The Cookeville City Council approved the first reading of a rezoning request Thursday night for an 18.29-acre property on Boyd Farris Road to allow for a new single-family residential neighborhood.
Community Development Director Job Ward presented the ordinance to transition the vacant parcel from its current split zoning to a moderate-density residential designation. The developer has already received initial approval from the water quality control department for up to 40 homes on the property.
“The planning division recognizes this area as a transitional area between the existing commercial industrial uses on Boyd Farris Road and Highway 111 where an increase in density would be appropriate,” Ward said.
To exceed the initial 40-unit capacity, approximately 2,200 linear feet of low-pressure force sewer main would need to be upgraded, Ward said. Ward said the developers have indicated plans to pursue upgrading that line to accommodate a concept design featuring 74 lots.
“Sewer was extended to this subject property in 2018,” Ward said. “As our plan states, it’s appropriate to consider density increases in areas where sufficient sewer infrastructure has been extended.”
The planning commission unanimously approved the rezoning request prior to the council meeting. The new zoning designation is considered compliant with the future land use designation for the area.
“This proposal would be a down zone in intensity from commercial or industrial uses and the RS5 zoning designation has been interpreted as compliant with the future land use designation,” Ward said.
The 16.18-acre subject parcel, which totals 18.29 acres when including street rights-of-way, is currently vacant and bordered by light manufacturing to the east. Traffic counts from the intersection of Highway 111 and Boyd Farris Road show an average daily traffic of 511 vehicles.
“This is only a concept, nothing has been formally submitted for any type of consideration at this time,” Ward said.
The council unanimously approved the first reading of the rezoning ordinance following a public hearing where no opposition was voiced.