The Cookeville City Council approved an amendment to the city’s zoning code that allows commercial-zoned properties to be subdivided into individual commercial units.
Council Member Eric Walker raised concerns about parking requirements and shared parking agreements, saying they could limit the types of businesses allowed in some units. Community Development Director Jon Ward said the city currently has no shared parking agreements in place, but buyers would know what types of businesses are permitted before purchasing a unit.
“Storage areas are counted as warehousing thats 1,500 square feet per parking space,” Ward said. “Restaurant parking is defined by occupancy. So it’s one space per three seats of occupancy, and that all works itself out through the planning and codes process when a development is proposed.”
Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton said she does not see the parking requirements as limiting. Council Member Chad Gilbert said the amended change would allow businesses to own the unit rather than having to lease it.
Walker responded that a business in a shared parking unit could not obtain a variance unless neighboring businesses agree.
“I think that’s the fear here is that somebody making an error in judgment on how this is developed up front, which I doubt,” Walker said. “I’m sure whoever is doing this is gonna use some sort of shared model, but if someone is allowed to do it the other way, it could become problematic for that entire property.”
Gilbert said he feels like the proposal has the guardrails that Walker is looking for. City Attorney Dan Rader said property boundaries determine whether a shared parking model is required. Ward said other scenarios could trigger a shared parking requirement.
“Likely, you know, it could just be the structure itself, and everything can be held in common, but there are some scenarios where the lot lines can run out to the street, and all of the parking and access drives would be included in shared easements,” Ward said. “Similar to where we see in townhome developments that we have, you know, all over town. But understanding that’s different. I do understand that the demands are different. We require parking based on use, and you are going to have different demands for different uses, and that is something that needs to be contemplated on the front end.”
The council unanimously passed the proposal on first reading.