Sullivan County Commission approves three rezoning amendments

The Sullivan County Commission approved three rezoning amendments during a combined rezoning hearing and work session on Feb. 12, 2026.

Planning staff presented Case 1, a request by Joseph Souter to rezone 504 Price Road from A-1 to R-1, and said it aligned with the county's future land-use plan and carried a positive recommendation from staff and the regional planning commission. Commissioners discussed drainage and site constraints; staff said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and platting requirements would identify suitable building locations. The motion carried after the clerk recorded 22 yes votes with 2 members absent.

Case 2, a request by Jessica Sprague to rezone 768 Morin Road from A-1 to R-1, was presented next. Rob Sprague, who introduced himself from the public record as residing at 768 Warren Road, said the applicant had no additional comment. With staff and the planning commission recommending approval and no neighborhood opposition reported, the commission adopted the amendment by the same 22–0 recorded margin with 2 absent.

Case 3 involved Kenneth and Kathy Cook seeking to rezone property on Whispering Hills Drive (R-1 to B-4). Commissioners asked whether the intended use fell under commercial/outdoor recreation; planning staff said the applicant's stated intentions were not fully detailed in the application but recommended approval. The commission again recorded 22 yes votes and 2 absent, approving the amendment.

What happens next: the approved amendments move forward under the county's zoning procedures; staff noted that site-specific approvals (platting, TDEC certifications, elevation certificates where required) remain conditions before development can proceed.