Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Coffee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in zoning
Planning commissioner training and membership
The commission explained who serves on it and how members are trained, noting Commissioner Gonzales is eight weeks into a ten-week state Planning Commissioner Academy.
Family Land Divisions and Variance Requests
Family members requested relief from the 5-acre minimum requirement in an A-1 agricultural zone to split off a 3-acre homestead parcel. The board supported keeping the land in agricultural family hands without enforcing strict acreage minimums for the home site.
Family Cemetery Special Exceptions
Applicants requested special exceptions to establish small family cemeteries on private properties. Discussions covered legal access easements, road frontage, and deed requirements.
C-1 Rural Center Zoning and Map Reconciliation
Planning officials addressed social media rumors, clarifying that the 5-acre minimum parcel size applies only to A-1 agricultural districts outside urban growth boundaries and that there is no countywide moratorium.
A-1 Agricultural Zone Minor Land Divisions
The board reviewed two separate requests from property owners wanting to subdivide parcels smaller than the standard five-acre minimum in agricultural (A-1) zones to help family members establish homes on the land. Both requests were granted after verifying that setbacks, access, and infrastructure conditions were met.
Commercial Rezoning at 39 Goose Pond Road
Neighbors pushed back against rezoning an agricultural parcel at 39 Goose Pond Road to commercial, worried about preserving their farming community's character and traffic. The applicant, a local family, explained they want to build an office for their roofing business and promised no heavy semi-truck traffic. The commission ultimately voted to approve the change.
Acreage Variance for Michael Johns
Michael Johns requested relief from the 5-acre minimum in an A-1 zone at 486 Walter Bartlett Road to subdivide his 3.5-acre property and sell a portion to avoid foreclosure. The board approved the variance.
Ragsdale Road Subdivision Setback Variance
Matthew Hogue requested a 25-foot side setback variance on Cole Ridge Road because county setback rules changed after he purchased the land. The board approved the request to allow him to build a single-story home.
Setback Variances for Kenny Sadler
Kenny Sadler requested side and rear setback variances for a lot in the Normandy Banks subdivision because county setback rules changed since he originally received development approvals. The board approved the request.
Residential Rezoning on McMinnville Highway
A property owner wants to rezone part of a parcel from C-1 to C-2 to open a car lot, but must first split the residential house from the commercial building to avoid zoning conflicts.
Private Road Access and Utility Easements on Scenic Road
Neighbors and applicants debated the legal status and maintenance responsibilities of a shared private road and utility easement near Normandy Lake. The board paused to review warranty deeds to ensure county variance approval wouldn't conflict with Tullahoma Utility Authority or TVA easement rights.
Commercial Rezoning Request on Map 059
Applicant David Lowe requested to rezone a split parcel from C-1 to C-2 to operate a small auto sales business. The commission approved the request, forwarding it to the county commission for final action.
Setback Variances and Rural Density on Ferrells Branch Road
Residents pushed back against a 25-foot setback variance for a four-home subdivision by Shady Grove Homes, arguing that cramming four houses onto a small plot threatens rural character, fire safety, and road width capabilities. The board ultimately approved the variance, citing grandfathered zoning timelines.
Zoning Resolution 2026-01 Street Frontage
The commission updated zoning rules within urban growth boundaries, reducing the required public street frontage for building permits from 50 feet to 30 feet.