Brentwood approves Planet Fitness CUP, adopts several zoning and sign ordinances

The Brentwood Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Aug. 19 to approve a conditional use permit and site plan for a Planet Fitness gym at 8340 Eager Road in the Meridian at Brentwood development and to adopt several related zoning and sign ordinances.

Whitney Kelly, speaking on behalf of the city, told the board Planet Fitness plans to lease the former Bed Bath & Beyond space and that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. After first and second readings, the board perfected and adopted Bill 6519, which will become Ordinance No. 5145, by an 8–0 roll-call vote.

The board also approved a comprehensive sign plan for the property at 8500 Manchester Road (Bill 6520), an amendment to floodplain rules to permit and regulate temporary structures used for events such as Brentwood Days (Bill 6521), and updates to notice requirements for zoning actions (Bill 6522). Each of those measures passed on second reading by unanimous roll-call votes and will become Ordinances Nos. 5146, 5147 and 5148, respectively.

Separately, the council adopted amendments to standards for issuance of conditional use permits (Bill 6523), which include shifting aspects of burdens and definitions in the city code; that ordinance passed on second reading and will be Ordinance No. 5149. The board also approved site-development modifications at 8031 Litzinger Road (Bill 6524), following Planning and Zoning and a Board of Adjustment variance, which will be Ordinance No. 5150.

The mayor opened each item and invited staff and applicants to explain the proposals. On the sign plan, staff said the applicant could not meet the city's frontage setback requirement for a ground sign and therefore sought a comprehensive sign plan; Planning and Zoning recommended an allowance with conditions, including placement and street numbers. On the floodplain amendment, staff said FEMA had asked the city to add temporary-structure language to its zoning code so events could be permitted safely and in compliance with state and federal expectations.

Procedurally, the board handled most measures by first reading, then moved to adopt on second reading the same evening after motions to perfect each bill. Each roll-call adoption recorded all present aldermen voting "yes." The mayor and staff said items not yet perfected will return at the next scheduled meeting for final action where applicable.

Appointment and consent agenda

Earlier in the meeting the mayor announced the city-appointed seat on the Economic Development Sales Tax board and nominated Ruth Kelso Sorrell, an attorney and long-time Brentwood resident; the board approved the appointment by motion. The board also approved the consent agenda by roll call, 8'to'00.

What happens next

Affected ordinances take effect under the dates specified in the city code or within the ordinances themselves. Projects requiring building permits will proceed under normal permitting review. Planning staff and the city attorney indicated conditions attached to approvals and code changes will be enforced through permit review and inspections.

Reporting: This article draws on presentations and roll-call votes recorded during the Board of Aldermen meeting on Aug. 19, 2024; quotes and vote tallies come from the official meeting transcript and on-the-record staff remarks.