Talks have begun between the Putnam County Commissioners and the Planning Department to consider implementing zoning codes across the county. The county currently does not have any zoning regulations. Planning Director Kevin Rush said zoning is based on topographical factors, population size, and community needs. “Typically there’s a lot of mixed emotions when it comes to zoning,” Rush said. “Some ... Read More »

The Putnam County Regional Planning Commission will consider sending a letter to county commissioners requesting opinions about a countywide zoning system. Commissioner Mike Atwood said it’s important to gauge interest from the 24-member group before planners move forward with studying and possibly creating a zoning document. “Because I think it’s important that we just identify and issue and ask them ... Read More »

The Putnam County Regional Planning Commission has once again delayed discussions about possibly creating a countywide zoning code. Commissioner Dale Moss said the conversation needs to continue but outside the commission’s regular monthly meeting. “Maybe we need to have a meeting just to get some groundwork started on this zoning,” Moss said. “We don’t have time in our meetings it ... Read More »

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 ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council voted unanimously Thursday to amend the zoning code, clarifying the rules for where certain medical facilities, including methadone clinics, could locate. But after the vote, multiple council members made it clear that they do not want a methadone facility in Cookeville. Mayor Laurin Wheaton said the city’s current zoning rules were too restrictive and considered discriminatory under ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Commission approved the rezoning of land surrounding Dogwood Park from Local Commercial (CL) to Central Business District (CBD). Community Development Director Jon Ward said the impacted area includes Dogwood Park, the Cookeville Performing Arts Center, the Cookeville History Museum, the Putnam County Library, and a number of privately-owned businesses along East Broad Street. Ward said the area ... Read More »

Cookeville City Council passed on final reading Thursday a change to the zoning code allowing private and parochial schools in the Commercial-Industrial Mixed Use District. The council asked city staff and the planning commission to consider changes to the rules in that district, potentially eliminating rules that might not apply to schools. Those changes will be considered at a later ... Read More »

This week the White County Commission will discuss allowing County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson to handle negotiations for the sale of the county landfill. The solid waste committees last week heard presentations from two potential companies seeking to manage the landfill and Waste Management received a higher score than its competitor. The negotiations will include how solid waste is disposed ... Read More »

The White County Steering Committee B will discuss the county’s animal shelter. Volunteers from the shelter spoke to the committee last month, requesting support with funding and expressing concern about the state of the shelter. The committee heard their concerns and will have a formal discussion on the matter this week. In other business, Steering Committee A will meet to ... Read More »

The Cookeville Municipal Planning Commission will discuss an amendment to the zoning code for RVs staying at trailer parks in the area. The issue was discussed by the City Council during their October 5 meeting and referred back to the Planning Commission. In other business, the commission will also consider a request to rezone a property from residential to commercial ... Read More »