News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Putnam County Regional Planning Commission continued discussions Tuesday about possibly creating a set of county zoning regulations.
Commissioner Phil Wilbourn said it’s something he wants to pursue, despite the negative feedback he’s receiving.
“I think we oughta have something in our hands, whether it’s one or two pages, so be it,” Wilbourn said. “I just think it’s a matter of how slow we start off and how general we make the starting point, and not go in full-board with trying to touch on everything. Just touch on the big-ticket issues.”
Commissioners have received a copy of a previous set of regulations that failed to gain approval more than 10-years ago. The planning commission has agreed to study the document and decide during next month’s meeting whether they want to move forward with pursuing a new set of zoning rules.
Only two Upper Cumberland counties have adopted zoning code regulations. Putnam County Planning Director Kevin Rush said zoning regulations in Smith and Macon Counties have proven to be successful.
“Once it got adopted, and the people got adjusted to having it, I think it’s been working fine,” Rush said. “There’s always going to be some issues that pop up. The first two or three years you have to slow walk things, and then after that you can start being more strict in enforcement.”
Rush said the Smith County zoning document started out at 80 or 90 pages long. He said the document has grown to about 120 pages since its adoption.
Countywide zoning regulations created by the planning commission would go to the full Putnam County Commission for approval. Zoning regulations would not take effect unless approved by a majority of Putnam County Commissioners.
