Murfreesboro board approves temporary fireworks tent at Georgetown Square

The City of Murfreesboro Board of Zoning Appeals voted April 22 to approve a special use permit allowing TNT Fireworks to operate a temporary fireworks tent at Georgetown Square, 1714–1798 West Northfield Boulevard, from June 28 through July 5, 2026.

Staff presented the application and recommended approval, saying the proposal met the city’s temporary vendor and fireworks standards. "We believe this application is compliant with all of our zoning ordinances," Mister Shackelford Royal, a city staff member, told the board, citing the site's site plan, distance to the nearest fire hydrant (about 60 feet), distance to the nearest fuel source (341 feet), and a plan to remove trash and equipment by July 10.

The board discussed follow-up permitting steps that are required after BZA approval. Staff said the BZA decision is the first step; a tent permit, electrical safety permit, and a $500 deposit must be obtained and inspections performed before the site opens. The applicant has agreed to weigh the tent down with water barrels, provide security during nonoperating hours, and comply with signage and other city requirements.

Chair Young opened the public hearing; no members of the public spoke. Mister Tibbs moved to approve the application subject to staff comments and conditions; a colleague seconded the motion. A roll call recorded five ayes and the BZA approved Z26008.

The approved permit is limited to the July selling season noted in the application and remains subject to the standard conditions staff listed (setbacks, permits, inspections, trash removal and compliance with state and city fireworks statutes). The next administrative steps are for the applicant to obtain required building, electrical and tent permits and for city staff to perform pre-opening inspections.