Historic Zoning Commission - 2026-03-09
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission approved multiple building alterations and restoration projects while denying a front-yard accessibility ramp at 210 3rd Avenue North. Key approvals included accessory structure construction at 121 3rd Avenue North, window replacements at 103 Cottage Lane, rear yard fencing at the Williamson County Judicial Center (135 4th Avenue South), and restoration work on two Harlinsdale Farm Worker Houses at 247 and 255 Franklin Road.
Key Decisions (9)
Demolition of Accessory Structure at 210 3rd Avenue North
Approved demolition of accessory structure at 210 3rd Avenue North in the Downtown Franklin National Register Historic District. Applicant: Aaron Rodgers of 906 Studio Architects.
Building Alterations, Addition, and Accessory Structure at 210 3rd Avenue North
Approved building alterations to principal building, new building addition, new accessory structure, and fence repair at 210 3rd Avenue North. Applicant: Aaron Rodgers of 906 Studio Architects.
Front Yard Ramp Installation at 210 3rd Avenue North
Denied installation of accessibility ramp in front yard at 210 3rd Avenue North. Staff recommended denial based on guidelines requiring ramps be positioned on rear or side facades where not readily visible. Applicant argued front location was necessary for accessibility code compliance and proximity to parking.
Accessory Structure at 121 3rd Avenue North
Approved construction of accessory structure to create covering over existing rear deck at 121 3rd Avenue North in Downtown Franklin National Register Historic District. One-story open air design with simple side gable form. Applicant: Aaron Rogers of 906 Studio Architects.
Roof Painting and Door Infill at 717 Glass Lane
Approved alterations to principal building including painting accent metal roofing and infilling secondary entrance at front of building at 717 Glass Lane in Boyd Mill Avenue Historic District. Building is a 2004 two-story frame dwelling. Applicant: Will Ford.
Window Replacement at 103 Cottage Lane
Approved replacement of all 25 windows on principal building at 103 Cottage Lane in Boyd Mill Avenue Historic District. Building constructed circa 2010s. Applicant: Steve Dallin.
Rear Yard Fencing at 135 4th Avenue South (County Courthouse)
Approved construction of rear yard fence and gates around parking lot perimeter at Williamson County Judicial Center, 135 4th Avenue South, in Downtown Franklin National Register Historic District. Design features two-foot brick wall with four-foot vertical board wood privacy fence, eight-foot posts with cast stone caps, pedestrian gate on 4th Avenue South, and vehicular gate on Church Street. Applicant: James Denny.
Building and Site Alterations at 247 Franklin Road (Harlinsdale Farm Worker House 1)
Approved restoration of building and site alterations at Worker House 1 at Harlinsdale Farm, 247 Franklin Road, in Franklin Road Historic District. Property is listed on National Register of Historic Places. City project. Applicant: Brandon Priti of 906 Studio Architects.
Building and Site Alterations at 255 Franklin Road (Harlinsdale Farm Worker House 2)
Approved restoration of building and site alterations at Worker House 2 at Harlinsdale Farm, 255 Franklin Road, in Franklin Road Historic District. Property is listed on National Register of Historic Places. City project. Applicant changed from composite wood to natural wood with sealant. Applicant: Brandon Priti of 906 Studio Architects.
Development Activity (5)
Building Alterations and Additions at 210 3rd Avenue North
Demolition of accessory structure, alterations to principal building, new building addition, new accessory structure, fence repair. Accessibility ramp denied.
Accessory Structure at 121 3rd Avenue North
One-story open air accessory structure with side gable form to cover existing rear deck
Harlinsdale Farm Worker House 1 Restoration
Restoration of historic worker house on National Register property, site alterations
Harlinsdale Farm Worker House 2 Restoration
Restoration of historic worker house on National Register property, site alterations, natural wood materials
Williamson County Judicial Center Fencing
Rear yard fence around parking lot with two-foot brick wall, four-foot wood privacy fence, eight-foot posts, pedestrian and vehicular gates
Market Signals (3)
Commercial Demand
Office conversion project at 210 3rd Avenue North in downtown historic district indicates demand for commercial space in historic buildings, with front reception area access being prioritized.
Infrastructure
City of Franklin investing in restoration of historic Harlinsdale Farm worker houses, indicating commitment to heritage tourism and public amenities.
Sentiment
Historic Zoning Commission strictly enforcing design guidelines, denying front-yard accessibility ramp despite applicant's accessibility arguments, signaling rigorous preservation standards in downtown district.