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Commission backs rezoning at airport site to allow MTSU flight academy; overlay zone discussion underway

3502814 · May 25, 2025
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Summary

The Planning Commission recommended rezoning about 30.35 acres near Hwy 231 to I‑1 (light industrial) to accommodate the MTSU Flight Academy and related airport uses, and staff said an airport overlay and later subdivision will be used to preserve commercial opportunities on the tract.

The Planning Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council to rezone roughly 30.35 acres along Highway 231 (north gateway corridor) from C‑2 (general business) to I‑1 (light industrial) so Middle Tennessee State University’s Flight Academy can proceed with its planned academic flight operations and repair facility.

Paul Perry, identified in the staff report as Shelbyville Airport Director and representing the City of Shelbyville as property owner, discussed that part of the tract will support MTSU’s flight academy containers and facilities. Staff told commissioners that the airport overlay — under development and expected later this year — would be used in the future to allow airport and compatible commercial uses across the tract without spot zone issues. The underlying rezoning to I‑1 matches the airport’s existing zoning and will allow MTSU to seek site and plan approvals; staff said the rezoning would also allow demolition of existing vacant single‑family structures before subdivision and platting.

Commissioners and staff discussed sequencing: a subdivision has not yet been completed because MTSU’s lease amendment only recently received state approval; staff said once the survey and subdivision are recorded the temporary nonconforming aspects will be remedied. Staff also explained that an overlay could be written to preserve commercial areas adjacent to Highway 231 while protecting airport operations.

A motion to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council passed on roll call; staff indicated it will continue work on an airport overlay and related permitting to support the project.