Farragut board approves amendment letting some low‑lying developments skip stormwater detention

Farragut’s board approved an amendment to the town’s stormwater ordinance on second and final reading, changing design standards that govern detention and retention ponds for some low‑lying developments.

The ordinance, numbered 26‑06, adds language to Farragut Code chapter 111, section 11‑7 to permit developments in the lowest portions of a watershed that are adjacent to a stream to bypass detention when engineering documentation demonstrates a net reduction in peak discharge to the main stream. Staff told the board there were no changes since the first reading and recommended approval on second reading.

An engineer explained the technical rationale during the discussion, saying, "If you have development right there nearby it can release its peak discharge quicker by not having detention and it has the effect of lowering the overall peak discharge of the main stream." Alderman Daryl Cain sought clarification on whether the change would affect any current projects and whether it applies primarily to properties close to Turkey Creek; the engineer identified the affected watersheds as Turkey Creek, North Fork Turkey Creek and Little Turkey Creek.

A motion to approve the ordinance was moved and seconded. The Town Recorder conducted a roll‑call vote: Alderman LaCroix, Vice Mayor Myhr, Alderman Cain and Mayor Williams voted yes. The board approved ordinance 26‑06 by a 4‑0 roll‑call vote at approximately 6:11 p.m. on March 26, 2026.

The ordinance, as amended, allows an engineering-based exception in narrowly defined circumstances in lowest-watershed areas adjacent to streams; it does not change detention requirements outside those situations. The board recorded no public speakers on the item. The town did not specify immediate projects affected when asked during the meeting.