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Planning commission approves zoning text amendment, two plats and a right‑of‑way abandonment
Summary
At its Sept. 9 meeting, the Johnson City Regional Planning Commission approved a staff‑initiated Washington County text amendment permitting electronic message board signage for certain institutions, approved a city‑initiated right‑of‑way abandonment at South Roan Street and East Highland Avenue, and approved a preliminary plat for Thompson Field;
The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission on Sept. 9 approved several routine land‑use items, including a staff‑initiated zoning text amendment for Washington County, a city‑initiated right‑of‑way abandonment and a preliminary plat for a subdivision in the county.
The most significant legislative action was the commission’s unanimous recommendation that Washington County’s planning commission and county commission adopt a text amendment changing Section 5.10.11 of the Washington County zoning resolution to allow electronic message‑board signage at government buildings, schools and churches. The change was described by staff as a county‑led, staff‑initiated update; Jonesborough and Washington County planning commissions had already recommended approval.
Why it matters: Staff said the amendment would clarify where electronic message boards are permitted for public‑serving institutions and was intended to improve the county’s ability to place informational signage. The final decision rests with the Washington County Commission at its Sept. 22 meeting, per staff.
Votes at a glance: - Washington County zoning text amendment (electronic message boards): motion to recommend approval passed on a roll call. Recorded votes: Commissioner Aldridge — yes; Commissioner Baumgartner — yes; Commissioner Goodson — yes; Mayor Hunter — yes; Commissioner Kelly — yes; Commissioner Williams — yes; Vice Chairman Dutton — yes. Outcome: recommendation to Washington County Commission to adopt the amendment.
- Abandonment of public right of way at South Roan Street and East Highland Avenue: approved on roll call. Staff described the abandoned area as resulting from a 2023 realignment of East Highland and said the portion requested for abandonment covers roughly 9,100 square feet; utility and sewer easements will be retained. Recorded votes: Aldridge — yes; Baumgartner — yes; Goodson — yes; Mayor Hunter — yes; Kelly — yes; Williams — yes; Vice Chairman Dutton — yes. Outcome: approved; staff recommended the action and reported no departmental objections.
- Thompson Field Subdivision preliminary plat (18 lots): approved on roll call. Staff said the site lies in Washington County within the city planning region, is vacant with gentle slopes, requires a 160‑foot extension of city water and road widening of Thompson Road in coordination with Washington County and the developer, and will not include interior sidewalks because it is in the county. Recorded votes: Aldridge — yes; Baumgartner — yes; Goodson — yes; Mayor Hunter — yes; Kelly — yes; Williams — yes; Vice Chairman Dutton — yes. Outcome: preliminary plat approved; staff recommended approval as meeting subdivision regulations.
- Consent agenda: Clinchfield Street dedication and bond release — approved by voice vote as part of the consent agenda; no roll‑call tally recorded in the transcript.
Details and sources: Staff presentations identified the Washington County zoning amendment as staff‑initiated and noted the full text was included in the meeting packet. For the right‑of‑way abandonment staff stated the road realignment was completed in 2023 and easements would be retained. For Thompson Field staff described required offsite improvements (water extension and road widening) and that preliminary plat revisions responded to earlier stormwater and layout comments.
What the commission decided next: The commission closed the items after votes and moved on to other agenda items. The zoning text amendment recommendation will be forwarded to the Washington County Commission for final action on Sept. 22.
