Commission hears multiple rezoning requests amid broader C-5 zoning debate
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Summary
The workshop reviewed several rezoning requests (John Cannon, Gary Chance, Charles Mark Winters, Raymond Jeanette) and a proposed Table 2 amendment (5-acre minimum). Commissioners and residents debated what C-5 allows, how the growth plan affects rezonings and whether planning meetings properly allowed public comment.
Cheatham County commissioners spent a large portion of their December workshop reviewing several rezoning requests and a proposed amendment to the county's zoning resolution.
Agenda Item 1 formalized a request by John Cannon to rezone a parcel on Sam's Creek Road from R-1 to C-5. Planning staff then introduced Item 2, a proposed change to Table 2 that would set a 5-acre minimum lot size for agricultural zoning (the amendment would apply regardless of whether a property uses public water).
Item 3, an application by Gary Chance for rezoning parcels on Knight Road to C-5, prompted extended discussion. Planning staff described C-5 as a mix of commercial and residential uses and said the county could approach problems with C-5 either by rezoning existing C-5 parcels or by amending the regulations that define C-5. Commissioners and residents raised infrastructure concerns (narrow roads and bridges) and questioned whether rezonings in certain growth-plan areas are appropriate. Planning staff clarified that the growth plan does not universally bind how the commission must vote on rezonings.
Several citizens complained that members of the public were prevented from speaking at a prior planning commission meeting regarding developments such as Bell's Reserve and a Sweet Home Road proposal. County attorney Turner and planning staff explained that prior meetings addressing only conceptual or non-specific discussion items may not trigger a new public hearing; they also said the county is not required to hold a public hearing at every meeting. Some attendees urged clearer notice of when formal public hearings would be held and asked the commission to permit more opportunities for public comment on controversial items.
Applicants for other items (Charles Mark Winters and Raymond Jeanette) were read into the record; commissioners accepted public input and indicated most rezoning requests would be taken up at the commission meeting scheduled for Monday.
Next steps: most zoning items discussed at the workshop were scheduled for formal consideration or vote at the next full commission meeting; staff and the planning department were asked to clarify notices, public-hearing procedures and any recommended regulatory changes to C-5.