Board approves temporary farm stand permit for Joe Thompson at 9090 Oregon Road

Rutherford County’s Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to grant a six‑month temporary special exception to permit a farm stand operated by Joe Thompson at 9090 Oregon Road.

Staff told the board the request (Application BZA 202617) was for a small, existing 10‑by‑10‑foot shed at the entrance of a 32‑acre farm and would offer produce, eggs, baked goods and Amish‑made products. The staff report said the use was limited in scale, seasonal, had available off‑road parking and “should not adversely affect surrounding properties.” Staff recommended approval subject to the county’s six‑month limit for temporary uses.

Tanya, a county staff member, told the board the application followed a complaint and that the applicant “came right into our office” to file after staff contacted him. She said staff had received nearly 50 letters and emails from neighbors supporting the stand.

During public comment, retired physician Dr. Peter Decarletto told the board, “Mr. Thompson has an excellent well‑maintained farm stand. It’s an asset to the community and there is no increase in traffic,” and urged approval. A planning‑commission official also spoke in favor, saying the stand exemplified “the character of Rutherford County” and asked the board to credit long‑time local farmers.

Board discussion was brief. A motion to approve was made and carried on a roll call vote of the members present.

The approval carries the temporary six‑month limit recommended by staff; the board did not adopt other special conditions beyond the standard temporary‑use restriction. The permit allows Thompson to continue operating the stand while the county evaluates compliance with zoning rules and the temporary‑use timeframe.