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Oak Ridge council adopts nuclear industrial overlay and rezones large tracts for industry
Summary
The Oak Ridge City Council unanimously adopted a zoning text amendment creating a Nuclear Industrial Overlay and approved multiple rezoning ordinances applying the overlay to properties in the Heritage Center, Horizon Center and Bear Creek Road areas, moves the city anticipates will streamline siting for nuclear-related industry.
Oak Ridge — The City Council adopted a zoning text amendment and several rezoning ordinances that create and apply a Nuclear Industrial Overlay (NIO) to multiple industrial parcels across the city, including properties in the Heritage Center, Horizon Center and off Bear Creek Road.
Miss Williams, the planning staff member who presented the items, told council the NIO adds definitions for "long-term nuclear storage," "nuclear-related uses," "NRC," and "nuclear waste" and changes the zoning code to exclude recycling, treatment or disposal of radioactive or nuclear materials except by special exception to the Board of Zoning Appeals. "This is 2nd and final reading of a zoning ordinance text amendment that will both support and regulate the nuclear industry in our city," Miss Williams said. The planning commission recommended the text amendment and the rezones unanimously.
Council applied the overlay to the parcels listed in the ordinances and made clear that properties still owned by the Department of Energy (labeled FIR on the maps) remain excluded from the rezones until privately transferred. Council member Hensley noted the Bear Creek Road area includes the TVA small modular reactor site; Miss Williams confirmed the ordinance covers nearby lots in that area as well.
All ordinance readings related to the NIO and the associated rezones passed on recorded voice votes with the council voting 7–0 on final readings. City staff said the change provides regulatory standards (and, for some industrial setbacks, Board of Zoning Appeals review) rather than by-right allowances in some cases.
The changes take effect as provided by city code; staff and the planning commission described a months-long public process and industry engagement that preceded the votes. Council did not receive public comments at the hearings for these items.
What’s next: The NIO and rezoning ordinances are now on the books; future permits or special exceptions would follow standard review procedures, including Board of Zoning Appeals consideration when required.
