[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6183820,"mediaKeyId","5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff","parentId",5093645,"title","Public and commissioners press county over plats, sheds and who may sign subdivision approvals","audioSeconds",517,"startMs",1233000,"endMs",1750000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff&start=1233&end=1750","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff/thumbnail_1233000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6183820/Tennessee/Public-and-commissioners-press-county-over-plats-sheds-and-who-may-sign-subdivision-approvals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183820-74243a27b73afdb4a38f230e7304c37f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447952&Signature=DF3TkkiithoQ3DD9DHYAGyU66ZAbURm9pLK5SaqC8lZfLmy7uzgqLJT~MqqD7QDnFY1gThYz4tTYxHJtQe6q9fFDv3xuPN4CMdwS2RKsfgUsMQX5vo8YA7vawvobr-jBcrRZNJ-T4mBy3cgzk001ToT~GWqZRON4-lUhj5u7FAiui7PsYyrsY0hLYrXM1AmS2LQFkjnlcZhmeofQVx~CgAtgzmu8gq0UBpdfSMeTvbICqzA0TVC-CygVs1euyEldgtvA0NvCGVkjrnCqq-6xyXGukGEnogHnL~iSUzzfCjISu-QfKXa3E5jlVVR8Tf1tj5q5cNBMvdbjo6X6vQi9HQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jefferson County, TN","date","2025-06-28T12:40:13.77Z","article","Residents and multiple commissioners pressed Jefferson County officials to clarify who is authorized to approve and sign subdivision plats after the county’s zoning office recorded a two‑lot plat connected to a cluster of accessory buildings often described in the meeting as \"sheds.\"

Several residents said the plat should have been signed by the regional planning commission secretary and cited the county subdivision regulations. Kathleen Villers told the commission she had distributed copies of the Jefferson County subdivision regulations and said the rules “clearly indicate that the plats need to be signed by the secretary of the RPC.” Jim Fox and other speakers said they believed staff had violated the commission’s direction by recording a plat without the commission’s written approval.

A representative for the zoning office and other long‑serving staff said the practice of staff review and signature for small (two‑lot) plats has occurred before and that Tennessee law provides local flexibility. A staff member explained that the legislature allows certain plats to be approved without full commission action in some circumstances, and that routine ‘‘check‑the‑box’’ reviews are common practice. Commissioners and staff agreed to seek formal clarification from the county attorney and to ensure future plats receive the planning commission secretary’s signature when required.

Residents described a series of related concerns: crowding and large gatherings at the site they called \"the sheds,\" potential septic/occupancy issues, and the possibility that improperly recorded plats could affect many previously recorded maps. As one resident said, “If this had been going on in Jefferson County for some time . . . then it's likely many plats happened improperly signed and are now recorded.” Another community member asked the commission to count how many previously recorded plats might be affected and whether they must be corrected.

Commissioners said they would postpone final policy action until the county attorney reviews the record and provides written guidance. In the interim, staff agreed to stop recording plats that lacked the required planning commission secretary signature and to bring the question back to the commission. The commission voted to postpone the agenda item to the next meeting and asked staff to coordinate with legal counsel.

The discussion surfaced tensions between efforts to speed up permitting and the need to follow procedural requirements. Surveryor and longtime practitioner Eddie Garrett explained the practical cause for staff signatures: faster turnaround for sellers and buyers who otherwise must wait for the commission’s monthly meeting. Garrett said staff approval allowed transactions to close “in 7 to 10 days” rather than months.

The commission asked staff to present a clear written recommendation, show the controlling statute or county action that authorized past practice if one exists, and identify any plats recorded without the required signature so the body can determine whether corrective action is necessary.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 22, 2025 - Jefferson County, TN - Board of Zoning Appeal & Regional Planning Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Residents and commissioners pressed Jefferson County officials to clarify whether zoning staff may approve and sign two‑lot subdivision plats after a zoning office‑approved plat tied to a group of newly built accessory buildings was recorded without the planning commission secretary’s signature.","taxTitle","Board of Zoning Appeals and Regional Planning Commission Meetings, Jefferson County, Tennessee","taxId",73403,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6183825,"Regional planning panel denies variance for 65-foot LED billboard on Albuquerque Mill Road",212,404000,616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff&start=404&end=616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff/thumbnail_404000.jpg","/articles/6183825/Tennessee/Regional-planning-panel-denies-variance-for-65-foot-LED-billboard-on-Albuquerque-Mill-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183825-827e56eaf3ea09a96157e169c6bcf360/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447952&Signature=MSmQiDWPGO0tYIZweq3EFnltqH~IstpKJ0AsTZ2YPjTt0fXtvDSG5YX1pELQHs-Osg0ipuKgPs~lKNCER~PTk9xrCY7wSdy6bJbiItNHTiGnwEgmxqjhvyTN3thl7YZTwCeCyKDbjEzF9R6hCAzFTxeOjGupHF2YKTv5~Cbycqr2Kall-bUQ-VirmSiwskdYi-pGAADhaXl3IdpS2C7V229YrFDsohvKz-di8jKm8-v5mkvOLO5bUCWLadWsQAPWelKXRTngpC03VLLFZ2bv6uUuDhVQ~QrNQEzAfPNk~CaYDweScJ5Kv6Ho5FTg~a-jPu6V5xRm~cZsSqQwilVNeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals and Regional Planning Commission denied a variance request for a 20-by-50-foot, 65-foot-tall LED billboard proposed for a property overlooking Highway 40.

The action came after the applicant, Wesley Siss, said his intent was to “put up, an LED billboard, really for the benefit of the small business person in this area,” and that the proposed sign would sit “over 1,100 feet off of the road,” farther from traffic than existing signs. Siss told the board the installation company recommended the larger size to ensure visibility from the interstate.

Planning staff and commissioners questioned whether the application met the ordinance standard that variances be granted only for demonstrated hardship. Planning staff objected that hardship must be based on circumstances beyond an applicant’s mere choice of location and warned that routinely approving height and area variances could undercut the ordinance’s purpose. A staff member said: “Variances from the zoning ordinance are supposed to be based on hardship. . . I don't see a hardship here.”

Staff also raised safety and lighting concerns for LED displays. As one staff member told the board, LED signs can be \"difficult to control\" for timing and light intensity and \"do have a safety issue\" because drivers may be distracted by bright or changing displays.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to deny the variance based on lack of demonstrated hardship; another commissioner seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The applicant said he would work with the power company to reduce light intensity on an existing pole light on his property and that he planned to continue pursuing options to make the sign viable for advertising small businesses in the area. The board record shows the denial was framed narrowly: commissioners applied the hardship standard in the county zoning ordinance when deciding whether to waive height and square-foot limits.

The denial does not prohibit Siss from submitting a revised application that complies with the ordinance or from seeking relief with additional evidence supporting a hardship claim.

For residents and businesses near the site, the board’s decision leaves in place the county’s existing size and height limits for off-premise signage and reiterates staff and commissioners’ concerns about LED luminance and roadway safety.

","The Jefferson County planning body denied a variance request for a 20-by-50 LED billboard with a 65-foot height after members said the applicant had not shown the zoning \"hardship\" required to justify waiving size and height limits and staff raised safety and light-intensity concerns.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6183805,"Commission approves veterinary clinic addition site plan contingent on handicap‑parking dimensions and zoning notation",460,2680000,3140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff&start=2680&end=3140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff/thumbnail_2680000.jpg","/articles/6183805/Tennessee/Commission-approves-veterinary-clinic-addition-site-plan-contingent-on-handicapparking-dimensions-and-zoning-notation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183805-b33d762ab660af40c71e23c63fec53d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447952&Signature=PGJXYvNH835pd9YzVSnsDxvq~MkI5LLvjAcLVWjgrmTqA0H41Y1uPeyKFJa0V32eYWQLkItRHFsMIopWAPiE6izoQDE-MjabEcghg64vcLJAk2Ebureii-qXBgv5FsjeFrlQwt6N04nU3dm0uMY82zHW3CY5EjAzW1lGJxlxSU27FRH6BDNNdbi2K8iUK3xb8EJnQqB4M43HMpY9NAOTR~yetTAB8zI2Bnb5p5QkDl-ocBrXOMY~Ki23C~QuBZDtTa4LkGNN~qI-E1Oj1tIKWFlmyeC4uPOf~FuIWyQRdQtiiQc4NC6Y2HL3aaa5g1vW9~S-pxgJZ9ALo0oOusxzPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The regional planning commission approved a site plan for an addition to an existing veterinary clinic at 2040 Highway 11 East in New Market, contingent on two specific corrections to the submitted plan.

The property owner and representative presented the plan; planning staff reviewed the submission and identified several omitted items required by the county site‑plan checklist. Staff said the plan omitted the property's zoning designation and did not dimension handicapped parking spaces or the required accessible loading/unloading area. The planner noted other items (utility notes, stormwater direction) but clarified that the site’s existing ingress/egress and utilities would remain unchanged.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the site plan contingent on (1) adding the zone designation to the site plan and (2) providing the dimensions for handicapped parking and the accessible unloading zone. The commission voted to approve the contingency motion.

Staff and the applicant agreed the outstanding items could be addressed before building permitting and that corrected site‑plan PDFs should be submitted to facilitate review. Commissioners also reminded the applicant that federal accessibility standards apply to the parking and that final building permits would require evidence of compliance.

The contingent approval allows the applicant to proceed with permitting once the two items are corrected; no further public hearing was required under the county’s site‑plan process for this addition.

","A site‑plan for an addition to an existing veterinary clinic in New Market was approved contingent on two items: adding the property’s zoning designation to the plan and providing dimensions for handicapped parking and loading/unloading areas; staff flagged missing site‑plan details but allowed final approval after correction.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6183810,"Commission approves rezoning of Mullins property to C‑2; neighbors raise traffic, noise and property‑value concerns",110,3233000,3343000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff&start=3233&end=3343","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff/thumbnail_3233000.jpg","/articles/6183810/Tennessee/Commission-approves-rezoning-of-Mullins-property-to-C2-neighbors-raise-traffic-noise-and-propertyvalue-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183810-90f625fd2d2b3822739b7bf527704f3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447952&Signature=Ov1elr7ul9c6QnLvVDR8X3Njtm1k3g5DhuEu4c9a8evhdblG1-yXbpbfr1rg2qJSV7NKZrXIV1wEW-0mdVy7NdmiH5LdCTrcLVbgVuMT4gSRJz9AzFZMic-6gNfQitnGzDn0J4TxSIy6gbNIzPUMrOygRWpeWnF-ChQe5saEHxiICkNQoFJWDV7CDBExUL6Fcm1RS6cyNvOO-9qbjiknhpskIr4cmSLGUPLMfUXn09qI27zkBBN9KTc3DF7ZWC9K7qVoEbg8H7oqAXo0HpF7DbcctUesHiZF45xg0Z0UXgmtE7iC~rHlXuUcvPNI3dIuyNDJZ~8KbXhlrnBgjFiaFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The regional planning commission approved a rezoning request to change about 12.636 acres at 1359 Deep Springs Road from A‑1 (agricultural/forestry) to C‑2 (general commercial) for Mullins Enterprises.

Eric Mullins presented the request; staff noted that because the parcel exceeds five acres, the proposed lot split did not constitute a subdivision and therefore the rezoning application was the proper vehicle for the commission’s action. A motion to approve the rezoning passed on a voice vote.

Several neighbors opposed the rezoning during the public‑comment period. Deborah Epps described the property’s proximity to a residential subdivision, saying the site sits where “there’s sharp curves that are pretty much wooded with not good visibility,” and expressed concern about heavy trucks, long flatbeds hauling equipment, and the adequacy of the driveway and road base to support frequent heavy‑vehicle traffic. Epps also raised worries about property values and the appearance of commercial activity in a residential area.

Mike Ingram and other neighbors expressed support for property owners’ rights in other agenda items, but the Mullins rezoning drew the most substantial resident opposition among the night’s items.

Mullins told the commission he planned to adjust an existing light fixture on his property to reduce brightness and said he intended to keep operations within the agricultural portion of the property in the near term.

The commission approved the rezoning request, and the applicant indicated plans to continue with site arrangements consistent with the commercial zoning. The approval does not specify the exact commercial uses that will occur; any future site plan, special use permit or conditional use that requires additional review would be considered by the appropriate county body under existing rules.

","The commission approved rezoning 12.636 acres at 1359 Deep Springs Road from A‑1 to C‑2 for Mullins Enterprises; neighbors testified during citizens input that proposed commercial equipment storage and heavy vehicle access would create safety, noise and property‑value concerns.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6183815,"Commission postpones new C‑3 zone and value‑added agriculture rules after detailed policy debate",1203,4093000,5296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff&start=4093&end=5296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093645-69dd038beb6c058634ff13a00a2671ff/thumbnail_4093000.jpg","/articles/6183815/Tennessee/Commission-postpones-new-C3-zone-and-valueadded-agriculture-rules-after-detailed-policy-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183815-764b1e25bee854acd388a0872bb9ff09/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447952&Signature=CubNMiRjRANAwX-Ns7drX94FIXQW7DM43H~DHkgvE6zcu4VLomIv0wGUVFWkyUxhEVMRGCRVKF~apGcuYbfT9C2QrX05WHmRrM5Vb-Mwtig1E1qgrp7QIe62ZnLEi7RocovGGK-vc-IZ11thJqjibYTXXGQT2meewPwDN7sFPOHtZQxPeQJk2Y6x8f~m8aNj4Op9SYuCLPB7JlZI8hK9noYUesh9V0pyArg4p4ZSbcI7uXSfrKgIYP~g5ydp~USwHMa1ifNEqTy2G5wZgU2C0SgOdCbvYSRymBV9Zu2qXWXCaadnjZwqj8MShHZQ43cMspjoLkT8a0pNz8cENUj-Dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The regional planning commission and zoning staff engaged in an extended policy discussion over a proposed C‑3 wholesale/warehouse commercial district and language to allow \"value‑added\" agricultural processing.

Austin Brooks presented a draft that would create a new zoning district aimed at providing a middle ground between agricultural and industrial uses — a potential home for small manufacturing, light industrial and certain farm processing operations. The draft included a conditional‑use pathway for activities such as micro‑distilleries, microbreweries, and limited on‑site processing and sales of farm produce, with suggested safeguards: minimum farm size, limits on off‑site produce (no more than 50% originating off‑site), and requirements for public water/sewer and nuisance screening.

Commissioners and members of the public said the proposal raised difficult definitional and policy questions. Several speakers stressed the need to distinguish small farm value‑added activities (for example, on‑farm canning or a farm winery) from full‑scale industrial processing that would carry heavy traffic, odor, and noise impacts. As one commissioner summarized, “What is considered a craft, what is considered industrial production?”

John Veil and other commissioners asked staff to prepare a clearer definition of \"value‑added agricultural processing\" and to identify thresholds that would distinguish permitted small‑scale farm operations from operations that should belong in an industrial district. Commissioners discussed options including placing value‑added processing in the A‑1 agricultural district under strict conditions or listing it as a permitted use in C‑3 but with size and sourcing limits.

After extended discussion, the commission voted to postpone the resolution and asked staff to return with clarified definitions, comparisons to state guidance, and recommended conditions that would protect farmland while allowing viable small processing businesses.

The debate reflected competing goals: supporting farm profitability and local small business without enabling industrial uses in rural or residential areas. Commissioners asked staff to gather examples from other counties, provide draft regulatory language, and identify which utilities or infrastructure requirements (for example, public sewer) would be necessary to protect public health and neighboring properties.

","Commissioners and staff debated a proposed new C‑3 (wholesale/warehouse/commercial) zoning district and whether to permit value‑added agricultural processing; members asked for clearer definitions and for legal and practical limits before proceeding, and postponed the item for further work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public and commissioners press county over plats, sheds and who may sign subdivision approvals

Regional planning panel denies variance for 65-foot LED billboard on Albuquerque Mill Road

Commission approves veterinary clinic addition site plan contingent on handicap‑parking dimensions and zoning notation

Commission approves rezoning of Mullins property to C‑2; neighbors raise traffic, noise and property‑value concerns

Commission postpones new C‑3 zone and value‑added agriculture rules after detailed policy debate