Dickson County Commission approves zoning amendment narrowing where mining and waste facilities can be sited after divided debate

The Dickson County Commission approved an amendment to the countyzoning resolution addressing development standards and special-exception procedures for mining activities and sanitary/hazardous waste facilities after a contentious discussion and two roll-call votes.

Commissioners heard two public commenters in favor of the change before the floor debate. Ellen Yancey urged the commission to "consider it and vote for it," calling the proposal "a common sense piece of legislation" to protect existing and incoming residents. Jason Holloman, an attorney who said he represents Yancey and other neighbors, told the commission he was available "if there are questions as the discussion comes up." The draft was presented to the commission by planning staff and revised in consultation with the county attorney's office.

Supporters said the amendment would protect residential neighborhoods by restricting where new quarries or waste facilities could be sited; opponents warned it could limit future county options, including potential county-run facilities. Commissioner Dawson asked whether the change would apply countywide or only to a specific area, and county staff replied the draft was intended to be countywide. County Attorney Mr. Reagan said the citizen groupdraftee and county staff worked together to limit restrictions primarily to R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential districts and explained that the commission could amend the proposal or send it back to the planning commission for further revision.

Commissioners first voted on a motion to defer and send the amendment back to the planning commission for further study; that motion failed on a voice/roll-call sequence (final tally recorded as 4 yes, 7 no, 1 pass). The commission then voted to approve the amendment; the clerk recorded the outcome as 8 yes, 4 no, and the measure passed.

The commission and staff noted existing operations would generally be grandfathered and that any landfill—public or private—would still require TDEC approval. County staff and the attorney also said the commission retains the ability to amend the rules later if circumstances change.

The commission moved on to other business after the vote. The zoning amendment will return to planning staff to implement the ordinance language and for publication of any formal enactment procedures.