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Commission approves light‑industrial rezoning for Franklin Road property after neighbor objections; commissioners debated PUD option
Summary
The commission approved a rezoning for 11642 Franklin Road from RM to Light Industrial despite a neighbor’s public comment raising stormwater and residential‑compatibility concerns. Commissioners discussed whether to defer and pursue a PUD to lock in specific uses; deferral failed and the rezoning passed.
Rutherford County commissioners approved a rezoning request Dec. 8 to change 11642 Franklin Road from residential medium density (RM) to Light Industrial (LI), clearing the way for a proposed self‑storage facility with RV and boat parking.
Planning staff said they discovered an unpermitted business on the parcel earlier in the year; the property owner subsequently cleaned the site and submitted the rezoning application. Staff told the commission the concept plan shows access from Franklin Road and potentially from Amaville Road, both state routes that will require Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) review and approval. Staff also advised that industrially zoned properties adjacent to residential zones will require a type‑3 buffer to separate uses.
Neighbor Douglas Kerrigan of 12000 Franklin Road spoke in opposition during the public comment period, expressing concerns about stormwater/runoff into nearby Stewart Creek, proximity to high‑value homes across the road and the effect of concrete surfaces on drainage. Kerrigan said the area had recently seen high‑value homes built across the street and asked that industrial uses not be permitted near existing residences.
Commissioners discussed whether the applicant should be asked to return with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) proposal that would lock in the developer’s intended use and design features; the commissioner who moved to defer argued a PUD would likely be more acceptable to the county commission because it prescribes allowed uses and design standards. A motion to defer the rezoning to allow the applicant time to consider a PUD failed on roll call. The commission then voted to approve the LI rezoning with staff comments. The applicant, Jeff Turner, told the commission he had spoken with adjacent property owners and said he had their support.
What this means: Rezoning to Light Industrial allows a broader set of industrial and storage uses by right; if the owner subsequently sells the property, future buyers could pursue other LI‑permitted uses unless the applicant returns under a PUD with specific use restrictions. TDOT approval will be required for access to state roads, and staff said a type‑3 buffer will be required where LI adjoins residential properties.
Next steps: The applicant will work with staff and TDOT on an engineered site plan, buffer and access requirements. Commissioners suggested the owner consider a PUD if they want to ensure use‑specific constraints going forward.
