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Cookeville council approves rezoning on Boyd Ferris Road on first reading
Summary
On April 2, 2026, the Cookeville City Council voted 5–0 on first reading to rezone about 18.29 acres on Boyd Ferris Road from CI/RS20 to RS5 to enable a proposed single-family neighborhood; staff said sewer capacity currently supports 40 homes without an upgrade, while a 74-lot concept would require a sewer main extension.
Cookeville City Council voted unanimously on first reading April 2 to rezone roughly 18.29 acres on Boyd Ferris Road from commercial/industrial and RS20 single-family to RS5 single-family residential, a move developers say would allow a for-sale neighborhood of mostly one-level ranch homes.
Mr. Ward, who presented the staff report, said the subject parcel is vacant and currently split between CI and RS20 zoning. He said the planning division and the planning commission recommended the RS5 designation as a downzone from commercial or industrial intensity and noted the property is adjacent to existing commercial and light-manufacturing uses along Highway 111.
"The developer has received approval from the water quality control department for up to 40 homes on this subject property," Mr. Ward said, and added that to exceed that number "approximately 2,200 linear feet of low-pressure sewer main would need to be upgraded." He noted the developer indicated plans to pursue that upgrade and shared a conceptual 74-lot layout supplied in the application packet, stressing the concept had not been formally submitted for plat or construction approval.
Steven Bell, representing 1222 Development, spoke during the public-hearing portion to answer council questions and to state the developer's intent to move forward if entitlements and infrastructure allow it.
Councilman Baji moved the ordinance; Vice Mayor Eldridge seconded. The council voted 5–0 on the first reading. The ordinance number presented was 026304 and was advanced on first reading; additional approvals and any required infrastructure upgrades would be subject to later council review and permitting.
Why it matters: Rezoning would change the permitted uses and potential density for a transition corridor near Highway 111. Staff framed the request as compliant with the city's future land-use plan and as a transition from higher-intensity uses toward moderate-density residential where sewer infrastructure is or can be made available.
Next steps: The ordinance passed first reading; further procedural steps include engineering, any sewer main upgrades needed to support additional units, and subsequent readings or permitting before subdivision development could proceed.
