Commission approves zoning changes adding native-plant guidance after a public hearing

At its May 20 meeting, the Dickson County Commission approved a package of zoning amendments that added a definition of 'native plants' to the Zoning Resolution, created an Appendix 1 listing approved native plants for Tennessee, added an Appendix 2 listing prohibited invasive plants, and adopted revisions to the R-3 Residential District.

The landscaping and buffering package was moved by Commissioner Cindi Gray and approved by a 10-aye vote with Commissioner James C. Dawson recorded as the sole Nay. The package had been the subject of a portion of the public hearing; Ms. Deborah Rosenthal of Hwy 47 E spoke in support of the amendments during that hearing.

Several driveway-standard items were discussed separately: the amendment to Article V, Section 5.042 (R-1 driveway standards) was moved to the June 24 meeting for further consideration; the amendment to Article V, Section 5.041 (A-1 driveway standards) was sent back to Planning & Zoning for additional review. The commission also approved adding Section 5.050 to provide notice procedures for zone-change applications.

What this means

The approved changes embed guidance on native and invasive plant species into Dickson County’s zoning rules and revise R-3 residential requirements. The minutes record one public commenter expressing support; the meeting did not record opposing public comment. Several related items will receive additional review at the June 24 meeting.

Next steps

Items deferred to June 24 include the R-1 driveway standard and the Loggins Road speed adjustment. The zoning changes that passed will be incorporated into county zoning documents per the county’s standard ordinance/resolution update procedures.