Cookeville Planning Makes Zoning Amendment For Oil Change Facility

Cookeville Planning Commission approved an amendment to its zoning code allowing oil change facilities in the regional commercial zoning district.

Community Development Director Jon Ward said this comes as a result of a request from a national quick lube brand wanting to open a location on West Jackson Street. He said the city currently is classified as auto mechanical repair, which is allowed in several zones but not regional commercial.

“We the planning division feel like its distinguished from auto repair mechanical in that vehicles aren’t stored overnight, it’s usually a self-served business,” Ward said. “And these people want to be closer to where it might be more convenient in high-traffic areas.”

Ward said that the developers do not wish to rezone the site because it could allow residential within the corridor. He said that is not the intent of the developer.

Ward said the zoning could amendment would include a provision that the overnight parking of vehicles will be prohibited.