Franklin County commissioners approve two commercial rezones, budget amendments and lower Bluff Drive speed limit
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Summary
At its Oct. 19 meeting, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved two property rezones to commercial, multiple budget amendments (including school and highway allocations), appointed judicial commissioners and voted to lower the speed limit on Bluff Drive after residents petitioned. Several residents raised environmental and drainage concerns during public hearings.
Franklin County commissioners approved a slate of land-use changes and budget amendments during their Oct. 19 regular meeting, and agreed to lower the speed limit on a Winchester subdivision road after neighbors submitted a petition.
The board approved two separate rezoning requests to C (commercial): a 9.72-acre portion of Parcel 47.01 on Old Tullahoma Road (applicant Danny J. Boggs) and a roughly 5.13-acre portion of Parcel 38.00 on Mansford Road (applicant Daniel Kilpatrick Jr.). Commissioners also adopted several budget and grant-related resolutions for county and school funds, approved judicial commissioner appointments and authorized signage to reduce speeds on Bluff Drive.
Why it matters: The rezones clear the way for commercial uses on parcels that are now agricultural or residential, which residents said could increase traffic, create odor and runoff issues, and change neighborhood character. Budget amendments reallocate funds for capital projects, school needs and highway work; the Bluff Drive action responded directly to a resident petition and a sheriff’s speed assessment.
What the board did - Rezoning, Old Tullahoma Road: Motion to approve by Commissioner Barbara Finney passed by roll call (AYES: 11; NAYS: 4). The planning department had forwarded materials including a recommendation from the regional planning commission and a survey indicating the petitioned area is about 9.72 acres. Several nearby residents spoke against the rezoning during the public hearing, raising concerns about runoff, trespass and safety near a sharp curve on Old Tullahoma Road.
- Rezoning, Mansford Road: A separate motion by Commissioner Greg King to approve the Kilpatrick rezoning (to allow a boat-storage facility among other commercial uses) passed by roll call (AYES: 10; NAYS: 5). Planning staff and the regional planning commission reviewed a revised survey and a drainage study supplied by the applicant; the commission discussed a requirement that approved drainage plans be implemented prior to any commercial activities.
- Budgets and grants: The board approved a package of resolutions amending education capital and school general fund budgets (including Resolution 10a‑1020 and related school-line amendments), and several general-fund and highway appropriations tied to state and federal grants. One notable allocation was a governor’s direct appropriation to the county earmarked for highway/quarry equipment and related uses. These items were introduced and approved by voice or roll-call vote as recorded in the minutes.
- Public safety and roads: After residents submitted a signed petition and the sheriff’s office recommended a lower speed in the subdivision, commissioners approved Resolution 10h‑1020 to lower the speed limit on Bluff Drive and to post appropriate signage. The board also approved several changes and additions to the county road list.
- Appointments: The commission confirmed five judicial commissioners (three full-time, two part-time), approved standing committee assignments for 2020–2022, and accepted multiple notary public applications.
Residents’ concerns and next steps Several residents who spoke during the public hearings emphasized environmental and drainage worries. County planning documents and staff reports for both rezoning cases note access, utilities and stormwater considerations; the Kilpatrick case was previously tabled by the regional planning commission to allow the applicant time to produce a drainage study and to reconfigure the proposed commercial boundary.
The Tennessee Division of Water Resources reviewed one site (Old Tullahoma Road) and provided written guidance to residents and county staff outlining state permit requirements: construction disturbing more than one acre generally requires an NPDES general permit for construction activities; septic systems must be permitted; and work affecting wetlands or stream channels may require an Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit. The division’s evaluation also described a nearby channel as a wet-weather conveyance rather than an identified stream.
What happens next: Approved rezones permit commercial uses under county zoning rules, but additional approvals and permits — such as TDOT access permits, plot-plan drainage implementation and any state environmental permits — may be required before construction or commercial operations begin. The county will also move ahead with installing speed signage on Bluff Drive per the adopted resolution.
Minutes, staff reports, plats and the Division of Water Resources letter were entered into the record; the commission adjourned at 8:31 p.m.