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Franklin County approves rezoning of 196‑acre tract near Lake O'Donnell to mixed use
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Summary
The Franklin County Commission voted unanimously March 23 to rezone about 196.02 acres near Lake O'Donnell from agricultural and general‑residential to MU (Mixed Use) after a public hearing and staff presentation; the request came from an agent for the University of the South.
The Franklin County Commission on March 23 unanimously approved a rezoning request that converts roughly 196.02 acres around Lake O'Donnell from A (agricultural) and R‑2 (general residential) to MU (Mixed Use).
The rezoning, filed as Case No. 03‑26 by agent Sallie Green on behalf of the University of the South, was the subject of a public hearing at the start of the county's March session. Planning Director Eric Bradford read the planning staff report and noted that the Planning Commission had recommended approval at its Feb. 24 meeting. The staff report describes the site as about 196.02 acres and lists utilities as Sewanee Utility District for water and Duck River Electric Membership Corporation for power. Bradford also noted the site is outside the FEMA floodplain cited in the report.
In discussion on the floor, Commissioners spoke only to confirm the Planning Commission recommendation and to record motions. Commissioner Johnny Hand moved the rezoning and Bruce McMillan seconded; the roll call vote was 14 in favor, 0 opposed, with one commissioner absent (Tyler Bauer) and one vacancy noted. The commission's vote record in the minutes identifies each commissioner voting yes.
The planning materials filed in the record list the affected streets and parcel numbers and describe the rezoning purpose as enabling continued development and adaptive reuse of existing structures. During the Planning Commission hearing, adjacent property owners asked why the University sought mixed‑use zoning and what uses are permitted under MU; Eric Bradford explained that MU zoning allows the range of uses set out in the Franklin County Zoning Resolution and reviewed setback and service considerations specified in the staff report.
The county’s record for the item includes the public hearing notice, the planning staff report, the Planning Commission recommendation (Feb. 24, 2026), and a survey plat. No formal conditions or amendments were recorded in the county minutes; the commission approved the rezoning as presented. The item is on the official minutes as Public Hearing (Item 2.0).