Board denies one fireworks site over sight‑distance safety concerns, approves three other temporary stands with conditions

Rutherford County’s Board of Zoning Appeals denied one proposed temporary fireworks stand on Franklin Road for road‑safety reasons but approved three other temporary stands planned for the Fourth of July period after discussing site conditions and mitigation measures.

Staff presented Application BZA 202618 — a proposed fireworks stand on the 9,000 block of Franklin Road (State Road 96). Engineering staff said the location did not meet Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) sight‑distance criteria for the posted 55 mph speed; staff cited a required site distance of about 610 feet and a 430‑foot clear sight line at 3.5 feet of height and noted that available sight distance from aerial imagery was less than required. Staff said the safety concern stemmed from a blind spot at the driveway and the uphill approach where vehicles would slow or stop.

The applicant proposed several on‑site improvements — fresh gravel, removing a lease sign, and using an alternate egress on an adjacent property — but told the board he had been unable to secure permission for additional egress from the neighboring owner. He said he would cut grass, remove the sign and improve gravel and parking areas to increase visibility.

Commissioner Patrick Hail moved to deny the Franklin Road application, saying the board’s concerns were centered on traffic safety. After roll call, the board voted to deny that application (vote recorded as 4–3 in favor of denial).

By contrast, three other temporary fireworks applications (BZA 202619 at 1530 Highway 41A; BZA 202620 at 7604 Old Nashville Highway; and BZA 202621 at 3273 Manchester Pike) were recommended for approval by staff and were approved by the board. Staff said those sites are developed commercial properties (convenience stores and gas stations) with established paved areas and driveways that better accommodate temporary tents and parking.

The approvals included conditions tailored to each location: one site required a condition that gravel and tent placement not be located over septic lines and that the applicant comply with fire‑code requirements; another approval included an amendment requiring the applicant to add gravel to create at least three extra temporary parking spaces for overflow. The board and staff repeatedly emphasized that temporary work must not compromise septic systems, must meet fire codes and that applicants must follow any conditions the board sets.

The board’s denial on Franklin Road underscores staff and engineering influence when temporary uses raise public‑safety concerns along state highways; other approvals show the board’s willingness to allow short‑term holiday sales where existing site access and frontage reduce traffic risk.