Smyrna council adopts several zoning code changes covering storage, waste services, vendors and yard sales

The Smyrna Town Council approved a set of zoning text amendments aimed at clarifying allowed uses and enforcement across commercial and industrial districts.

Key changes approved include:

- Climate-controlled storage: Added as a use allowed by special exception in the C-2 and C-5 districts, with added parking and architectural requirements and Board of Zoning Appeals review for special-exception applications.

- Solid waste services: Created a definition for storage and truck/container staging uses (not landfill or on-site waste processing) and placed the activity in warehousing/transport storage activity types, allowing the use in appropriate industrial districts while clarifying enforcement where a business opened without prior approvals.

- Temporary outdoor sales (transient vendors): Aligned the zoning ordinance with the municipal code to require transient vendor permits for property owners and vendors, clarified exemptions for nonprofits and private events, and described enforcement approaches (permit displayed in windows; codes/P.D. enforcement when needed).

- Yard sales: Defined yard sales, limited them to four per address per year and not more than three consecutive days or two consecutive weekends, and confirmed that sign placement rules remain part of the sign ordinance.

Kevin, a planning staff presenter, told the council the amendments were developed in joint planning/council meetings to close inconsistencies and provide clearer enforcement tools. Council members asked about enforcement on weekends and coordination with police and codes staff; staff said permits displayed in windows and weekday/weekend enforcement protocols will assist compliance.

The measures passed on the council floor and will take effect per standard ordinance schedules.