Franklin Zoning Decisions: September 2026

In September 2026, Franklin held 3 public meetings covering zoning matters. 13 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 13 approved (100% approval rate). Activity was down 17% compared to August (259 activity items across 3 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

Revised development plan for Branch Creek PUD (Resolution 2026-79)

Approved.

Revised development plan for Branch Creek PUD subdivision located at 574 and 580 Franklin Road (east of Franklin Road, south of Moores/Morris Lane). Removes previously approved office space and instead constructs four multifamily buildings with 40 total dwelling units. Includes two modifications of standards: MOS #3 (parking, using current 2.25 spaces per two-plus bedroom unit) and MOS #4 (architecture, allowing one listed architectural attribute). MOS #3 approved unanimously, MOS #4 approved unanimously, and an amendment to swap in newest architectural elevations approved unanimously. Main motion approved as amended. Represented by Greg Gamble for Ford Classic Homes.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Annual Franklin Zoning Ordinance update (Ordinance 2026-18) - recommendation to BOMA

Approved.

Recommendation of approval to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the annual zoning ordinance update amending various chapters including overlay districts, First Avenue District, use regulations, building types, parking, transit signs, procedures, performance agreements, and amending the zoning map for certain properties near Columbia Avenue, north of Granbury Street, Dyke Bennett Road, First Avenue North, Long Lane, North Margin Street, Paytonsville Road, Pratt Lane, and South Star Drive. Includes data center location limits, self-storage location limits, gas station roofs, shipping container storage, building height definitions, HHO rezoning, scenic corridor overlay, and state law compliance changes (60-day plan review, surety releases). Approved with four amendments (gas station flat roofs allowed in light industrial; data center buffer doubled to 2,640 feet; shipping containers allowed in side yards; removal of 4488 Paytonsville Road from HHO district).

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Amendment 4: Remove 4488 Paytonsville Road from HHO district

Approved.

Amendment to Ordinance 2026-18 to remove property at 4488 Paytonsville Road from the Hillside Hilltop Overlay (HHO) district rezoning, based on state statute 654-126 prohibiting municipal zoning interference with land in continuous agricultural use since before 1998. The Beecham family's Jordandale Farm has been farmed since 1942. Passed unanimously.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Variance at 309 Scottish Court

Approved.

Variance to allow a nine-foot encroachment into the required 30-foot rear yard setback for an addition to an existing principal building at 309 Scottish Court, zoned R-3. The proposed addition would be 21 feet from the rear property line. Approved unanimously by roll-call (Beams, Scales, Langley, Smith, Fleschauer all approve).

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Variance at 3012 Blossom Trail Lane

Approved.

Variance to allow an eight-foot encroachment into the 38-foot landscape and drainage easement for a swimming pool at 3012 Blossom Trail Lane, zoned PD (Plan District) within the Blossom Park subdivision. 20 feet of easement remains required for drainage and six canopy trees must remain. Approved unanimously by roll-call (Board Member Smith recused). Beams, Scales, Langley, Fleschauer all approve.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Variance 1 (building orientation) at 336 Ernest Rice Lane

Approved.

Variance to allow the front facade location of the proposed principal buildings to be oriented in a non-parallel manner to the frontage for Battleground Academy campus expansion at 336 Ernest Rice Lane, zoned CI (civic and institutional) with 150-foot scenic corridor overlay. Approved unanimously by roll-call.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Variance 2 (parking drive aisles) at 336 Ernest Rice Lane

Approved.

Variance to allow parking area drive aisles to encroach into the 150-foot scenic corridor overlay front setback along Ernest Rice Lane for Battleground Academy campus expansion. Drive aisles stated necessary for campus security, fire access, and life safety. Approved unanimously by roll-call.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Variance 3 (welcome center building) at 336 Ernest Rice Lane

Approved.

Variance to allow a building (welcome center/security checkpoint) to encroach into the 150-foot scenic corridor overlay front setback along Ernest Rice Lane for Battleground Academy. Staff recommended disapproval; the Board approved citing student security priority. Beams and Fleschauer voted no; Scales, Langley, Smith approved. The 15-by-15-foot structure sits about 48 feet into the setback.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Showing the 8 most significant of 13 recorded zoning decisions. See all Franklin meetings →

Zoning Changes

• Zoning change, 19.11 acres at East of Franklin Road and south of Moores Lane (574 and 580 Franklin Road)
• Zoning change at Portions of properties near Columbia Avenue, First Avenue North, North Margin Street, Paytonsville Road, and Ovation development (City of Franklin)

Top Keywords This Month

• zoning: 48 instances
• variance: 36 instances
• setback: 28 instances
• residential: 14 instances
• commercial: 10 instances

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