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Williamson County
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Williamson County
*** Proposed Changes to Williamson County Zoning Ordinance ***
The Williamson County Planning Commission and County Commission adopted a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (the Plan) in Fall 2007. This visioning document is intended to guide and regulate development within the unincorporated areas of the County over the next twenty (20) years. Following its adoption, a nine-member Steering Committee and County Planning Staff were charged with creating text amendments to bring the current Zoning Ordinance into compatibility with the specific goals and objectives identified in the Plan. For the purposes of easier review, this process was separated into two parts, Modules 1 and 2, and Module 3.
Module 1- Addresses administration, procedure, and enforcement, including issuing permits and occupancy certificates, the special review process, identifying the boards and staff members responsible for review, etc.
Module 2- Defines zoning districts and permitted uses within each district.
Module 3- Defines development standards. Additional Public Hearings to discuss Module 3 will be announced once the information is released to the general public.
Click on Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update for detailed information located on the County's website.
Several of the changes proposed in Modules 1 and 2 will have a significant impact on property owners, property values, and property tax collections. Almost two dozen WCAR members attended an August 26th Public Hearing to express concerns with the proposed changes and their potential impacts (see below).
1. Increase the minimum lot width from 200ft to 400ft for areas currently zoned Rural (R) or Estate (E)
~ Diminishes development potential for investment property
~ Negative impact on properties with limited road frontage or unusual lot dimension
~ Limits a 20-acre tract of land with 800 feet of road frontage to a 2-lot subdivision. Currently, a property owner could get as many
as four (4) lots from the same parcel without obtaining an easement
~ Difficulty obtaining approval for easements
~ How will this impact approval of lots off a private drive or easement?
~ Impact on families purchasing large parcels with the intention of later subdividing and deeding to family members
2. Limit single-wide mobile home permits to areas on the Eastern side of Interstate 65 currently zoned Rural (R) or Estate (E)
~ Why not allow on both sides of Interstate 65?
~ Reduced property values in the Triune, Arrington, and College Grove areas
~ Creates a potential Fair Housing issue
County Planning/Zoning staff will host several workshops over the next month to educate property owners in the areas most impacted by the proposed changes. Click HERE to view the meeting schedule.
A workshop for individuals engaged in the real estate industry will also be held at the WCAR office on Wednesday, November 17th at 2:00pm. For additional information or to RSVP for the November 17th meeting, please contact David Pair via Email or phone (771-6845).
Williamson County Schools
School Board Approves Portion of District-Wide Rezoning Plan
The Williamson County Board of Education approved two (2) sections of a district-wide rezoning plan during a special-called meeting on Friday, October 1st. These changes will take effect at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year.
Summit High School - Board adopted the WCS proposal. Spring Station Middle School will be a clean feeder to Summit High.
Fairview High School - Board adopted the WCS proposal, which includes closing Pinewood Elementary School at the end of the current school year. The Board established new zoning lines for Fairview Elementary and Westwood Elementary Schools. Students from Pinewood will attend Fairview Elementary and some Fairview students will attend Westwood. Out-of-zone students attending Pinewood must return to their zoned schools in August 2011.
A fourth district-wide rezoning proposal was presented to the School Board during its monthly meeting on October 25th. Click on www.wcs.edu and select the link above the picture slide show entitled Rezoning Proposal Final Review October 25, 2010. The updated information is outlined in Maroon.
The School Board is scheduled to vote on the rezoning proposal during their next meeting on Monday, November 15th at 6:30pm in the Auditorium of the County Administrative Complex (1320 West Main Street). Please contact Susan Parker (WCS Planning/Zoning Services) via Email or phone (615-472-4002) for more information.
Current School Zoning V. Proposed Rezoning Plan
School zoning is an important issue for potential buyers and should always be verified from a reliable source. Until the Williamson County School Board approves and adopts a rezoning plan, agents should always refer to CURRENT school zoning data when listing or marketing a specific property. Click on the links below to confirm CURRENT school zoning for properties in the Williamson County and Franklin Special School Districts. These links are also included on the left-hand side of the WCAR homepage.
Williamson County Schools
Franklin Special School District
Williamson County Schools to Form Seven-Year Strategic Plan
The Williamson County School System recently held several community meetings to gather public input as it develops a comprehensive, seven-year strategic plan. The 500+ attendees participating in this process focused on five (5) key areas- Student Programming, Teacher Quality, Technology, Growth Planning, and Finance. After reviewing all information collected during the community meetings, the School Board adopted the following vision statements:
1. Student Programs - Williamson County Schools will offer high-quality, equitable student programming and facilities to produce graduates fluent in English and at least one foreign language and literate in the use of technology-in an environment that allows students the opportunity to maximize their development in academics, the arts and athletics.
2. Teacher Quality - Williamson County Schools will establish an organizational work environment where we will attract, develop and retain a diverse group of high quality teachers and where student performance and the teachers’ ability to build strong student relationships is the basis for defining/determining teacher success.
3. Technology - Williamson County Schools will prepare all students and teachers to maximize learning by fully integrating current technology into academic content to acquire, share and evaluate information, achieve media and technology literacy, and maintain a safe and ethical environment.
4. Growth Planning and Zoning - Williamson County Schools will proactively pursue partnerships with developers and governmental agencies to plan for growth and to site and build schools in a manner that maintains planning zone integrity, minimizes school transfers, and assures unbiased school zones and learning opportunities for all students.
5. Finance - Williamson County Schools will exhibit the highest degree of transparency and accountability in the use of resources. In addition, we will pursue public and private funding sources to provide teachers and students with facilities, tools and resources necessary to become a district recognized nationally for excellence in academics, the arts and athletics.
Other Information
WCS Press Release
Sign-Up for the WCS 'IN FOCUS' Newsletter
WCS began distributing its IN FOCUS Newsletter to improve and expand communications between the school district, parents, and the community. Click on the link below to register for this FREE service.
Register to Recieve the IN FOCUS Newsletter
Williamson County Elections - Tuesday, November 2nd
Click HERE for results from the November 2nd Election.
Williamson County Long Term Recovery Committee
The Williamson County Long-Term Recovery Committee formed several years ago to coordinate the delivery of long-term assistance to disaster victims. This group is comprised of community leaders, contractors, social workers, volunteers, etc. The Committee’s efforts are now focused on helping victims of the May flooding. Affected residents are encouraged to contact wcltrc@gmail.com with questions about the program or to determine eligibility.
New Hazardous Waste Drop Site
Williamson County residents can now drop-off hazardous waste materials at the Franklin Transfer Station (417 Century Court). Materials are accepted Monday through Friday from 6:30am-2:00pm. For additional information, click HERE or contact (615) 794-1516.
Prescription Drug Discount Cards Available to Williamson County Residents
Williamson County government offers a prescription drug discount card to all residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage. This FREE program is expected to save residents up to 20% off the retail price of many commonly-prescribed drugs. Click HERE to view program guidelines.
Williamson County Office of Economic Development
Upcoming Meetings
County Commission (2nd Monday at 7:00pm)
~ Monday, November 8th at 7:00pm
Planning Commission (2nd Thursday at 7:00pm)
~ Thursday, November 11th at 7:00pm
Other Information
Statistics (US Census Bureau)
Agendas/Minutes
Calendar
Brentwood
Proposed Changes to Town Centre (C-4) Zoning District
The Board of Commissioners recently approved first reading of Ordinance 2010-18, containing changes designed to promote development within the Town Center District. Several of the proposed changes are listed below. Click HERE to view a summary of all proposed changes.
~ Potential expansion of C-4 district boundaries
~ Eliminates the maximum number of hotel rooms allowed per building
~ Expands list of permitted uses
~ Allows residential dwelling units to be located on the first floor, under certain circumstances
~ Increases the maximum building height
The anticipated timeline for approval of Ordinance 2010-18 is below:
~ October 11th - Passage on first reading
~ October 25th - Joint work session with the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners
~ November 1st - Formal consideration by Planning Commission
~ November 8th - Public Hearing
~ November 22nd - Second and final approval by the Board of Commissioners
Concord Road Widening Project
Click HERE for project status, anticipated road closures/detours, etc.
ExploreBrentwood.com
The City of Brentwood launched ExploreBrentwood.com, a website promoting businesses within the city. Search tools allow visitors to locate information about specific businesses, including web address, detailed descriptions, and photos. Click on ExploreBrentwood.com to view the website.
City Newsletter
Click HERE to view current and previous City Newsletters and to register for this FREE service.
Register for Emergency Notification Service
With many people dropping their traditional landline telephones for cell, wireless and Voice over Internet (VoIP) phones, the collection of 911 data is growing increasingly more difficult. The City of Brentwood encourages local residents to voluntarily provide emergency notification phone numbers in order to expand the effectiveness of its REVERSE 911 Emergency Notification System. Click on Emergency Notification Service for more information.
Upcoming Meetings
Board of Commissioners (2nd and 4th Monday at 7:00pm)
~ Monday, November 8th at 7:00pm
~ Monday, November 22nd at 7:00pm
Planning Commission (1st Monday at 7:00pm)
~ Monday, December 6th at 7:00pm
Other Information
Statistics for Brentwood (US Census Bureau)
Calendar
Stream Meeting Videos on the Web
Fairview
Municipal Election- November 2, 2010
Residents elected a new Mayor and one (1) Alderman during municipal elections on November 2nd. Click HERE to view election results.
Emergency Response Issue
Having your home or business address clearly visible to police, fire, and emergency responders could mean the difference between life and death. The Fairview Fire Department recently implemented a program to assist residents with properly identifying their residential and/or commercial property. For additional information, contact the Fairview Fire Department at (615) 799-0307.
Upcoming Meetings
Board of Commissioners (1st and 3rd Thursday at 7:00pm)
~ Thursday, November 4th at 7:00pm
~ Thursday, November 18th at 7:00pm
Planning Commission (2nd Thursday of month at 7:00pm)
~ Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00pm
Franklin
Update to Road Impact Fee Schedule
Members of the general public are invited to participate in a round-table discussion regarding proposed increases to the City’s Road Impact Fee Schedule. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 29th at 5:00pm in the new Police Headquarters Community Room on Columbia Avenue.
The current fee schedule includes only Arterial roads and excludes Right-of-Way costs when calculating the road impact fee. A Report prepared by Duncan & Associates provides City leaders with several different options to consider as it adopts a new fee schedule. These options are listed below. Click on Road Impact Fees to view a monetary comparison of the different options.
Options (click HERE to view monetary comparison)
1. Current Road Impact Fees (only Arterial roads)
2. Proposed Road Impact Fees (only Arterial roads)
3. Only Arterial roads plus ROW costs
4. Both Arterial and Collector Roads
5. Both Arterial and Collector Roads plus ROW costs
Revisions to the Stormwater Management Ordinance (Ord. 2010-68)
On Tuesday, November 23rd at 7:00pm, the Franklin BOMA will hold a Public Hearing and consider final approval for a revised Stormwater Management Ordinance (Ord. 2010-68). These changes were recommended by the Stormwater Appeals Board. Click on the links below for additional information.
Ordinance 2010-68 (as amended)
Response to Comments (City of Franklin)
Septic System Inspection Program
City officials are implementing a Septic System Inspection Program for all residential properties located within a Sewer Assessment District but still operating on an individual septic system. Property owners within a Sewer Assessment District have the option of connecting to the sanitary sewer system upon completion of the project or continuing to operate an existing septic system.
Residents choosing not to immediately connect to the sanitary sewer system must have their septic system pumped and inspected every five (5) years by an approved contractor. The estimated cost for this service is $200-$300, in addition to a $35 administrative fee charged by the City. Click on Septic System Inspection Program for more information.
Property owners impacted by these new requirements will be contacted by City officials via U.S. Mail within the next several weeks. Click HERE for additional information about Sewer Assessment Districts, septic systems, and related disclosure issues.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - Deadline to Apply is October 25th
Property owners who sustained significant damage during the May 1-2 flooding have until Monday, October 25th to express their interest to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This program is designed to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property during future natural disasters by purchasing flood-prone properties.
Click on Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for more information, or contact Tom Marsh (Franklin Building/Neighborhood Services Department) via Email or phone (615-794-7012).
Seward Hall Area Land Use Plan
The Franklin Land Use Plan divides the city and its urban growth boundary into nine (9) distinct ‘character’ areas such as Southall, McEwen, Goose Creek, Central Franklin, and Seward Hall. Each character area has a unique plan that regulates the type of allowable uses and building design for the purpose of protecting and maintaining each area’s local character. These special area plans are updated on a ten-year cycle.
The City of Franklin is currently working on updates to the Seward Hall Character Area Plan. The timeline for approval is listed below.
~ Project Open House- October 14th from 6:00-8:00pm
~ Community Meeting- Thursday, November 18th at 5:00pm at Franklin City Hall
~ Approval by Planning Commission- Thursday, December 16th at 7:00pm
Click on Seward Hall Character Area for more information, or contact Erin Reinders via Email or phone (550-6734).
Blue Bag Program Offers FREE Residential Curbside Recycling
The City of Franklin launched its Blue Bag curbside-recycling program on July 12th, collecting over 35 tons of materials during its first week in operation. Of the 17,000 households receiving garbage collection services from the City, over 4,600 participated in the program, with an average of 600-1,200 households participating daily.
The Blue Bag program is voluntary and FREE for all residents receiving regular garbage collection services from the City. Participants can dispose of all plastic, paper, steel, aluminum, and cardboard in blue, transparent bags that can by purchased at several local retailers. NO SYYROFOAM OR GLASS WILL BE ACCEPTED. There is no limit to the number of blue bags allowed per household. The current recycling drop-off sites provided by Williamson County government will continue to operate. Click on the links below for more information.
Staff Memo (Residential Recycling Program)
Recycling 101
Williamson County Recycling Centers
Franklin Sustainable Action Plan
Live Green in Franklin
Buck a Bag
The Franklin Solid Waste Department launched its “Buck a Bag’ trash program in late 2009. The program allows residents to purchase stickers to be placed on any garbage bag(s) not fitting inside their city-issued rollaway garbage container. Stickers cost $1 each and can be purchased in the Utility Billing office at City Hall, or by mailing a personal check to the Solid Waste Department (417 Century Court). For additional information, click on Buck a Bag or call either of the following numbers (794-4572 or 794-1516).
Integrated Water Resources Program (IWRP)
The City of Franklin is developing an Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) to manage the water resources for the City of Franklin and its residents. The scope of this project addresses drinking water, wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater, etc. Once complete, the plan will provide guidance to city leaders and staff regarding which investments and infrastructure improvements will have the greatest impact towards improving water resources and sustainability. Click HERE for information about the City’s Water Management Department and the IWRP.
Developments Utilize Voluntary Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
Several developers are utilizing a newly-enacted voluntary Inclusionary Housing Ordinance that applies to previously-approved planned unit-developments (PUDs) seeking an increase in density. This ordinance was recommended for approval by Franklin's Affordable/Workforce Housing Advisory Committee. Several options are available to meet the requirements of the ordinance, including:
~ Construct at least 10% of all additional units on-site and dedicate as Affordable Housing Units, or AHUs. Per the ordinance, an AHU in Franklin is valued at $201,500.
~ Construct and dedicate at least 10% of all additional units as AHUs at an off-site location
~ Pay a fee-in-lieu-of based on the appraised value of all additional lots approved
Click on the links below for additional information.
Proposed Ordinance with Comments
Affordable and Workforce Housing
Franklin Affordable/Workforce Housing Advisory Committee
Mack Hatcher Parkway- Northwest Extension
The design for the 3.2-mile extension of Mack Hatcher Parkway, from Hillsboro Road to Highway 96W, was presented to City leaders on February 9th. The proposed roadway will consist of four (4) lanes with a raised median, multi-use path on the inside, street lighting at intersections, and roundabouts located at the intersections with Highway 96W and Del Rio Pike. To view renderings of the proposed design, click on Northwest Extension and select the link at the bottom of the webpage. FYI- The file is large, so please be patient when trying to download. Click HERE for additional information about Mack Hatcher Parkway.
Upcoming Meetings
BOMA Work Session and Regular Meeting (2nd and 4th Tuesday at 5:00 and 7:00pm)
~ Work Session- Tuesday, November 9th at 5:00pm
~ Regular Meeting- Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00pm
Planning Commission (4th Thursday at 7:00pm)
~ Thursday, October 28th at 7:00pm
Statistics for Franklin (US Census Bureau)
City Projects
View Meeting Agendas/Minutes
Calendar
Nolensville
Municipal Election- November 2, 2010
Residents elected a new Mayor and two (2) Aldermen during municipal elections on November 2nd. Click HERE to view election results.
Town Hall Project
Following a two-year discussion, Town officials recently closed on a deal to purchase 2.49 acres that will be the future site of a new Town Hall building. The Planning Commission will consider site plan approval for the project during their meeting on Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00pm. Click on the links below for more information.
Article from the Williamson AM (9/13/2010)
Information from Town's Website
Upcoming Meetings
BOMA Meeting (meets on the first Thursday at 7:00pm)
~ Thursday, November 4th at 7:00pm
Planning Commission (meets on second Tuesday at 7:00pm)
~ Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00pm
Spring Hill
GM Announces Plant Expansion for Spring Hill; Hiring over 400 Workers
Opposition to HCA Emergency Care Facility
Williamson Medical Center and Maury Regional Hospital filed paperwork last week to officially oppose HCA’s latest plans for an Emergency Care facility in Spring Hill. HCA had submitted a Certificate-of-Need (CON) application to the Health Services Development Agency (HSDA) for approval to build a 10,000 square foot emergency center in Spring Hill near Saturn Parkway and Kedron Road. This proposal was submitted after plans to construct a 56-bed hospital in Spring Hill were denied in September 2009 following public opposition from non-profit hospitals in both Williamson and Maury Counties. HCA’s application is expected to be considered by the HSDA during its meeting on September 22nd. Click on Spring Hill Hospital to view an article from the Williamson AM (9/10/2010).
Revision Approved to Structure of Stormwater Utility Fee
After several residents with lengthy driveways raised concerns about their annual Stormwater Utility Fee exceeded their City property tax bill, the Spring Hill BOMA revised the fee structure so all residential property owners pay a flat, $3.50 monthly fee.
The Stormwater Utility Fee is used to comply with federal mandates requiring local jurisdictions to properly maintain an adequate system for the collection, treatment, storage, and disposal of stormwater. The fee began appearing as a separate line-item on monthly water bills in March, and is expected to generate over $650,000 in revenue per year. Fees for non-residential properties, including commercial developments, schools, and churches, are based on the total square footage of impervious surface (ex. parking lots, driveways, roofs). Click HERE for more information.
Recycling Report
City leaders recently approved a 1-year contract renewal for the 24-hour recycling center that opened in June 2009 behind the Food Lion in Spring Hill. Prior to opening, the closest recycling option available to the City’s Maury County residents was at least twenty (20) miles round-trip. In its first year in operation, over 235 tons of recycled materials were collected, vastly outperforming all other recycling locations within Maury County.
Upcoming Meetings
Board of Mayor and Alderman (2nd and 3rd Monday at 7:00pm)
~ Work Session- Monday, November 8th at 7:00pm
~ Regular Meeting- Monday, November 15th at 7:00pm
Planning Commission (1st and 2nd Monday at 5:30pm)
~ Work Session- Monday, November 1st at 5:30pm
~ Regular Meeting- Monday, November 8th at 5:30pm
Other Information
Statistics for Spring Hill (US Census Bureau)
Calendar
Thompson’s Station
Municipal Election- November 2, 2010
Residents elected a new Mayor and three (3) Aldermen during municipal elections on November 2nd. Click HERE to view election results.
Upcoming Meetings
Board of Mayor and Alderman (2nd Tuesday at 7:00pm)
~ Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00pm
Planning Commission (4thTuesday at 7:00pm)
~ Tuesday, November 23rd at 7:00pm
Please contact David Pair, WCAR Government Affairs Director, via Email or phone (771-6845) with questions or for additional information.
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