Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Special Exception topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board approves special exception for on-site compactor at 10127 Chapman Highway
Summary
The Blount County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception allowing a private construction-and-demolition debris compactor at 10127 Chapman Highway in Seymour. Staff noted required state and utility permits, and the board conditioned approval on obtaining those permits.
The Blount County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a special exception allowing a private construction-and-demolition debris compactor at 10127 Chapman Highway in Seymour after a staff summary and questioning of the applicant.
Thomas, the county staff member who presented the item, told the board the request is for the applicant to install compaction equipment on a parcel "the entire property is a little over 2 acres," accessed from Chapman Highway, and used by several commercial businesses. Thomas said the installation would likely require review by the Tennessee Department of Transportation for driveway improvements, "and it sounds like" TDEC may require solid-waste permitting; staff recommended approval with the condition that all required permits be obtained before operation.
The applicant, introduced to the board as Mr. Richards, said the compactor would be used only for his business’s construction and junk-removal loads and would not be open to outside vendors or the public. He told the board that material would be sorted and removed quickly and that "Nothing will stay on the ground overnight." He described separating metal for recycling and taking compacted loads to the county landfill, saying the setup will speed operations and reduce trips to the landfill.
Committee members asked how hazardous material would be prevented from entering loads, how county officials would monitor on-site separation, and whether this business model should prompt changes to county zoning rules. Thomas said oversight of solid-waste handling likely falls to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and that the county’s role may include permitting and ensuring compliance with the conditions imposed.
A committee member moved to approve the exception "to comply with Section 11.5" and another committee member seconded. The chair called the vote and the motion passed; the board approved the special exception subject to the issuance of all required permits, including any TDOT, TDEC, and electrical permits identified by staff.
The board’s approval allows the applicant to install and operate the equipment under the conditions discussed; the applicant and staff clarified that the use is limited to the applicant’s own business activity and is not a public transfer station.
