Planning commission backs smaller minimum PUD lot size, sends recommendation to commissioners

The Mount Juliet Planning Commission voted Aug. 16 to recommend the Board of Commissioners amend Article 8‑207.3 to reduce the minimum lot area in planned unit development overlays from 10,000 square feet to 7,500 square feet and remove the existing average‑lot‑size calculation.

Planning staff explained the change would allow lots as small as 7,500 square feet within PUD overlays while keeping overall density controls in place. “This simply removes it, removes the 10,000 square foot minimum and replaces it with 7,500 square foot minimum down to 7,500 square feet for the minimum lot size and eliminates completely the average lot size,” planning staff said.

Commissioners debated whether to take the minimum to zero or adopt a 7,500‑foot floor. Chairman Winchester said he was inclined to support the 7,500 figure, noting the PUD process still gives the city discretion on design and density. Several members said a 7,500 minimum could encourage a wider variety of detached single‑family products in PUDs rather than a proliferation of townhomes.

After discussion, Commissioner Franklin moved for a positive recommendation to the Board of Commissioners to adopt the 7,500‑square‑foot minimum; the motion was seconded and carried without recorded opposition. The Planning Commission’s recommendation is advisory; the Board of Commissioners will make the final decision.

If the Board adopts the change, applicants building in the municipal PUD overlay will be able to propose individual lots down to 7,500 square feet but will still have to meet overall density limits in each zoning district.