Commission denies Harrison Road rezoning after residents raise traffic, safety and spot‑zoning concerns

Jefferson County commissioners on a January meeting night denied a request to rezone a 1‑acre parcel on Harrison Road from A‑1 (agriculture/forestry) to C‑2 (general commercial), following extensive public comment and a presentation by a commissioner that framed the request as spot zoning.

The vote to deny the rezoning (Resolution 20‑26‑01) was 17 yes, 1 no after neighbors described the property as directly adjacent to homes and voiced concerns about increased traffic, safety and loss of rural character. An unidentified commissioner moved to deny the request; the motion carried.

Residents said the parcel sits within feet of houses. “Rezoning is permanent,” Samantha Street, a Harrison Road property owner, told commissioners, arguing that a C‑2 designation allows a wide range of uses beyond the applicant’s proposal and that zoning “follows the land, not the business.” Alex Snodgrass, who identified himself as a Jefferson County High School senior and a local farmer, said rezoning one parcel “signals that agricultural and residential zoning can be undone 1 parcel at a time” and warned of long‑term impacts on local food production.

Neighbors cited narrow roads with weight limits and limited design for commercial traffic; one resident said the nearest commercial corridor is less than a mile away on Highway 25E, where roads are designed for heavier traffic. Several speakers noted the subject building sits about 30 feet from adjacent homes and called the site an “eyesore” that needs cleanup but said rezoning was not the right fix.

The applicant and business representatives said initial operations would focus on open storage and tow/RV storage, not constant heavy traffic. Owner Shane Harrell told the commission that routine movements would likely be “3 or 4 the most a week,” and he said he planned to invest in repairs and clean the property. Cherokee Towing’s manager said the business would not come and go “8 to 10 times a day,” and he emphasized plans to improve the lot’s appearance.

A commissioner presenting slides argued the parcel did not meet C‑2 location intent or setback requirements and read neighborhood emails opposing spot zoning. The presenter listed permitted C‑2 uses in county code that, if rezoned, could allow activities not envisioned by neighbors — from clubs and repair shops to other commercial uses — and said the request failed the county’s intent for C‑2 districts.

The commission recorded the denial after debate. The decision leaves the parcel in A‑1 zoning; neighbors and applicant were advised of their options under local planning processes.

What’s next: The commission denied the rezoning tonight, so no change to the parcel’s zoning will be made through this application. Further administrative or zoning inquiries by the owner would follow normal planning channels if pursued.