Board of Zoning Appeals
Regular MeetingCookeville, TN · April 8, 2021
Minutes
Board of Zoning Appeals
Minutes
April 8, 2021
The Board of Zoning Appeals met on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers located
at 45 E. Broad Street, Cookeville, Tennessee.
Members Present: Nancy Bohannon, James Dial, Michael Detwiler, Elwood Ervin & Connie McCormick.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Jon Ward & Haley Dickson.
Staff Absent: Ken Young & James Mills.
Others Present: Amanda & John Brantley, Aaron Tyznik, Millie Jones, Patty & Chris Johnson,
Robert Dinello, Dorothy Foley, and Lindsay Pride.
Consider for Approval the Agenda as Submitted. Elwood Ervin made the motion to approve the agenda
as submitted. Nancy Bohannon seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. APPROVED.
Consider for Approval the Minutes of March 11th, 2021. Nancy Bohannon made the motion to approve
the minutes of February 11th, 2021 as submitted. Connie McCormick seconded the motion and the motion
carried unanimously. APPROVED.
Consider a request for a variance to reduce the rear yard setback requirement on 561 Freeze Street
from 20’ to 19’ for a total variance of 1 foot to build a garage addition. Request submitted by
Amanda and John Brantley. Jon Ward stated that Amanda and John Brantley submitted a request for a
variance to the reduce the rear yard setback requirement for property located at 561 Freeze Street in the RS-
10, Single Family Residential District.
Analysis: The subject property is identified as parcel 008.00 on tax map 053F, Group D and is zoned R10,
Single Family Residential. The property is adjacent to RS-10, Single Family Residential on all sides. The
property also is bordered by Broad Street Freeze Street Historic District to the west. The property consists
of approximately 0.26 acres (11,325 sq. ft.). An existing single-family home is located on the lot. The
home is nonconforming to the front setback. Tax records indicated the home was built in 1972.
Mr. and Mrs. Brantley have submitted a site plan depicting a garage addition to the existing structure. The
RS10 District has a twenty (20) foot rear yard setback requirement. The proposed addition encroaches on
the rear yard setback requirement by approximately one (1) foot. This encroachment includes the eave
overhang of the corner of the proposed structure. The southern rear property line of the lot is angled from
east to west, providing for the encroachment. The requested variance not to exceed a one (1) foot reduction
in the twenty (20) foot rear setback requirement represents a total variance request of five percent (5%).
In the opinion of the Planning Department the setback variance request will not be detrimental to the public
welfare or injurious to other property in the area
Staff Recommendation: Approval of variance request to reduce the rear yard setback requirement from 20
feet to 19 feet for a total variance of 1 foot.
Michael Detwiler made the motion to approve the request as recommended by staff. Elwood Ervin
seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. APPROVED.
Consider a request for a special exception to allow a Bed & Breakfast Home in the RS-15 (single-
family) zone on the property located at 140 Breen Lane. Request submitted by Millie Jones. Jon Ward
stated that Ms. Millie submitted a special exception request to allow a Bed and Breakfast Home in the RS-
10, Single Family Residential District.
Analysis: The subject property consists of approximately 6.22 acres and is located at 140 Breen Lane,
further identified as parcel 002.00 on tax map 083. The property is zoned RS-15 Single Family Residential
and is bordered by RS-15 Single Family Residential to the east and north, RS-10, Single Family Residential
zoning to the west and the southern boundary is the Cookeville City Limits. Tax records indicate the
principal structure was built in 1980.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS 2
FEBRUARY 11TH, 2021
Bed and Breakfast Homes are permitted as special exceptions (use on appeal) in the RS-10 Zoning District
subject to additional standards found in Section 206.3 of the Zoning Code.
SECTION 206.3 BED AND BREAKFAST HOMES (As amended by Ordinance No. O17-11-20)
The following additional standards shall apply for all bed and breakfast homes:
206.3A In any RS, Single Family Residential zoning district the owner of the bed and breakfast home shall
permanently reside in the dwelling and at least one adult member of the owner’s immediate family shall
remain on the premises while transient guests are in the home.
206.3B There shall be a maximum of five (5) guests. The maximum number of guest rooms available for
rent shall be three (3) and the number of guest rooms shall be declared at the time of the submittal for
approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
206.3C Guests shall have no special events, such as weddings, receptions, reunions, etc., at the location of
the bed and breakfast home.
206.3D Subleasing of rooms by a guest is prohibited.
206.3E The principal structure for any bed and breakfast home located in a RS, Single Family Residential
District shall consist of a minimum of 3,000 square feet.
206.3F No alteration to the residential structure shall indicate from the exterior that the structure is being
utilized for any purpose other than a residential dwelling unit, including permitted accessory buildings.
206.3G Required off-street parking shall be located to the rear of the principal structure unless otherwise
specially authorized by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board may require screening of off-street
parking areas if determined necessary to minimize the impact on adjacent residential properties. A
minimum of three (3) off-street parking spaces plus one (1) space per guest room shall be provided.
206.3H No guest shall stay for more than seven (7) consecutive days.
206.3I A current guest register shall be kept by the owner.
206.3J The only meal that may be provided to guests shall be breakfast, and it shall only be served to guests
taking lodging in the facility.
206.3K No food preparation or cooking shall be conducted in any guest room.
206.3L A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be issued by the Historic Zoning Commission prior to the
establishment of a bed and breakfast home located in any Historic Zoning District.
206.3M Proof of insurance (fire, hazard and liability) shall be submitted annually to the Codes Department
and shall remain in effect for the length of the operation of the Bed and Breakfast Home. The minimum
liability coverage limit shall be $1,000,000 per occurrence.
206.3N The provisions of Tennessee Code Sections 68-14-501 through 68-14-503 shall be met.
206.3O Approval of the special exception shall be revoked for any bed and breakfast home cited by the
Codes Department for three (3) or more codes violations in any 12 consecutive month period. A property
shall not be eligible to reapply for a special exception for a period of 12 consecutive months following
revocation.
206.3P Special exception approval for a bed and breakfast home shall not be transferrable to a new owner
of the dwelling.
While most additional standards included in the Zoning Code apply to operation of a Bed and Breakfast
Home, some specifically address property attributes as a condition of approval. Ms. Jones does own the
home and will be an onsite resident during operation of the Bed and Breakfast. Submitted documentation
provides the total living space of the home consists of 3,330 sq. ft, which meets the minimum square
footage requirement. There will be no alteration to the exterior of the structure proposed for the Bed and
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS 3
FEBRUARY 11TH, 2021
Breakfast. The property owner indicates that the site has in excess of seven (7) non-visible off-street rear
parking spaces plus three (3) parking spaces in the front of the home for owner parking. Ms. Jones will
have to address any issues relative to Building Code requirements to operate the proposed use.
In the opinion of the Planning Department all established conditions can be met and the property appears
suitable for the proposed use.
Staff Recommendation: Approval of request subject to compliance with provisions of the Zoning Code
and Building Code.
Millie Jones stated that she works from home and will always be on the property when there are quests
present.
Elwood Ervin made the motion to approve the request as recommended by staff. Michael Detwiler
seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. APPROVED.
Adjournment: 5:30 P.M.
Submitted for Approval Submitted for Recording
_____________________________ ______________________________
HALEY DICKSON JAMES DIAL, CHAIRMAN
PLANNING ASSISTANT BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Agenda
Board of Zoning Appeals
April 8, 2021
5:15 P.M.
(1) Consider for approval the agenda as submitted.
(2) Consider for approval the minutes of March 11, 2021.
(3) Consider a request for a variance to reduce the rear yard setback requirement on 561 Freeze
Street from 20’ to 19’ for a total variance of 1 foot to build a garage addition. Request submitted
by Amanda and John Brantley.
(4) Consider a request for a special exception to allow a Bed & Breakfast Home in the RS-15
(single-family) zone on the property located at 140 Breen Lane. Request submitted by Millie
Jones.
Board of Zoning Appeals
Minutes
March 11, 2021
The Board of Zoning Appeals met on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers located
at 45 E. Broad Street, Cookeville, Tennessee.
Members Present: James Dial, Michael Detwiler, Elwood Ervin & Connie McCormick.
Members Absent: Nancy Bohannon.
Staff Present: Jon Ward & Haley Dickson.
Staff Absent: Ken Young & James Mills.
Others Present: W. Blake Garrison, Curtis & Kelli Sipe.
James Dial welcomed new member Michael Detwiler.
Consider for Approval the Agenda as Submitted. Elwood Ervin made the motion to approve the agenda
as submitted. Connie McCormick seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. APPROVED.
Consider for Approval the Minutes of February 11th, 2021. Michael Detwiler made the motion to approve
the minutes of February 11th, 2021 as submitted. Elwood Ervin seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously. APPROVED.
Consider a request for a special exception to allow a Hospice Residence Home / Assisted Living Facility
on the property located at 570 State Street. Request submitted by Curtis & Kelli Sipe. John Ward stated
that Mr. Curtis Sipe and Mrs. Kelli Sipe on behalf of Putnam 1st Mercantile Bank, submitted a request for a
special exception to reinstate a hospice residence home/assisted living facility at property located at 570 State
Street.
Analysis: The subject property is identified as Parcel 2.04 on Tax Map 53 and consists of 1.00 acre. The
parcel was created as a part of the Upper Cumberland Christian Home Division, which was approved and
recorded in 2007. It is contiguous with properties zoned as RS-10 to the north, east and south and as RM-8
to the west. The Upper Cumberland Christian Home, a 33-unit senior housing complex, is adjacent to the
subject property to the west.
The Planning Department has an extensive history with this property. The property was historically operated
as a group home. The Zoning Code was amended to allow the property to be used as a hospice home and
assisted living facility, and the property was approved and used accordingly.
Hospice Residence Home/Assisted Living Facility is a use permitted on appeal (special exception) in the
RS10 District, subject to conditions. These conditions are included below:
212.4D Hospice Residence Home/Assisted Living Facility meeting the following conditions:
• Minimum lot area of 40,000 square feet shall be provided for such facility
• Maximum of twelve (12) residents shall reside at the facility
• Minimum of one (1) off-street parking space per maximum number of residents and employees shall
be provided at the facility
• No freestanding signs shall be permitted
• Shall be located on property contiguous with property zoned for multi-family residential purposes
and shall be accessed from the same street as the contiguous property zoned for multi-family
residential purposes
• Structure shall be compatible with nearby residential structures in terms of scale and appearance
• Site plan and floor plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals
• Type 2 Screen/Buffer Yards as specified in section 208 of this Zoning Code shall be provided along
all property lines abutting property zoned or used for single or two-family residential purposes
• All requirements of the State of Tennessee that pertain to the use and operation of the facility shall
be met
• Shall have been previously legally utilized as a group home
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS 2
FEBRUARY 11TH, 2021
The special exception was last approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals on November 12, 2017 on behalf
of an application submitted by Ms. Connie Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell sold the property to Ms. Teresa Armstrong
and Ms. Vanessa Turner in 2018. The facility closed at some point in 2019/early 2020 and the property is
now owned by Putnam 1st Mercantile Bank. Section 233.9D.2.h. of the Zoning Code provides that the
cessation of a use approved as a special exception under the provisions of this Zoning Code for a period of
six (6) consecutive months shall void the approval of the special exception. The hospice home/assisted living
facility has been closed for a period of over six (6) months, voiding the prior approval.
Ms. Kelli Sipe has submitted an application to reinstate the special exception. A floor plan depicting the
proposed utilization of the structure as a hospice residence home/assisted living facility has been submitted.
It depicts a total of 10 bedrooms to be used for hospice/assisted living, with no changes since prior approval.
No changes are planned for the site, which was found to be compliant with the occupancy, signage, parking
and screening requirements when approved in 2017. The site exceeds the minimum lot area requirement and
exterior facade of the residential structure will not be altered. Also as noted the site is contiguous with
property zoned for multi-family residential purposes and is accessed from the same street as the contiguous
property zoned for multi-family residential purposes.
In the opinion of the Planning Department all established conditions can be met and the property appears to
be particularly suitable for the proposed use.
Staff Recommendation: Approval of request, subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of the
Zoning Code
Elwood Ervin made the motion to approve the request as recommended by staff. Connie McCormick
seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. APPROVED.
Adjournment: 5:22 P.M.
Submitted for Approval Submitted for Recording
_____________________________ ______________________________
HALEY DICKSON JAMES DIAL, CHAIRMAN
PLANNING ASSISTANT BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
APPLICATION FOR BZA REQUEST
The Board of Zoning Appeals meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. Applications must be submitted to
the Planning Department no later than 12:00 p.m. on the third Monday of the month prior to the meeting.
In most cases, it will be necessary to submit additional materials (photos, example, sketch, floor plan,
survey, etc.) to help explain the request. This information must accompany this application. A fee of
$50.00 for each Special Exception and Administrative Review request, and a fee of $200.00 for each
Variance request shall also be submitted with this application.
*************************************************************************************
561 Freeze Street
Location of Property: ___________________________________________________________________
53F, Group D, Parcel 8.00
Tax Map Identification Number: __________________________ RS-10
Zone: _____________________
Property Owner Person Making Request
Amanda & John Brantley
Name: ____________________________ Amanda & John Brantley
Name: _______________________________
561 Freeze Street
Address: __________________________ 561 Freeze Street
Address: ______________________________
Cookeville, TN 38501
_________________________________ Cookeville, TN 38501
____________________________________
(City, State, Zip) (City, State, Zip)
divers4jesus@gmail.com
Email: ___________________________ divers4jesus@gmail.com
Email: ______________________________
(931)267-3162
Phone: ___________________________ (931)267-3162
Phone: ______________________________
*************************************************************************************
Type of Request:
SPECIAL EXCEPTION VARIANCE ✔ ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
Describe the request below (attach any accompanying information):
We want to improve our property by adding a 2 car garage with loft to the back of our
home. The setback line runs at an angle across our backyard. At the southeast corner
of the addition, the roof overhang will encroach on the setback by less than 12 inches.
We are asking for a variance to accommodate the footprint of our addition.
*************************************************************************************
3-15-2021
Date Filed: ___________________ Yes
Fee Paid: ______________ $200
Amount: __________________
April 8th, 2021
Meeting date set for: ___________________________________________________________________
Jon Ward
Request reviewed by: ___________________________________________________________________
APPLICATION FOR BZA REQUEST
The Board of Zoning Appeals meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. Applications must be submitted to
the Planning Department no later than 12:00 p.m. on the third Monday of the month prior to the meeting.
In most cases, it will be necessary to submit additional materials (photos, example, sketch, floor plan,
survey, etc.) to help explain the request. This information must accompany this application. A fee of
$50.00 for each Special Exception and Administrative Review request, and a fee of $200.00 for each
Variance request shall also be submitted with this application.
*************************************************************************************
561 Freeze Street
Location of Property: ___________________________________________________________________
53F, Group D, Parcel 8.00
Tax Map Identification Number: __________________________ RS-10
Zone: _____________________
Property Owner Person Making Request
Amanda & John Brantley
Name: ____________________________ Amanda & John Brantley
Name: _______________________________
561 Freeze Street
Address: __________________________ 561 Freeze Street
Address: ______________________________
Cookeville, TN 38501
_________________________________ Cookeville, TN 38501
____________________________________
(City, State, Zip) (City, State, Zip)
divers4jesus@gmail.com
Email: ___________________________ divers4jesus@gmail.com
Email: ______________________________
(931)267-3162
Phone: ___________________________ (931)267-3162
Phone: ______________________________
*************************************************************************************
Type of Request:
SPECIAL EXCEPTION VARIANCE ✔ ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
Describe the request below (attach any accompanying information):
We want to improve our property by adding a 2 car garage with loft to the back of our
home. The setback line runs at an angle across our backyard. At the southeast corner
of the addition, the roof overhang will encroach on the setback by less than 12 inches.
We are asking for a variance to accommodate the footprint of our addition.
*************************************************************************************
3-15-2021
Date Filed: ___________________ Yes
Fee Paid: ______________ $200
Amount: __________________
April 8th, 2021
Meeting date set for: ___________________________________________________________________
Jon Ward
Request reviewed by: ___________________________________________________________________
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