Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Smyrna public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
36 issues with medium priority
TriStar Energy ownership change and store permits
TriStar Energy — the company behind Twice Daily and Sudden Service stores — is being taken over by a Shell-related ownership group, requiring new beer permits for all three Smyrna stores. Residents shouldn't notice any change: same stores, names, staff training, and signage.
Sewart's Landing development progress
The mixed-use development is filling up: Sprouts opens in November, Wawa in April, restaurants are beating revenue expectations, and larger tenants like HomeGoods are touring. Parks, an amphitheater, and a P-51 replica honoring Mayor Reed are on the way.
Mason Tucker Booster Station SRF loan
An $8 million low-interest state loan (3.29%, 20 years) will upgrade the booster station serving Sam Ridley and the hospital, plus unlock the idle Hilltop station — with no rate increase for customers.
Exterior Modifications at 105 Hazelwood Drive
The commission will review unpermitted exterior painting at 105 Hazelwood Drive to ensure it meets historic district standards.
Stormwater Utility Fee and Account Management
The committee is reviewing vacant property accounts and discussing the stormwater utility fees adopted in the recent town budget. These fees impact commercial and residential property owners across Smyrna.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Special Exception on Hankins Drive
The board approved an attached accessory apartment for a family member at 1101 Chorleywood Court. The project enhances an older part of the home while maintaining neighborhood setbacks and architectural harmony.
Front Setback Variance Request on Castile Drive
A homeowner sought permission to keep an above-ground pool built within the front setback of a corner lot. The board approved the request after verifying safety fencing and neighborhood compatibility.
New Business Alcohol Permitting: Sprouts and Scissors & Scotch
The Beer Board reviewed and approved three off-premise beer permits for local businesses, including a smoke shop, a gas station ownership change, and a new gas station.
Consolidated Signage Plan for Kroger Development on Lee Victory Parkway
The developer of the new Kroger shopping center requested a sign variance for a larger, multi-tenant pole sign with digital changeable copy. The board supported the plan because it replaces multiple individual signs and reduces visual clutter along Bulldog Drive.
Setback Variance for Residential Pool on Young Drive
A homeowner needed a setback variance to install an above-ground pool because their corner lot has two front setbacks and septic lines block the backyard. The board approved the request since it won't impact neighbors and sits inside a fenced yard.
Municipal Artificial Intelligence Policy Implementation
Staff introduced a new policy to govern AI tool usage by town employees and contractors, highlighting data privacy, required human oversight, and mandatory staff training.
Expansion of Senior Housing Options via Age-Restricted PUDs
The town is seeing a strong push for 55-plus housing developments, which lower school impacts and traffic while providing modern senior living.
Neighborhood Rental and Code Concerns
A resident raised concerns about multiple rental homes in local neighborhoods operating as boarding houses with heavy vehicle traffic and safety issues. Town staff noted active code enforcement and police patrols are addressing the properties.
Almaville Road Commercial Access and Delivery Safety
Commissioners denied a commercial site plan on Almaville Road because delivery trucks would not have adequate space to turn around, creating potential traffic and safety hazards.
Exterior Building Materials Regulations
Standards for exterior building materials were discussed to ensure structural quality and neighborhood appeal.
Planning Department Fee Schedule Adjustments
The town is updating planning fees to comply with new state legislation requiring cost-basis justification for development fees over $250.
Airport Property Special Exception for Contractor Offices
The Smyrna Airport received approval to let construction contractors rent administrative office space on airport grounds. This keeps heavy equipment off the property while helping local businesses get their town licenses.
Charity Assistance Fund Financial Status and Town Appropriation
The board reviewed its current fund balance of $30,431.87 and received word that the Town Council has approved $35,000 in funding for fiscal year 2027. This funding helps support local charitable assistance efforts in Smyrna.
Special Exception for Business Uses at Threet Industrial Road
An applicant sought a special exception to bring multiple low-impact commercial and industrial tenants into compliance at 107, 109, and 111 Threet Industrial Road. The board approved the request to align existing uses with zoning rules.
Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance Updates
The town updated rules for food trucks, requiring 30-day permits, property owner host permits, and proper site plans to ensure parking isn't blocked.
Special Event Beer Permit for Smyrna Public Library
The Smyrna Public Library requested a special event permit to operate a fenced-in beer garden featuring local breweries during their grant-funded "Walking Through History" event on August 1.
El Pueblo Mexican Restaurant On-Premise Beer Permit
Shankram LLC applied for an on-premise beer permit for their new Indian restaurant located at 2160 Rock Springs Road. The owners plan to use ID scanners and offer both bottled and draft beer.
Charity Donation Bin Dumping and Site Maintenance
Overflowing donations and illegal dumping around clothing and charity bins across town have created unsightly conditions. Staff will analyze zoning regulations and property owner accountability.
Accessory Structure Size Variance Request
A homeowner requested a 400-square-foot size increase above the neighborhood limit for a detached storage and family building. The board denied the request due to lack of a legal hardship.
Special Exception for Contract Construction Services
An applicant requested permission to operate a contract construction business within a light industrial park that houses various commercial tenants. The board approved the use.
Residential Fencing Material Restrictions
Staff proposed a new ordinance to ban unsightly and hazardous fencing materials like barbed wire and razor wire in residential neighborhoods.
Simply Smyrna Celebration Special Event Permit
Carpe Artista is hosting its annual Simply Smyrna Celebration on June 13 in the Depot District, featuring musical entertainment and designated alcohol-serving areas. The event has operated successfully for 15 years.
School Parking Requirements Update
Town planners proposed lowering mandatory parking minimums for elementary and middle schools so new charter or private schools don't have to pave over all their green space. Research showed Smyrna's previous requirements were significantly higher than neighboring cities.
La Zona Bar and Gaming Lounge Beer Permit
La Zona applied for an on-premise beer permit to open a modern bar and gaming lounge at 1100 Plaza Drive. The owners plan to offer video games, pool, and darts alongside alcohol service from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekdays and noon to 3 a.m. on weekends.
Regional Recycling Education and Waste Diversion
Donna Barrett from Recycle Right TN presented an educational initiative to help residents navigate recycling rules, meet state diversion mandates, and increase participation across local convenience centers.
Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit at 521 Williamsport Drive
Homeowner Randall Nelson requested a special exception to build an attached accessory apartment for family housing in an R-3 residential zone. The board approved the request with standard fee and non-rental conditions.
Sign Ordinance Revisions for Banners and Inflatables
The council updated temporary sign rules to tighten banner restrictions and ban streamers and inflatable signs to improve town aesthetics.
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Request at 104 Edison Circle
A property owner received permission to build a 600-square-foot backyard cottage for family caretaking. The approval ensures the property complies with local R-1 single-family zoning while accommodating multigenerational living arrangements.
Business Tax Late Penalties
The town updated its municipal code and fee schedule to allow late penalties for delinquent business privilege taxes, giving the treasury department enforcement tools it previously lacked.
Yard Sale Regulations
To prevent commercial operators from running continuous sales out of residential yards or unauthorized spots, the town adopted clear definitions and limits for yard sales and transient vendors.
Courier Place Business Zoning Compliance
The board reviewed a special exception request to legalize various existing business uses on Courier Place, ensuring companies like contractors and suppliers can legally operate without licensing conflicts.