jerry Sartain — yes; Gary Farley — yes; Renee Curtis — yes; Patrick Hale — yes; Zane Cantrell — yes. The action means the ADU proposal at 109 Camden Court was denied, and any future work would require either a different approval or a new application once outstanding issues (including septic capacity and intended use) are resolved.
Neighbors and staff emphasized that the county’s septic and stormwater reviews would be required before any permit for construction could be issued. The applicant confirmed to the board he currently lives outside the area (in McMinnville) and told members he does not presently live at the Camden Court property.
